If you’ve ever dreamed of running your own supermarket, stocking shelves, and raking in profits, then Better Mart might just be your new obsession. Developed and published by Exanticx Studio, the game dropped on Steam just a few days ago on May 16, 2025, and it’s already making waves in the management sim community. Let’s break down what Better Mart is all about, how it plays, and what early players are saying about it.
A Quick Overview of Better Mart
Better Mart is a dynamic management sim with a sprinkle of indie charm, where you get to create, customize, and grow the supermarket of your dreams. It’s all about blending strategy with creativity—you’re not just running a store; you’re designing it from the ground up. Released for PC on Steam, this game puts you in the driver’s seat of a retail empire, challenging you to attract customers, outsmart competitors, and keep those shelves stocked.
Exanticx Studio has leaned into giving players total freedom, which makes every playthrough feel personal and unique. Whether you’re a fan of sims like Two Point Hospital or just love the idea of building something from scratch, Better Mart has a lot to offer.
Gameplay: Stock, Strategize, and Succeed
So, what’s it like to actually play Better Mart? Picture this: you start with an empty space, and it’s up to you to turn it into a bustling supermarket. You can switch between first-person and third-person views, which makes it feel immersive whether you’re placing products or walking the aisles yourself. The core gameplay revolves around designing your store’s layout—think arranging aisles, optimizing customer flow, and making sure everything looks inviting. You’ll need to keep an eye on market trends, adjust prices, and manage stock to stay ahead of the competition.
What I love is how much control you have. Want to create a quirky store with neon signs and a candy aisle that’s bigger than the produce section? Go for it. Prefer a sleek, minimalist vibe? That works too. The game mixes fun with strategy, so you’re not just decorating—you’re also making tough calls to maximize profits. There’s even an online co-op, so you can team up with friends to run your store together, which adds a whole new layer of chaos and fun. It’s still in early access, so there’s more to come, but the sandbox vibe already feels super engaging.
Initial Reception on Steam: What Are Players Saying?
Since its release a few days ago, Better Mart has been getting a warm welcome on Steam, though it’s not without a few hiccups. Players are loving the freedom to design their stores—many have called it “addictive” and praised how satisfying it is to see their supermarket come to life. The mix of casual sim elements with deeper management strategy has been a hit, especially for fans of the genre.
One player on Steam mentioned, “I’ve already sunk 10 hours into this, and I’m obsessed with perfecting my store layout!” The co-op mode is also getting some love, with players enjoying the teamwork aspect of running a virtual business.
That said, since it’s in early access, some folks have pointed out a few bugs and rough edges. A common critique is that the UI can feel a bit clunky, and a few players have mentioned wanting more variety in products and customer interactions. Exanticx Studio seems to be listening, though—they’ve already posted on Steam about upcoming updates to address feedback. Overall, the initial reception is positive, with a lot of excitement about the game’s potential as it grows. It’s sitting at a “Mostly Positive” rating on Steam right now, which is a solid start for an indie title in early access.
Final Thoughts
Better Mart is a delightful indie sim that’s perfect for anyone who loves building and managing their own little world. Its mix of creative freedom and strategic depth makes it a great pick for fans of management games, and the co-op feature adds a fun twist. While it’s still in early access and has some kinks to work out, the foundation is strong, and it’s clear Exanticx Studio has big plans for its future. If you’re curious, you can grab it on Steam—there’s even a 10% discount right now!