View source for Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted



{{Use American English|date=June 2023}}

{{Infobox video game
| title = Five Nights at Freddy's: {{nowrap|Help Wanted}}
| image = FNAFVRlogo2.jpg
| caption = [[Steam (service)|Steam]] storefront header
| alt = An illustration of various animatronic characters connected together. To the left of the characters are the words "Five Nights at Freddy's" above a neon sign spelling out "HELP WANTED". 
| developer = {{ubl|[[Scott Cawthon]]|Steel Wool Studios}}
| publisher = Scott Cawthon
| series = ''[[Five Nights at Freddy's]]''
| engine = [[Unreal Engine 4]]
| platforms = {{ubl|class=nowrap|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Windows]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[Oculus Quest]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[iOS]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[PlayStation 5]]}}
| released = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|May 28, 2019}}|{{ubl|class=nowrap|title={{nobold|May 28, 2019}}|'''PlayStation 4''', '''Windows'''|May 28, 2019|'''Switch'''|May 21, 2020|'''Oculus Quest'''|July 16, 2020|'''Android, iOS'''|October 26, 2020|'''Xbox One'''|October 29, 2020|'''PlayStation 5'''|November 21, 2023}}
}}
| genre = [[Survival horror]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}

'''''Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted'''''{{Efn|Also known as '''''Five Nights at Freddy's VR: Help Wanted'''''<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":13" />}} is a 2019 [[virtual reality]] (VR) [[survival horror]] game developed by Steel Wool Studios and [[Scott Cawthon]]. It is the eighth main installment in the ''[[Five Nights at Freddy's]]'' series, and is an [[anthology]] of [[minigame]]s where the player must complete tasks without being attacked and killed by homicidal [[Animatronics|animatronic]] characters. These minigames include VR adaptations of the main ''Five Nights at Freddy's'' games, from the [[Five Nights at Freddy's (video game)|original game]] to ''[[Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location|Sister Location]]'', and several new experiences. Hidden inside the [[Level (video games)|levels]] are coins that unlock collectible objects and cassette tapes that provide insight into a [[metafiction]]al narrative.

Cawthon initially approached Steel Wool Studios to recreate the first ''[[Five Nights at Freddy's (video game)|Five Nights at Freddy's]]'' (2014) in VR. He enjoyed their adaptation and decided to work with them to convert the rest of the series. ''Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted'' was released on May 28, 2019, for [[Windows]] through [[Oculus Rift]] and [[HTC Vive]], and for [[PlayStation 4]] through [[PlayStation VR]].

''Help Wanted'' received generally positive reviews from critics, who called it accessible and tense, though some found the jumpscares repetitive. A non-VR [[Porting|port]] to [[Nintendo Switch]] received mixed reviews. A [[downloadable content]] expansion, ''Curse of Dreadbear'', was released on October 23, 2019. A sequel, ''Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted 2'', was released on December 14, 2023.

== Gameplay ==

[[File:Fnaf_help_wanted.webp|thumb|A screenshot depicting the camera system featured in the minigame adaptation of ''[[Five Nights at Freddy's (video game)|Five Nights at Freddy's 1]]''|alt=A screenshot of an office desk. On top of the desk is a computer monitor controlled by various buttons, which projects a black-and-white camera feed. To the left of the monitor is a landline phone and to the right is a restaurant prop that looks like a cupcake with eyes]]

''Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted'' is a [[virtual reality]] (VR) [[survival horror]] game.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Rubio |first=Juan |date=2019-06-03 |title=Análisis ''Five Nights at Freddy's VR: Help Wanted'', Terror en VR |trans-title=Analysis ''Five Nights at Freddy's VR: Help Wanted'', Terror in VR |url=https://vandal.elespanol.com/analisis/ps4/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted/71830 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121052734/https://vandal.elespanol.com/analisis/ps4/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted/71830 |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=[[Vandal (website)|Vandal]] |language=es-es}}</ref> It is an [[anthology]] of different [[minigame]]s where the player must perform tasks without being caught and [[Jump scare|jumpscared]] by homicidal [[Animatronics|animatronic]] characters.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Devore |first=Jordan |date=2019-06-01 |title=Review: ''Five Nights at Freddy's VR: Help Wanted'' |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017145508/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted/ |archive-date=October 17, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=[[Destructoid]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Paschetto |first=Nicolò |date=2021-03-14 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy's VR: Help Wanted'' – Recensione |trans-title=''Five Nights at Freddy's VR: Help Wanted'' – Review |url=https://www.thegamesmachine.it/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-pc-ps4/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-recensione/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407220452/https://www.thegamesmachine.it/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-pc-ps4/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-recensione/ |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=[[The Games Machine]] |language=it}}</ref> The minigames include recreations of the main ''[[Five Nights at Freddy's]]'' games, chronologically from the first ''[[Five Nights at Freddy's (video game)|Five Nights at Freddy's]]'' (2014) to ''[[Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location|Sister Location]]'' (2016), and several scenarios unique to ''Help Wanted''.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Gipp |first=Stuart |date=2020-05-26 |title=Review: ''Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted'' – A Largely Pointless Cash-Grab |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/five_nights_at_freddys_help_wanted |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623075031/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/five_nights_at_freddys_help_wanted |archive-date=June 23, 2020 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> Most minigames contain security cameras to monitor the animatronics and other tools to prevent them from catching the player. Tools include steel doors, lights, and a mask that allows the player to avoid detection.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Jagneaux |first=David |date=2020-07-16 |title=''Five Nights At Freddy's VR: Help Wanted Review'' – The Master Of Suspense |url=https://www.uploadvr.com/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114101213/https://www.uploadvr.com/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-review/ |archive-date=January 14, 2024 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=[[UploadVR]] |language=en}}</ref> If a player loses one of the minigames, they are jumpscared and receive a [[game over]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Francesco |first=Destri |date=2019-06-02 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy's VR: Help Wanted'' – La Recensione |trans-title=''Five Nights at Freddy's VR: Help Wanted'' – The Review |url=https://it.ign.com/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted/155178/review/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-la-recensione |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106052843/https://it.ign.com/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted/155178/review/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-la-recensione |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=[[IGN Italia]] |language=it}}</ref>

Completing each [[Level (video games)|level]] grants access to an alternate, [[difficulty level|more difficult]] variant featuring warped graphics.<ref name=":13" /><ref name=":4" /> In addition to adaptations of the main ''Five Nights at Freddy's'' games, new experiences include: "Parts and Service", where the player performs maintenance on the animatronics without provoking a jumpscare;<ref name=":13" /> "Vent Repair", where the player solves puzzles to fix a ventilation shaft while keeping threats at bay;<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":23">{{Cite web |last=Palmisano |first=Fabio |date=2019-06-06 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted'', La Recensione |trans-title=''Five Nights at Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted'', The Review |url=https://multiplayer.it/recensioni/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-la-recensione.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202004821/https://multiplayer.it/recensioni/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-la-recensione.html |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=Multiplayer.it |language=it}}</ref> and "Dark Rooms", in which the player shines a flashlight with limited power to catch the animatronics.<ref name=":13" /> The player may optionally collect gold coins or cassette tapes hidden inside the levels; coins are used to obtain collectible objects, and the cassette tapes provide background information on the plot.<ref name=":13" /><ref name=":23" /> 

== Plot ==
In the [[Metafiction|metafictional]] narrative, the player controls a user of the "Freddy Fazbear Virtual Experience", a VR game developed by Fazbear Entertainment, the corporation managing the Freddy Fazbear restaurants and brand.<ref name=":3" /> The company's reputation has suffered due to violent incidents at their restaurants, which have become established [[urban legend]]s. The problem is aggravated by a horror video game series based on the legends created by an unnamed [[Indie game development|indie developer]]. To improve its image, Fazbear Entertainment commissioned the game to convince the public that the events were fictitious.

This narrative is contradicted by sixteen cassette tapes, through which the user is given insight into the game's troubled development. Meant as a warning for players, they are covertly recorded by one of the [[Playtest|playtesters]], who exposes a lawsuit involving a past employee of Fazbear Entertainment, Jeremy, that put the game's completion in jeopardy. Later recordings reveal that Fazbear Entertainment hired the unnamed indie developer to create the video game series based on the urban legends before cutting ties with him; the games were part of an elaborate ploy to discredit rumors surrounding the company. Lastly, the tapes disclose the existence of [[malware]] that was uploaded through an old [[printed circuit board]]. This code takes the form of a rabbit-like character called Glitchtrap, who is attempting to escape from the game by taking over the user's consciousness.

''Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted'' contains several endings dependent on the player's choices. These endings include the user having their consciousness taken over by Glitchtrap, another where they complete all the levels and witness the credits while performing on-stage as Freddy Fazbear, and an ending where the player follows instructions stated in the tapes and is locked behind a steel door, where Glitchtrap shushes the user before disappearing behind the edifice.

== Development and release ==
''Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted'' was developed in collaboration between Steel Wool Studios and the ''Five Nights at Freddy's'' creator [[Scott Cawthon]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last1=Crecente |first1=Brian |date=2019-03-29 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy's VR: Help Wanted'' Features More Detailed Frights |url=https://variety.com/2019/gaming/features/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-features-more-detailed-frights-1203175977/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727005202/https://variety.com/2019/gaming/features/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-features-more-detailed-frights-1203175977/ |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=2019-12-02 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en}}</ref> It received further support from [[Lionsgate Games]] and Striker Entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2019-03-25 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted'' announced for PlayStation VR, PC |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2019/03/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-announced-for-playstation-vr-pc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603235510/https://www.gematsu.com/2019/03/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-announced-for-playstation-vr-pc |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref> Cawthon initially approached Steel Wool Studios to help recreate the original ''Five Nights at Freddy's'' in VR. Steel Wool finished an initial conversion, but felt it was too barebones and could be improved. The animations for Cawthon's characters had to be updated to look convincing and scary in a 3D environment, and the team added finer details to their character designs. Cawthon liked the adaptation so much that he expanded his initial plan, now working with Steel Wool to recreate all previous ''Five Nights at Freddy's'' games.<ref name=":4" /> 

An announcement trailer was shown during [[Sony Interactive Entertainment]]'s [[State of Play (livestream event)|State of Play]] livestream on March 25, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Topolski |first=Jason |date=2019-03-25 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy's VR: Help Wanted'' Coming to PSVR |url=https://blog.us.playstation.com/2019/03/25/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-coming-to-ps-vr/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410071558/https://blog.us.playstation.com/2019/03/25/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-coming-to-ps-vr/ |archive-date=April 10, 2019 |access-date=May 28, 2019 |website=[[PlayStation Blog]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fillari |first=Alessandro |date=2019-03-25 |title=New ''Five Nights At Freddy's'' Game Revealed, Bringing The Series To VR |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-five-nights-at-freddys-game-revealed-bringing-/1100-6465836/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907143815/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-five-nights-at-freddys-game-revealed-bringing-/1100-6465836/ |archive-date=September 7, 2022 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The game debuted publicly at [[PAX East]] from March 28 to March 31, 2019,<ref name=":4" /> and was available at subsequent [[PlayStation VR]] demonstrations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tarantola |first=Andrew |date=2019-03-28 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy's'' is Even More Creepy in VR |url=https://www.engadget.com/2019/03/28/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-hands-on-psvr/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411053853/https://www.engadget.com/2019/03/28/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-hands-on-psvr/ |archive-date=April 11, 2019 |access-date=2019-12-04 |website=[[Engadget]] |language=en}}</ref> Promotional artwork released as part of a teaser had to be replaced afterward, as it was found to contain character models based on [[fan art]]. Cawthon issued an apology, saying that the person responsible for the images confused the fan-made models with official designs.<ref name=":022">{{Cite book |last1=Brey |first1=Betsy |title=Indie Games in the Digital Age |last2=Clarke |first2=M.J. |last3=Wang |first3=Cynthia |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]] |year=2020 |isbn=978-1501356438 |location= |pages=89–91}}</ref>

''Help Wanted'' was announced for release in April 2019,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2019-03-25 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted'' announced for PlayStation VR, PC |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2019/03/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-announced-for-playstation-vr-pc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603235510/https://www.gematsu.com/2019/03/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted-announced-for-playstation-vr-pc |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref> but was released on May 28, 2019, for [[Oculus Rift]] and [[HTC Vive]] headsets on [[Windows]], and PlayStation VR headsets on [[PlayStation 4]].<ref name=":13" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=''Five Nights at Freddy's VR: Help Wanted'' |url=https://www.gry-online.pl/gry/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted/z6579a |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407124059/https://www.gry-online.pl/gry/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted/z6579a |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=[[Gry Online]] |language=pl}}</ref> A non-VR version, "flat mode", was released for Windows and PlayStation 4 on December 17, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gera |first=Emily |date=2019-12-15 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted'' Gets Free VR-less Mode This Week |url=https://www.vg247.com/five-nights-freddys-vr-help-wanted-update |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923104831/https://www.vg247.com/five-nights-freddys-vr-help-wanted-update |archive-date=September 23, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=[[VG247]] |language=en}}</ref> Ports for other consoles and platforms followed throughout 2020, including for [[Nintendo Switch]] on May 21,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Erskine |first=Donovan |date=2020-05-21 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted'' Out Now for Nintendo Switch |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/118174/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-out-now-for-nintendo-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206085834/https://www.shacknews.com/article/118174/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-out-now-for-nintendo-switch |archive-date=February 6, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=[[Shacknews]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Avard |first=Alex |date=2020-05-21 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted'' Stealth Launches Onto Nintendo Switch Today |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-stealth-launches-onto-nintendo-switch-today/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225225553/https://www.gamesradar.com/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-stealth-launches-onto-nintendo-switch-today/ |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Oculus Quest]] on July 16,<ref name=":2" /> [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]] on October 26,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2020-11-12 |title=Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted physical edition for PS4, Switch launches December 15 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/11/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-physical-edition-for-ps4-switch-launches-december-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604134229/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/11/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-physical-edition-for-ps4-switch-launches-december-15 |archive-date=June 4, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=''Five Nights at Freddy's: HW'' |url=https://toucharcade.com/games/five-nights-at-freddys-hw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129160220/https://toucharcade.com/games/five-nights-at-freddys-hw |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=[[TouchArcade]] |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[Xbox One]] on October 29.<ref name=":5" /> Halloween-themed [[downloadable content]] (DLC), ''Curse of Dreadbear'', was released on October 23, 2020, and additional levels for the DLC were added on October 29.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Devore |first=Jordan |date=23 October 2019 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy's VR'' Adds ''Curse of Dreadbear'' DLC for Halloween |url=https://www.destructoid.com/five-nights-at-freddy-s-vr-adds-curse-of-dreadbear-dlc-for-halloween-570362.phtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027004405/https://www.destructoid.com/five-nights-at-freddy-s-vr-adds-curse-of-dreadbear-dlc-for-halloween-570362.phtml |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |access-date=2019-12-04 |website=[[Destructoid]] |language=en}}</ref> ''Curse of Dreadbear'' was released on all platforms except for Oculus Quest, for which it was not released until December.<ref>{{cite web |last=Baker |first=Harry |date=December 15, 2020 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy's: Curse Of The Dreadbear'' DLC Out Now On Oculus Quest |url=https://uploadvr.com/fnaf-dlc-oculus-quest/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410102717/https://uploadvr.com/fnaf-dlc-oculus-quest/ |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |access-date=February 3, 2021 |website=[[UploadVR]]}}</ref> An updated version containing ''Curse of Dreadbear'', ''Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted – Full Time Edition'', was released for [[PlayStation 5]] with [[PlayStation VR2]] support on November 21, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=Harry |date=2023-11-22 |title=''Five Nights At Freddy's: Help Wanted'' Now Available On PSVR 2 |url=https://www.uploadvr.com/five-nights-at-freddys-psvr-2-release/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204032957/https://www.uploadvr.com/five-nights-at-freddys-psvr-2-release/ |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=[[UploadVR]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = PS4: 80/100<ref name="MC-PS4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4|title=Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted for PlayStation 4 Reviews|work=[[Metacritic]]|date=May 28, 2019|access-date=July 13, 2020|archive-date=November 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123023034/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/five-nights-at-freddys-vr-help-wanted|url-status=live}}</ref><br/>NS: 53/100<ref name="MC-NS">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted for Switch Reviews|work=[[Metacritic]]|date=May 21, 2020|access-date=July 13, 2020|archive-date=July 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724151237/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Destruct = PS4: 9/10<ref name=":13" />
| HC = PS4: 73/100<ref name=":7" />
| rev1 = ''[[IGN Italia]]''
| rev1Score = PS4: 8.3/10<ref name=":6" />
| NLife = NS: 3/10<ref name=":3" />
| TGMIt = PS4: 8.6/10<ref name=":1" />
}}

The PlayStation 4 version of ''Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted'' received "generally favorable reviews" according to the [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]];<ref name="MC-PS4"/> the Nintendo Switch version received "mixed or average reviews".<ref name="MC-NS"/> The game was nominated for the Coney Island Dreamland Award for Best AR/VR Game at the [[New York Videogame Critics Circle#New York Game Awards|New York Game Awards]] in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sheehan |first=Gavin |date=January 2, 2020 |title=The New York Game Awards Announces 2020 Nominees |url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2020/01/02/the-new-york-game-awards-announces-2020-nominees/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104041855/https://www.bleedingcool.com/2020/01/02/the-new-york-game-awards-announces-2020-nominees/ |archive-date=January 4, 2020 |access-date=January 4, 2020 |work=[[Bleeding Cool]]}}</ref> 

Reviewers found ''Help Wanted'' accessible.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":13" /><ref name=":1" /> ''[[Destructoid]]'' felt that longtime fans and those unfamiliar with the series would enjoy it,<ref name=":13" /> while ''[[The Games Machine (Italy)|The Games Machine]]'' wrote that players previously not fans of the horror genre would be appeased because of ''Help Wanted''{{'s}} simple mechanics.<ref name=":1" /> ''[[UploadVR]]'' said that the game was a "masterclass in suspense",<ref name=":2" /> and ''[[IGN Italia]]'' called it one of the scariest VR horror games.<ref name=":6" />

Critics called ''Help Wanted'' tense and unsettling.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Quesada |first=Daniel |date=2019-05-30 |title=Análisis de ''Five Nights at Freddy's VR: Help Wanted'' para PlayStation VR y PC |trans-title=Analysis of ''Five Nights at Freddy's VR: Help Wanted'' for PlayStation VR and PC |url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reviews/analisis-five-nights-freddys-vr-help-wanted-playstation-vr-pc-430199 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407220452/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reviews/analisis-five-nights-freddys-vr-help-wanted-playstation-vr-pc-430199 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=[[HobbyConsolas]] |language=es}}</ref> ''UploadVR'' found the atmosphere intriguing, increasing the impact of jumpscares, and that VR made the game immersive.<ref name=":2" /> ''Vandal'' said the experience was stressful, and praised the designs of the animatronics as detailed and intimidating.<ref name=":0" /> ''IGN Italia'' said the game created compelling tension that made the player feel vulnerable.<ref name=":6" /> Some reviewers called the jumpscares effective, but felt they became repetitive over time.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" />

Reviewers focused on the minigames. ''Destructoid'' praised their inclusion and appreciated that the creators made new experiences beyond recreating the main ''Five Nights at Freddy's'' games, highlighting Vent Repair and Dark Rooms as particularly enjoyable.<ref name=":13" /> ''IGN Italia'' also enjoyed Vent Repair and added that the minigames had significant [[replay value]].<ref name=":6" /> ''The Games Machine'' felt that they created gameplay diversity, but that some of the minigames retained the flaws of the original games. They found the quality of the original ''Help Wanted'' minigames mixed.<ref name=":1" /> ''UploadVR'' said the game became repetitive despite the number of levels, finding that their simple mechanics did not sustain the experience.<ref name=":2" />

Some critics found the Nintendo Switch port inferior to the VR versions. ''[[Kotaku]]'' and ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' found the controls slow and difficult, and wrote that the game lacked the immersion of VR.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":8" /> ''Nintendo Life'' said that many of the minigames were worse versions of the ''Five Nights at Freddy's'' games already available for Switch.<ref name=":3" /> ''Kotaku'' liked the new experiences such as the Vent Repair and Parts and Service minigames, but said ''Help Wanted'' did not justify replaying the main ''Five Nights at Freddy's'' games.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Parrish |first=Ash |date=2020-05-28 |title=Switch Isn't The Best Way To Play ''Five Nights At Freddy's: Help Wanted'' |url=https://kotaku.com/switch-isnt-the-best-way-to-play-five-nights-at-freddys-1843733729 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105235959/https://kotaku.com/switch-isnt-the-best-way-to-play-five-nights-at-freddys-1843733729 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=[[Kotaku]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Sequel ==
''Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted 2'' was announced on May 24, 2023, during a PlayStation Showcase.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=2023-05-24 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted 2'' Announced for Release This Year |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-2-announced-for-release-this-year |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524213332/https://www.ign.com/articles/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-2-announced-for-release-this-year |archive-date=May 24, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fragen |first=Jordan |date=2023-05-24 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2'' VR Will Launch Late 2023 |url=https://venturebeat.com/games/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-2-psvr-late-2023/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129205405/https://venturebeat.com/games/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-2-psvr-late-2023/ |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=[[VentureBeat]] |language=en-US}}</ref> A ''[[PlayStation Blog]]'' post by Steel Wool Studios on November 20, 2023, announced a release for PlayStation VR2 on December 14, 2023, and disclosed many of the minigames.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Hayley |date=2023-11-20 |title=''Five Nights At Freddy's: Help Wanted 2'' Reveals Gameplay Trailer And Release Date |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-2-reveals-gameplay-trailer-and-release-date/1100-6519351/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129072537/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-2-reveals-gameplay-trailer-and-release-date/1100-6519351/ |archive-date=November 29, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2023-11-20 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2'' launches December 14 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/11/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-2-launches-december-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120183227/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/11/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-2-launches-december-14 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref> The game was launched on that date for Oculus Quest and PlayStation VR2,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vincent |first=Hadley |date=2023-12-15 |title=Can You Play FNAF Help Wanted 2 Without VR? |url=https://dotesports.com/indies/news/can-you-play-fnaf-help-wanted-2-without-vr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217182051/https://dotesports.com/indies/news/can-you-play-fnaf-help-wanted-2-without-vr |archive-date=December 17, 2023 |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=[[Dot Esports]] |language=en-US}}</ref> and Steel Wool Studios released a non-VR port of ''Help Wanted 2'' for PlayStation 5 on June 20, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCaffrey |first=Ray |date=2024-04-18 |title=''Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2'' Seeks New Employees on PS5 June 20 |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2024/04/18/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-2-seeks-new-employees-on-ps5-june-20/ |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=[[PlayStation Blog]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The minigames in ''Help Wanted 2'' are based on experiences from ''Sister Location'' and ''[[Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach|Security Breach]]'', and include a [[Shooter game|shooting gallery]] and various [[Arcade game|arcade-style]] games. The story has multiple endings, and some levels can only be accessed by completing a puzzle involving the narrative.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beahm |first=Elijah |date=2024-05-26 |title=''Five Nights At Freddy's: Help Wanted 2'' Review: Great, But A Few Fazcoins Short |url=https://www.uploadvr.com/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted-2-review/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=[[UploadVR]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* {{Official website|https://www.steelwoolstudios.com/five-nights-at-freddys-help-wanted}}
* {{IMDb title|10366012}}

{{Five Nights at Freddy's}}

[[Category:2010s horror video games]]
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[[Category:HTC Vive games]]
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[[Category:Minigame compilations]]
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[[Category:Survival horror video games]]
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[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
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[[Category:Virtual reality games]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted|access_date=2026-03-03}}