A quiet garden, a forgotten abbey, and a mystery that could reach the halls of European power. The Abbess Garden, a cozy historical narrative gardening game, is officially set to launch on March 2, 2026, inviting players to restore a living garden while uncovering a subtle espionage plot rooted in 17th-century France.
The release date announcement arrives alongside the game’s inclusion in Women-Led Games – The Game Awards Edition, spotlighting upcoming titles developed by women-led teams across the industry.
A Cozy Gardening Game Set in 1643 France
Set in 1643 France, The Abbess Garden is a third-person gardening adventure grounded in real botany and historical authenticity. Players step into the role of Agnès, a young peasant entrusted with reviving a long-abandoned private garden at Port-Royal-des-Champs, a real-world abbey that today exists as a national museum.
What begins as a simple task of care and cultivation gradually unfolds into a deeper story of curiosity, trust, and quiet resistance during a politically tense era.
Gardening Inspired by Real Botany and Natural Growth
At the heart of The Abbess Garden is a gardening system inspired by authentic horticultural practices. Rather than relying on rigid grids, plants grow organically, responding to their environment and the player’s choices.
Players must consider:
- Soil type and moisture
- Seasonal changes
- Proximity to other plants
- Each plant’s unique life cycle
Flowers, roots, leaves, and seeds can be harvested at specific moments, serving purposes in botany, herbal medicine, and story-driven objectives. Over time, the garden transforms naturally across seasons, rewarding observation and patience rather than speed.
Restore a Living Space and Uncover Hidden Secrets
As the garden is restored, new areas gradually open, revealing hidden objects, collectible items, and fragments of a forgotten past. These discoveries feed into the game’s central mystery: a coded book left behind by a deceased spy.
The local community must interpret its contents before its secrets draw the attention of European royalty. This unfolding intrigue is subtle and reflective, woven into the environment rather than delivered through high-stakes drama.
Alongside the mystery, players experience a gentle, linear narrative focused on care, curiosity, and human connection, including a tender romance that develops naturally as time passes.
A Calm, Player-Driven Narrative Experience
Designed to be welcoming and unhurried, The Abbess Garden allows players to progress entirely at their own pace. Story chapters advance only when the player chooses, leaving space for exploration, experimentation, and simply enjoying the garden as it grows.
There are no forced timers or pressure-driven mechanics. Instead, the game emphasizes stillness, observation, and the satisfaction of nurturing something back to life.
Celebrating Women-Led Development
The Abbess Garden is currently featured in Women-Led Games – The Game Awards Edition, recognizing projects led by women and highlighting diverse creative voices within the gaming industry.
With its blend of cozy gameplay, historical authenticity, and understated storytelling, The Abbess Garden stands out as a thoughtful alternative within the growing cozy games genre.
The Abbess Garden launches on March 2, 2026.
