Screenshots
Watch trailer on Steam ↗The Forbidden Flask
Qowface, Thorge007 · Published by CowHammer Studios · Official site ↗
Positive — 100% positive (12 reviews) · 39 achievements
Last updated 30 Sept 2026
In a kingdom that has outlawed potion making, an Alchemist turned brew-master continues to sell potions on the underground market from the back of their tavern. Serve both ale and potions to customers, but don't get caught selling potions when the guards make their rounds!
£4.99
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Price history
Indie, Strategy · 2025 · More under £5 games
Navigate the underground potion market as a tavern Alchemist, balancing customer needs with the risk of getting caught by guards in The Forbidden Flask.
About this game
When the King outlawed potions, your career as an Alchemist was over in an instant. In a sudden twist of fate, you now run a humble tavern in a world of strange patrons, greedy thieves, and eldritch bargains. Brew powerful drinks, upgrade your establishment, and sign dangerous contracts with the all-seeing Eye. Power comes easily… but every gift carries a price. Sacrifice it all to try and overthrow the tyrant king!
TAKE THE RISK!
Brew potions in the back secretly and serve the occult, you will be rewarded.
DON'T GET CAUGHT!
Selling potions can make you rich, but they are illegal in the kingdom.
You will need to balance risk and reward when trying to make a delivery.
THE TYRANT KING!
The King and his men are trying to clean up the kingdom, they will be watching your every move.
LOOT LEPRECHAUNS!
A rare, mythical creature known to drop powerful upgrades when hit over the head.
THE EYEBALL ZONE!
Vael'Rath the unblinking doom invites you to his domain.
Seeking too much power may bring devastation.
Features:
Over 30 special customers to discover and unlock, many with unique abilities.
Expand your tavern to accommodate more customers and serve new menu items.
World events and rare customers that can change the direction of your run.
Purchase tavern upgrades in between days, or loot upgrades through other means.
Upgrade your character to make each run better than the last!
Build relationships with the townsfolk and try to survive.
System Requirements
Will my PC run this? →Minimum
- OS: Windows 10+
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: Integrated graphics with Direct3D 12 support
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 150 MB available space
Recommended
- OS: Windows 10+
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: Dedicated graphics with Direct3D 12 support
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 150 MB available space
Supported Languages
Latest news
Patch NotesOfficial
The Forbidden Flask v1.2.1
Bug FixesUpgrades and contracts that affect the spawn timer (i.e. 5 Star Review) are no longer applied during tavern defense eventsRead full article on Community Announcements (Qowface)Patch NotesOfficial
The Forbidden Flask v1.2 - The Rift Update
Hey barkeeps! Our final planned major update is now live!Powerful forces from other planes of existence have taken an interest in your tavern. Meet new characters who may help (or hinder) your attempts to defy the king and grow your business.New Official TrailerAddedVaelrath the Unblinking DoomAfter encountering an event in the second tavern, Vaelrath may appear to you at night and offer an invitation to his realm.Vaelrath will offer you a powerful contract, which if accepted, can benefit your run…but at what cost?LeprechaunFeeling lucky? A leprechaun may occasionally spawn in your tavern!If you catch him before he gets away, he will drop his treasure - a random upgrade to help you for the rest of your run.New guard type with a different cone of vision3 new customer types4 new event characters to add to your compendium8 new upgrades22 new Steam achievementsNew paintings displayed in your tavernNew splash screenChangedBalance changesIncreased base price of all potionsReduced effect of movement speed upgradesAdjusted guard patrol pathsAdjusted speed of thievesVarious UI changes/improvementsRead full article on Community Announcements (Qowface)Patch NotesOfficial
The Forbidden Flask v1.1.1
AddedNew victory screen after clearing the large tavernNew credits screenCan be viewed at any time from the main menuNew game over screens when getting busted or going bankruptChangedRerolls are now slightly more expensive on the medium/large tavernsGold counter now changes faster when gaining/losing large amounts of goldAlso adjusted gold particle effectsRead full article on Community Announcements (Qowface)Patch NotesOfficial
The Forbidden Flask v1.1 - The Garden Update
Hey barkeeps! Our first major update is now live! Highlights include a new garden area behind the large tavern, a persistent upgrade system, expanded character details in the compendium, and two new types of thieves. We have also buffed drink prices and related upgrades, and made a few other small changes based on player feedback.AddedPersistent upgrade systemPurchase permanent upgrades using your stashed gold from the new “Upgrades” menuUpgrades available:Gotta Go Fast (move speed)One More Story (customer wait time)The Gambler (rerolls)Secret Stash (starting gold)Ammo BarrelGarden area behind the large tavernGather flowers to make the rare Pink PotionCharacter details panel in the CompendiumMeeting/unlocking a character now reveals their description and likesTwo new thief typesBig ThiefSlower, but steals more gold and takes multiple hits to stopGoblin ThiefFaster, but steals less goldTwo new characters to meetNew cutscenes when clearing the small/medium tavernsHighlighting when in range of interactable objectsChangedBuffed drinks and drink upgradesSlightly increased the base price of drinksIncreased the multiplier on drink upgradesThe Drunk now pays more for AleMob spawning stops slightly earlier on defense eventsThe Thief’s steal range now scales based on tavern/dayVarious UI changes/improvementsRead full article on Community Announcements (Qowface)Patch NotesOfficial
The Forbidden Flask v1.0.6
ChangedMinor audio adjustmentsMinor UI adjustmentsRead full article on Community Announcements (Qowface)
