Wytchwood is a crafting adventure game set in an expressive land of gothic fables and fairytales. As the mysterious old witch of the woods, you will explore a strange countryside, collect magical ingredients, brew sorcerous enchantments, and pass your twisted judgement upon a capricious cast of characters and creatures.
In the dark and teeming world of Wytchwood, you are not the brave hero or the fearless princess. You are the old witch of the woods, the one the villagers fear and the creatures avoid. And that is precisely what makes this game so deliciously original.
Developed by Alientrap and published by Whitethorn Games, Wytchwood is an adventure and crafting game steeped in gothic fairy tale lore. Your daily routine: explore a strange and unsettling countryside, gather magical ingredients hidden in nature, brew wicked enchantments and potions, then pass judgement on the capricious characters and creatures who come knocking at your door. Every judgement is a self-contained little story, tinged with irony and darkness.
We loved: The unique visual atmosphere, somewhere between a children's picture book and a macabre adult fairy tale. Wytchwood's environments look hand-painted, with tones that are simultaneously dark and warm, and the creatures you encounter are as grotesque as they are endearing. There is a rare artistic consistency here that makes you want to explore every corner of the map.
We liked: The crafting system at the heart of the gameplay. Collecting poisonous mushrooms, bat wings or spectre tears to create specific enchantments is as satisfying as solving a puzzle. The ingredient bestiary is vast and recipe combinations constantly surprise.
Our highlight: The biting writing and ever-present dark humour. Wytchwood's dialogue is an achievement in its own right: the witch observes the world with a weary and caustic eye, every NPC is more eccentric than the last, and situations constantly flirt with gothic absurdity. You smile as often as you shiver.
Our tip to help you: Explore every area thoroughly before moving on because some rare ingredients are found only in specific spots that may be inaccessible later. Keep a mental (or real) note of recipes in progress to avoid searching twice for the same components. And do not judge the creatures who come to you too quickly: their stories often hide unexpected twists that influence the ending.
Who is this game for?
Wytchwood is aimed at players aged 12 and over who enjoy dark fantasy tales, crafting and narrative adventure. Its 12 hours of content make it a complete experience. Please note: the interface and subtitles are available in English, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese. Excellent press scores reaching 9/10.
