Currently still in its alpha build, upcoming game Roots of Pacha shows us what Stardew Valley would be like if you were living as a caveman.
Since its successful Kickstarter campaign, backers have been able to play an early build of prehistoric farming simulator Roots Of Pacha, and things are looking positive. Going back to absolute basics instead of using an axe or shovel to gather materials, everything must be thought of from scratch or done by using your hands.
While the graphical style and village life appear to borrow heavily from Eric Barone's break out farming sim Stardew Valley, which in turn took elements from the Harvest Moon series, Roots Of Pacha is clearly trying in ways to carve its own path. There also seems to be cooking involved serving up stews in stone bowls, and rideable mounts such as llamas and a very speedy ostrich.
Not only this but things such as the fishing mini-game and item storage have all changed to match the by hand aesthetic. There is still crafting of course but there is also an emphasis on trading items and secrets with your fellow tribe members. While Stardew Valley mods will let you get machines to do the work for you, Roots Of Pacha goes right back to the beginning.
Root's of Pacha's official website says that it's "a co-op farming and life simulation game set in the stone age, where you and your clan just settled in a promised and fertile land. By connecting with nature at your own pace you’ll help your clan evolve, develop culture and relationships, and discover the mysteries of Pacha, mother nature."
No official release date has been given beyond 2022. While the Kickstater estimated a April release, updates have suggested it is likely to be nearer the end of the year.
If Roots Of Pacha intrigues you, check out these 15 other games like Stardew Valley which are sure to scratch your farming sim itch.
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more
I'm GamesRadar's news editor, working with the team to deliver breaking news from across the industry. I started my journalistic career while getting my degree in English Literature at the University of Warwick, where I also worked as Games Editor on the student newspaper, The Boar. Since then, I've run the news sections at PCGamesN and Kotaku UK, and also regularly contributed to PC Gamer. As you might be able to tell, PC is my platform of choice, so you can regularly find me playing League of Legends or Steam's latest indie hit.