Stardew Valley Meets Studio Ghibli in Gorgeous New RPG

For those within the Northern Hemisphere, autumn is finally upon us; it’s time to enjoy our favourite cosy activities.

Gaming most definitely ticks that box and whilst we enjoy it all year round, it just hits differently when you’re snuggled up with a blanket, a warm cup of tea, as your fairy lights or a nearby candle illuminate those increasingly dark evenings.

I’d argue though that not all games boast the same levels of cosiness, but Little Witch in the Woods is one that’s high up on the roster.

Developed and published by Sunny Side Up, Little Witch in the Woods previously launched in early access but is actually available in full from today, 15 September, on Steam.

This adorable life sim meets RPG follows the story of Ellie who’s an apprentice witch.

She moves to a mystical forest, establishing a new life there as she befriends the area’s charming residents whilst fulfilling her daily witch duties.

Boasting gorgeous pixel-art graphics, there’s definitely a feeling of Stardew Valley here - especially as the two games share a similar formula.

The magical elements though would feel perfectly at home in one of the works of Studio Ghibli; Kiki’s Deliver Service, perhaps?

Within the game, your daily tasks include brewing potions, fishing, collecting, decorating, exploring new regions, and “bonding with cats”, the latter perhaps being the most important activity of all.

You’ll be able to explore the game’s world atop your broom, meeting creatures that reside everywhere from caves to clifftops and lakes, as you seek to fill up your Witch’s Book.

Those potions I mentioned are very important, helping you to solve problems, open new paths, and unearth treasures.

Witch House is the locale you’ll call home which you can decorate as you see fit using the items you find on your travels.

As I mentioned, the game has departed early access today which means the full story is now available to enjoy, so it may be worth a return to Little Witch in the Woods if you’ve already given it a go.

That’s not all that’s new as the full release also brings a new area in the form of StarSea Cave, expands the village, adds new exploration rewards, four new villagers, five new cats, and new furniture.

What’s more, ‘Gathered Memories, Blossoming Excitement’ is a major update set to land in Q1 of 2026, followed by an unnamed free DLC in late 2026.

And if you don’t want to listen to my testimony, just glance at the reviews which sit at ‘Very Positive’ on Steam.

Little Witch in the Woods is available on Steam and Xbox Series X/S but remains in early access on Xbox.