Herdling: A Gentle Journey Through Wilderness and Wonder
Herdling is a third-person adventure game, developed by Okomotive and published by Panic. The game is set to launch on August 21, 2025. It will be available on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch / Switch 2.
Story and
Atmosphere
Story & Atmosphere
The players control a young shepherd named Via. The main duty of Via is guiding a herd of fantastical, fluffy creatures called Calicorns through alpine terrains throughout the gameplay. The narrative unfolds without words — relying on visual storytelling, environmental design, and emotional interaction. Themes of trust, survival, companionship, and a journey through a fallen world take center stage.
Gameplay
Mechanics
Gameplay Mechanics
- Herd Guidance: The players will navigate various landscapes, starting from foggy forests to snowy plains. During this journey, the players will encounter many treacherous passes, which will act as dangerous side missions to navigate along with the Calicorns. The Calicorns will be guided with gentle prompts rather than direct commands.
- Stampede Mechanics: The players will be able to provide small powerups that can be quick sprint bursts or large stampedes that can break obstacles or boost momentum across the terrain by moving through patches of special flowers.
- Environmental Interaction: The players can be assisted by the herd in completing many tasks that would not be possible for Via alone, like pushing boulders, etc. Despite this help, the herd can also pose some difficulties, like precise navigation is often required in narrow or hazardous areas.
- Bonding Moments: The players can tend to the Calicorns by petting, feeding, cleaning them, giving them names, and decorating them. These deeds aid in deepening the emotional ties with them.
- Early Demo Insight: The Steam demo starts with a city scene where Via rescues one Calicorn, then journeys toward the mountain. The demo showcases both the thrill of stampedes and the dangers lurking ahead—such as injuries and environmental hazards.
Vision and Appeal
Development & Creative Vision
A small, passionate team of about 12 developers crafted Herdling, imbuing it with a handcrafted, emotionally resonant quality throughout. Okomotive emphasized that guiding the herd felt intuitively alive—not like a traditional escort mission but a flowing, immersive experience.
Visual & Emotional Appeal
The game’s aesthetics exude a painterly, moody beauty, paired with expressive, endearing Calicorn designs. Critics describe the experience as “a quiet, heartfelt journey,” one that feels like a big hug—perfect for players craving calm, meaningful adventures.
System
Requirements
System Requirements (PC)
Minimum Requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5-3470 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200
- Memory (RAM): 8 GB
- Graphics (GPU): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 (2 GB), or AMD Radeon HD 7850 (2 GB), or Intel Arc A310 LP (4 GB)
Recommended Requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 11 (64-bit)
- Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5-8600K or AMD Ryzen 3 3100
- Memory (RAM): 12 GB
- Graphics (GPU): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 (4 GB), or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT (6 GB), or Intel Arc A580 (8 GB)
- Storage: TBD (to be determined) – space requirement not yet specified
Why Herdling
Matters
Why Herdling Matters
- Emotional & Wordless Storytelling: A rare narrative that speaks through connection, visuals, and environment rather than dialogue.
- Unique Mechanic Synergy: Balances serene herding with adrenaline-infused stampedes and puzzle-solving.
- Artful Design & Atmosphere: A cozy, visually rich experience that's both calming and emotionally stirring.
- Accessible yet Thoughtful Gameplay: Breathtaking landscapes and creature companionship make it approachable, while puzzles and environmental tells offer depth.
Final Thoughts
At its core, Herdling is more than an adventure—it’s an emotional expedition. Through its wordless storytelling and heartfelt gameplay, it invites players to form genuine bonds, overcome adversity, and revel in simplicity and beauty.
Whether you're on the lookout for peaceful explorations, creative puzzles, or emotional connections in gaming, Herdling promises to be a journey worth embarking on.
Check out the official trailer:
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