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Styx: Master of Shadows

Review · Action · Xbox One · PlayStation 4 · PC

Styx: Master of Shadows

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

Xbox One · PlayStation 4 · PC

Cyanide Studio · 2014

Ludograph rating

B

Good

64 /100

Styx: Master of Shadows is a stealth game that builds problem solving, strategic thinking, and spatial awareness, but contains mature content with violence and strong language.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 48 · R 5
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

48

Risk (RIS)

5

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.66
B2Social-emotional
0.17
B3Motor
0.50

Styx: Master of Shadows is a stealth game that heavily relies on problem-solving, strategic thinking, and spatial awareness. Players must carefully plan their movements, utilize the environment, and adapt to changing situations. The dynamic world and evolving story encourage critical thinking and learning transfer. While primarily a single-player experience, the game does require players to regulate their emotions when facing challenging encounters.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.10
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

The game features mature content, including significant violence and strong language, making it unsuitable for younger audiences. While there are no direct monetization risks, the game's reward structure includes variable rewards and near misses that could be mildly manipulative. There are no social risks as it is a single-player game.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
1.00
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.67

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSAAssessed: meets criteria·GDPR-KAssessed: meets criteria·ODDSAssessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Parents ask…

Is Styx: Master of Shadows safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Styx: Master of Shadows a rating of 64/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is Styx: Master of Shadows appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for Styx: Master of Shadows, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Styx: Master of Shadows?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Styx: Master of Shadows: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of Styx: Master of Shadows?

The game features mature content, including significant violence and strong language, making it unsuitable for younger audiences. While there are no direct monetization risks, the game's reward structure includes variable rewards and near misses that could be mildly manipulative. There are no social risks as it is a single-player game.