Sort the Court It is a simple yet captivating decision-making game that puts you in the role of a king or queen governing a kingdom. Developed by Graeme Borland, this pixel-art indie game uses a yes/no mechanic to let players shape their kingdom’s fate. Decisions affect the kingdom’s wealth, population, and happiness, making it a strategic and engaging experience. In this guide, we will explore the gameplay, strategies, key characters, and the game’s impact.
Gameplay Overview
The game operates on a basic yet powerful system: NPCs (non-playable characters) approach the throne with requests, and you must decide whether to accept (yes) or decline (no). Your choices will either improve or deteriorate your kingdom, with three key metrics to maintain:
- Population: The number of people in your kingdom
- Happiness: The overall morale and well-being of your citizens
- Gold: The financial health of your kingdom
Your goal is to balance these three metrics while making strategic decisions to grow your kingdom.
Key Characters and Their Requests
The game features a variety of unique characters, each with their requests, challenges, and benefits. Here are some of the most important ones:
- The Royal Advisor
Your most loyal subject who provides updates and tips on the kingdom’s status. It’s wise to listen to their advice to maintain stability.
- Chester (The Chest Monster)
A talking treasure chest that sometimes asks to eat people in exchange for gold. This is a risk-reward scenario—gold boosts your economy, but losing citizens might harm your kingdom.
- The Witch
A helpful magic user who often offers spells to help the kingdom. Her offers usually improve happiness, wealth, or protection from threats.
- The Blacksmith
He frequently requests funding for new weapons and tools. Investing in him can strengthen the kingdom and improve its defenses.
- The Jester
It provides entertainment and can boost happiness. While he sometimes asks for gold, the morale boost can be worth it.
- Georgie (The Devil)
Offers quick wealth in exchange for sacrificing citizens’ lives or happiness. Choosing whether to accept his deals can shape your kingdom’s ethics and future.
- The Knight
He regularly asks for funds to go on adventures. His successful ventures often bring back gold and treasure, making him a valuable ally.
- The Scientist
He wants to conduct experiments to advance the kingdom. Supporting his research can lead to technological advancements and discoveries.
Strategies for a Thriving Kingdom
- Balancing Wealth, Happiness, and Population
To succeed in Sort the Court you must carefully balance the three primary metrics. Here’s how:
- Gold Management: Accept profitable opportunities but avoid overspending on unnecessary ventures.
- Happiness Growth: Keep your citizens entertained, resolve disputes, and avoid making cruel decisions.
- Population Control: Expand your kingdom by welcoming travelers and supporting construction projects.
- Taking Risks Wisely
Some decisions may seem harmful initially but can have long-term benefits. For example, investing in scientific research may initially cost gold but can unlock valuable resources.
Prioritizing Certain Characters
Some NPCs offer more significant benefits than others. Investing in the Blacksmith, Scientist, and Knight often yields high returns. Avoid dealing too much with Georgie unless you’re desperate for gold.
Hidden Secrets and Easter Eggs
- The Dragon Battle
A fierce dragon may appear demanding gold. If you refuse, it may attack your kingdom. Investing in the Blacksmith can prepare your army for this event.
- The Council of Crowns
One of the game’s main objectives is to join the Council of Crowns. To qualify, you must prove that your kingdom is strong and prosperous. Once achieved, you officially complete the game, though you can continue playing indefinitely.
- The Cat Companions
Two adorable cats, Pancake and Boots, occasionally visit the throne. Their interactions are simple but add charm to the game.
Why Sort the Court! Is So Popular
The game’s success lies in its simplicity and depth. Despite having a straightforward “yes/no” mechanic, every decision carries weight, making each playthrough unique. Its pixel-art style, humor, and engaging NPCs make it appealing to a broad audience.
Influence on Indie Games
Sort the Court! has inspired other indie games to experiment with minimalistic mechanics that still provide meaningful choices. It has shown that even basic decision-making games can create immersive experiences.
Final Thoughts
Sort the Court! is a fantastic indie game demonstrating how simple mechanics can lead to deep, strategic gameplay. You can grow your kingdom into a prosperous empire by making wise decisions, balancing resources, and dealing with quirky characters. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a strategy enthusiast, this game offers an enjoyable experience with endless replayability. Have you played Sort the Court!? What strategies do you use to maintain your kingdom? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
