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The First Tree

A beautiful, 3rd-person exploration game centered around two parallel stories: a fox trying to find her missing family, and a son reconnecting with his estranged father in Alaska. Uncover artifacts from the son's life as he becomes intertwined in the fox’s journey towards The First Tree.

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Developer
Publisher
Release
September 14, 2017
8 years and 323 days ago
Steam Reviews
Mostly Positive5,836 reviews75.4%

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Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes
Updated: Jul 10, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is The First Tree and David Wehle funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for The First Tree and David Wehle?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Updated: Jul 10, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.

Media

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About the Game

From the creator of Home is Where One Starts… comes The First Tree, a third-person exploration game centered around two parallel stories: a fox trying to find her missing family, and a son reconnecting with his father in Alaska. Players take control of the fox on a poignant and beautiful journey that crescendos at the source of life, and perhaps result in an understanding of death. Along the way, players can uncover artifacts and stories from the son's life as he becomes intertwined in the fox’s journey towards The First Tree.

Key Features:

  • For fans of Journey, Firewatch, and Shelter.
  • Not a "fox simulator," but an emotional, intimate story by a one-man team with an ending you won't soon forget.
  • Featuring a gorgeous soundtrack by acclaimed artists like Message to Bears, Lowercase Noises, and Josh Kramer.
  • A short game (about an hour and a half) focused on story with some light puzzle solving and platforming.