Death and Taxes: Full Game

What Is Death and Taxes? A Grim Yet Delightfully Bureaucratic Indie Game

Death and Taxes is a small indie game where you play as a Grim Reaper. But this Reaper doesn’t swing a scythe or roam graveyards. Instead, you sit at a boring office desk, stamping papers. Every file on your desk is a person’s life. You decide if they live or die. Sounds dark? It is – but the game has a strange sense of humor that makes it fun, not depressing.

This game is all about choices, consequences, and a little bit of chaos. It takes something serious and makes it weirdly funny and thoughtful at the same time.

Step Into the Robes of an Office-Dwelling Grim Reaper

You start the game as a brand-new Grim Reaper. Your job? Read files, follow orders, and decide who gets to live. Your workspace is small, gray, and very… office-like. But over time, you make it your own.

You don’t just sit quietly. You talk to your boss, meet odd characters, and even pet a cat. Every day brings new files and new decisions. Some days are easy. Others make you think hard about what’s right and wrong.

Indie Game Origins: Who Created Death and Taxes?

The game was created by Placeholder Gameworks, a small indie studio from Estonia. It’s clear they put a lot of love into this project. The writing is clever, the art is unique, and the story is full of surprises.

Death and Taxes is their first big release, and it shows that even small teams can make something truly special. The game has gotten praise from players around the world for its style and depth.

A Love Letter to Narrative-Driven Games Like “Papers, Please” and “Reigns”

If you’ve ever played “Papers, Please” or “Reigns,” you’ll notice the vibe right away. “Death and Taxes” is part of that same family. It gives you a simple setup and lets the story grow through your choices.

Just like those games, it’s more about thinking than action. You don’t need fast reflexes. You need to read, decide, and deal with what happens next.

How Gameplay Works: Choosing Who Lives or Dies

At the heart of Death and Taxes is a simple task: go through files and make life-or-death choices. Each file has a person’s name, job, age, and some notes. You follow rules from your boss, but sometimes those rules don’t feel right.

The Core Mechanic: Daily Decisions With Deadly Consequences

Every morning, your desk fills up with files. Some days, the boss tells you exactly who should die. Other days, you get more freedom. But each choice changes the world. Maybe you save a scientist who stops a plague. Or maybe you let a criminal go free.

Your choices add up. Some affect the world. Others affect your own journey as a reaper.

Balancing Morality, Rules, and Chaos in the Workplace

Some days, the rules clash with your morals. Maybe you’re told to kill someone who seems good. Do you follow orders, or break the rules? If you break them, your boss might not be happy. But if you always follow blindly, are you doing the right thing?

This balance between rules and right-and-wrong is what makes the game so interesting.

Rise Through the Ranks: From Reaper Intern to Middle Management

At the start, you’re just a rookie. But over time, you can climb the ladder. The more you work, the more responsibility you get. You may even get to make bigger decisions.

But more power means more pressure. The higher you rise, the more the weight of your choices starts to show.

Story and Consequences: Unraveling the World Behind the Paperwork

Behind the simple task of sorting files is a much bigger story. The world reacts to your decisions. News reports change. Characters remember your choices. And things you thought didn’t matter can come back later in big ways.

Your Choices Matter: Branching Paths and Secret Endings

Death and Taxes has multiple endings. Some are peaceful. Others are wild or dark. It all depends on how you play. Your daily choices shape the path forward. It’s worth replaying to see how different things can turn out.

The Hidden Mystery Behind Your Reaper Identity

Who are you, really? Where did you come from? The game drops small hints about your true purpose and past. It’s a slow reveal, and it adds a layer of mystery that keeps you curious until the very end.

Narrative Twists That Keep You Coming Back

Just when you think you’ve figured the game out, it surprises you. Strange things start happening. People you saved show up again. Rules suddenly change. These twists make you want to play again and again.

Not Just Paperwork: Quirky Features That Make Death and Taxes Stand Out

It’s not all gloom and doom. The game adds silly touches that break the tension. You’ll talk to a talking mirror. You’ll hear strange elevator music. And you’ll even shop for desk toys.

Talk to Your Boss, Pet the Cat, and Embrace Existential Dread

Your boss, Fate, is moody and mysterious. Your office has a cat you can pet (and you should). The whole vibe is weird but fun. It’s like working in an office where everyone talks about death—but also cracks jokes.

Elevator Tunes, Mirror Talks, and Unexpected Humor

Between tasks, you ride an elevator with strange music. You talk to your reflection, which has opinions of its own. It sounds odd, but it works. These little things make the game memorable.

Explore the Weird and Wonderful World of Mortimer’s Plunder Emporium

There’s also a strange little shop. Mortimer, the skeleton merchant, sells upgrades, clothes, and decorations. The shop is full of strange items that change the way you play—or just look cool on your desk.

Tips and Strategies for Reaping Efficiently

If you want to be a good Reaper (or at least an effective one), here are a few tips to keep in mind while playing.

How to Make Better Judgment Calls Without Damning the World

Read each file carefully. Some have clues that help you understand the bigger picture. Don’t just go with your gut. Think about how your choices might affect the world. Sometimes saving one life might lead to many more lost.

Earning Monies: Optimizing Rewards Without Breaking the Rules

Doing a good job earns you money. You can spend it at Mortimer’s shop. If you follow orders, you’ll usually get paid. But if you take bold steps and still get good results, you might earn even more. It’s all about balance.

Avoiding Game-Ending Chaos: What Not to Do as a Reaper

If you ignore the rules too often or cause too much trouble, things can go bad—fast. You might get fired. Or worse. Pay attention to the world’s health and economy. Don’t let things fall apart, or your reaper career might be over.

Character Customization: Build the Reaper You Want to Be

You can change your look with outfits and skins from Mortimer’s shop. Whether you want to look spooky, stylish, or silly, the choice is yours.

Decorating Your Desk for Maximum Afterlife Productivity

Your desk isn’t just for files. You can decorate it with trinkets, toys, and tools. Some are just for fun, while others give useful bonuses.

Using the Upgrade Shop to Enhance Your Day-to-Day Judging

From magic items to fancy pens, the upgrade shop has things that make your job easier—or weirder. Choose what fits your playstyle best.

Watercolor Aesthetics That Set the Mood

The art style is soft and unique. It uses watercolor-like visuals that feel both cozy and spooky. It’s not flashy, but it’s very memorable.

Fully Voiced NPCs Bring the Reaperverse to Life

The characters you meet all have voice acting. From your grumpy boss to the cheerful cat, each voice adds personality and helps bring the world to life.

An Original Soundtrack Worth Getting Stuck in Your Head

The music fits the game perfectly. It’s calm, a little eerie, and sometimes funny. You’ll catch yourself humming the elevator tune long after you stop playing.

A Short but Memorable Indie Game That Sticks With You

You can finish “Death and Taxes” in a few hours, but you’ll remember it long after. Its mix of humor, heart, and tough choices makes it stand out in the indie scene.

Perfect for Fans of Dark Humor and Morality Simulators

If you like games that make you think, laugh, and feel a little uncomfortable (in a good way), this one’s for you. It’s like a weird blend of a comedy show and a philosophy class.