by theygamesIt seems like cozy games and the holidays just go hand-in-hand. As the fire flickers in the background and that big mug of eggnog steams away next to you, booting up something like Disney Dreamlight Valley or Stardew just feels like the logical next step. If you’ve already completed all of their content, however, Mirthwood is a chill new adventure from Bad Ridge Games that transports traditional farming and management mechanics into a Fable-style world. Ahead of the holidays, it’s getting a huge new update that overhauls combat and, of course, adds some festive goodies.
Entitled ‘Night of the Falling Stars,’ the denizens of Mirthwood are celebrating the holidays by throwing the dazzling Starlight Ball. With your mask at the ready, you’ll have to solve a series of issues and investigate some strange happenings to ensure that everything goes smoothly – it’s the RPG‘s premier winter event, after all, so there can be no errors.
With your mysterious invitation in tow, you’ll have to navigate the politics of high society and look good doing it. Thankfully, this update adds the brand new Magic Mirror, which allows you to transform your appearance, so you’ll be looking swish for the evening’s proceedings – especially if you pick up some of the new festive cosmetics.
Schmoozing aside, however, Bad Ridge Games has also overhauled Mirthwood’s combat, and given the oddness of that invitation, I sense that there’s a battle or two in store. Recent Steam reviews have been critical of the game’s action, noting that it’s “just getting into the right position, nothing to do with skill.” This overhaul hopes to make things “more engaging,” so fingers crossed.
There are also a slew of new crops and plants to grow, as well as new recipes for you to cook. You’ll be able to tend to bees on your homestead or – my personal favorite – start cultivating various teas. As someone who’s currently considering going and making herself a cup of masala chai, becoming a teaologist (is that a word?) is an absolute dream.
To round it all off, the highly anticipated fish creel also drops with this update, meaning you can carry more of those slippery little guys around and maximise your production.
Bad Ridge Games has also given us a glimpse at what’s coming in 2025, with three updates scheduled for Q1 (Angry Bards, La Cosa Nostra, and The Not So Secret Life of Pets), then one for each remaining section of the year. Angry Bards will add instruments, La Cosa Nostra focuses on families and relationships, and, well, I don’t think I need to tell you about that last one.
Later down the line, there’ll be an overhaul to the morality system, co-op play, and modding support, with a new DLC set to drop in Q4. As someone who loves playing these types of games with friends, I really can’t wait for multiplayer.
Mirthwood is currently available at 15% off as part of the Steam Winter Sale, which runs until Thursday January 2, 2025. If you’re looking for a new cozy adventure to see you through the holidays, now’s the time to pick it up.
Alternatively, we have a list of games like Stardew Valley if you’re looking for something similar to Mirthwood, or a rundown of all the best fantasy games if it’s the Fable-esque setting that lured you in.
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