Valiant Hearts: The Great War

Valiant Hearts: The Great War Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a story-rich graphic adventure where you guide four characters through WW1 trenches. Solve puzzles, sneak through danger, and relive historic battles with heart and hope.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War

Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a sweeping graphic adventure that immerses you in the hardships of World War I—both the fight for survival and the personal stories behind it. The game blends puzzle gameplay with emotional, story-driven moments, focusing on what people endure and what they hold onto.

In this adventure, you control four different characters as they help a young German soldier search for the woman he lost. Follow the full narrative using easy touch controls and experience a moving journey shaped by friendship, love, and sacrifice.

Highlights

Play Like a Graphic Novel

An emotionally charged adventure presented with a distinctive visual style and tone.

A Blend of Exploration, Action, and Puzzles

Work your way through the Great War by solving problems, uncovering solutions, and slipping through enemy territory—sometimes quietly, sometimes at speed.

Follow the Stories of the Valiant Hearts

Lost among trench mazes, play as each character to help the young German soldier reach the person he loves. Throughout the journey, you’ll also rely on his faithful canine companion, Walt.

Revisit the Great War

This fictional tale places you in well-known World War I locations, revisiting major Western Front battles such as the Battle of the Marne and the Battle of the Somme.

Learn Through History

With support from Apocalypse World War 1 and Mission Centenaire 14-18, you can read historical articles and share them with friends.

Key Features

Graphic-Novel Storytelling

The war is told through hand-drawn panels, expressive animation, and a clean, uncluttered presentation. The writing emphasizes themes like duty, separation, and friendship without sensational visuals. At The Game Awards 2014, it won Best Narrative and received Games for Change recognition—reflecting its commitment to thoughtful storytelling and presentation.

Multiple Heroes and a Helpful Companion

You switch between characters whose paths intersect during the conflict. A loyal dog named Walt assists with tasks, helping you experience events from different angles. Walt can retrieve items, squeeze through tight spaces, and support solutions to specific challenges, adding a consistent layer of interaction to each scene.

Exploration, Puzzles, and Stealth

The gameplay combines light exploration with object-based puzzles and careful infiltration. You’ll search for useful items, combine them to open new routes, and time your movements to avoid patrols or danger. Chapters shift between these activities, creating a paced experience rather than nonstop combat.

Historical Context and Optional Learning

The game revisits important locations like the Marne and the Somme, and it includes optional articles developed with Apocalypse WWI and Mission Centenaire 14-18. These entries cover topics such as daily life, military equipment, and landmark battles. You can access articles from the pause screen or the collectibles menu as you progress.

Episodic Structure and Sequel Content

The original release, Valiant Hearts: The Great War, is presented in a four-part episodic format, with the story expandable via multipack or individual in-app purchases.

The follow-up, Valiant Hearts: Coming Home, keeps the same overall approach while adding new activities and viewpoints. You’ll take part in segments such as flying through chaotic airspace, helping the wounded, and performing jazz, with a particular focus on the Harlem Hellfighters.

Tips & Tricks

• Graphic-Novel Animation: Built from the original story by a well-known writer, the 2D animation style echoes the harsh realities of the World War II era.
• Emotional Narrative Connections: The game spotlights relationships between the characters, guiding you through a highly engaging narration.
• Survival and Reunions: Progress through many war stages to pick up lessons you can reflect on and apply to modern life.
• Puzzles and Action: Combine action moments with exciting puzzle-solving—your final outcome depends on the choices you make.
• Stealth and Healing: Sometimes you’ll play as a medic. Depending on the story moment, you may need to fight enemies or heal victims.
• Dynamic Gameplay Experience: Expect fast, battlefield-like segments that test your reflexes, supported by strong emotional role-play driven by the storyline.

Conclusion

Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a visually striking and deeply emotional adventure that leads you through the reality of World War I. Thanks to its mix of gameplay, historical backdrop, and optional educational content, it offers a unique and immersive experience.

By playing as four under-recognized heroes, solving puzzles, and exploring real historical settings, you’ll earn a strong sense of achievement while gaining a richer understanding of the events of the Great War. Share your progress with others and join the community—download now to begin this gripping, educational journey.