Roots of Pacha

Even amidst the farming sim renaissance, Roots of Pacha cultivates a charming, community-driven vision of the Stone Age that’s endlessly satisfying and always enchanting.

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In "Roots of Pacha," players discover, gather, and farm vegetables, herbs, and animals while exploring a primitive world. They develop tools, invent buildings, and learn to process food, mine resources, and explore caves. The playable clan forms friendships, overcomes hardships, and grows its village by inviting others to join, creating a unique and personalized experience.

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Play Modes

Reviews

80%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,616 reviews

gameplay104 positive mentions

grinding628 negative mentions

Roots of Pacha offers a unique twist on the farming sim genre, set in a prehistoric context that enhances the gameplay experience.
The game features a charming art style, engaging music, and a vibrant community of NPCs that contribute to a sense of immersion.
The mechanics of taming animals and the idea system for community progression provide a refreshing change from traditional farming games.

The game can feel slow-paced and lacks depth in character development, making it difficult to form strong connections with NPCs.
Fishing and some mini-games can become tedious, leading to a repetitive gameplay experience.
The progression system may feel unbalanced, with farming and animal products often yielding less contribution points compared to fishing.

grinding
632 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
99 % negative mentions
The reviews for "grinding" in *Roots of Pacha* highlight a mixed experience; while some players find the game engaging and rewarding with its unique mechanics and community-building aspects, others feel that certain tasks can become tedious and repetitive over time. Many appreciate the relaxed pace and the absence of combat, which allows for a more enjoyable farming experience, though some note that the farming aspect may not yield as much profit compared to other activities like fishing. Overall, the game is seen as a refreshing addition to the farming sim genre, balancing grind with a sense of accomplishment and exploration.
- “The mechanics of the game are easy and not too grindy (compared to SOS: A Wonderful Life, HM: Light of Hope).”
- “The town simulation half is just as important as the farm simulation half, as it is where you'll be spending the majority of your time when you aren't farming or exploring.”
- “All of the things I loved about Stardew Valley without all of the things I disliked about it (i.e. no farming in winter and all the fighting).”
- “It's all very grindy but it's an interesting grind with a sense of accomplishment as you watch your clan develop.”
- “I wanted so badly to like it more than I did, I just keep telling myself to push through and eventually, I would have more fun once I got past some of the more grindy parts but that moment never came for me.”
- “Farming in this game felt pointless.”
gameplay
311 mentions
33 % positive mentions
63 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Roots of Pacha" is characterized by its blend of familiar farming sim mechanics, reminiscent of titles like "Stardew Valley," while introducing unique features such as community contributions, animal taming, and a focus on clan development. Players appreciate the intuitive mechanics, charming visuals, and the relaxing pace, although some find the fishing and certain mini-games less engaging. Overall, the game offers a satisfying and immersive experience with a strong emphasis on community and progression, making it a noteworthy entry in the farming simulation genre.
- “The gameplay is fun, and overall it's a very charming game so far.”
- “Overall, this is an excellent entry into the farming sim genre with lots of innovative mechanics coming into play.”
- “The mechanics are familiar enough to be soothing, but the theme is fresh and adds a fun new twist to the genre.”
- “Add this on top of the monotonous gameplay, snoozefest!”
- “Didn't feel like I had a proper tutorial to introduce me to various game mechanics, and instead was thrown into the vast open world where it seemed like I was unlocking more and more without being guided on what to do.”
- “If you hate really slow and forced dragged out gameplay, that's it really.”
story
302 mentions
31 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The story of "Roots of Pacha" is engaging and community-driven, set in a charming prehistoric world where players contribute to village life while uncovering unique character backstories and tribal lore. While the main storyline is relatively short and follows a predictable pattern, it is enriched by optional dialogues and quests that enhance the sense of belonging within the community. Overall, the narrative is well-crafted, offering a delightful blend of farming mechanics and storytelling that keeps players invested, despite some critiques about repetitiveness and a lack of depth in certain character arcs.
- “The characters have so much depth and personality, the storyline is fantastic, the art is beautiful, and I love that you actually have an impact on the world.”
- “Roots of Pacha is a delightful stone age nod to Stardew Valley, and a wonderful story about people coming together past differences and making a better life for everyone.”
- “The story is original, engaging, and interesting, with a lovely feel to it.”
- “The quests are extremely repetitive and dull - go talk to this NPC > gather something > talk to that NPC again > wait a few days > tada you have achieved something!”
- “There's practically no story to speak of. No ongoing plot of any kind.”
- “The story at this point is a bit barebones, especially the 'conflict' between two neighboring tribes that isn't entirely clear, but maybe the story and conflict will have more depth near endgame.”
music
146 mentions
53 % positive mentions
45 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread praise for its soothing and catchy qualities, enhancing the overall cozy atmosphere. Players appreciate the diverse soundtracks that change with different areas and seasons, as well as the engaging music mini-games used for taming animals. While some noted occasional repetitiveness, the overall sentiment is that the music significantly contributes to the game's charm and enjoyment.
- “The music creates such a chill atmosphere, and each area of the game has different versions of the main season music that plays, complementing the gameplay overall.”
- “The soundtrack is beautiful, the graphics and character designs are adorable, and the story is just delightful.”
- “The music is fantastic! The art is so wonderful, and the music you can't help but bop to as you run around.”
- “I so badly wanted to like this game because the art style and music is reminiscent of Stardew Valley and a typical farming sim; however, I found myself getting bored very quickly.”
- “It was quite cute at first, but I realized that it's the same songs over and over, and you have to do it so much too, so it eventually felt tedious.”
- “Also can't turn down the music for the stupid flute taming activity, so I have to turn it all down.”
graphics
127 mentions
54 % positive mentions
43 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming and cute pixel art style, reminiscent of cozy indie titles like Stardew Valley, which many players find endearing and visually appealing. While some critiques mention a lack of depth in certain areas, the overall aesthetic, including character designs and environments, is praised for its uniqueness and ability to create a cozy atmosphere. The combination of beautiful artwork and engaging gameplay contributes to a delightful experience for fans of the farming sim genre.
- “The art style is pleasing, and I love how unique it is compared to other farming sims.”
- “The graphics are beautiful, and the gameplay is relaxing yet engaging.”
- “With its charming visuals, intuitive mechanics, and the inclusion of lively villagers and other captivating features, it offers an enjoyable journey for fans of relaxing adventures.”
- “The graphic and animation are revolting.”
- “I don't mind pixel or retro art style, but somehow I cannot vibe with this game.”
- “I so badly wanted to like this game because the art style and music is reminiscent of Stardew Valley and a typical farming sim; however, I found myself getting bored very quickly.”
emotional
36 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is overwhelmingly positive, with players describing it as heartwarming, cozy, and incredibly wholesome. Many reviewers highlight the sense of community and connection with characters, comparing it favorably to Stardew Valley, and emphasizing its relaxing nature and engaging events. Overall, the game fosters a delightful atmosphere that resonates deeply with players, making them feel valued and part of a charming world.
- “The story is sweet and heartwarming.”
- “You really do feel like you're part of a little family instead of being an outsider - it's really heartwarming.”
- “More than any other game, Roots of Pacha made me feel like part of a little community, rather than the sole point of focus of the community.”
atmosphere
10 mentions
60 % positive mentions
30 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its chill and cozy ambiance, enhanced by a diverse and engaging soundtrack that complements the gameplay. The hand-drawn visuals contribute to a colorful and inviting environment, creating a sense of progression and care from the developers. Overall, players find the atmosphere relaxing and enjoyable, making it a standout feature of the game.
- “The music creates such a chill atmosphere, and each area of the game has different versions of the main season music that plays, which complements the gameplay overall.”
- “The hand-drawn visuals create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that sets a pleasant tone.”
- “Really nice atmosphere; you can really feel how much care the devs put into this.”
- “I think it's the pacing and the atmosphere of the game itself that kills it for me.”
character development
10 mentions
40 % positive mentions
30 % neutral mentions
30 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is primarily conveyed through cut scenes and interactions with a diverse cast of NPCs, particularly those who are romanceable. While the art and music enhance the overall experience, some players feel that the focus on romantic relationships limits the depth of character growth for non-romanceable characters. Overall, the game is praised for its charming character designs and engaging storylines, though some reviewers express concerns about the balance of character development across the cast.
- “This game is also adorable, I love all the NPCs, and the character development is honestly great.”
- “- Diverse cast of townsfolk and marriageable characters with their own character development and storylines.”
- “I'm mainly fixated on this because I think the cut scenes in Stardew were the main forms of character development in my opinion, whether it was romantic or not.”
- “Events are mostly reserved for romanceable characters, and for a game centered around the growth of a village through character development and interaction, I feel this is a large misstep.”
- “I'm mainly fixated on this because I think the cutscenes in Stardew were the main forms of character development in my opinion, whether it was romantic or not.”
- “Overall, I mean the art style is decently cute (there are some character designs I didn't like, but I also didn't like some of the default portraits in Stardew), but I don't think this game is worth it at full price unfortunately.”
optimization
9 mentions
33 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews. While it generally runs smoothly and is enjoyable, users have reported performance issues, particularly stuttering after extensive playtime and a lack of controller optimization. These issues are noted as minor compared to the overall gameplay experience.
- “Otherwise, the game runs smoothly and the storyline is solid, so I'm enjoying playing it.”
- “The game runs smoothly, doesn't crash or stutter.”
- “Though I have pretty much nothing else I would complain about regarding the gameplay loop, setting, music, or mechanics, there are some performance issues on both PC and Steam Deck when you leave the game running for a while.”
- “There are a few aspects that aren't optimized.”
- “The biggest problem I had with it was optimization.”
- “Performance issues after running the game for long periods: though I have pretty much nothing else I would complain about regarding the gameplay loop, setting, music, or mechanics, there are some performance issues on both PC and Steam Deck when you leave the game running for a while.”
humor
8 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is generally well-received, with players appreciating the funny tutorials, quirky character interactions, and delightful cutscenes that contribute to an enjoyable experience. However, some critiques point to a lack of depth in certain character dialogues, which can feel bland and humorless. Overall, the humor adds a charming layer to the gameplay, making it engaging and entertaining.
- “This isn’t a full criticism but there have been hilarious moments when a character has asked me to date them while I am standing next to their own brother that I am in a relationship with.”
- “Great characters and a lovely sense of humor.”
- “Funny thing, I discovered how inclusive the game aimed to be even on the code level, although terms like 'gender' don't quite apply to an ostrich or a mammoth :)”
replayability
5 mentions
60 % positive mentions
-20 % neutral mentions
60 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is viewed as limited, with some players noting a lack of depth compared to titles like Stardew Valley. While the discovery mechanics and potential for different gameplay styles offer some replay value, the static nature of the camp and building slots detracts from the overall experience, leading to a diminished desire to replay after initial playthroughs.
- “It's not as deep or replayable as Stardew Valley, but the tribe and world feel connected. It's great to be building community instead of becoming a tycoon, and I loved the progression mechanics of discovery and domestication.”
- “This is everything I love in a farming game, but the discovery aspect provides replayability --- I'm loving this game.”
- “I feel that if the game is set up to be very amenable to replayability, I see potential in the evolution system to allow for different styles of gameplay and very different farms/camps each playthrough.”
- “I can't see this ever having any replayability.”
- “I feel that the static camp and set slots to build contribute to the lack of replayability pretty significantly, and also reduce the amount of thought you can put into your setup.”
- “I feel that if the game is set up to be very amenable to replayability, and I see potential in the evolution system to allow for different styles of gameplay and very different farms/camps each playthrough, which hasn't quite come through in the 100 or so hours I played - after not-quite finishing once, I didn't feel the desire to replay as I did with Stardew Valley.”
stability
3 mentions
67 % positive mentions
-67 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game runs well on the Steam Deck, providing a smooth experience with only minor visual glitches that do not significantly affect gameplay. The ability to suspend the game at any time compensates for the frustrating lack of save options outside of in-game resting.
- “I have been playing on my Steam Deck and it runs great on it!”
- “It runs great on the Deck; it's honestly the perfect game for it, since you can suspend the game at any time and get around the slightly frustrating lack of a save option outside of going to bed in-game.”
- “There were some visual glitches in places, but nothing that meaningfully impacted gameplay.”
- “The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
- “I experienced constant frame drops and stuttering, which ruined the immersion.”
monetization
2 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of recent cozy/life-sim games has been criticized for leading to a surge of derivative titles and cash grabs that lack the charm and depth of the genre, often resulting in unfinished products from developers who fail to grasp what makes these games appealing.
- “After Stardew took off, every single developer seemed to want a piece of the cozy/life-sim pie, which led to an influx of soulless cash grabs from people who didn't understand what makes these games great and failed to capture the magic and heart of what the genre is all about.”
- “Most feel derivative, either just remakes of old games that rely on nostalgia goggles or cash grabs by half-baked studios that push out unfinished products after years in early access.”