Chris InglisGaucho and the Grassland by Epopeia Games is a charming and unique entry into the cozy farming/adventure simulation genre. The developers say they were influenced by the mysticism and contemplation of The Legend of Zelda series and wanted to bring that notion into a cozy farming sim and I think they pulled it off. The game has its own vibrant Latin American flair and gives us an animated peak into gaucho culture and folklore.
This game blends traditional farm sim elements with an interesting and fun story that has mystical undertones as you work to help people in need in order to gain new quests and items to restore harmony to various land biomes. Notably, this game proved to be a delightful experience for my 8-year-old daughter which means it is an easy game to jump into.
Playing alongside my horse-loving daughter, we found it incredibly engaging. She particularly enjoyed the character creation, crafting her own girl version of Gaucho – a feature we both appreciated for its inclusivity, as well as being able to customise the look of her trusty dog and horse companions. Following the tutorials, she quickly grasped the various aspects of the game, though I occasionally had to help point out quest NPCs as she enthusiastically explored new areas and collecting resources. Her genuine enjoyment speaks volumes about the game’s accessibility and appeal to a younger audience.
The Latin American aesthetic is beautifully rendered, with striking colours and environments to explore based on your chosen starting biome. Accompanied by soundtrack that is easy to listen to, the world feels alive and inviting, encouraging you to take their time and soak in the surroundings. The story begins after the passing of your father, with his spirit guiding you through your new responsibilities. This combined with the integration of some South American folklore (such as the fire serpent Boitatá), gives the game a distinctive charm and an overarching goal to complete for each biome. In between you engage in traditional gaucho activities like establishing a chicken farm for eggs, lassoing, fishing, and crafting, all while embarking on quests to help locals and mystical beings restore harmony to the land.
The gameplay encourages a slower, more deliberate pace. While there’s plenty to do – from building and decorating your homestead to exploring diverse biomes like grasslands, highlands, beaches, and even a magical world – there’s no pressure to get things done quickly or in particular orders outside of the tutorials, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey. The pacing was perfect for my daughter as she learned, and she loved the horse races you can compete in. The focus is less on frantic farming and more on nurturing your land, interacting with animals, and solving problems for the community. The helpfulness system and the need to do good deeds to unlock new recipes and resources adds a satisfying layer of progression.
Overall, Gaucho and the Grassland is a refreshing game with a unique cultural setting, engaging blend of adventure and farming sim gameplay, and charming story make it worth a play. It’s a game that gives us a glimpse into the developers’ culture often overlooked in the gaming world. If you’re looking for a relaxing adventure with a touch of magic, saddle up and explore the grasslands!
This review utilised a Steam key provided by Jesus Fabre and Gaucho and the Grassland launches on July 16, 2025 on Steam.
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