Inspired by Fable, Stardew Valley, Rimworld, and a sprinkle of The Sims, Mirthwood features a rich, fully realized open world with gorgeous hand-drawn graphics and an original musical score. 

Arriving in a land filled with opportunity and secrets, players create their own adventurer, a refugee having freshly fled from a war-torn continent. With a completely open world and non-linear progression, players can choose what kind of life they want to lead. Those with wanderlust may elect to navigate through treacherous forests, explore ancient ruins, and battle against formidable creatures to uncover the land's hidden treasures.

Some may long for the simple life of settling down. Players will come to own an upgradable homestead, building up their very own farm, complete with crops, orchards, and animal rearing. Take your produce to the local town, trading and interacting with various unique personalities and characters using a Sims-like relationship system. Building friendships and trust can lead to unique rewards, quests, and even budding romances.

Mirthwood offers players a deep and engaging experience, with a rich world and questing system filled with twists and turns. Along the way, players will contend with the unpredictable world around them, making choices that affect their character and others, allowing for multiple playthroughs and unique experiences. The game also features a robust crafting system, allowing players to create powerful weapons and items to aid them at home and in their travels.

Mirthwood is sure to captivate players with its detailed world, a cast of memorable characters, intricate storylines and dynamic combat, keeping players continually engaged and challenged throughout their journey.

Will you settle a new homestead to live a life of farming and trade, or pick up the sword and take up the adventurers' path?

Bad Ridge Games released a new narrated gameplay trailer showcasing the RPG systems of the open-world life sim.

The new trailer invites players into a meticulously crafted world where questing, looting, exploration, reputation, and character progression intertwine to create a deeply immersive experience. Mirthwood stands out by emphasizing skill development through action; as players engage with the world, their abilities enhance, unlocking unique skill cards that further tailor the gameplay to individual preferences.

No adventure or simple farming life is complete without a trusty pet, these loyal companions can accompany players on their travels, offering both companionship and assistance, or they can be cared for on the homestead, awaiting the player's return.

Furthermore, the game is expanding its horizons by allowing players to recruit NPC companions who will stand valiantly by their side, combating the myriad dangers that lurk in the shadows of this mystical world. But that's not all; Bad Ridge Games are also proud to unveil a novel mechanic - falconry. This unique feature enables players to bond with avian friends, who will not only aid in discovering hidden treasures but also play a crucial role in navigating the complex landscapes of Mirthwood.

The path you choose and the gear you wear shape how the denizens of Mirthwood perceive you. Become the lovable comedian by donning a Pumpkin Head, or the reclusive woodsman that would rather have animal companions than humans. The choice is entirely up to you; your adventure can be tranquil and relaxing or as dark and intense as you wish.

The Freelands are vast and cover many landscapes. From charming villages and lush forests to foreboding wastelands and snowy peaks, you will traverse many environments on your adventure. Fret not, though, as you won't be alone. Cross landscapes with ease with your chosen mount, whether it be a reliable, stable horse, a majestic unicorn, or a menacing steed. Scout what lies ahead and help guide your direction with the keen eyes of your Falcon. Companionship will aid you on your quest as you establish your renown throughout the Freelands.

Exploration

To start, it’s important to understand a bit about the game world. Mirthwood thrives on exploration. Our central thesis has been to merge the cozy comforts (and challenges) of home-building with the freedom and adventure of open world discovery. Hand-crafting a diverse, dangerous, and rewarding map has been a major point of focus for us.

Comprised of six main regions and many sub-biomes, the world of Mirthwood stretches from deep woods to desolate wasteland, from dark barrows to frigid mountain foothills. Unique locations dot the landscape, offering opportunities to uncover stories, find rare loot, and fight for survival.

Questing

Main Storyline

Mirthwood will feature a central storyline for you to unravel at your own pace. Having fled a war-torn homeland, you arrive on the shores of the Free Lands, ready to rebuild your life from the ground up. You will begin to uncover the secrets of this new land - and critically - understand the reality of its past…and your future.

Side Quests

You will also find many side quests to collect (or ignore). These range from emotional matters of heart, to quirky adventures, to the mundane medieval favor. Some quests are shaped by the tangible needs and desires of the game’s characters. Contracts play a big part here, allowing you to hunt down some of Mirthwood’s fabled foes.

A Dynamic World

No world stays the same forever. Key to Mirthwood’s design is the principle of change. Here, seasons will pass, the economy will shift, and NPCs you know,  your friends, will die. While Mirthwood has its share of crafted stories, we also want you (and the world) to generate your own, with the hope that no two playthroughs are alike.

Here are some of the things we’re working on, and what you should expect as you quest and explore in Mirthwood:

• The Toils of Medieval Life: NPCs are at the mercy of the world, just as you are. Disease, poverty, and other dangers are at the doorstep.
• Choice & Consequence: Some scenarios will present you with choices of permanent significance. This can involve the life and death of characters, effects on the landscape, and more.
• Dynamic Events: Events like dust storms, blizzards, or attacks on towns can be generated by the game’s storyteller. These present hardships to navigate as you play.
• Clues: Occasionally, you will stumble across clues leading you to environmental stories, maps, or other encounters generated as a response to actions in the world.
• Morality and Renown: The choices you make will affect how others perceive you. Your Morality and Renown will be weighed and measured. Who will you choose to be?

Key Features:

• Homestead: Manage your own homestead, build a farm, plant and harvest crops, rear animals, and upgrade your facilities to craft items and gear. Build a peaceful life for your family and trade your goods from town to town.
• Explore: Mirthwood features a rich, fully realized world, with gorgeous hand-drawn graphics, immersive sound effects, and an original musical score. Explore an open world comprised of six diverse regions and three distinct towns, with much to discover - and uncover. Battle Storms, Winter, & Disease with survival-lite elements as you progress through a bewitching world.
• Fight: Take up a sword or ready your bow in real-time combat, Mirthwood will pit you against a variety of enemies from Bandits to werewolves. Equip yourself with a collection of weapons, armor, and clothing. Level and specialize your character in your chosen combat class to improve your ability to survive the dangers of Bleakwood.
• Adventure: Mirthwood’s ecosystem makes organic stories possible. Face new situations and conditions generated by the living world. Embark on quests, encounter dynamic events across the world and investigate mysteries. Search for Rare & Epic Loot across the world and find new adventures along the way.
• Socialize: Meet and befriend (or insult) townsfolk and NPCs across Mirthwood with a new Sims-style interaction system. Establish & Grow a Relationship with any NPC, unlock new social Interactions as your relationships grow, and even uncover quests and tasks. The other denizens of the Free Lands each have their own lives to lead and will go about their days and nights in a fully simulated world.

 Mirthwood is coming to PC (Steam) in 2024.