Wanderstop Reviews
Wanderstop is a distinguished work of art. While the pacing was a bit hit or miss at times, the game uses its tea-shop sim mechanics and introspective narrative to create an unprecedented meditative space for players. The wit, whimsy, and wonder of the game aesthetic are charming to the core, encouraging the player to drift into a comfortable rhythm of self-reflection.
Wanderstop is a game I knew I'd like but didn't realize I'd love. With its therapeutic gameplay, healing-focused narrative, masterclass performances, and genuinely cozy vibes, Ivy Road's crafted an incredibly special game that I will carry with me for years to come. The last time a game made me feel this way was Chicory: A Colorful Tale, and that stands the test of time as one of my all-time favorites. So consider Wanderstop one of 2025's must-plays and get your healing on at the tea shop as soon as you can.
Wanderstop isn’t just another cozy game—it’s a thought-provoking journey wrapped in the aesthetic of one. While some gameplay elements feel a bit restrictive and the lack of closure in many narratives might not be for everyone, the storytelling and themes are nothing short of masterful. It’s a game that lingers in your mind long after you’ve stepped away, gently challenging you to rethink how you perceive healing, control, and self-worth.
Wanderstop offers a wholesome challenge with an important message that is given the artistic and literary chops that it deserves.
Wanderstop is an extremely precious title that despite being created by the designer of the Stanley Parable, takes and creates something completely different but always created with great care and love, Alta's story will stay with me to pay homage to who created it and for when Wanderstop does not deal with topics for everyone it is a great Cozy PTSD title.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Wanderstop challenges conventional gaming norms, emphasizing relaxation and exploration over progression, appealing to players seeking a serene experience.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
An analysis shaped by the stress of daily life and personal doubts, in a branching narrative that does not reach the inventiveness of The Stanley Parable and The Beginner’s Guide, but makes up for its shortcomings with sincerity and humanism. Unfortunately, the gameplay does not keep up with the narrative, falling into clichés that undermine the themes when it should be elevating them.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
I didn’t expect Wanderstop to get under my skin the way it did. It’s not just about making tea, it’s about learning to slow down, even when your brain doesn’t want to. It’s about change, about sitting with discomfort, about figuring out what comes next and learning to accept all of that. If you’re looking for a game that’ll give you a warm hug and a sense of control or the satisfaction of progression, this might not be it.
Wanderstop is a perfect escape for anyone looking to unwind and reflect, offering a heartwarming, emotional experience that stays with you long after you’ve finished.
I enjoyed every second of playing Wanderstop. The music is charming and the tea making process – and the various steps involved – are all incredibly cleverly constructed.
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Wanderstop’s excellent writing, great music and laid-back atmosphere make it a nice game to unwind with.
Wanderstop offers a 12-hour therapeutic journey, focusing purely on story and relaxation. It avoids complex mechanics, staying true to its purpose. If you’re open to an emotional experience, it’s worth a try, but those seeking high-end graphics or gameplay depth may not find it appealing.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
Part cozy game, part comedy, part poignant self-reflection, Wanderstop proves even the most well-trodden genre can bear creative fruit. Its gameplay errs on the side of simplicity, and elements of the story—particularly the side cast and the ending—left me hungrily wanting more. Still, the soul of Wanderstop shines through, resulting in a narrative experience that is one of a kind.
Wanderstop might be the rest stop you didn't realize you needed if you're seeking an escape that doesn't involve fiction but rather a calm introspection because it's quiet and reflective. At the end of the day, what you bring to it will determine whether you find it deeply moving or frustratingly in slow motion.
Wanderstop is a deeply emotional and relaxing experience that thoughtfully explores burnout and mental health while immersing you in a cozy teahouse. Despite minor technical flaws, its heartfelt characters and soothing atmosphere make it a truly memorable game—one I wasn’t ready to leave behind.
Review in German | Read full review
This is probably one of the best (if not the best) cozy games I’ve encountered, but unlike a lot of other games of this genre, the coziness is not just surface level. You can genuinely relax with this game, and honestly it’s a little depressing after it’s over.
Wanderstop is a game that is simply worth it. May you be a lover of tranquility or someone who wants to die whenever you see all those "farm games" in a Nintendo Direct or some such, Alta's and Boro's teahouse is a must-play stop. Who knows if maybe you, just like the protagonist, end up learning something about yourself?
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Wanderstop has a lot to say and, for the most part, does a pretty good job of doing it. It boasts an exceptionally strong narrative but at times struggles to reign in its own enthusiasm for that message.
Wanderstop is a unique, thought-provoking game that explores themes of burnout, change, and anxiety, with slow, deliberate gameplay that reinforces its message, though the protagonist’s plastic-like appearance and clunky keyboard controls detract slightly from the experience, making it best played with a controller in a calm state of mind.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Doing small tasks can still bring a sense of peace and fulfillment, especially when doing it in a stunning world that is more like watching a sunset. That’s where Wanderstop stands out from other cozy games by truly making the player feel relaxed. Like what Boro is doing with Alta, Wanderstop helps players look within themselves. This makes Wanderstop a one-of-a-kind experience that fans of the cozy game genre need to play.