Strange Horticulture, a narrative-driven puzzle game known for its botanical mysteries, is currently available at no cost for a limited time on the Epic Games Store. The game places players in the unusual setting of a plant shop in the fictional town of Undermere, where customers bring partial plant descriptions that challenge the player’s investigative skills. Set in an alternative version of England’s Lake District, the story develops as players learn to identify unique plants and interact with a variety of eccentric shop visitors. With a sequel on the way, the renewed interest in Strange Horticulture aligns closely with increased community discussion about narrative detective games.
Strange Horticulture made notable headlines on its original release in 2022, especially due to its distinctive gameplay loop and influential design inspired by botanical literature. Other reports emphasized the game’s critical acclaim, with reviewers highlighting its rich atmosphere and replay value. While early coverage focused mainly on the challenging plant identification mechanics and branching storylines, the current attention is heightened by its temporary free status and the anticipation for the upcoming sequel, Strange Antiquities. Past mentions of the developer’s history with Flash games are also being revisited, as the team’s journey continues to interest longtime puzzle game enthusiasts.
How Does Strange Horticulture Play Out?
Players step into the shoes of a newcomer plant shop owner, deciphering sparse clues from clients in order to match rare and sometimes dangerous plants with their needs. Each decision not only satisfies a customer but also nudges the larger narrative in different directions, offering a variety of story paths. As the days progress, interactions deepen, secrets of Undermere emerge, and the ramifications of each botanical choice become more pronounced for the shopkeeper and townsfolk alike.
What Inspired Its Unique Direction?
John and Rob Donkin, the developers behind Strange Horticulture, drew inspiration from historical plant encyclopedias and their experiences in the Flash games community. The foundation for the project came after discovering “Breverton’s Complete Herbal,” a book rich in plant lore. According to John Donkin,
“It’s got all these cool plants and they’ve all got these amazing weird properties and uses. Some for I guess witchy things, others more as medicinal things. It’s just so inspiring. We just thought, well, let’s do that, but make them a bit more magical.”
This focus on blending reality with fiction shapes both the game’s content and overall style.
What’s Next for the Series?
The spotlight on Strange Horticulture comes as its sequel, Strange Antiquities, is set for release in September. Unlike the original, the new chapter transitions from the botanical world to that of antique dealing, again in Undermere. The developers promise expanded investigative mechanics, signaling both continuity and evolution for the series’ core audience. The move hints at further exploration of Undermere’s enigmatic environment and the deepening of investigative gameplay.
Strange Horticulture remains notable for its hybridization of plant identification puzzles and branching detective storytelling, while the current free offering aims to introduce new players ahead of the sequel. Those drawn to carefully crafted mysteries and exploration-based mechanics may find both the original and follow-up titles fit their interests. The developers’ shift from Flash games to more expansive narrative projects underscores broader trends within independent game development. For players interested in narrative puzzles with layers of choice and consequence, exploring titles like Strange Horticulture offers both variety and replay potential as its universe expands.
