Indie developer Heavy Lunch Studio has officially announced that Hermit and Pig, its charming turn-based adventure RPG, will launch on Steam for PC and Mac on January 22, 2026. The reveal arrived with new in-depth gameplay footage shown during the latest Six One Indie Showcase, giving fans their best look yet at this mushroom-filled, narrative-driven journey.
A Whimsical RPG Rooted in Humor and Heart
Hermit and Pig blends retro pixel art with modern gameplay twists, creating an experience that feels nostalgic yet entirely new. Inspired by classics like Earthbound, the game carries the same offbeat humor and emotional undertones—yet reinvents the formula with unique mechanical layers.
Players will follow a socially anxious hermit and his loyal truffle-hunting pig as they explore lush forests, strange towns, and unsettling industrial zones. The game’s world is packed with oddball characters, corporate conspiracies, and an overarching mystery surrounding a legendary mushroom.
Turn-Based Combat With a Skill-Based Twist
One of the standout features of Hermit and Pig is its combat system. Rather than relying on traditional RPG grinding, Heavy Lunch Studio integrates a key-combo attack system reminiscent of Street Fighter and Paper Mario.
This time-sensitive input system rewards player mastery, making battles feel active and intense without ever abandoning classic turn-based strategy. As the journey progresses, combos grow more complex, ensuring engagement from start to finish.
Social Anxiety, Cringe Damage, and Conversational Combat
Beyond physical battles, Hermit and Pig introduces hilarious and relatable “conversation battles.” As Hermit interacts with quirky NPCs, players must navigate anxiety-driven dialogue choices—avoiding cringe damage while uncovering vital clues.
This unusual mechanic adds emotional depth and comedic timing, translating Hermit’s personal struggles into a clever gameplay format.
A Forager’s Paradise: Mushroom Mechanics Galore
The game features an extensive mushroom foraging system where players can collect dozens of real (and delightfully fictional) fungi. Mushrooms serve multiple purposes—healing, curing status ailments, inflicting damage, providing buffs, and more. Truffles even function as currency.
A complete mushroom field guide lets players track discoveries and build their toolkit for the challenges ahead.
A Rising Indie Star Across Major Showcases
Since its introduction during the 2023 Future of Play Direct, Hermit and Pig has made appearances at notable events including:
- Future Games Show
- Day of the Devs
- The Mix
- Wholesome Games
- EGX
- Dreamhack
- MAGFest
This growing list highlights the industry’s strong interest in the game and its unique creative vision.
Story Overview: A Woodland Quest for Survival
When a girl from a nearby town seeks help after the local factory mysteriously replaces its workers, Hermit and his pig reluctantly leave their quiet life in search of answers. Their mission: locate an enormous mythical mushroom that might save the town from hunger.
But they aren’t the only ones searching, and the path ahead is teeming with rival truffle hunters, cultists, corporate henchmen, and unexpectedly aggressive wildlife.
Release Date, Demo, and Community Access
Hermit and Pig launches globally on January 22, 2026.
Players can try the public demo right now on Steam.
Fans can follow development updates and playtester calls via the studio’s TikTok, Bluesky, Instagram, Youtube, and Discord.
