Baby Steps redefines what it means to take a simple walk in the gaming world. This physics-based walking simulator challenges players to master the art of putting one foot in front of the other – literally.
What Makes Baby Steps Different from Other Walking Simulators
Unlike traditional walking simulators that focus on narrative exploration, Baby Steps turns walking itself into the core challenge. Players control Nate, an unemployed character who discovers his hidden talent for walking. The game requires you to manually lift each leg using the left and right triggers while managing weight distribution through directional controls.
This unique control scheme creates moments of pure comedy and genuine frustration. Every step becomes a calculated decision, transforming simple movement into complex physics puzzles that would make even experienced gamers sweat.
Baby Steps Gameplay Mechanics That Will Test Your Patience
The gameplay revolves around fully-simulated physics-based walking that feels intentionally clumsy yet surprisingly fair. Players must:
- Lift individual legs using dedicated buttons
- Shift weight and lean in specific directions
- Navigate challenging terrain without hand support
- Maintain balance while climbing mountains and obstacles
What sets this apart from Bennett Foddy’s previous work like QWOP is that the controls, while challenging, remain perfectly responsive. Players can develop effective walking rhythms within minutes, though mastering complex climbing sections requires patience and practice.
Open World Exploration Without Traditional Gaming Features
Baby Steps breaks conventional open-world gaming rules by removing familiar conveniences. There’s no fast travel, mini-map, or upgradeable equipment. Instead, the game encourages pure exploration through its semi-open world design.
Players can discover glowing fruits hanging from trees, collect various hats (which can be tragically lost during falls), and return lost items to their owners. These optional activities provide the game’s most memorable moments without feeling like mandatory checklist tasks.
Critical Reception and Player Experience
Reviews highlight Baby Steps’ unique position in the gaming landscape. Critics praise its innovative walking mechanics while noting the wildly uneven difficulty that can swing between satisfying accomplishment and genuine frustration within minutes.
| Aspect | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Controls | Responsive and fair physics | Steep learning curve |
| World Design | Beautiful environments to explore | Poor path telegraphing in later areas |
| Difficulty | Optional challenges for all skill levels | Progress loss can be disheartening |
The game’s humor shines through improvised dialogue and unexpected character encounters that feel genuinely entertaining rather than forced. Voice actors clearly enjoyed their recording sessions, adding authentic charm to the experience.
Technical Performance and Platform Availability
Baby Steps launched on September 8, 2025, for PC (Steam) and PlayStation 5 after multiple delays from its original 2024 release window. The game runs smoothly across platforms, though some players report camera issues during challenging climbing sections.
Steam offers the game at $17.99 during its introductory period (regular price $19.99), while PlayStation 5 users can access it through their digital storefront. The game supports single-player only with Steam achievements and cloud saving functionality.
Who Should Play Baby Steps
This game appeals to players who enjoyed titles like Getting Over It, Death Stranding’s traversal mechanics, or Jusant’s climbing puzzles. It’s perfect for those seeking unique gaming experiences that prioritize innovation over traditional comfort.
However, players expecting relaxing walking simulator experiences might find the physics-based challenges more demanding than anticipated. The game requires genuine commitment to overcome its steeper difficulty spikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Baby Steps take to complete?
Most players report 15-25 hours for thorough exploration, though completion time varies significantly based on individual skill and exploration preferences.
Is Baby Steps harder than Getting Over It?
While challenging, Baby Steps offers more forgiving controls and optional difficulty through multiple path choices, making it more accessible than Bennett Foddy’s previous work.
Can you save progress in Baby Steps?
Yes, the game includes checkpoint systems and cloud saving, though falling can still result in losing significant progress on difficult climbing sections.
Does Baby Steps have multiplayer features?
No, Baby Steps is entirely single-player focused, emphasizing personal achievement and exploration over competitive or cooperative gameplay.
What platforms support Baby Steps?
Currently available on PC (Steam) and PlayStation 5, with no announced plans for additional platform releases.
Are there accessibility options in Baby Steps?
The game includes basic accessibility features, though the core walking mechanics remain challenging by design and cannot be significantly modified.
Final Thoughts
Baby Steps succeeds as both a technical achievement and entertainment experience. Its physics-based walking creates genuine moments of triumph and comedy that stick with players long after completing challenging sections.
While the game’s difficulty spikes and unclear navigation can frustrate some players, those who embrace its unique approach will discover one of 2025’s most memorable indie gaming experiences. Baby Steps proves that sometimes the journey really is more important than the destination.