Beyond the Grove has quietly emerged as one of the most charming indie gaming experiences of 2025. This RTS-inspired autobattler doesn’t just offer another strategic gaming experience – it reimagines what real-time strategy can be when stress takes a backseat to creativity and wonder.
What Makes Beyond the Grove Special
At its heart, Beyond the Grove transforms the typically intense RTS genre into something refreshingly approachable. You step into the role of a young Grove Keeper, tasked with defending your sacred grove from a mysterious corruption that threatens to consume everything you hold dear.
The game’s core mechanic revolves around elemental golem crafting. By combining seven different elements, players can create over 50 distinct golems, each with unique abilities and strategic applications. This isn’t just about building an army – it’s about understanding how different elements interact and complement each other in battle.
Tactical Rounds That Actually Make Sense
Unlike traditional RTS games that demand lightning-fast reflexes and overwhelming multitasking, Beyond the Grove operates through tactical rounds. You create your golems, set rally points, execute your plan, and then make adjustments based on the results. It’s strategic thinking without the panic-inducing time pressure.
This approach makes the game accessible to players who love strategic depth but don’t necessarily want to develop carpal tunnel syndrome from clicking frantically. The developers have successfully captured the essence of real-time strategy while eliminating the stress that often comes with it.
Beyond the Grove’s Roguelite Elements
The game incorporates roguelite mechanics that keep each playthrough fresh and engaging. As you progress through your journey, you’ll unlock over 100 upgrades called “blessings” that can dramatically alter your tactical approach. These blessings aren’t just stat boosts – they’re game-changing combinations that encourage experimentation and creative problem-solving.
Between matches and during runs, you’ll earn experience that allows you to unlock new skills. This progression system ensures that even failed attempts contribute to your overall growth as a Grove Keeper.
Hand-Crafted Artistry
What immediately strikes players about Beyond the Grove is its visual and audio presentation. Every piece of artwork is hand-drawn, creating a cohesive aesthetic that feels both magical and grounded. The developers have explicitly stated that no AI was involved in the creation process – everything you see and hear comes from human creativity and passion.
The music deserves special mention, as it’s entirely live-recorded and composed by the development team. This level of personal investment shows in every note, creating an atmospheric experience that draws players deeper into the grove’s mystical world.
Why This Indie Game Matters
Beyond the Grove represents something increasingly rare in today’s gaming landscape: a completely self-funded passion project. The team at Not a Duck Games operates without publisher backing, relying entirely on their own resources and community support.
This independence allows them to make creative decisions based on what makes the game better, not what makes the most immediate profit. The result is a game that feels authentic and purposeful in every design choice.
The demo is currently available on Steam, with early access planned for November 2025. For anyone curious about what modern indie gaming can achieve when creativity takes precedence over market trends, Beyond the Grove offers a compelling preview of things to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beyond the Grove suitable for RTS newcomers?
Absolutely. The game’s tactical round system eliminates the time pressure typically associated with RTS games, making it perfect for players new to the genre.
How many golems can you create in Beyond the Grove?
The game features over 50 unique golems created by combining seven different elements, offering extensive variety in your strategic options.
When will Beyond the Grove enter early access?
The developers are targeting November 2025 for early access release, with a free demo currently available on Steam.
Does Beyond the Grove require fast reflexes like traditional RTS games?
No, the game specifically avoids high actions-per-minute requirements, focusing instead on strategic planning and tactical execution.
What makes the art style unique in Beyond the Grove?
All artwork is hand-drawn by the development team with no AI involvement, creating a distinctive magical aesthetic that feels personally crafted.
Are there progression systems in Beyond the Grove?
Yes, the game includes roguelite progression with over 100 upgrades called blessings, plus skill unlocks between matches and during runs.
A Grove Worth Protecting
Beyond the Grove succeeds by understanding that strategy games don’t need to be stressful to be engaging. By combining accessible gameplay with deep strategic elements, hand-crafted artistry, and genuine passion from its developers, it creates an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Whether you’re a strategy veteran or someone who’s always been intimidated by the genre, this charming autobattler offers something special – a chance to protect something beautiful without losing your sanity in the process.