While the excitement around GTA 6 continues to ramp up coming into 2025, my eyes are firmly placed on the new Fable. As someone who grew up swooning over Reaver in Fable 2, then swooning again in Fable 3 (that outfit is iconic), it’s one of my favorite videogame franchises ever, and I’ve got high hopes for what comes next. In the meantime, however, I’ve been searching for a high fantasy adventure that channels that classic Dungeons and Dragons feel, but isn’t 100 hours long (I’m looking at you, Baldur’s Gate 3). Mirthwood certainly fits the bill, and after a slight delay it’s finally out now on Steam.
Blending the management and relationship systems of games like Stardew Valley with the magical feel of Lionhead’s classic franchise, Mirthwood tasks you with starting anew in the wake of your homeland’s tragic demise. Brought to life by gorgeous, hand-drawn graphics that feel reminiscent of the fantasy pop-up books your parents read to you as a kid, you can settle down and focus on your new homestead, or venture out into the wild for the full RPG experience.
If you choose the former, you’ll spend your time tending to your crops and rearing animals, upgrading your facilities as you go to create the farm of your dreams. You can interact with the locals using the “a new Sims-style interaction system,” where you can chat, jest, gossip, influence, and, of course, flirt. You’ll be able to forge a relationship with any NPC in the game, so if you, like me, wanted to romance Vivienne in Dragon Age: Inquisition but couldn’t, you won’t run into the same issues (and the associated heartbreak) in Mirthwood.
But if it’s a life of heroism and action that calls to you, you’ll be able to don your armor and head out into the wild. There are six different regions and three towns, but you’ll have to battle the elements and fight off diseases as you attempt to travel from one to the other. There are various quests and mysteries to solve, and treasure chests full of loot to find; in Mirthwood’s sandbox world, anything feels possible.
And, of course, there are enemies. Fights play out in real time, and you’ll be able to choose from various, upgradable weapons and gear to ensure that you survive everything the wilds have to throw at you.
After a slight delay, Mirthwood is out now on Steam, priced at $22.49 / £18.89 until Saturday November 16. It then returns to its base price, so if its fantasy style and Stardew-style management vibes appeal to you, I suggest grabbing it now.
If you, like me, are waiting for the Fable release date, check out our list of all the best fantasy games to keep you busy. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more akin to Stardew, here’s our rundown of all the best management games.
You can also follow us on Google News for daily PC games news, reviews, and guides, or grab our PCGN deals tracker to net yourself some bargains.