Hawthorn: A Whimsical Sandbox RPG Blending the Charm of Kyoto Valley and Skyrim

This charming sandbox RPG resembles a blend of Skyrim and Stardew Valley, an impression that may be bolstered by the involvement of Skyrim's main designer.

If one were to blend Stardew Valley with Skyrim, the resulting video game concoction would likely take the form of Hawthorn, a delightful upcoming sandbox RPG developed by a team of former Bethesda, BioWare, and Naughty Dog developers.

Hawthorn marks the first title from indie studio NEARstudios, spearheaded by Heather Cerlan, who has an impressive background as a senior artist for Starfield and a texture artist for The Last of Us Us, among various roles. Jason Richardson, known for his work as a gameplay designer for Mass Effect Andromeda and a systems designer for Starfield and Fallout 76, is also part of this team. Notably, Bruce Nesmith, lead designer for Skyrim, is also contributing to Hawthorn.

The game unfolds in a picturesque, storybook-like setting named Windermere Valley, where players can immerse themselves as a small woodland creature surrounded by numerous animal companions, each with unique stories. Hawthorn promises both solo and cooperative gameplay, offering opportunities for farming, fishing, and exploring nature to gather resources. Players can renovate and personalize their charming woodland homes, adding a touch reminiscent of Animal Crossing, while also adapting to the changing seasons throughout the year.

The game's official site mentions that Hawthorn draws inspiration from Victorian-era European fairy tales and the essence of 80s and 90s anthropomorphic animal adventure narratives, a mood that clearly resonates with the visuals presented thus far. There is currently no set release date for this sandbox RPG, but it can be wishlisted on Steam already.

Meanwhile, be sure to take the time to discover our recommendations for other fantastic games similar to Stardew Valley.