Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4.7/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 43,939

Mobile Support: Yes

About A Circle of Charity

Dive into the unforgettable world of A Circle of Charity, a boundary-pushing indie action visual novel that tests your mind and heart. Set amid the backdrop of the fall semester at UofX in 2003, this game draws you into an immersive narrative where two graduate students, a mysterious angelic girl, and a tangled web of secrets meet. Each element—from evocative pixel art to gifpunk-infused transitions—pulls you deeper into a compelling, raw narrative exploring gender, identity, and the cost of truth.

Unlike traditional action games, A Circle of Charity blends gripping choice-based gameplay with emotional storytelling. The menus, stylishly minimal, respond to your clicks as you trace your fingers along the circle of fate. Advance dialogue at your own pace, either by clicking or tapping space—perfect for both browser and mobile gamers. Each decision ripples through the story, tightening the ties between three unforgettable women and revealing files, stories, and memories that reshape your understanding.

The atmospheric audio comes alive through an interactive music visualizer. Drag to perfectly balance immersion with your ideal soundscape—this isn’t just an aesthetic choice, but a vital part of settling into the haunting ambiance. Don’t let the bite-sized 25-30 minute runtime fool you: with hard-hitting themes and high difficulty choices, every minute shakes you. Rich with content warnings, the game is honest but never exploitative. Every pixel, every line—a raw call to empathy.

Whether you’re a visual novel fan or an action game perfectionist, A Circle of Charity speaks to you. It challenges assumptions, welcomes all players, and rewards the curious. Play free online now to unravel the mysteries of identity, connection, and charity—how far will you trace the circle?

How to Play

Getting started in A Circle of Charity is intuitive, yet every choice matters. Begin by launching the game in your browser or mobile device directly from itch.io—no downloads or installation required. Once in, let yourself settle into the story: use your mouse or finger to navigate the visually inspired menus, tracing your journey through an interactive, circle-based UI that represents the threads of fate you’ll be tugging. Advance through dialogue by clicking or pressing the space bar, giving you full control over the narrative pace. When presented with important choices, read each option carefully—they can have lasting impact on the unraveling mystery and relationships between the characters. Adjust volume through the music visualizer by clicking or dragging, ensuring you fully experience the ethereal soundtrack without missing crucial audio cues.

Each scene is filled with subtle clues hidden among the visuals and dialogue. Pay close attention to every text file, character interaction, and atmospheric detail to piece together the overarching secrets. The game’s hard difficulty isn’t about fast reflexes, but careful observation and decision-making. Take your time, replay to uncover different perspectives, and embrace the emotionally charged journey at your own pace.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Pay close attention to dialogue—seemingly minor lines often hold clues to character motivations.
Experiment with different choices on subsequent playthroughs; every decision can uncover new story branches.
Use the interactive volume visualizer to adjust audio for immersion—some story beats are enhanced by the soundtrack.
Trace your cursor or finger slowly along menu circles to reveal subtle visual effects and hidden details.
Don’t rush—the game rewards thoughtful reading and careful observation over speed.
Double-check files and notes for subtle references that enrich your understanding of the characters’ struggles.
Replay after your first run to see how alternate endings can dramatically shift the story’s closing tone.

Game Features

Free-to-play, browser and mobile compatible with no downloads required
Unique gifpunk-inspired pixel art and visual effects
Emotionally rich, hard-hitting narrative shaped by your decisions
Immersive soundtrack with interactive audio controls
Quick-play 25-30 minute sessions, perfect for replaying
Dynamic branching paths with real consequence to choices
Sensitive handling of challenging themes, with upfront content warnings

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Circle of Charity a traditional action game?

No—while it’s categorized as action, A Circle of Charity is a unique blend of visual novel and interactive storytelling. The 'action' comes from high-stakes choices, tense narrative moments, and consequences of your decisions, rather than rapid reflex gameplay.

How do I play on my phone or tablet?

Just open A Circle of Charity in your mobile browser via itch.io. The controls are fully touch-optimized, letting you tap and drag elements for seamless gameplay anywhere.

Why are there content warnings and what topics are explored?

To respect all players, the game provides warnings for themes like gender dysphoria, illness, and trauma. It handles these topics thoughtfully, driving a powerful story about connection and identity.

Are my choices really impactful?

Absolutely. Every decision shapes not only the fates of the three central women but also which secrets—and endings—you’ll experience. Multiple playthroughs are highly rewarding.