Indie developer Novemtails and publisher Assemble Entertainment have released Under Canopies in Steam Early Access for Windows PC, introducing a cozy survival adventure focused on forest exploration, wildlife photography, crafting, and sustainable living. Available beginning October 23, 2026, the single-player game offers a combat-free alternative to traditional survival titles, emphasizing creativity, discovery, and building a peaceful woodland sanctuary.
Under Canopies Arrives on Steam Early Access
WIESBADEN, Germany — Under Canopies officially entered Steam Early Access on October 23, 2026, with a European launch price of €14.99.
Developed by Mexico-based independent creator Roberto Ortiz under the Novemtails label, the game invites players to establish a home in a natural environment while learning to live alongside its wildlife.
Unlike conventional survival games that emphasize combat and dangerous encounters, Under Canopies focuses on resource management, environmental exploration, animal care, and gradual progression.
The release follows growing interest in cozy gaming, a genre that prioritizes relaxing experiences, creative freedom, and activities that players can complete at their own pace.
Strong Steam Next Fest Interest Ahead of Launch
The game attracted attention during a recent Steam Next Fest event, where it appeared on Steam’s main page and surpassed 50,000 wishlists.
According to the publisher, approximately 11,000 wishlists were added during the event.
Player feedback highlighted the game’s forest environments, wildlife interactions, photography mechanics, and peaceful approach to survival.
Participants also identified areas for improvement, including tutorials, controls, inventory management, storage systems, and customization settings.
Novemtails and Assemble Entertainment said several improvements based on this feedback were incorporated into the Early Access release.
Explore, Build, and Create a Woodland Sanctuary
At the center of Under Canopies is a progression system built around exploration, crafting, farming, and self-sufficiency.
Players begin as explorers and gradually transform a simple woodland refuge into a personalized home.
Forest Exploration and Cabin Customization
The game’s environments include rivers, wildflower meadows, mountainous areas, and secluded woodland locations.
Exploration allows players to discover resources, encounter wildlife, and identify locations that contribute to their expanding knowledge of the ecosystem.
Collected materials can be used to craft tools, construct furniture, improve cabins, and develop farming areas.
As players upgrade their homes and equipment, they gain additional opportunities to explore and interact with the surrounding environment.
Wildlife Photography and Animal Care Drive Progression
Photography plays an important role in Under Canopies, functioning as both a recreational activity and a progression mechanic.
Players can photograph wild animals and record discoveries in an album that serves as a collectible wildlife journal.
Documenting Wildlife and Building Trust
Discovering new species, capturing unusual moments, and developing relationships with animals contribute to the player’s growing collection of wildlife records.
The game also features domestic animals, including chickens and sheep.
By feeding and caring for livestock, players can obtain resources such as eggs and wool.
These materials support cooking, crafting, decorating, and other activities associated with improving the woodland home.
Crafting, Farming, and Survival Mechanics
Although Under Canopies eliminates combat, it retains several traditional survival mechanics.
Players must monitor hunger, thirst, energy, and body temperature while gathering resources and maintaining their homes.
Key Gameplay Features
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Crafting: Collect resources, create tools, and unlock additional items.
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Farming: Grow vegetables and other crops.
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Cooking: Prepare more than 30 recipes.
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Animal Care: Raise livestock and interact with wildlife.
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Animal Bonding: Develop trust through consistent care.
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Photography: Document animals and natural environments.
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Survival: Manage hunger, thirst, energy, and temperature.
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Progression: Discover resources and improve equipment.
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Exploration: Investigate forests, rivers, mountains, and hidden locations.
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Game Mode: Single-player experience with accessible controls and menus.
The interconnected systems encourage players to balance exploration with maintaining a comfortable and increasingly self-sufficient home.
Developer Plans Further Improvements Before 2027 Release
Assemble Entertainment describes the Early Access launch as an important development milestone rather than the game’s final version.
The publisher expects Under Canopies to continue evolving through additional refinements and improvements ahead of its anticipated full release in 2027.
The development process will build on feedback concerning gameplay accessibility, interface functionality, and overall polish.
About Novemtails and Assemble Entertainment
Novemtails is the independent development label of Roberto Ortiz, a Mexico-based programmer and solo developer of Under Canopies. His previous professional experience includes work with Estación Pi, Amber Studio, 1SimpleGame, Macula Interactive, and Jettelly.
Assemble Entertainment is a German independent publisher established in 2016. Its portfolio includes Sticky Business, Roadwarden, Decktamer, Paddle Paddle Paddle, Grind Survivors, and the Endzone franchise. The company has published more than 50 games across multiple genres.
With its combination of wildlife photography, farming, crafting, and nonviolent survival mechanics, Under Canopies enters Early Access as another addition to the growing cozy gaming market. Its development toward a planned 2027 full release will determine how the experience expands beyond its initial launch.
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