Game intel
Out and About
Every so often, a game announcement sneaks past all the bombast and battle passes to grab me with pure, wholesome charm. Out and About, the upcoming foraging adventure from Scottish-German indie studio Yaldi Games, did exactly that. Whether it’s the promise of learning 100+ real-world plants by name or simply craving an unashamedly grounded escape, this is one Early Access launch I’m marking on my calendar.
Out and About drops you into Portobello, a storm-ravaged coastal town that desperately needs a helping hand. Your character arrives with a battered backpack, a camera, and an insatiable curiosity for the wild plants sprouting through broken cobblestones. A creaking pier, half-buried driftwood, and resilient wildflowers set a familiar “restore the town” premise—but Yaldi Games adds a botanical twist that feels fresh and educational.
At its core, Out and About is a love letter to practical botany. Instead of a generic foraging meter, you’ll learn to spot nettles by their jagged edges, distinguish edible chanterelles from poisonous look-alikes, and identify wild garlic by scent alone. The in-game field guide automatically updates as you discover new flora—so each sighting adds a detailed entry packed with habitat notes, identifying features, and real-life cautionary tips. Early Access offers 50+ species, and reaching 100+ by full release hints at one of the most authentic foraging sims to date.
Once you’ve identified edible berries and blossoms, Out and About unlocks an extensive crafting system. In Early Access, experiment with 90+ recipes—from healing dandelion salves and fragrant herbal teas to mushroom risottos and berry tarts. Follow step-by-step instructions that mirror real-world herbalism techniques: mash, distill, steep, and infuse. Each recipe not only restores energy but also deepens your bond with Portobello’s residents. A berry pie for the baker, a soothing salve for the local apothecary—every creation weaves you tighter into the town’s fabric.
Community-building here isn’t a rote “deliver five logs” routine. Your foraging and crafting skills become the currency of friendship. Help the lighthouse keeper repair broken lanterns with harvested seaweed and driftwood oil, assist the shepherd by weaving herbal pouches to calm anxious sheep, or restock the apothecary’s shelves with curated tinctures. Each favor unlocks new dialogue, side quests, and even seasonal festivals—ensuring your expertise shapes both the land and its inhabitants.
Underpinning the cozy vibes is a gentle sustainability message. Rather than hoarding mushrooms, you’re encouraged to follow a “take only what you need” ethic. Overharvesting an area can cause plant populations to dwindle, affecting recipes and quest availability. It’s a subtle nudge toward responsible foraging and environmental respect—both in-game and in real life. A built-in disclaimer even reminds players to cross-check wildcrafting ideas with trusted experts before trying them outdoors.
Ambition often outpaces indie resources, and Early Access is where ideas meet reality. Yaldi Games promises frequent updates, community polls, and a transparent roadmap. Expect unfinished systems, balance tweaks, and the brand-new thrill of discovery—but also the occasional content gap. If you’ve ever wondered what a Stardew Valley focused on real-world botany might feel like, Out and About could be the closest thing.
Out and About isn’t just another cozy sim—it’s an educational foraging adventure with genuine real-world applications. From identifying elusive fungi to crafting herbal remedies that matter to NPCs, every mechanic aims to blend learning with relaxation. Early Access on August 7 will unlock 50+ species, 90+ recipes, and a host of community-driven quests. If Yaldi Games nails the execution, we may be looking at the most enriching cozy title of 2025.
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