A world shaped by mysterious fungal forests, cosy exploration, and gameplay mechanics centered around transforming the environment through cultivation is the premise of Slumbering Woods, the new project from Australian developer Chunky Quail. The game is scheduled to launch on PC in 2027 through Steam, combining environmental puzzle solving with progression driven by planting different mushroom species.

In the adventure, a violent storm separates the protagonist from their travelling companions, leaving the character stranded in a remote village overtaken by strange fungal growth. From there, the journey revolves around helping rebuild the settlement while working alongside the villagers to unlock tools, knowledge, and hidden pathways deeper within the forest.

At the center of the experience is a planting system that directly reshapes the surrounding world. Each mushroom species has its own soil requirements and unique behavior. Some create entirely new routes, while others block dangerous areas or provide safe paths forward, turning exploration into a mix of environmental puzzles and resource management.

According to the team at Chunky Quail, the project was inspired by the studio’s appreciation for rainforest walks and the ecosystems found within them. “We started developing Slumbering Woods two years ago, inspired by our love of rainforest walks and the incredible ecosystems they support”, shared the development team. “We wanted to create a world that captures the wonder of discovering strange fungi in nature while also reflecting how fragile these ecosystems can be and how easily they can be disrupted. Turning that inspiration into exploration and puzzle solving has been an exciting challenge, and we're happy to finally share the game publicly and bring it to BitSummit for players to experience for the first time.”

Beyond free exploration, the game will feature resource gathering and tool crafting systems designed to support the player’s journey. Progression will also involve constant interaction with the village residents, granting access to recipes, services, and new exploration opportunities as the settlement is restored.

Another major highlight is the variety of rare mushroom species hidden throughout the map. Players will be able to experiment with different abilities and environmental effects, encouraging the discovery of secrets and optional areas scattered across the fungal wilderness.

The atmosphere will also shift depending on the day and night cycle. Certain events, conversations, and discoveries will only appear at specific times, adding another layer of immersion and rewarding careful exploration.

Ahead of its official release, Chunky Quail will showcase the project at BitSummit in Kyoto, Japan, from May 22 to May 24, 2026. The event will mark the first opportunity for players to experience the studio’s upcoming title firsthand.