Cozy new open-world RPG to rival Minecraft launches on Steam, free to try

If you’re a fan of Minecraft, then you’re not going to want to miss cosy new co-op title Taival which has officially launched on PC via Steam in early access.

Developed by Bonobo Software and published by Level Up Gaming, you’ll quickly be able to spot the visual similarities between Taival and Minecraft which both offer voxel-based fun.

Taival is its own unique beast though, offering players a thrilling adventure where they can team-up with three friends and a shapeshifting companion to explore an expansive world.

“You stumble upon the last Henki – a creature unlike any other, a shapeshifter keeping the world of Taival in balance,” begins the synopsis.

“Together, you set out across a handcrafted blocky world to recover the shattered fragments of its lost heritage. What you find along the way will change both of you.

“Taival is a co-op adventure RPG for up to four players where your goal is to find out who destroyed Heartstone of the Henki, restore it to its former glory and bring your companion back to where it belongs. This is a cosy yet mighty adventure you’ve never seen before.”

Your Henki is a very handy being. Across Taival’s world, players will uncover all kinds of cute and adorable creatures which the Henki can transform into by absorbing a piece of their essence.

Each boasts their own unique abilities, so you might want to get your Henki to transform into something that might help you traverse a mountain or perhaps a ferocious beast to aid you in battle.

The more you explore, the more Henki forms you’ll unlock which, in turn, widens the breadth of what you can do in the game.

READ MORE: Minecraft Mod Adds Realistic Graphics And It’ll Probably Melt Your PC

Devs have also cited Skyrim and Zelda: Breath of the Wild as key influences

Taival’s world is hand-crafted, so you don’t need to worry about any procedural elements.

It comprises several unique realms all of which boast their own feel, creatures, and unique visual quirks, from “rolling highlands” to “dense forests” and “ancient ruins”.

Taival isn’t all about open-ended exploration. There are NPCs that need your help.

“Players can help a farmer figure who stole their barrel of plants (it was a rodent), or they can assist in settling a house ownership disagreement between two goblins,” devs tease.

“The game being a cosy co-op RPG doesn’t mean the quests are only on the cosy side of things; players can find themselves fighting a beast on a barbarian camp or doing some pest control on insects of their own size.”

Again, you can enjoy the game on your own or buddy up with friends either online or via splitscreen local co-op.

In fact, you can even do a mixture if you have one friend with you and others online. When playing in a party, each character will have their own companion and skill tree.

Dialogue options, however, have to be selected as a group so you all share the same outcome.

The game is available in early access now so expect devs to add new content and iron out any kinks in the coming months as feedback floods in.

Taival will set you back $19.99 ordinarily but there is a 20% discount running until July 28, bringing the price down t0 $15.99.

If you’re a fan of the concept ‘try before you buy’, then you might be interested to know that Taival has a free demo available.

It should give you a brief taste of what to expect in what looks to be a very promising new RPG.