Little Witch in the Woods has entered early access on Steam, and it’s already starting to make a long-lasting impression on players with its cute little community and crafting skills. Some have called it Stardew Valley with potions, and it’s steadily growing in popularity by the day. Fans of games like Animal Crossing or Harvest Moon should definitely give this one a try.
Players begin as Ellie, a darling little witch apprentice who makes her way into the woods, only to find a little cottage. As Ellie arrives, she soon realizes that the cottage was previously a witch’s residence, containing a secret underground room. Little did she know, it would be equipped with everything she would need to begin brewing her very own potions. As a tradition, apprentice witches must hone in on their skills and support a nearby village until they are able to become full-time witches.
Little Witch in the Woods players will spend a lot of time collecting plants and cataloging animals they find within the woods. Doing so will allow them to craft potions at the different brewing stations located in Ellie’s alchemy lab, which takes extreme precision. Players will clean up their humble abode, gather the tools needed to restore the broken processing machines, and help the nearby village recover from the strange vines that have destroyed it.
Plant collection comes with a neat mechanic: the time of day affects what plants are available to research. However, players will need to explore the mysterious fantasy world of darling creatures and hidden areas to find special items that help them become the best witch they can be. Since certain ingredients needed for potions are only available at certain times of day, time management is vital.
Sometimes, players will need to wait for the plants to regrow, meaning they will have to backtrack to get necessary supplies. Though Ellie’s walking speed is relatively slow, it doesn’t seem to matter, as players love the scenery provided by the woods. On the other hand, if players wish to travel a bit faster, they can unlock a broom Ellie can use to zoom around the forest with ease.
Though it has only just launched in early access, developer Sunny Side Up has said that Little Witch in the Woods will fully launch in 2023. As it stands, the game has about five hours’ worth of playtime available, comprised of the prologue and first chapter. The launch version will contain the prologue, three chapters, and an ending. Additionally, the developers say they will be adding new characters, locations, activities, and items as early access goes on. Clearly, the game is proving to be quite popular, as it already sits on Steam’s Top Sellers chart.
It’s clear a lot of heart is put into Little Witch in the Woods, with its adorable pixel-art style and fantastic character design that helps showcase the game’s beauty. Aside from the immense amount of dialogue, it gives players an excellent idea of the mischievous little witch Ellie is. Between going back and forth with Virgil, documenting her findings with her quill and encyclopedia, and drawing out the plants she comes across, the game has a lot to offer players.
Little Witch in the Woods is all about love, happiness, and doing the right thing for others. It gives off a cozy and heartwarming feel that players can’t seem to shake, making it a perfect game to play after a stressful day. The game is even more appealing than the trailer suggested, signifying it could be here to stay for a long time. With its relaxing atmosphere and slow-paced creation system, players are sure to find solace in the fact that they are helping others rebuild what has been destroyed.