If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, immersive experience that blends strategy, simulation, and a touch of cozy charm, Of Life and Land is calling your name. Launched on May 16, 2025, this indie gem from developer Kerzoven and publisher Metaroot has officially left Steam Early Access, and it’s already making waves in the indie gaming scene. Let’s dive into what makes this settlement-building strategy game so special, explore its addictive gameplay loop, and see what players are saying about it on Steam.
What Is Of Life and Land?
Picture this: you’re tasked with leading a group of villagers to build thriving settlements in untamed, vibrant wilderness. Of Life and Land is a settlement-building strategy game with a deep ecological simulation twist. Unlike your typical city-builder, this indie game weaves a complex web of interdependence between humans, animals, and nature. Every plant, animal, and villager has a role in the ecosystem, and your job is to balance expansion with harmony.
Previously known as Circle of Kerzoven, the game’s full 1.0 release introduces a new historical scenario, the Counts of Lenzburg, along with fresh buildings, decorations, and quality-of-life improvements. With a charming low-poly art style and a dynamic world that responds to seasons and climates, it’s no wonder this indie title is turning heads.
The Gameplay Loop: A Delicate Dance with Nature
The heart of Of Life and Land lies in its intricate gameplay loop, which feels like a refreshing blend of Manor Lords, RimWorld, and Minecraft—but with its own unique flavor. Here’s how it works:
- Build and Expand: You start by placing buildings and assigning jobs to your villagers. From gathering resources to constructing homes, every decision shapes your settlement. But don’t expect a simple “build and forget” setup—villagers have individual needs like food, water, rest, and warmth, which evolve as your settlement grows.
- Balance the Ecosystem: The game’s deep simulation means every action ripples through the environment. Overhunt, and you might drive animals to extinction. Overharvest, and resources dwindle. Animals search for food and form social groups, while plants grow (or wither) based on seasons and climate. You’ll need to think strategically to avoid tipping the delicate balance.
- Adapt to Seasons and Climate: Weather and seasons aren’t just eye candy—they directly impact gameplay. Plants thrive or die based on the time of year, and villagers need more water in summer or warmth in winter. Extreme conditions can lead to exhaustion or harm, so you’ll need to plan ahead.
- Trade and Explore: As you expand to new regions, you can trade with local factions to secure resources. Each item in the game follows the same crafting rules for players and NPCs, adding a layer of realism. Plus, you can create custom maps with the built-in editor, giving you endless ways to shape your world.
- Set Your Pace: Whether you’re a micromanager or prefer a hands-off approach, the game lets you pause, speed up, or slow down time. This flexibility makes it accessible for both hardcore strategists and players looking for a chill indie experience.
The result? A gameplay loop that’s both challenging and relaxing, with enough depth to keep you hooked for hours. It’s the kind of indie game that rewards thoughtful planning while letting you soak in its cozy, low-poly world.
Steam Feedback: What Are Players Saying?
Since its full release, Of Life and Land has earned a Very Positive rating on Steam, with 87-88% of 144-150 user reviews singing its praises. Players are raving about its unique blend of city-building and ecological simulation, calling it a “charming and calm” experience with “a lot of room to grow.”
With Early Access feedback shaping its polished 1.0 release, the community seems optimistic about future updates, especially given the developer’s mod support and map editor.
Why Of Life and Land Is a Must-Play Indie Game
In a crowded indie game market, Of Life and Land stands out for its thoughtful blend of strategy, simulation, and environmental storytelling. It’s perfect for players who love diving into complex systems while enjoying a relaxed, visually pleasing experience. The game’s modability, map editor, and deep simulation make it a sandbox dream for creative gamers, while its cozy aesthetic appeals to anyone craving a break from high-octane titles.
Priced at $24.99 (with a 40% launch discount on May 16, 2025), it’s an accessible entry point for indie game enthusiasts. Plus, it’s Steam Deck compatible, though you might need a community controller layout for the best experience.
Final Thoughts: Should You Play Of Life and Land?
If you’re a fan of indie games like Banished, Timberborn, or Frostpunk, Of Life and Land is absolutely worth adding to your Steam library. Its unique ecological focus, combined with a satisfying gameplay loop and glowing initial feedback, makes it a standout in the 2025 indie landscape. Whether you’re meticulously managing villager workloads or watching deer nibble at your crops, this game offers a delightful mix of challenge and charm.
Ready to build your own wilderness empire? Head over to Steam to grab Of Life and Land and join the growing community of cozy city-builders.