Demo Now Available: Explore the Cozy Crafting World of Squirreled Away on Steam

There’s no shortage of games where you step into the shoes of a human character, but how often do you get to become a critter instead? We’ve seen charming animal protagonists in games like Stray and Little Kitty, Big City. Now, an indie game on the horizon invites you to experience life from the perspective of the whimsical squirrel. Squirreled Away is a delightful crafting platformer that strips away the pressures of traditional survival games. Instead, it lets you enjoy simple pleasures like washing your tiny paws, scaling a tree, or having a chat with your woodland neighbors.

While Squirreled Away borrows elements from the survival genre — for instance, you gather materials and create a cozy home — it doesn’t bring along the usual stress or dangers, aside maybe from the odd grumpy pitbull. The real challenge is in mastering the platforming and parkour aspects as you zip across the trees, collecting materials for your treetop haven. The folks at Far Seas describe it as a “craft-and-thrive” adventure, offering a fresh twist in a genre that’s seen it all.

Your squirrel protagonist isn’t going it alone, either. They’re surrounded by an endearing cast of animal friends, each with their own tales and quests. Along the journey, I made friends with some fellow squirrels, a wise turtle, and even had a nice exchange with a seagull. Squirreled Away fits snugly into the cozy game niche, with every detail lovingly made to envelop you in warmth and charm.

You can even team up with friends for some co-op action, where up to four squirrel pals can join forces to create their own tiny woodland kingdom.

Stepping into the world of squirrels, the game takes a few liberties for the sake of exploration fun. While I doubt squirrels dabble in industrial pursuits, this furry hero crafts tiny tools that gradually become more complex, including a nifty set of wings for gliding effortlessly between treetops.

For those eager to dive in, a demo of Squirreled Away is up on Steam, providing a taste of what’s to come. Though there isn’t a release date just yet, I’ll be eagerly watching its progress. After all, I’m more than ready for a break from chopping trees and smashing rocks in other games. Becoming a swift little squirrel, clambering up trees, and munching on acorns offers a refreshing change of pace.