Winter Burrow: A Cozy Survival Game Experience

In June, Winter Burrow was unveiled during an Xbox showcase. Initially, it slipped from my radar as I'm more inclined towards survival games rather than "cozy" ones. However, a press release about a new trailer this week brought it back to my attention. And let me tell you, playing the game's Steam demo was an absolute revelation as it perfectly suits my preferences.

Embrace the Cozy Survival in Winter Burrow

Playing as a Tiny Mouse

In Winter Burrow, you take on the role of a diminutive mouse returning to their remote childhood home with the task of fixing it up. Just like in typical survival games, you have to manage hunger, stamina, and temperature meters. You also need to forage and craft items. The day/night cycle adds an extra layer of challenge as you must be cautious with your time. But what sets this game apart is its cozy aesthetic. Instead of crafting a coat from wolf hides like in "The Long Dark", you knit thick sweaters by the fire in your tattered armchair.This aspect gives the game a unique charm. It makes you feel like you're taking care of a stressed-out pet as you make hot meals and nice clothes for the little mouse. It's a delightful experience that adds a new dimension to the survival genre.

Exploring the Big and Cold World

The demo lasted about 15 minutes and mainly introduced us to the basics of the game. You're tasked with repairing items around the burrow and the surrounding world. This world is vast, cold, and challenging. It's easy to get lost among the snow, rocks, and other obstacles. I found myself freezing to death more often than I expected. But on death, you can retrieve your dropped items. There were a few occasions when I wandered too far and had to abandon my loot. Knitting fuzzy sweaters and pants helped me survive a bit longer, but the cold still kept me on my toes. As my screen started icing over, a sense of dread would fill me, and I would rush back to my burrow.This survival rhythm is not for everyone. Some may find it too challenging or get easily lost in the game. But for me, it's a perfect fit. The use of cold to make navigation a present challenge adds a whole new level of excitement. Surviving small outings from your base feels like a big achievement, especially when you consider that your character is a tiny and vulnerable mouse.When the demo ended, I couldn't help but groan "nnooo…" as I was eager to explore more. Winter Burrow is set to release in 2025, and I'm looking forward to diving back in and continuing my adventure.