Epic Games is giving away an occult puzzle game this week called – “Strange Horticulture”.
Strange Horticulture is an indie game that places you in the role of a horticulturist in the eerie town of Undermere. This occult puzzle game blends detective work with botany, creating an unforgettable experience. You inherit a shop called Strange Horticulture from your late uncle, and soon, you’re caught in a web of mysteries involving cults, witches, and a dark entity known as the Woken Dendrew.
Gameplay: Solving Puzzles with Plants
The heart of Strange Horticulture lies in its unique gameplay. You spend most of your time behind the shop counter, identifying plants for customers using a dusty encyclopedia called The Strange Book of Plants. Customers come with vague requests, like wanting a plant with red flowers or one that cures a specific ailment. You’ll drag plants from your shelves, examine them with a magnifying glass, and cross-reference details like leaf shape or scent with your book. It’s like being a detective, but instead of clues at a crime scene, you’re studying petals and stems.
As you correctly identify plants, you unlock new pages in the book, expanding your collection of nearly 80 unique plants. Some have magical properties, like hypnotic hallucinogens or deadly poisons, which let you influence the game’s branching storyline. For example, you might choose to give a hunter a plant that strengthens or weakens them, affecting their fate in a battle against a dark creature. The game also features a grid-based map where you decode clues to explore new locations and find rare plants. This exploration, paired with an alchemy system introduced later, keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
A World of Mystery and Ambiance
Set in the hauntingly beautiful town of Undermere, surrounded by hag-infested forests and rugged mountains, the game’s atmosphere is a standout feature. The art style, with its gothic, hand-drawn plants and severe-looking characters, feels like stepping into a Victorian mystery novel. The constant sound of rain and the purring of your shop cat, Hellebore, create a cozy yet eerie vibe. Critics have praised this immersive quality, with Polygon noting how easy it is to “become engrossed in this world” and PC Gamer calling it “the best detective game in years.” The tactile interface—dragging plants, flipping book pages, and organizing your desk—makes every action feel personal and satisfying.
Choices That Shape the Story
What sets Strange Horticulture apart is its branching narrative. Your choices, made through the plants you provide, shape the fates of characters like Bethany Coleman, a member of a nature-worshipping sisterhood, or Ennis Aleford, a hermit from a mysterious cult. With at least eight different endings, the game encourages replaying to explore new paths. Whether you side with a cult or help banish a dark entity, each decision feels weighty. The story, while sometimes thin on deeper lore, weaves a compelling mystery that unfolds through customer interactions and cryptic letters.
Conclusion
Strange Horticulture is a gem for anyone who loves puzzles, mysteries, or a touch of the occult. Its blend of plant identification, detective work, and a haunting narrative creates a unique gaming experience. Whether you’re petting Hellebore, decoding map clues, or deciding the fate of Undermere’s residents, the game pulls you into its strange and wonderful world. If you’re ready to tend a shop full of mystical plants and unravel dark secrets, Strange Horticulture is a must-play.
Claim the Giveaway
In order to claim the giveaway game, you can visit Epic Games store webpage https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/strange-horticulture-360e80, login to your Epic Games account and then click on the Get button. You will have to use Epic Games Launcher in order to download and install it.