PAX East 2026

Whether you like it or not, the farming simulator is a popular genre; however, these types of games have also become a dime a dozen over the years with only a few tried-and-true hits like Stardew Valley. With the influx of “cozy” farming titles, there have been plenty of mediocrity that can poison the batch…or at the very least, make the genre feel stale. Enter stage left: we have murderously good news in the form of Grave Seasons.

What is Grave Seasons?

For those who haven’t heard of it, Grave Seasons is an indie title developed by Perfect Garbage (quite the perfect name) and published by Blumhouse Games. It is a mash up of a traditional farming sim and…horror. Your character arrives at a rural village called Ashenridge to start a new life after…escaping jail (you read that correctly). The spooky premise involves solving murders committed by a supernatural serial killer.

It’s set to release August 14th on PC (Steam), PlayStation, and Xbox. If my demo review doesn’t prove that this is a sleeper hit for 2026, the daily hour-long lines at Blumhouse Games’ booth should back me up here.

Grave Seasons Demo Impressions

Pat and I received a curated slice of Grave Seasons so we were able to experience both the sim and the murder mystery aspect, and devs Son and Emmett answered any questions we had. Firstly, our protagonist can be customized a certain amount, but it won’t be extensive. We spent a portion of the demo exploring the world, which was beautiful done in pixel art. There were lots of hills and raised areas, giving Ashenridge a sense of verticality. I pointed out the water effects, which were impressive. I have never seen water effects in a pixel art style that moved so realistically. The lighting effects are hand-painted as well.

Each NPC also had hand-drawn art whenever you initiate dialogue with them, akin to what we see in Hades or Date Everything. Suffice it to say, every NPC was undeniably attractive, and yes, Grave Seasons includes the time-honored tradition of romancing. Pat and I experimented giving items to various characters. Some were pleased and others weren’t as impressed. In addition to romance, the devs confirmed other beloved tropes like fishing and mining.

During witching hour which occurs during each day cycle (approx 20 minutes in real time) at 3 A.M., there will be a murder sequence. During this time you may witness (or prevent) a murder. You are sectioned off to this area until you explore and gather sufficient clues tied to the case, but be warned, there may be red herrings. Clues will be logged for you to reference. Pat and I witnessed one murder, and it was quite visceral, so do not play this with young kiddos!

If solving a murder mystery wasn’t already a twist, Pat and I learned that what you choose to do, or not do, will shape the rest of the story. Even if you engage only with the farming sim aspect, your lack of action will create an impact. In addition to that, there is a new killer with each playthrough, and nothing is randomly generated! Now, if you choose to investigate and attempt to find the killer, you may need to break into the homes and businesses of NPCs, but beware, they will become incredible pissed if they catch you!

Another aspect that is different about Grave Seasons is that there is no sleep requirement, per say. When night arrives, you are not required to “end the day” formally. What does become important is stayed energized. So, even if you pull all-nighters sleuthing, you need to eat (and eventually sleep at whatever time you choose).

Grave Seasons is deeply rich, clocking in at over 300,000 words of dialogue. With shifting seasons, killers, and clues, the game morphs with your gameplay, creating a fun and memorable dynamic in an otherwise stale genre.

This game has been in development for about three years, and the team is excited to prepare of its launch later this year. At the conclusion of the demo, I asked Son and Emmett what they would want to see in a physical Collector’s Edition of Grave Seasons if they were given free rein and no financial limit. They settled with an art book and soundtrack, as they boasted custom tracks for each character and season!

Grave Seasons is truly a standout at PAX East 2026 and a title to watch out for. Check out the reveal trailer below by Blumhouse Games and consider wishlisting it on Steam!

Thank you to Son, Emmett, and everyone at Perfect Garbage and Blumhouse Games!

If this game interests you, stay tuned for Boss Rush Network coverage as it nears release!

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Featured Image Source: Perfect Garbage via Steam