Behind the Horizon

Behind the Horizon is a role-playing game with farming elements, set in a living world shaped by a nature simulation. Its five-chapter mystical story follows the discovery of your own nature and the nature of the world, rather than a hero saving the world. The game offers well over 100 hours of play and ends with one of two possible endings.

Woodhome and its residents

The community of Woodhome and your relationships with its inhabitants play an important part in the story. Residents—including craftsmen, traders, artists, and people who run a café and a restaurant—follow daily routines that change with the seasons. You can speak with them, take on their small or large tasks, and get their help. Some choices have consequences for you and the world; friendship and love are also part of the game.

More than 50 cutscenes advance the story and bring key moments to life. They include events such as learning skills, visions and information about the main story. The early chapters focus on survival, farm work and exploration, before the story gathers pace.

A changing natural world

The simulation changes the landscape from day to day. Weather and seasons affect both nature and you, while catastrophes and special events can transform the landscape. Plants grow and sow, trees die and return nutrients to the soil, and the soil develops and becomes more fertile. After a season, you can explore to see what has grown or died, how the river’s course has changed and where the soil has improved.

Farming and crafting

You can grow cultivated plants as well as wild plants and trees, and keep animals in enclosures or stables. Small companions can help with farm work. Harvests provide food and ingredients for cooking and magic formulas, and can be sold for coins to spend at local traders. Farming also includes housing, crafting and decorating your home and farm.

Hundreds of items can be found in dungeons, bought from merchants or made on the farm. You can craft potions, spells, food and other useful items, as well as decorations for your home and farm. The game also has two museums in Waldheim for collecting and displaying unique artefacts.

Magic and combat

Magic is central to the story, which explores the nature of magic. You can learn more than 40 spells for combat and farm use. Combat features five weapon types, with the skills for each learned from the world’s inhabitants.

Caves and dungeons

Hand-designed underground caves and catacombs contain traps, labyrinths, monsters, treasures and other surprises. More than 25 monsters have distinct abilities, and the dungeons also feature boss enemies with their own mechanics.