Independent developer Antler Studios has announced that its new physics based puzzle adventure, The Wilds of Dacrima: Field Notes from a Poorly Supervised Alchemist and His Unruly Clockwork Companion, will officially launch on May 12, 2026 for Steam and the Epic Games Store, presenting a creative proposal that blends experimentation, British humor and dynamic systems within an eccentric Victorian inspired world.

To mark the upcoming release and celebrate surpassing 10,000 wishlists, the studio has shared a new trailer highlighting its core mechanics. Among the key elements are emergent alchemy, vertical exploration and a distinct sense of humor that reinforces the game’s light and unpredictable identity.

In the narrative, players take on the role of Edric Tayte, a somewhat incompetent alchemist tasked with exploring a wild and untamed landscape while investigating the origins of a deadly rot. Equipped with a field kit filled with unstable substances, he must craft potions capable of manipulating gravity, improvising paths and interacting with ancient mechanical puzzles.

Throughout the journey, Edric is not alone. He is accompanied by L-PIN (Unit 734), a mechanical companion designed to assist with tasks, but who also contributes questionable commentary and unexpected situations, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the adventure.

The progression system encourages constant experimentation. Rather than offering direct solutions, the game invites players to gather ingredients and test different combinations, creating their own answers to each challenge, even if that leads to chaotic as well as effective outcomes.

Exploration takes place in a non linear 3D world filled with ancient ruins and nature overtaking steampunk technology. The verticality of the environments expands navigation and puzzle solving possibilities, encouraging curiosity and careful observation.

"We've spent six years building a world where the physics engine is your best friend and your worst enemy," says Em Bailey, Designer at Antler Studios. "We wanted to create a puzzle game that didn't just ask you to push on a button, but asks you to forage, brew a potion, throw it at a wall, and see what happens. Sometimes it's a solution. Sometimes it's a spectacular explosion. We consider both to be a success."

Complementing the experience, the original soundtrack composed by Alex Schiff reinforces the game’s immersive atmosphere, with tracks that follow the mysterious and eccentric tone of the adventure. Also available as a bundle at launch, the music helps solidify the unique identity of a project that blends creativity, experimentation and humor into a single universe.