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Back to Hearth

Step into a quiet, abandoned Ukrainian village, left empty after the Calamity. In this short, meditative, and melancholic journey, you’ll rekindle the hearths of deserted homes, restoring warmth and hope to the families who once lived here.

Steam Page
Developer
Podoba Interactive
Publisher
Marevo Collective
Release
September 25, 2025
311 days ago
Steam Reviews
Very Positive327 reviews98.8%

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Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
A separate publisher is listed for this release.
Search Google: Is Back to Hearth self-published or published by Marevo Collective?Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is Back to Hearth and Marevo Collective funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for Back to Hearth and Podoba Interactive?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.
The game was released through a separate publisher.

Media

9 items

About the Game

MISION

The Calamity devastated this small village, stripping it of laughter, voices, and life. You play as a character determined to repair the damage, clean up the homes, and rekindle their hearths — creating comfort so the villagers are no longer afraid to return.

GAMEPLAY

The village has 5 houses. Each one needs to be restored — sometimes with a hammer, sometimes with a broom or a screwdriver. Some repairs also require drawing special "gestures".

RESIDENTS

Once the house is cleaned and the fire is burning in the stove, you have to wait a little. The residents are about to return. You will have the opportunity to listen to their stories.

EXPLORATION AND NARRATIVE

Back to Hearth is a game about more than just cleaning houses — it’s about uncovering the lives once lived within them. Each home holds memories, belongings, amulets, and other details that gradually reveal the villagers’ stories. Some of these items are added to your Collections after interaction, which you can view anytime in the main menu.

FEATURES

  • short game - 1 hour of playtime

  • melancholic fall atmosphere

  • setting of an Eastern European village, specifically a Ukrainian village

  • casual meditative gameplay

  • opportunity to eat apples, grapes, and raspberries

  • opportunity to chase after chickens

  • personal and household items that allow you to learn more about the residents

  • collections (search in the main menu)

  • graphic stylization, like in games of the 2000s

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