Squirreled Away: The Cutest Survival Game of 2025

If you’re a fan of survival games but wish they were less ruthless and more adorable, you’ll likely agree that Squirreled Away is shaping up to be the cutest survival game of 2025. It’s a bold statement for just March, but I stand by it!

Squirreled Away is a stunning indie title from the talented developers at Far Seas and published by Amplifier Studios, the same publisher behind the mecha-fueled farming simulator Lightyear Frontier. In this delightful adventure, you embody a small red squirrel—a rare sight in the U.K. where these creatures are now nearly extinct. Though you can alter your fur color in the game, it feels like a disservice to the beautiful red squirrel!

Your mission is to assist various woodland creatures in overcoming their challenges. Armed with an array of crafted tools, you’ll gather resources ranging from pebbles and twigs to larger rocks and sticks. While it might not sound like an epic leap, everything seems large when you’re a squirrel!

As you collect new resources, you’ll unlock new recipes by meditating at one of the Squirrel Sanctuaries scattered across each island. This adorable process involves your squirrel levitating and assuming the lotus position with a grace I can only envy as someone attempting to practice yoga for years! Scattered across the islands are Golden Acorns, and collecting all of them on an island will rejuvenate the Sanctuary and boost your stamina.

If this charming experience piques your interest (and it should because there’s nothing to dislike), there’s a demo available for free now on Steam. The demo allows players to explore the entirety of the first island, meet four friendly squirrel companions, and encounter a particularly enthusiastic turtle named Terry. Complete the initial four squirrel quests and unlock a small portion of the second island.

Once you reach the second island, activate “Squirrel Vision” to spot various critter NPCs you can engage with when the full game launches on March 28. While an invisible wall temporarily blocks access, you can speak to one enthusiastic NPC—Lotta Land the seagull—who is keen to explain the building system.

Yes, construction is part of Squirreled Away, which might surprise some given that it embodies many core features of a survival crafting game. You can only build in the trees, which fits perfectly with the squirrel theme, and as you progress, you’ll unlock more blueprints using the same Meditation system for acquiring new recipes.

The building system is intuitive and user-friendly, reminiscent of what’s found in Palworld, but without the quirks. Everything fits together seamlessly, and you’re only limited by the quantity of sticks you collect. If you find yourself short, simply use your trusty Pebble Tools to gather more resources.

As someone who enjoys transforming survival games into cozy experiences—I’ve even managed to do it with Sons of the Forest—Squirreled Away naturally fits this niche. It offers a uniquely relaxing gameplay experience while still satisfying that survival craving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What platforms will Squirreled Away be available on?

Squirreled Away is expected to launch on PC via Steam, and there may be future plans for console releases, though specifics are yet to be announced.

Is there a multiplayer mode in Squirreled Away?

Currently, Squirreled Away is designed as a single-player experience. There are no announcements regarding multiplayer features at this time.

Can I customize my squirrel in Squirreled Away?

Absolutely! You can change your squirrel’s fur color, though many players will prefer to stick with the charming red that is native to the game’s theme.

When is the official release date for Squirreled Away?

The full game is set to release on March 28, 2025.

Where can I download the Squirreled Away demo?

You can download the Squirreled Away demo for free on Steam by visiting their store page.