If you are looking for a cozy game to snuggle and play, look no further than Hawthorn. This adorable indie title is one that cozy gamers will not want to sleep on. Created by former developers from BioWare (Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age, Mass Effect), Bethesda (The Elder Scrolls and Fallout), and Naughty Dog (The Last of Us and Uncharted), this sandbox RPG teleports you to a realm of anthropomorphic animals and fairy creatures. The game was officially announced about a week ago and since then has been seen all across the internet. What exactly is Hawthorn though? Let’s break it down.
In Hawthorn, you play as a woodland critter looking to make a new life for yourself in Windermere Valley – an area that has become abandoned over the years and is now full of varmints, fairy lights, and mysterious rumors. The entire game can be played solo or co-op, so you can build a thriving community alongside your friends and family. Most creatures in the game have a good heart with a story to share. Of course, you will need to look out for mysterious tricksters and keep your community safe.
Building a village
In Hawthorn, you can build a thriving village full of potential. The game has harvesting, fishing, and farming tasks for you to complete. Of course, if you prefer to let others do the work, the villagers are more than happy to help out. Each villager has specific preferences and if you cater to them, they will follow you to the end.
Exploring the world
On the official Steam Page for Hawthorn, it says, “Local superstition won’t keep you from exploring the surrounding wilderness for resources and treasure! But things change in Windermere Valley. The four seasons—with their rains and snow—bring unique challenges. And the way the woodland shifts and the strange creatures that come and go might make you believe the old legends.” The trailer also shows a character riding an owl across a vast landscape. We believe this world will be something to behold.
Crafting
From the start, you will get to craft your dream woodland critter life. Starting with a character creator that the devs say allows you to pick from a “variety of species and backgrounds,” you will build your life in Windermere Valley. You can learn to craft in different styles and build different homes in the trees. Random events will also keep you on your toes and make each player’s story unique.