Steam Next Fest never fails to impress, and it’s especially rewarding if you’re a fan of cosy games.
There are only a few days left before the event wraps up on 2 March, but there’s still plenty of time to jump in and explore everything it has to offer.
It’s the perfect chance to test a huge selection of free demos and decide which titles deserve a spot on your wishlist.
Who knows—you might even stumble upon the next breakout indie success.
While every genre is represented, Steam Next Fest consistently shines when it comes to cosy and relaxing experiences.
One game in particular deserves your attention today, and that’s Greenhearth Necromancer.
Wield Magical Spells To Revive “Living and Undead Plants Alike”
As the name suggests, this game combines gardening with spellcasting, which is why it brings to mind both Stardew Valley and Hogwarts Legacy.
Created by Silverstring Media Inc, Greenhearth Necromancer describes itself as a “cosy, witchy, semi-idle game about caring for living and undead plants alike.”
“Grow adorable plants in your balcony garden, cast spells, and brew potions while enjoying calming idle gameplay and soothing ambience throughout the day,” its description explains.
Your balcony is filled with pots and planters containing strange and wonderful plants and creatures, and it’s your responsibility to help them flourish.
To keep everything healthy, you’ll need to manage water and fertiliser levels, protect your plants from pests, and craft potions and spells that directly support their growth.
Spells can be used to revive dying plants, accelerate their development, or infuse them with necromantic power.
There is also a gentle narrative thread running through Greenhearth Necromancer.
The balcony once belonged to your late grandmother, and as you play, you’ll meet nearby residents and interact with your grandmother’s lingering spirit, Compostifer.
The story is written by the BAFTA-nominated author behind the indie favourite I Was a Teenage Exocolonist.
If you’re not looking for something demanding, you can simply let Greenhearth Necromancer run in the background while you work or study.
There are multiple audio settings available too, including relaxing lo-fi music tracks.
It all sounds incredibly charming, which makes it great news that you can try it right now during Steam Next Fest.
This isn’t the first demo release for the game, but the newest version features a redesigned UI, optional tutorials for every system, two additional plants, and a range of new potions, pesticides, and fertilisers.
The contagion mechanics have also been reworked, and the developers have added a fresh story event that hints at what’s coming next.
Looks like I’ve found tonight’s game of choice.
