Kindred Vale: Everything We Know

Imagine a quaint alpine town filled with mystery, where ancient spirits linger, waiting for someone to restore harmony between them and the townsfolk. In Kindred Vale, you have the unique ability to see and communicate with these mystical beings. You'll use their magical gifts to uncover secrets and mend the broken bonds of a fractured community. But what mysteries lie beneath the fog-covered peaks? And how will the spirits guide you in your quest to rebuild the town’s lost charm?

As the protagonist, you'll embark on a heartwarming journey through the beautiful Austrian Alps. The thrill of exploring a world rich with alpine folklore, coupled with the promise of forging deep connections with both humans and spirits, sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Here's everything we know so far about Kindred Vale.

What is Kindred Vale?

Kindred Vale is described as “a beautiful life-sim adventure where the mystical meets the everyday.” This upcoming game places players in a charming alpine town nestled in the Austrian Alps. In this world, the everyday activities of foraging, farming, and crafting blend seamlessly with the presence of mystical spirits from regional folklore. The town of Kindred Vale, once harmonious, now finds itself veiled in magical fogs due to a rift between the human and spirit communities. Players will have the unique ability to see and communicate with these spirits.

The game invites players to explore lush grasslands, serene lakes, and mysterious forests. Moreover, the town itself consists of various districts, each with its own distinct charm and spirit inhabitants. The essence of the game lies in its unique blend of everyday life and mystical elements. Players will engage in typical life-sim activities such as gathering resources, cooking meals, and crafting furniture. Additionally, they will form bonds with both human and spirit inhabitants. Thus, it promises an emotionally enriching adventure set in a world where magic and reality coexist harmoniously.

Story

In this game, players will enter a world where the bond between humans and spirits has been broken by a mysterious event. This rift has left the alpine town in disrepair, with magical fogs hiding the spirits who have retreated to protect their homes. As the main character, you can see and talk to these spirits. Your mission is to mend the broken relationship and uncover the secrets behind the rift. By connecting with both the townspeople and the spirits, you will work to restore Kindred Vale to its former glory. Through exploration and meaningful interactions, players will uncover the town's history and the truth behind the rift, and bring peace back to the enchanting landscape.

Gameplay

In Kindred Vale, players can expect an immersive gameplay experience centered around bridging the gap between the human and spirit worlds. The town was once a harmonious blend of humans and spirits but has been fractured by a tragic event, causing spirits to retreat into protective magical fogs. As the protagonist, your goal will be to mend old wounds and rebuild lost trust, by interacting with spirits and uncovering the secrets hidden within the fogs to restore harmony to Kindred Vale.

Players will encounter a variety of spirits inspired by Austrian folklore, such as the Wolpertinger, Perchten, and Tatzelwurm. Each spirit has unique needs and desires. By helping them, players can befriend these spirits and unlock the magical abilities. These abilities will play a crucial role in exploring and restoring Kindred Vale. Imagine flying to the peaks of the Alps with the Harpien, diving into the depths of the lake with the Nixen, or navigating hidden forest paths with the Wolpertinger.

The human residents of Kindred Vale will also be important in the gameplay. The town is home to a diverse group of characters, each with unique personalities, likes, and dislikes. Players will build relationships with these townspeople, discovering their stories and possibly finding romance. These relationships will add depth to the narrative, influencing both personal growth and the broader mission of unifying the town.

Furthermore, it reimagines the cozy life simulation genre with its focus on foraging, cooking, crafting, and decorating. Players will gather ingredients from the alpine environment, cook meals, craft furniture, and decorate their homes. They can also give gifts to foster relationships with both spirits and townspeople. Also, exploration will be key as players unlock new recipes, uncover parts of the town’s history, and contribute to the local museum.

Development

Kindred Vale is being developed by stillalive studios, the creators of Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator. The game will be released in Early Access because the developers want to get as much feedback from players as possible. By doing this, they can see what players like and what needs improvement. This way, they can focus on making the game even better and unique. The Early Access period is planned to last about a year, giving the team plenty of time to make changes based on player feedback.

Stillalive studios plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign before the Early Access release. Depending on its success, they might add new features like multiplayer, more areas to explore, and deeper storytelling options. The Early Access version will already include many fun activities like exploring, fishing, gathering, and customizing your character and home.

Trailer

The announcement trailer for Kindred Vale offers a mesmerizing glimpse into its enchanting world, introducing us to its characters and mystical landscapes. It teases a few gameplay elements while highlighting the unique features. If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to watch the video embedded above!

Release Date, Platforms, and Editions

Kindred Vale will launch in Early Access on PC via Steam in early 2025. This phase allows players to explore the game, provide feedback, and help refine its final version. Any information related to special edition details are yet to be revealed. For the latest updates, follow the developer's official social media accounts here.

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