Mothkeep is one of those games that instantly puts you in relax mode. The art is super cute and really easy on the eyes, and the music is so pleasant and calming.
Greeted by a single lantern in a empty room, you spot your first moth, you are prompted to observe and approach gently. Point, click and learn as you go. Super simple, nothing complicated, perfectly cosy and relaxing gameplay. As you explore the different areas, you find letters, telling you the story of the friendship between Galina and Tara.
Taking notes and going shopping.
When you discover something new, a notebook pops up with your findings. The tutorial is simple and easy to follow, and the whole area feels lovely, green, and lush. I really like that the game doesn’t force you to re‑read things you’ve already discovered — you can just click past them and continue as you were.
Eventually, you’re told to visit the shop, where you can spend the coins you’ve earned from finding different moths, eggs, larva and pupa. There are three moth types in the first area, and it didn’t take long to realise you need to find all stages of all three to move on. You can also pick up and store the items you buy, so you don’t have to leave anything behind when you go to a new area, which is a nice touch.
Games within the game!
Depending on what you find, you’ll get different mini‑games before you’re allowed to get closer — and if you fail, “Motthew” will disappear. There are other things to interact with, too, all very cute, and I won’t spoil them because new Mothkeep players will enjoy discovering them.
And yes, there are achievements. All I’ll say is: if you think you can click it… do it. Not everything is obvious, and some things are hidden in plain sight. Not everything moves either, so keep an eye out for anything that looks a bit “off”. As you move into new areas, the mini‑games get trickier, but still stay fun and relaxing.
If you’re ever unsure what you’re missing, you can check your notebook. The attention to detail is lovely — even the pages make a little sound when you flick through them. It definitely brings out the completionist in me, but in a nice way, not a stressy and grindy.
Creating a paradise for Motthew and his friends
One of my favourite parts is that you get your own garden to decorate! Go spend your hard earned “mothcoins” at the shop, and don’t forget to pet the cat. Let the creativity flow, and make your own personal haven for your new found moth friends.
Honestly, this game is perfect if you just want to sit down with something relaxing. It’s easy to understand, but not so easy that it gets boring. Take your time, try things even if you think they won’t work, and just enjoy the calm. The art and music are worth savouring. With clever little details hidden everywhere, sleep through the nights and it turns into a fun little “spot the difference” game.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion Mothkeep is one of the most relaxing games I have played in a long time. I took about about 2-3 hours to finish the game, but I could easily have spent longer. Its 100% worth the money and the time, although I would love to have more places to visit.
Platforms: Steam
Publishers: Ivette Schmidt
Developers: Ivette Schmidt
Played On: PC
Key Provided By: Ivette Schmidt
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