Every major dialogue choice affects Mahsa's corruption, submissiveness, or independence metrics, unlocking specific branches.
Since its quiet release on a decentralized publishing platform (fittingly, no major Western press has touched it, and it remains banned in Iran), 4 Years in Tehran -v0.7- has become a cult artifact.
, where the developer also works on a newer historical project titled "The Legend of Cyrus". Monia - Patreon
For players wanting to preview the narrative before diving in, various gaming channels—such as the Chon Chon Channel on YouTube —provide non-commentary gameplay breakdowns, storyline analyses, and choices guides. 4 Years in Tehran -v0.7- -Monia Sendicate-
The story follows a young woman named Mahsa. The premise is simple, yet loaded with social implication: a young woman from a rural area arrives in Iran's sprawling, chaotic capital to pursue her education. However, her plans are immediately complicated when the university's administration refuses to provide her with a student dormitory. This forces Mahsa into a precarious situation, compelling her to live temporarily with a new family.
4 Years in Tehran -v0.7- is not an easy read. It is not a happy one. But in the canon of digital diaspora literature—alongside works like Tehran Noir and The CIA Cookbook —Sendicate has carved a unique space. She shows us that the most profound prison is not a cell, but a repeating day where nothing changes, yet everything is at risk.
Stranded in an unfamiliar metropolis without housing, Mahsa is forced to find temporary accommodation. She winds up living with a highly unusual, unpredictable local family. From this point forward, her standard student life transforms into a chaotic web of secrets, social politics, and adult relationships. Key Features in the v0.7 Update Monia - Patreon For players wanting to preview
I'll cite the sources: VNDB pages for the game and the release, and the GTAKU page.
The book is not chronological. Instead, it is organized by four “Builds”: Build 0.4 (Autumn 2018), Build 0.5 (Winter 2019-2020), Build 0.6 (The Long Quarantine), and Build 0.7 (Exit Strategy).
Because "4 Years in Tehran" contains explicit adult elements and a mature storyline, it is primarily hosted on independent developer platforms. However, her plans are immediately complicated when the
4 Years in Tehran blends classic visual novel storytelling with light RPG elements. Description
Unlike linear visual novels, this game employs light RPG elements. Players must balance Mahsa's financial stability, academic standing, and relationship meters. Choices made during the day affect which events trigger in the evening, making resource management a core component of navigating her four years in the capital. Technical Specifications Monia (Monia Sendicate) Game Engine Target Platforms Windows, Linux, macOS, Android Resolution 1920x1080 Full HD Content Type 3DCG, Visual Novel, Choice-driven RPG Cult Following and Cultural Novelty
, a rural girl who moves to Tehran to pursue her higher education Plot and Setting