If you’ve ever dreamed of leading an army of mushrooms and magical Golems into strategic battles, Beyond the Grove is set to make that dream a reality. Developed by Not a Duck, this charming RTS-inspired autobattler is preparing to showcase its demo during Steam Next Fest, running October 13–20, 2025.
As the Grove Keeper, your mission is simple but daunting: protect your grove from the corruption threatening to spread across the world. To succeed, you’ll rely on an ever-growing army of fun-guy fighters and powerful elemental Golems — your most loyal allies in battle.
From Award-Winning Concept to Steam Next Fest Spotlight
After earning 2nd place in the “Most Promising” category at the Game Development World Championship 2024, Beyond the Grove is now ready for players to experience firsthand. Steam Next Fest offers the first opportunity to dive into its tactical gameplay, experiment with Golem crafting, and enjoy its enchanting, music-driven world.
Each Golem you create doesn’t just join your army — it adds a new layer to the game’s dynamic soundtrack. The result is a battlefield that feels alive not just with combat, but with a symphony that evolves alongside your troops.
Key Features That Make Beyond the Grove Stand Out
- Strategic Combat: Plan and adapt in real time. Place rally markers, adjust formations, and reposition troops to gain the upper hand in battle.
- Golem Crafting System: Over 50 distinct Golems can be forged using seven elemental types. Combining them wisely is crucial to overcoming corruption.
- Blessings and Upgrades: Unlock more than 100 powerful blessings to enhance your troops. Even in defeat, regrouping and upgrading allows you to return stronger.
- Dynamic Soundtrack: Each newly crafted troop adds a unique musical layer, creating a living soundtrack that grows with your army.
Why You Should Wishlist Beyond the Grove
Not a Duck has created more than just another autobattler — Beyond the Grove blends the depth of real-time strategy with the charm of creature collecting. The combination of tactical combat, deep crafting systems, and an immersive audio-visual experience makes it one of the most intriguing indie titles at this year’s Steam Next Fest.
Stay up to date with everything Beyond the Grove by following the game on X and Bluesky, subscribing to the official YouTube channel, and joining the Discord to connect with other Grove Keepers! Don’t forget to wishlist the game on Steam!
