Unwind with the calming world of Wanderstop
By Paul Hunter
Wanderstop is a narrative-driven tea shop management game developed by Ivy Road, a talented team composed of developers behind notable titles like Gone Home, Minecraft, and The Stanley Parable. Published by Annapurna, an indie label known for its focus on innovative storytelling, the game invites you into a whimsical, forest-based tea shop where you’ll step into the shoes of Alta, a once-proud warrior now struggling with burnout. After a series of defeats, Alta collapses in the forest, only to wake up in a mysterious clearing, taken in by Boro, a gentle giant who runs a tea shop.
The game’s premise is simple but profound. Instead of focusing on battle or action, you help Alta slow down and find balance in a world that’s no longer as straightforward as it once seemed. Wanderstop focuses on small, quiet moments, offering an cozy and relaxing experience. While Alta’s story of self-discovery and recovery unfolds, you’ll find yourself immersed in tea-making and gardening, crafting potions and tending to plants in a setting where the stakes are refreshingly low.
At its core, Wanderstop delivers an exploration of personal growth. Alta’s journey isn’t about defeating enemies or conquering impossible odds but about taking a step back, reflecting on one’s self-worth, and connecting with others. It’s a rare experience where the focus isn’t on fast-paced gameplay but rather on pacing your actions and finding peace in the process.
The game excels not only in its mechanics but in its writing and overall atmosphere. Through subtle yet poignant moments, it captures the emotional toll of burnout in ways that few games have attempted. With its charming art, a soothing soundtrack by C418, and a focus on self-care, Wanderstop offers a relaxing experience with emotional depth. It’s a journey about finding balance—and maybe, just maybe, learning to take things slow.
In Wanderstop, the story follows Alta, a warrior who has built her identity around her undefeated streak in battle. However, after a series of unexpected defeats, she begins to feel the weight of exhaustion and loss of strength, which shatters her self-confidence. The once powerful fighter struggles to even lift her sword, marking the beginning of her journey away from a life defined by constant combat. In search of answers, Alta ventures into the forest to find Master Winters, a legendary figure who may hold the key to restoring her strength. But, just as she nears her goal, exhaustion takes over, and she collapses, awakening in a forest clearing.
Here, Alta is found by Boro, a towering, yet kind-hearted man who runs a quaint tea shop. Rather than rushing Alta back into battle, Boro suggests she slow down and take refuge in his peaceful environment. He offers her a place to stay and work, allowing her to recover both physically and emotionally. What begins as a reluctant stay turns into a healing journey, as Alta grapples with her own sense of worth and identity.
The story isn’t just about regaining physical strength, but rather about learning to accept one's limitations and embrace the process of recovery. Through everyday interactions in the tea shop, Alta gradually opens up, discovering new ways to care for herself and others. The characters she meets, each with their quirks and own struggles, help her realize that healing is a slow, often messy process. The game offers no grand moments of sudden revelation but focuses instead on small acts of kindness, self-reflection, and personal growth.
Wanderstop masterfully balances emotional depth with light-hearted moments, never pushing too hard but letting the narrative unfold naturally. The dialogue is rich with wit, honesty, and warmth, reflecting Alta’s journey as she learns to slow down and find peace. By the end of the game, you will have experienced not just Alta’s transformation, but also your own understanding of the importance of taking life at a gentler pace.
In Wanderstop, gameplay revolves around managing a whimsical tea shop, where your tasks range from growing ingredients to brewing tea for a variety of quirky customers. The game introduces these mechanics in a gradual, low-pressure way, ensuring that you’re never rushed. There’s a sense of freedom here, allowing you to explore at your own pace without the stress of time constraints or failure.
Your journey begins with tending to the garden, where you grow ingredients for the tea. The planting mechanics are based on a hexagonal grid, and different seed combinations can lead to hybrid plants, encouraging experimentation. I found myself spending a lot of time trying to figure out the best patterns for new plants, and honestly, it became a relaxing, almost meditative experience. You can’t rush the process, and that’s exactly the point. Whether you’re waiting for a plant to grow or gathering tea leaves from the outskirts of the clearing, there’s no pressure to complete tasks quickly.
Once you have your ingredients, it’s time to brew tea. The tea-making process itself is an elaborate series of steps. You must climb a ladder to pour water, use bellows to adjust the temperature, and carefully add the ingredients into a large contraption. At first, it can feel a bit overwhelming, but the game allows you to learn at your own pace. The soothing rhythm of the process is rewarding, especially when you finally nail the perfect tea blend for a guest. I remember one moment where I successfully made a complicated tea order for a customer, and it felt like such a small victory that I couldn't help but smile.
As the game progresses, more customers with unique requests arrive, each adding variety to the gameplay. Some guests might want a specific tea, while others may challenge you to think outside the box. You’re encouraged to experiment with different combinations, and there’s a real joy in seeing what works. While the tea-making itself can become a little repetitive, the charming world and simple, yet satisfying, mechanics make it easy to overlook.
There’s also an underlying narrative element to the gameplay. Alta’s growth isn’t just about mastering the tea-making process, but also about learning to slow down and appreciate life’s little moments. The game encourages you to take breaks, tidy up the shop, and simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. This laid-back pace is integral to Wanderstop’s appeal, and it’s the perfect antidote to more fast-paced games.
Wanderstop’s presentation is a feast for the eyes and ears, perfectly matching the game's cozy tone. The visuals are bright, with soft, warm colours that create a welcoming atmosphere in the forest clearing. The art style is whimsical and charming, drawing you into its world without overwhelming your senses. Each element of the environment, from the trees to the little tea shop, feels lovingly designed. The character designs also shine, with each quirky guest contributing to the game’s relaxed yet inviting aesthetic.
One of the standout features is the attention to detail in the world around you. The forest is alive with little creatures and subtle animations that make it feel like a real, thriving place. I found myself admiring the small things, like how the plants grow and change over time, or the puffins who occasionally wander around and follow you, bringing joy to even the most mundane tasks. It’s clear that the developers put a lot of care into making the world feel cohesive and full of life.
The tea-making contraption is another remarkable feature, offering a fun, interactive way to prepare tea. While it’s intricate and might feel complex at first, the process is visually engaging and incredibly satisfying once you get the hang of it. Watching the water boil, seeing the ingredients swirl together in the pitcher, and finally serving the tea gives you a sense of accomplishment that’s deeply rewarding.
In terms of performance, Wanderstop runs smoothly without any noticeable issues. The load times are minimal, and I didn’t encounter any glitches or technical hiccups during my time with the game. The soundtrack, composed by C418, complements the tranquil vibe with its soft, ambient melodies. The music never feels intrusive, instead blending perfectly with the atmosphere and becoming a soothing backdrop to the game's pacing. I even found myself listening to the soundtrack outside the game, which is a testament to its quality.
Overall, Wanderstop’s presentation excels in creating a peaceful, visually appealing experience. The combination of colourful art, charming animations, and a soothing soundtrack makes it easy to get lost in its world, encouraging you to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Final Score: 8/10 - Great
Developer: Ivy Road
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Genre: Adventure
Modes: Single-player
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
Wanderstop is a narrative-driven tea shop management game developed by Ivy Road, a talented team composed of developers behind notable titles like Gone Home, Minecraft, and The Stanley Parable. Published by Annapurna, an indie label known for its focus on innovative storytelling, the game invites you into a whimsical, forest-based tea shop where you’ll step into the shoes of Alta, a once-proud warrior now struggling with burnout. After a series of defeats, Alta collapses in the forest, only to wake up in a mysterious clearing, taken in by Boro, a gentle giant who runs a tea shop.
The game’s premise is simple but profound. Instead of focusing on battle or action, you help Alta slow down and find balance in a world that’s no longer as straightforward as it once seemed. Wanderstop focuses on small, quiet moments, offering an cozy and relaxing experience. While Alta’s story of self-discovery and recovery unfolds, you’ll find yourself immersed in tea-making and gardening, crafting potions and tending to plants in a setting where the stakes are refreshingly low.
At its core, Wanderstop delivers an exploration of personal growth. Alta’s journey isn’t about defeating enemies or conquering impossible odds but about taking a step back, reflecting on one’s self-worth, and connecting with others. It’s a rare experience where the focus isn’t on fast-paced gameplay but rather on pacing your actions and finding peace in the process.
The game excels not only in its mechanics but in its writing and overall atmosphere. Through subtle yet poignant moments, it captures the emotional toll of burnout in ways that few games have attempted. With its charming art, a soothing soundtrack by C418, and a focus on self-care, Wanderstop offers a relaxing experience with emotional depth. It’s a journey about finding balance—and maybe, just maybe, learning to take things slow.
In Wanderstop, the story follows Alta, a warrior who has built her identity around her undefeated streak in battle. However, after a series of unexpected defeats, she begins to feel the weight of exhaustion and loss of strength, which shatters her self-confidence. The once powerful fighter struggles to even lift her sword, marking the beginning of her journey away from a life defined by constant combat. In search of answers, Alta ventures into the forest to find Master Winters, a legendary figure who may hold the key to restoring her strength. But, just as she nears her goal, exhaustion takes over, and she collapses, awakening in a forest clearing.
Here, Alta is found by Boro, a towering, yet kind-hearted man who runs a quaint tea shop. Rather than rushing Alta back into battle, Boro suggests she slow down and take refuge in his peaceful environment. He offers her a place to stay and work, allowing her to recover both physically and emotionally. What begins as a reluctant stay turns into a healing journey, as Alta grapples with her own sense of worth and identity.
The story isn’t just about regaining physical strength, but rather about learning to accept one's limitations and embrace the process of recovery. Through everyday interactions in the tea shop, Alta gradually opens up, discovering new ways to care for herself and others. The characters she meets, each with their quirks and own struggles, help her realize that healing is a slow, often messy process. The game offers no grand moments of sudden revelation but focuses instead on small acts of kindness, self-reflection, and personal growth.
Wanderstop masterfully balances emotional depth with light-hearted moments, never pushing too hard but letting the narrative unfold naturally. The dialogue is rich with wit, honesty, and warmth, reflecting Alta’s journey as she learns to slow down and find peace. By the end of the game, you will have experienced not just Alta’s transformation, but also your own understanding of the importance of taking life at a gentler pace.
In Wanderstop, gameplay revolves around managing a whimsical tea shop, where your tasks range from growing ingredients to brewing tea for a variety of quirky customers. The game introduces these mechanics in a gradual, low-pressure way, ensuring that you’re never rushed. There’s a sense of freedom here, allowing you to explore at your own pace without the stress of time constraints or failure.
Your journey begins with tending to the garden, where you grow ingredients for the tea. The planting mechanics are based on a hexagonal grid, and different seed combinations can lead to hybrid plants, encouraging experimentation. I found myself spending a lot of time trying to figure out the best patterns for new plants, and honestly, it became a relaxing, almost meditative experience. You can’t rush the process, and that’s exactly the point. Whether you’re waiting for a plant to grow or gathering tea leaves from the outskirts of the clearing, there’s no pressure to complete tasks quickly.
Once you have your ingredients, it’s time to brew tea. The tea-making process itself is an elaborate series of steps. You must climb a ladder to pour water, use bellows to adjust the temperature, and carefully add the ingredients into a large contraption. At first, it can feel a bit overwhelming, but the game allows you to learn at your own pace. The soothing rhythm of the process is rewarding, especially when you finally nail the perfect tea blend for a guest. I remember one moment where I successfully made a complicated tea order for a customer, and it felt like such a small victory that I couldn't help but smile.
As the game progresses, more customers with unique requests arrive, each adding variety to the gameplay. Some guests might want a specific tea, while others may challenge you to think outside the box. You’re encouraged to experiment with different combinations, and there’s a real joy in seeing what works. While the tea-making itself can become a little repetitive, the charming world and simple, yet satisfying, mechanics make it easy to overlook.
There’s also an underlying narrative element to the gameplay. Alta’s growth isn’t just about mastering the tea-making process, but also about learning to slow down and appreciate life’s little moments. The game encourages you to take breaks, tidy up the shop, and simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. This laid-back pace is integral to Wanderstop’s appeal, and it’s the perfect antidote to more fast-paced games.
Wanderstop’s presentation is a feast for the eyes and ears, perfectly matching the game's cozy tone. The visuals are bright, with soft, warm colours that create a welcoming atmosphere in the forest clearing. The art style is whimsical and charming, drawing you into its world without overwhelming your senses. Each element of the environment, from the trees to the little tea shop, feels lovingly designed. The character designs also shine, with each quirky guest contributing to the game’s relaxed yet inviting aesthetic.
One of the standout features is the attention to detail in the world around you. The forest is alive with little creatures and subtle animations that make it feel like a real, thriving place. I found myself admiring the small things, like how the plants grow and change over time, or the puffins who occasionally wander around and follow you, bringing joy to even the most mundane tasks. It’s clear that the developers put a lot of care into making the world feel cohesive and full of life.
The tea-making contraption is another remarkable feature, offering a fun, interactive way to prepare tea. While it’s intricate and might feel complex at first, the process is visually engaging and incredibly satisfying once you get the hang of it. Watching the water boil, seeing the ingredients swirl together in the pitcher, and finally serving the tea gives you a sense of accomplishment that’s deeply rewarding.
In terms of performance, Wanderstop runs smoothly without any noticeable issues. The load times are minimal, and I didn’t encounter any glitches or technical hiccups during my time with the game. The soundtrack, composed by C418, complements the tranquil vibe with its soft, ambient melodies. The music never feels intrusive, instead blending perfectly with the atmosphere and becoming a soothing backdrop to the game's pacing. I even found myself listening to the soundtrack outside the game, which is a testament to its quality.
Overall, Wanderstop’s presentation excels in creating a peaceful, visually appealing experience. The combination of colourful art, charming animations, and a soothing soundtrack makes it easy to get lost in its world, encouraging you to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
The Verdict
Wanderstop is a charming, relaxing game that blends soothing tea-making gameplay with a heartfelt story about recovery and self-care. Its simple mechanics and whimsical world encourage you to slow down, while its thoughtful narrative tackles themes of burnout and self-worth. The calming art and soundtrack create an immersive atmosphere, and though the repetitive tasks can feel predictable at times, the game’s pace ensures they remain enjoyable. Wanderstop is a perfect escape for anyone looking to unwind and reflect, offering a heartwarming, emotional experience that stays with you long after you’ve finished.Final Score: 8/10 - Great
Wanderstop details
Platform: PS5, PCDeveloper: Ivy Road
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Genre: Adventure
Modes: Single-player
A key was provided by the publisher.