Valheim Meets Princess Mononoke in Stunning Ghibli Inspired Open-World RPG

An upcoming open-world RPG that looks like a mix of Valheim and Studio Ghibli is hitting Steam in the near future, and we can’t wait.

Of Peaks and Tides from CyancookGames combines the online open-world multiplayer shenanigans of Valheim with the stunning worlds seen in Ghibli films like Princess Mononoke and Castle in the Sky.

The game is set in an ancient land that has been shaped by magic and destroyed by the gods, where you must work together to rebuild the mortal realm. The world shifts with your every move, and you must use your abilities to change everything.

Of Peaks and Tides weaves Eastern Mythology into its world design, using real-world history and storytelling to flesh it all out. Obviously there’s a massive fantasy element to that, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be grounded in real folklore.

It’s very much about emphasising player freedom here, where you craft items and weapons to help you reforge civilisation.

As CyancookGames reveals, you “tame wild creatures, build bonds, and turn them into your most loyal partners. Clear land, adapt to the world, and raise life from the forest, soil, and everything in between.

“Build a home to anchor your survival. Every plant and creature has its own growth patterns and needs. Only by understanding them — and working alongside your beasts — can you truly thrive on this untamed land. Nature won't help you. Bend it to your will.”

Of Peaks and Tides, Credit / Cyancook Games

What we think

We saw Of Peaks and Tides at Gamescom earlier this year, where Kate wrote that it was “a tad janky in practice, both in terms of its animations and overall fidelity, when compared to its trailer but I’m not going to let too much concern take hold here. The title isn’t due to release until next year, so developers have plenty of time to optimise the game.

“Undoubtedly, however, Of Peaks and Tides is packed with potential. I struggle to commit to a sentiment beyond that as I sampled such a limited offering and this obviously isn’t anywhere near a final build. But I can say that Of Peaks and Tides has at least sold me on its vision and I’ll take great interest in seeing whether that vision is ultimately realised.”

Of Peaks and Tides is still a ways off, and doesn’t have a release date yet. It’s supposed to be out next year, but CyancookGames has not confirmed when this will be. And for the time being, the expected release date on its Steam store page says “to be announced”.