A Cozy Dive Into Fantasy Innkeeping

In the heart of a pixelated fantasy realm, Travellers Rest invites you to step into the shoes of an innkeeper, crafting a cosy haven for weary adventurers and locals alike. Developed by Isolated Games and released into Steam Early Access in July 2020, this game has quickly captured my heart and the hearts many of players seeking a tranquil and fulfilling experience. It’s delightful blend of management, life simulation, and RPG elements offers a captivating experience that will keep you immersed for hours on end.

At the heart of Travellers Rest lies the inn itself, your canvas for creativity and resourcefulness. You’ll start with a dilapidated tavern and gradually expand it into a thriving establishment, complete with cosy guest rooms, a bustling dining hall, and a very well-stocked bar. As you progress, you’ll unlock new features and upgrades, allowing you to customize your inn to your liking. One of the most satisfying aspects of Travellers Rest is the freedom to personalize your inn. You can choose from a variety of furniture, decorations, and architectural styles to create a space that reflects your own unique vision. Whether you prefer a rustic, cosy aesthetic or a grand, opulent design, the game offers ample opportunities for self-expression and with seasonal content like the most recent Halloween event, those opportunities are expanded further.

To attract and satisfy your guests, you’ll need to provide a wide array of goods and services. The game’s management mechanics are surprisingly deep and engaging. You’ll need to balance your resources carefully, ensuring that you have enough food, drinks, and supplies to cater to your guests’ needs. You’ll also need to hire and manage your staff, ensuring that they’re well-trained and motivated. Beyond the day-to-day operations of your inn, Travellers Rest offers a variety of activities to keep you entertained. You can explore the surrounding countryside, gather ingredients for cooking and brewing, and interact with the colourful cast of characters that inhabit the world. The game’s world-building is impressive, with each NPC having their own unique story and personality.

Travellers Rest offers a relaxing and engaging gameplay experience that caters to players of all ages and preferences. Whether you enjoy meticulously decorating your tavern, experimenting with new recipes, exploring the world, or simply interacting with the charming characters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The game’s calming soundtrack and pixelated art style create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

However, Travellers Rest is not without its flaws. Some players including myself have reported minor technical issues, such as occasional frame rate drops and minor bugs like getting stuck in random pieces of furniture. Additionally, the game’s pacing can feel somewhat slow at times, especially in the early stages. For an early access game though, it’s incredibly well fleshed out!

List of Pros
  • Charming and immersive world: The game’s vibrant fantasy setting and engaging characters create a captivating atmosphere that draws you in and keeps you hooked.
  • Deep and engaging gameplay: With its diverse range of activities, from building and decorating your tavern to crafting, cooking, exploring, and managing staff, there’s always something to keep you busy and entertained.
  • Relaxing and enjoyable: The game’s peaceful pace and calming soundtrack make it a perfect escape from the stresses of daily life.
  • Creative freedom: The ability to design and decorate your tavern, experiment with recipes, and interact with the world in your own way provides a sense of creative freedom and personalization.
  • Strong community: The active and supportive community of Travellers Rest players adds to the overall enjoyment of the game, providing a wealth of resources, tips, and encouragement.
List of Cons
  • Early access limitations: While the game is still in early access, it lacks some features and content that may be expected in a fully released game
  • Can be repetitive at times: The core gameplay loop of managing your tavern, crafting, and exploring can become repetitive for some players after a while.
  • Limited customization options: While the game offers some customization options for your tavern and characters, it could benefit from more extensive customization options.

Despite any minor shortcomings, Travellers Rest is an exceptional game that offers a truly unique and immersive experience. Its charming visuals, relaxing atmosphere, and engaging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of life simulation games and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the genre, Travellers Rest is a game that will undoubtedly bring you hours of enjoyment. While it still has some room for improvement, the overall experience is thoroughly enjoyable and definitely worth recommending.