The Herdling Steam Next Fest Demo is Fluffy, Relaxing, and Beautiful

The opening sequence of Herdling feels out of place for a game where you’ll be herding large beasts. But only at first. The game opens in a gloomy, run-down section of a city. The passage of time and lack of repair have taken a toll, and there’s an instant feel for where you are. The melancholy music adds to the atmosphere of gloom, though there’s a hint of hope in it.

The player’s character is found sleeping in a tunnel under the roadway. The character is wearing a hooded jacket and doesn’t have any specific gendered traits. So you are left to imagine them however you like. After they wake and stand up, you’re prompted to use WASD to move.

The game doesn’t have a tutorial in the usual sense. But it does tell you what to do as you go. And you can view the controls through the menu if you need a reminder. The controls are simple and easy to remember.

When you leave the tunnel, the music stops, and there’s only the sound of a car alarm from an overturned car. There is no dialogue. So there’s no explanation for what has happened here. There are abandoned vehicles, boxes, bags of trash, and garbage clutter everywhere. The gloominess of it has a kind of hopelessness until you find the first creature. It has a large bucket stuck on its head, and you have to help it.

After interacting with the bucket, I didn’t see the stick on the ground at first. This is where you learn to look for glittering, glowing objects. Once freed, you tame the Calicorn, and you have the start of your herd. The game tells you how to direct the creature (you do so from behind it instead of leading from in front), then you’re off to explore and make your way out of the city.

How Are the Controls?

Video of Herdling courtesy of the Panic channel

It’s nice that the controls are simple and but directing the herd does take some practice. As you go, the game provides more options, like telling them to stampede or to stop completely. The character is directing them using the big stick they found, and it seems to provide some kind of magic for giving the Calicorns instructions.

After playing for a little bit, directing them became easier. But it’s tricky. They don’t always go exactly the way you thought they would. It’s a little frustrating, but not enough to detract from the overall gameplay. Most likely, spending more time playing will make it easier. We didn’t play it for a long time.

What About the Gameplay?

This one may fit into the Cozy category with its fluffy beasts, rolling landscape, and gentle music to guide the mood. The discovery of each new little Calicorn was a sweet surprise, especially when the first one refuses to move on until you’ve rescued the little one. Without guidance, you’re left to discover, interacting with glowing objects on your own. But it’s clear that you should approach things that glow. They stand out in the subdued colors of the environment.

The story here is one of your own mind. Seeing the occasional car, signs of farming, and even a train raised questions, but there aren’t any other people to be seen. So, what’s happened is a mystery. It’s just you and the herd of animals you’re guiding. Run them through blue flowers, pick up fruits to feed them (E button), push obstacles out of the way (with their help), and you keep moving forward towards the distant mountains.

The environment is beautiful in a very subdued way. The music, so far, is relaxing, and there’s no sense of having to rush. This is a game where you can explore the environment without feeling like you have to hurry on to complete the next quest. There is no quest. Just guide the animals and look around you.

When Will Herdling Be Released?

The Steam page for Herdling says 2025. So there isn’t a specific date. But it’s on my Wishlist now, and I’ll be watching for updates. If you’re looking for something with heart and a cozy exploratory feel, Herdling is one to look at.