System: Nintendo Switch; Steam Deck; Mac
Hours Played: 163
Rating: 4.5/5
Type:
Battle: Yes
Difficulty:
Difficulty Settings:

A Fresh Take on the Farming Sim Formula

Roots of Pacha takes the beloved farming sim formula and transports it back to the Stone Age, offering a refreshingly unique setting that blends survival, agriculture, and community-building into a charming and engaging experience. Unlike many farming sims that start you off with established tools, money, or infrastructure, Roots of Pacha immerses you in a time of discovery, where your goal is to build a thriving settlement from the ground up.

Instead of inheriting a farm, you’re part of a growing tribe, working together to develop new tools, domesticate wild plants and animals, and shape the land into a prosperous home. This sense of progression and innovation feels incredibly rewarding, as you don’t just farm—you contribute to the evolution of civilization itself.

If you’re a fan of Stardew Valley but could do without the combat, Roots of Pacha offers a peaceful, community-driven experience with just the right balance of exploration, crafting, and relationship-building. It’s a game that values progress without pressure, encouraging players to enjoy a relaxed yet meaningful gameplay loop.

Gameplay & Controls

Having played on both Nintendo Switch and MacBook, the game handles beautifully on both platforms.

• MacBook: The controls felt smooth and intuitive, making activities like farming, fishing, and gathering resources effortless. Navigating menus and managing inventory was straightforward, allowing for a seamless experience.
• Switch: The game translates well to controller-based play, with fluid movement and responsive actions. Best of all, there was no noticeable lag on Switch, which is a rare treat for indie games on the platform. Performance remained stable throughout, even with larger farms and villages, keeping the immersion intact.

The only minor adjustment was getting used to some of the menu navigation on Switch, but it quickly became second nature. Overall, the controls feel natural, making it easy to lose yourself in the day-to-day rhythm of life in the Stone Age.

Pacing & Progression

Unlike some farming sims that feel too slow or grind-heavy, Roots of Pacha strikes a perfect balance. Progression feels steady, and while grinding exists, it never becomes overwhelming.

Each day offers meaningful choices:
Tending crops that you and your tribe have domesticated
Exploring the vast wilderness for resources and inspiration
Fishing, foraging, and crafting new tools
Expanding the village with structures and improvements
Building relationships with fellow tribespeople

The game’s “Ideas” system replaces traditional upgrades, requiring you to collaborate with villagers to develop new farming techniques, domestication methods, and cultural advancements. This makes the pacing feel organic—progress is dictated by curiosity and discovery, rather than arbitrary level-ups.

While some grinding is required, especially when unlocking new technologies, it never feels like busywork. Instead, it reinforces a sense of purpose—you’re actively shaping the world around you.

Atmosphere & Aesthetics

The world of Roots of Pacha is breathtakingly cozy, brought to life with gorgeous pixel art and a vibrant colour palette that feels warm and inviting.

• The lush environments shift through seasons, each bringing unique visual changes that keep the world feeling dynamic.
• The animations are smooth, giving characters and animals a charming personality.
• The soundtrack is soothing and immersive, perfectly complementing the peaceful, prehistoric setting.

Unlike other farming sims, where progress is often defined by expanding mechanically, Roots of Pacha fosters an emotional connection to the world. It feels alive, and every improvement adds to the richness of the setting.

The Stardew Comparison – But No Combat!

It’s impossible to ignore Stardew Valley’s influence, but Roots of Pacha stands on its own by shifting the focus entirely to community-building and discovery.

No combat: Unlike Stardew’s monster-filled mines, Roots of Pacha removes combat altogether, letting you immerse yourself in a pure farming and village-building experience.
A deeper connection to farming: Rather than buying seeds from a shop, you’ll discover and domesticate plants yourself, adding an extra layer of progression.
Tighter community focus: Your interactions with NPCs feel more meaningful, as you help shape the culture of the tribe rather than just befriending isolated villagers.

This approach makes Roots of Pacha the perfect game for players who love the farming and social aspects of Stardew Valley but prefer a completely relaxed experience.

Free Content Updates

The developers have been incredibly generous with free content updates, consistently adding new features, quality-of-life improvements, and fresh mechanics.

1.2 Update (July 2024) brought:
Children can now attend school and have more interactions
New romance options and expanded character development
Increased village customization and new cosmetic items

Upcoming 1.3 Update (Spring 2025) will include: I Can’t wait!
New regions to explore
Camping mechanics for more immersive exploration
Expanded fishing system
Even more discoveries and village-building options

Final Thoughts – A Must-Play for Farming Sim Fans

Roots of Pacha is a delightful, laid-back farming sim that offers an innovative setting, deeply satisfying progression, and a peaceful gameplay loop.

The prehistoric setting feels fresh, adding a sense of discovery and purpose beyond traditional farming sims.
Performance on Switch is impressively smooth, with no lag, making it one of the best indie releases on the platform.
The lack of combat allows players to focus on what makes the genre great—farming, relationships, and creativity.

Whether you’re a farming sim veteran or new to the genre, Roots of Pacha deserves a spot in your library. It captures the heart and soul of community-driven games while introducing a refreshing prehistoric twist.

Final Score: 4.5/5 Controllers

Played for 163 hours, and still excited for more!

Please Note: This review was not sponsored and I purchased the game.

Consider supporting us through Tips or Patreon. Your support on Patreon or through tips makes a huge difference for us! By becoming a patron, you’re not just supporting the show—you’re joining our community. Patreon contributions help cover production costs, equipment upgrades, and even lets us spend more time researching and bringing you the quality content you love. Tips through Squarespace are another awesome way to show your appreciation and help us with day-to-day expenses.