It's cozy, but not too cozy, pastel and sweet without overdoing it, and we've already spent a few hours there. This game is Grimoire Groves, the latest creation from Swiss studio Stardust, available since March 4, 2025 on Steam. A colorful dungeon crawler with the allure of a fairy tale that beneath its bright colors hides surprisingly dynamic and tough gameplay. A refreshing sweetness in the current video game landscape.
A magical forest in peril
In Grimoire Groves, you play as Primrose, a young apprentice witch full of goodwill, but not necessarily brilliant. Your main mission is to restore a magical garden abandoned by your mentor, the respectable Lavender, and to restore balance in the enchanted forest. The concept is simple, but effective, and serves as a backdrop for a beautiful adventure about learning and friendship.
The forest is in danger. Magical creatures are disappearing, and the ancient spirits no longer respond to your calls for help. It is in this context that your journey begins, guided by the spirit of your grandmother who teaches you the basics of magic and introduces you to the mysteries of a fragile ecosystem.
Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, but not only
Behind its airs of a cozy game that gives pride of place to gardening and magical plants, Grimoire Groves hides its game well. If the title obviously promises to please fans of Stardew Valley, Fae Farm and Animal Crossing, the adventures of Primrose contain a real action game, which does not deny its roguelite inspirations. The cuteness is quickly forgotten, in favor of a classic dungeon crawler. The fact remains that instead of fighting hordes of monsters, you water plants with spells to make them germinate and harvest precious ingredients.
The developers have provided several distinct spells to diversify the experience, giving you the possibility to create puddles of water, to blow a violent gust of wind on the creatures that threaten you, or to make a giant flower appear.
A captivating artistic direction
One of the strengths of Grimoire Groves lies in its careful aesthetic, which will delight lovers of cozy games. The game unfolds a pastel-colored universe populated by adorable creatures, contributing to the feeling of plenitude that reigns behind the screen. An interactive tale that you won't tire of, even after several hours of play. Each expedition into the enchanted forest allows you to improve your skills and discover new spells, creating an addictive loop capable of making you travel again and again.
Price and availability
Grimoire Groves has been available on Steam since March 4, 2025, at a price of €19.50. Whether you're a fan of fast-paced dungeon crawlers or a fan of more relaxing atmospheres, the game could well be the gem of our month of March that reconciles these two opposing genres.
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