A wordless exploration-puzzle game in which a small creature explores a dark, gorgeous well full of animals, tools and hidden mechanisms. Made almost entirely by one developer, it is one of the most inventive games of the decade.
L1What it is
You wake as a little blob inside a flower and drop into a huge, interconnected well. There is no text, no combat to speak of and almost no explanation. You find items, open new paths and slowly realise the world is far more layered than it first looks. Reaching the credits is only the first layer; there is a second set of secrets for completionists and a third that players worked on together after launch.
L2How it plays
Instead of weapons, you collect toys: a bubble wand that makes temporary platforms, a frisbee, a yo-yo, a slinky, firecrackers to scare animals. Each item has several unexpected uses, and the puzzles come from combining them with the creatures around you. A few tense chase sequences against ghostly animals break up the calm exploration.
L3Pixels & sound
The pixel art is small in scale but lit like a modern game, with glowing particles, reflections in water and deep shadows. The sound design is minimal and eerie: dripping water, distant animal noises, sudden silence. It is one of the best-looking pixel-art games on Steam.
L4Coming back
After the main ending, a second layer of collectibles and riddles opens up, and the deepest puzzles require notes, patience and sometimes a group of friends. Most players will be happy with the first ending; dedicated puzzle fans can play for many more hours.
L5Value & tech
It is a small download that runs on almost anything and is Steam Deck Verified. At $24.99 for around 12 hours of first-playthrough content and more for the dedicated, it is fair value. Controller recommended.
Power-ups
- Items with clever, surprising uses
- Gorgeous lighting on pixel art
- Layers of secrets for every kind of player
- No hand-holding, no filler
Game overs
- Can feel directionless at times
- Deepest secrets need outside help or huge patience
Score sheet
- Gameplay 30%
- 9.4
- Feel & controls 20%
- 8.8
- Pixels & sound 20%
- 9.6
- Replay 15%
- 8.6
- Value 15%
- 8.8
Weighted: 9.4 × 30% + 8.8 × 20% + 9.6 × 20% + 8.6 × 15% + 8.8 × 15% = 9.11, shown as 9.1.
The verdict
Verdict
ANIMAL WELL is a puzzle box disguised as a cute platformer. Its items are clever, its world is beautiful and its secrets go deeper than you expect. Our top pick right now.
By the Game Pick Review editorial desk · Updated 3 Oct 2026 · How we score · Spotted an error?
