We've all thought about how we might survive in a post-apocalypse, and there's perhaps never been a cozier, more eye-catching way to fantasize than with new indie sandbox game Doloc Town. Combining the 2D exploration, platforming, and base building of Terraria with Stardew Valley style farm management, all wrapped in a lovingly rendered but unquestionably hostile post-apocalyptic world, Doloc Town feels a bit like a side-scrolling, pixel-art version of Fallout 76, and it's just landed in early access on Steam.
Built by indie developer RedSaw Games Studio, Doloc Town is a side-on sandbox game that saw a tremendously positive response to its three-hour demo in 2024, with 97% of players who rated it giving it the thumbs up. It drops you in its eponymous locale and the surrounding areas, described as "a post-apocalyptic oasis brimming with abandoned ruins, quirky architecture, and folk of all kinds." It's up to you to meet the locals, gather materials, and lead the effort to rebuild and revitalize the land into a comfy and thriving home.
Starting out with just a few pots, you'll be able to gradually expand your farming operation by developing more advanced growing techniques and researching new structures and tools. Before you know it, a couple of plants will have blossomed into entire fields of crops, which you can bring together with freshly caught fish and other ingredients to cook heartwarming meals. You'll have to deal with many dangers as you explore, but can build and tweak robot companions capable of helping you overcome any potential threats.
The ostensibly ominous and dreary world of Doloc Town somehow manages to feel inviting thanks to its gorgeous hand-drawn, pixel-art designs - yet the reality is anything but friendly. Acid rain, heatwaves, sudden weather spikes and more are likely to throw frequent wrenches in the works, making this a farming game that demands you plan ahead to keep your crops alive. Explore the ruins of the old civilization thoroughly enough, however, and perhaps you'll eventually uncover the key to saving this decaying land.
"We're beyond excited to share Doloc Town with players in early access," RedSaw Games says of the launch. "This is just the start of an incredible journey, and we're eager to build and expand the world of Doloc Town with the support of our amazing community." The studio says it anticipates early access to last no more than a year, and if you get it now you'll benefit from a discounted price that's made even cheaper thanks to a launch Steam sale.
The current early-access version of Doloc Town includes an estimated 15-20 hours of main story and a generous helping of side missions along the way. As for what to expect moving forward, RedSaw shares a list of its currently planned features. Along with additional story beats and side quests, these include a ranching feature, enhanced automation and a gene system for farming, a new map, more factions, fresh festivals, quality-of-life upgrades, and the introduction of Steam Workshop support.
Doloc Town is out now in early access on Steam, with a bonus 10% discount available until Wednesday May 14 meaning you'll pay $13.49 / £11.69. Take a look here if you think you're prepared for anything the apocalyptic oasis can throw your way. The demo is also still available for download if you want to try it out first.
Alternatively, take a look through the best crafting games on Steam for many more ways to build and create, or scour our list of the best indie games on PC right now for even more hidden gems you won't want to miss.
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