Indie developer Novemtails and German publisher Assemble Entertainment have announced Under Canopies, a first-person survival simulation that replaces traditional combat mechanics with peaceful exploration, crafting, and life-building gameplay.
Revealed during the Latin American Games Showcase, the upcoming PC title invites players to create a quiet life inside a sprawling forest sanctuary, emphasizing coexistence with nature rather than survival through violence. The game is scheduled for release on Steam in 2026.
A Different Take on the Survival Genre
While many survival games center on combat, resource scarcity, and hostile environments, Under Canopies takes a more relaxed approach. Players are encouraged to slow down, explore natural landscapes, and gradually build a sustainable life in the wilderness.
According to solo developer Roberto Ortiz, the game evolved from a personal project into a broader experience centered on reflection and creativity.
“Your main incentive is not to ‘win’ through combat, but to gradually build a more complete, cozy, and meaningful life in the forest,” Ortiz said in a statement.
The game arrives at a time when “cozy games” continue to gain popularity among players looking for lower-stress alternatives to traditional action-heavy titles.
Exploring a Handcrafted Forest Sanctuary
Peaceful Exploration Without Combat
Set within a handcrafted forest environment filled with rivers, mountains, hidden areas, and flower fields, Under Canopies encourages exploration through observation rather than danger.
There are no enemies to fight, hunting mechanics, or violent encounters. Instead, players collect resources, photograph wildlife, and document discoveries through an in-game journal system.
The atmosphere is designed to feel calm and restorative, drawing comparisons to indie titles such as Spiritfarer, Among Trees, and A Short Hike.
Building and Personalizing a Cabin
Players can construct and customize their own forest cabin using furniture, decorations, and handcrafted items gathered throughout the game world.
The home-building system focuses heavily on personalization, allowing players to shape their refuge according to their preferred style and aesthetic.
Farming, Cooking, and Wildlife Interaction
Growing Food and Preparing Recipes
Beyond exploration, Under Canopies includes farming and cooking systems designed around self-sufficiency.
Players can cultivate gardens, forage for ingredients, and prepare more than 30 recipes using gathered plants and natural resources. Cooking serves both as a gameplay mechanic and as part of the game’s broader emphasis on slow-paced living.
Living Alongside Animals
Animals also play a major role in the experience. Chickens, sheep, bees, and wild forest creatures coexist within the environment and can become part of players’ daily routines.
Rather than using wildlife as combat targets or survival resources, the game encourages observation, companionship, and peaceful interaction.
Strong Early Interest During Steam Next Fest
Under Canopies recently appeared during Steam Next Fest, where its demo attracted significant attention among indie gaming audiences. According to the developers, the game has already surpassed 33,000 wishlists on Steam.
The strong early response reflects growing demand for “cozy” simulation games, a genre that has expanded rapidly in recent years through platforms like Steam and Nintendo Switch.
About the Developer and Publisher
Novemtails
Novemtails is the independent development label of Mexico-based programmer Roberto Ortiz, who serves as the sole developer behind Under Canopies. Ortiz has previously collaborated with studios including Estación Pi, Amber Studio, Macula Interactive, and Jettelly.
He also created “Game Publishers,” an online reference resource for developers seeking publishing information within the gaming industry.
Assemble Entertainment
Germany-based Assemble Entertainment has built a reputation for publishing indie games across multiple genres, including strategy, horror, roguelike, and cozy simulation titles.
Its previous releases include Sticky Business, Roadwarden, and the Endzone franchise.
Conclusion
With its emphasis on peaceful exploration, creativity, and connection to nature, Under Canopies offers a markedly different approach to the survival genre. By removing combat entirely and focusing on slow-paced immersion, the game aims to appeal to players seeking a more relaxing and reflective gaming experience when it launches on PC in 2026.
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