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Wandering Shepherd: A Symbiotic City-Building Adventure on a Giant’s BackPrepare to embark on a groundbreaking survival journey as Wandering Shepherd launches its 1.0 full version on July 17, 2025, exiting Early Access with enhanced content and cross-platform support for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. Developed by Swiss studio Stray Fawn Studio, this simulation-strategy hybrid redefines city-building by placing players on the back of "Onbu," a colossal wandering creature traversing a world ravaged by toxic spores and hostile ecosystems.

July 17, 2025, 3:38 pm EDT

 
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A World of Symbiosis and Strategy

In Wandering Shepherd, players assume leadership of a desperate community seeking refuge on Onbu’s massive frame. The core challenge lies in balancing three critical pillars: resource management, village expansion, and coexisting with the sentient beast. Harvest crops, construct infrastructure, and research technologies while monitoring Onbu’s health—its movements and well-being directly impact your settlement’s survival. The game’s mechanics, inspired by  Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, blend ecological storytelling with strategic depth, requiring players to mitigate threats like parasitic infestations and extreme weather.
 
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New Content in the 1.0 Launch

The full release introduces a revamped story mode with new characters, branching narratives, and a climactic final chapter that ties up loose ends from the Early Access phase. Completing the story unlocks two exclusive cosmetic skins for Onbu, allowing players to customize their colossal companion. Additionally, the enhanced edition features refined visuals, smoother gameplay mechanics, and improved UI for a more immersive experience. The studio emphasizes that the 1.0 version addresses player feedback, streamlining progression while retaining the game’s signature artistic charm.

Cross-Platform Accessibility and Pricing

Priced at $29.99 post-launch (up from $24.99 during Early Access), Wandering Shepherd offers a limited-time 30% discount until July 17, making it an ideal time to join the journey. The game supports Simplified Chinese, ensuring accessibility for Mandarin-speaking audiences. Cross-platform saves enable seamless progression across devices, while controller optimizations cater to console players. For those new to the series, the 1.0 update serves as a polished entry point, balancing challenging survival mechanics with approachable tutorials.

Critical Acclaim and Community Impact

Since its 2022 Early Access debut, Wandering Shepherd has garnered praise for its stunning hand-drawn art style and innovative premise. Critics highlight its unique blend of city-building and ecological storytelling, noting that each decision—from pruning Onbu’s overgrown flora to navigating diplomatic relations with rival factions—feels consequential. The game’s Kickstarter success and Steam Wishlist rankings reflect its cult following, with players drawn to its meditative yet strategic gameplay loop.

 

As the world faces collapse, Wandering Shepherd invites players to reimagine survival through collaboration—not just among humans, but with the very environment they inhabit. With its rich narrative, dynamic ecosystems, and visually striking world, this indie gem promises to carve a niche in the city-building genre. Whether you’re a strategy veteran or a casual explorer, the journey on Onbu’s back is one of resilience, innovation, and harmony with nature.