Never read Homestuck

[Dicey]

Ok, I want this game, but never read Homestuck... do I need to know anything before playing this game or... need to know about the characters?

[Eve]

The game follows new characters who weren't in the comic, so most likely not.

[QuatermassAU]

A little primer wouldn't go astray, but in truth, apparently the game was written so that those unfamiliar with it can just pick up and play. You'd probably get more of the references and injokes, but it's meant to be independent of the larger Homestuck story, being set about a decade, give or take a year, before Homestuck takes place. Assuming, of course, that there's nothing timey-wimey going on...

[Darcount]

No

[Nosfera2]

From what I understand, it's a pretty fresh slate for people who haven't ready homestuck. I think the only thing is that people who have read homestuck would probably understand it a bit better, but that shouldn't stop you from wanting to play it!

[RA Ranno]

This game may not require you to read it, but just from the trailer it is already obvious that it HEAVILY references the characters. It's made to have an impact on HS fans, whether it's required or not.

[sass]

It takes place beforehand. You probably won't get a lot of the jokes or references, but you'd also be going in with something priceless.
A fresh perspective.

Though, I don't expect it will stay fresh for long. Mine didn't.

[detective_butterscotch]

Since we'll be exploring Alternia with Joey, I'm sure the fans and new initiates newly introduced players will be introduced to Troll society; so everyone will probably be taught the quadrants, blood caste system, Alternian history, etc. whether it be new information or not. I wonder what else will be retaught in the game, and what we'll be doing with Dammek on Earth in the second game.

[3420]

The devs have stated several times that it's fine if you haven't read Homestuck, and the Store page emphasizes that.

[Uneven Prankster]

Read at least act 1 and 2 to at least grasp some of Andrew Hussie's story elements. Other acts (especially 5) don't need to be read but after you finished playing this first act of the game i suggest reading the rest. Again like the others said, the game might explain how the most necessary elements of the story work.

[Dicey]

Ok, I just searched "Homestuck Summary" on the youtubes, its still confusing

[sass]

Originally posted by ❤ Munn-lySphee ❤:

Ok, I just searched "Homestuck Summary" on the youtubes, its still confusing

homestuck's a ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

[james]

you dont need to have read homestuck, but i recommed it anyway

[sass]

Originally posted by Hiveswap Hype:

you dont need to have read homestuck, but i recommed it anyway

there's no way anyone can read all that in less than a day

[Dicey]

Originally posted by sass #hypeswap:

Originally posted by Hiveswap Hype:

you dont need to have read homestuck, but i recommed it anyway

there's no way anyone can read all that in less than a day

well I can look at videos just of people explaining the story without reading it

[detective_butterscotch]

Originally posted by ❤ Munn-lySphee ❤:

Originally posted by sapss #hypeswap:

there's no way anyone can read all that in less than a day

well I can look at videos just of people explaining the story without reading it

I'd suggest reading the story yourself, and going into the comic with as little information as possible, it's more than worth it if it's something you can enjoy. The game shouldn't spoil much, and having seen the promotional stuff, you already know about the existance of the Trolls and will very likely be taught all about their culture, since you'll be on their planet for almost the whole game. That's probably the most that's revealed; the other species that were introduced, the actual thing that began Homestuck's story, the original characters, everything else is unknown to you. It'd be better to experience that on your own, going your own pace, rather than learn everything from a summary.

It's totally fine if you do find a summary, I'm not telling you what to do, but I do heavily suggest you read Homestuck. Because Hiveswap is an almost entirely unrelated story, you could read the comic while going through the game, or you could get into later. It's a very, VERY long read, but it's an incredible journey if you go in blind.