Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask about The Shadow Crown: Frostwynd Chronicles. Can't find your answer? Our support page will help.
The game
> What is The Shadow Crown?
The Shadow Crown: Frostwynd Chronicles is a retro fantasy text adventure by Superhero Panda Ltd, in the style of the 1980s classics like Zork. You explore the frozen realm of Frostwynd by typing commands, talk to its characters, solve puzzles and fight your way to the dragon Scorathax, who wears the Shadow Crown. Explore Frostwynd ►
> What genre is The Shadow Crown?
It is a fantasy text adventure, also called interactive fiction, with RPG elements: turn-based combat, levelling up, crafting, side quests and multiple endings. Every location is illustrated.
> Is The Shadow Crown like Zork?
Yes. It is inspired by Zork and the other text adventures of the 1980s: you read, you type commands like GO NORTH or TAKE KEY, and the world answers. It adds modern touches such as illustrations, autosave, a map and a quest log. And yes, there is a grue. How to play ►
> How long is The Shadow Crown?
At least 2 to 3 hours to finish, and longer if you hunt for every secret and all 4 endings.
> How many endings does The Shadow Crown have?
4. One of them is secret.
> How many locations are in The Shadow Crown?
21, from the village of Eldergrove and the Dark Forest to the Frostwynd Mountains, the catacombs and the Dragon's Lair. See the map ►
> How many bosses are in The Shadow Crown?
3: Vampire Lord Crimson, Necromancer Malachar and the final boss, the red dragon Scorathax. Meet the characters ►
> Who is the final boss in The Shadow Crown?
Scorathax the Red, a great red dragon who sleeps on a hoard of gold wearing the Shadow Crown. Scorathax the Red ►
> Is The Shadow Crown suitable for children?
It is rated 9+. There is fantasy combat with monsters and the undead, told in text and illustrations.
> What languages is The Shadow Crown in?
English only.
> Does The Shadow Crown have sound?
It is mostly silent, like the classics: the story plays out in words and pictures. A sound plays if the grue catches you.
Price and platforms
> How much is The Shadow Crown?
$6.99, £4.99, €5.99, CA$6.99 or A$7.99, depending on where you live. On itch.io it is £4.99. You pay once: there are no ads and no in-app purchases. Get the game ►
> Is The Shadow Crown free?
No, it is a one-off purchase. But Act 1 is free to play in your browser, and takes about 10 minutes. Play the free demo ►
> Is there a demo of The Shadow Crown?
Yes. The free demo covers Act 1, Eldergrove and the Dark Forest. It runs in your browser on this site, with nothing to download. Play the free demo ►
> What platforms is The Shadow Crown on?
Windows, macOS and Linux/SteamOS through Steam, iPhone and iPad through the App Store, Android through Google Play, and Windows, macOS and Linux through itch.io. All stores ►
> Is The Shadow Crown on Steam?
Yes, for Windows, macOS and Linux/SteamOS. Get it on Steam ►
> Is The Shadow Crown on iPhone and iPad?
Yes, on the App Store. Get it on the App Store ►
> Is The Shadow Crown on Android?
Yes, on Google Play. Get it on Google Play ►
> Can you play The Shadow Crown on a Mac?
Yes, through Steam or itch.io.
> Does The Shadow Crown work offline?
Yes. The phone, tablet and desktop versions play fully offline once installed. The free browser demo needs an internet connection.
> Does my progress sync between devices?
No. The game autosaves as you play, but each device keeps its own save.
The story
> What is The Shadow Crown about?
Darkness is spreading across the realm of Frostwynd. The undead stir beneath the Ancient Ruins, a necromancer gathers his power, and the red dragon Scorathax wears the Shadow Crown, the source of all evil in the realm. You are a warrior of Eldergrove, the last bastion of light, sent to shatter it. The story and lore of Frostwynd ►
> Is Frostwynd Chronicles a prequel?
Yes. Frostwynd Chronicles is the prequel and the first game in The Shadow Crown series. Future chronicles will explore more of the realm.
> Who is Scorathax?
Scorathax the Red is the great red dragon and final boss. He wears the Shadow Crown and sleeps on a hoard of gold in the Dragon's Lair. Scorathax the Red ►
> Who is Malachar?
Necromancer Malachar is one of the three bosses. He commands the undead from an obsidian chamber deep in the catacombs. Necromancer Malachar ►
> Who is Vampire Lord Crimson?
Vampire Lord Crimson is one of the three bosses. He rules the Deep Crypts, the lowest level of the catacombs, where ancient kings and queens are buried. Vampire Lord Crimson ►
Who made it
> Who made The Shadow Crown?
Superhero Panda Ltd, an independent games studio. About the studio ►
> When was The Shadow Crown released?
29 January 2026.
