Developer Novemtails and publisher Assemble Entertainment have announced that the first-person survival simulation game "Living with the Forest" is now available in Early Access on Steam. The game retains survival resource management but removes combat systems, allowing players to explore and manage their homestead in a tranquil forest.
Players need to manage hunger, thirst, energy, and body temperature, sustaining life through gathering, crafting, farming, cooking, as well as building and upgrading cabins. As resources are discovered, tools are upgraded, and knowledge of nature accumulates, players can venture deeper into the forest.
Photography is also tied to progression and exploration. Players can photograph animals and natural landscapes, gradually completing a collection album similar to a wildlife guide, and unlock new discoveries by interacting with different species and earning their trust. Domesticated animals include chickens and sheep, providing resources like eggs and wool for cooking, crafting, and decoration.
The developers stated that the game recently featured on the Steam homepage during the Next Fest, surpassing 50,000 wishlists, with 11,000 added during the event. The team has also improved tutorials, controls, settings, inventory, and storage systems based on feedback. The current version remains a work in progress, with the team aiming to release the full 1.0 version in 2027, though no specific date has been announced.