Village in the Shade, the latest life simulation game set in a folk-custom village brought to you by the staff behind the Yomawari series, launches on Thursday, July 30, 2026!
Supported platforms include Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam / Windows).
Note: This article is based on information released in Japan. For information specific to your country or region, please refer to local official websites such as Village in the Shade (EN).
Village in the Shade Launches July 30! Enjoy a Relaxed Slow Life in an Ominous Folk-Custom Village
生活シミュレーション『ほの暮しの庭』が、明日7月30日（木）発売！
農作、牧畜、釣り、人々との交流。のどかな村でほっこりスローライフ、と思いきや……？ 昼と夜、ふたつの顔を持つ村の秘密に迫る！詳しくはこちら⇒ https://t.co/S8FKEnJX3M#ほの暮しの庭 pic.twitter.com/uUwx7drsZA
— プレイステーション公式 (@PlayStation_jp) July 29, 2026
The latest work from the staff behind the Yomawari series!
The unique life simulation game, Village in the Shade, releases on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Enjoy Slow Life and Horror Simultaneously! The Synopsis of Village in the Shade
In this title, you can enjoy a heartwarming lifestyle in a rural village.
However, when night falls, the village shows a completely different side...
Through interactions with the villagers, the protagonist gradually steps into the darkness of the village.
Synopsis
Kagatsu Village is a small settlement nestled deep in the mountains. After you're found on the outskirts of the village and taken in by the villagers, you began a new life in this land. Tending to the overgrown garden, raising crops, and sometimes enjoying some leisurely fishing... In Kagatsu Village, time passes slowly and peacefully.
However, this peaceful village is host to some strange occurrences. The inexplicable code of Kagatsu Village that must be obeyed, the villagers who refuse to speak on certain subjects, and the presence of something encroaching on daily life...
As you go about your daily life here, the secrets hidden in this land gradually reveal themselves. Will you be able to find the truths hidden in the shade and become a true member of the village?
Village in the Shade official website (EN)
No Running Water, No Gas, and Plenty of Wasteland! What You Can Do in This Rewarding Slow Life
This game is packed with deep replayability elements for a slow life.
When you start the game, the protagonist receives an old shack and an overgrown garden.
Start by cultivating this garden and creating a field!
Farming
In your fields, you can grow over 80 variations of vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
Sow seeds, water them, and raise your crops!
Shipping harvested crops will provide you with a livelihood.
Rice Farming
Till the soil and prepare paddy fields.
You can grow rice alongside water-based crops like lotus root.
You can even use the duck farming method, where swimming ducks help weed your fields!
Livestock
You can raise livestock such as chickens, cows, and horses in your yard.
Once you collect milk and eggs, try your hand at crafting processed goods like cheese.
Hunting and Fishing
Majestic nature surrounds the village.
Pick wild vegetables, hunt game, or fish in the river.
You can not only cook the fish you catch, but also farm them.
When hunting wild animals in the mountains, make sure to obtain a hunting license before heading out.
Take aim with a bow to take them down, or set clever traps.
Experience an exciting hunting lifestyle!
Crafting
Gather materials and handcraft tools like processing machines to steadily expand your capabilities.
By crafting furniture and decorations, you can customize your home and yard however you like.
There are an astonishing over 1,500 variations of items that you can place!
Transform your drafty, run-down shack into your ideal home.
Mining
Inside the quarry dungeon, you can harvest ores and gems.
The deeper you delve, the easier it becomes to obtain valuable items—just manage your time and stamina carefully!
You can also use the minecarts placed every 10 floors of the dungeon to take a shortcut back to the entrance.
Interactions with People
People of all ages live in the village.
At first, they might treat you as an outsider, but through village festivals, helping out, and giving gifts, you can gradually build strong relationships with them.
As your bonds grow, various events will unlock, such as villagers asking you for advice or inviting you to their homes for dinner parties and sleepovers.
The Ominous Nighttime Face of a Seemingly Peaceful Village! What Code Does the Village Pass Down?
Village in the Shade offers much more than a simple slow life game.
Shifting completely from the heartwarming daytime atmosphere, an ominous air fills the village when night falls.
Who are the suspicious residents, and what are those "things" you encounter late at night...?
A Faint Sense of Discomfort in Peaceful Conversations
The villagers seem gentle and kind, but at random moments, they let slip unsettling remarks.
Because they rarely elaborate to the protagonist, an outsider, the true meaning behind their words remains mysterious.
The origin of this discomfort will gradually become clear as you grow closer to the residents.
However, that secret lies deeply rooted in the village's past...
The "Eight Rules" Passed Down in Kagatsu Village
In Kagatsu Village, which boasts a long history, The Eight Rules of the Kagatsu Village Code remain as ancient customs.
The villagers instruct the protagonist to follow these rules, which offer no explanation for demands like "Do not approach strangers" and "Do not search for lost things."
Although the village chief claims these rules "protect the prosperous life of the settlement," the true motive remains unclear.
Encounters in Midnight Kagatsu Village
When walking through the village at midnight, even though no one should be around, you may sometimes feel the presence of someone behind you.
At times, you might even encounter entities impossible to explain as mere extensions of daytime life...
Do these entities cause harm, or do they simply exist?
Nighttime exploration will reveal the answer.
During late-night exploration, do not forget your flashlight.
You may find unfamiliar lost items, and sometimes even pick up useful tools for daily life.
Prefer to Avoid Horror? Try Peaceful Life Mode
If you feel uneasy about the ominous village atmosphere, you can rest assured!
In Peaceful Life Mode, scary events will not trigger, allowing you to enjoy pure life simulation while abiding by the rules.
Digital Deluxe Edition Also Available! Enjoy the Art Book and Soundtrack
NOTE: The following product information is based on information released in Japan. For product information in your respective country or region, please refer to local official websites such as Village in the Shade (EN).
The Digital Deluxe Edition, which includes a digital art book and digital soundtrack, launches alongside the game!
Additionally, players can purchase a standalone Collector's Box that excludes the main game to enjoy just these two bonus items.
Digital Deluxe Edition
- Village in the Shade Full Game (Digital Version)
- Digital Art Book
- Digital Soundtrack
Collector's Box
- Digital Art Book
- Digital Soundtrack
The Digital Art Book features numerous main visuals and character illustrations from Village in the Shade!
Because it contains spoiler elements, we recommend enjoying it after clearing the game.
The Digital Soundtrack includes all 38 in-game BGM tracks.
Composed by Kazuya Takasu, who has created game music for numerous Nippon Ichi Software titles, alongside ZIZZ STUDIO, the music brings out the nostalgic setting beautifully and peacefully!
Village in the Shade Launches July 30! Supporting Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, PC, and More
Village in the Shade, featuring the village's dual nature of light and dark, releases on Thursday, July 30, 2026!
Supported Platforms
- Nintendo Switch 2
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 5
- PC (Steam / Windows)
You can purchase the game from the official Village in the Shade website (JP/EN/FR/ES)!
Check out the official Village in the Shade X account (@Honogurashi) for the latest updates!
生活シミュレーションゲーム
✨ 明日発売 ✨
2026年7月30日(木)発売 pic.twitter.com/eQRxfnrgng
— ほの暮しの庭 公式 (@Honogurashi) July 28, 2026
| Product Overview | |
|---|---|
| Title | Village in the Shade |
| Genre | Life Simulation |
| Supported Platforms & Price | Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, PC (Steam / Windows): 9,020 yen (tax included) Nintendo Switch: 7,920 yen (tax included) |
| Release Date | Thursday, July 30, 2026 |