Terra Nil

Lore & Background

Terra Nil was originally developed by a three-person team—Sam Alfred, Jonathan Hau-Yoon, and Jarred Lunt—for Ludum Dare 45 in October 2019 and released on Itch.io. In October 2020, the developers partnered with Free Lives to produce a more in-depth version with more levels and upgraded graphics. The game was announced on June 7, 2021, and a free demo was made available on June 16, 2021, as part of Steam Next Fest. The full game was released for Windows, Android, and iOS on March 28, 2023, with mobile versions published through Netflix Games. Ports for macOS, Linux, and the Nintendo Switch were released later in 2023.

Gameplay is divided into three phases. In the first, players place wind turbines on stone tiles to power toxin scrubbers, which prepare soil for irrigation. Water pumps refill dried river beds, and tools allow creating new rivers and stone tiles. Points earned from converting wasteland fund further buildings and upgrades. In the second stage, players upgrade buildings to create biomes like wetlands, wildflower meadows, and dense forests, which attract deer, birds, fish, and bears. In the third phase, once sufficient ecosystem and weather are restored, players recycle all buildings to construct an airship and leave the map, leaving no trace of their presence.

Reader's Guide

Terra Nil received 'generally positive' reviews on Metacritic. PC Gamer described it as 'a consistently relaxing, satisfying experience' that does not aim to supplant complex games like Civilization or Anno. Hardcore Gamer praised its 'simple yet incredibly fun gameplay, striking and gorgeous visuals, and a nice level of challenge.' Rock Paper Shotgun found the reverse city-builder puzzle elements to be 'an unavoidable punishment,' though Hardcore Gamer singled them out as the game's 'most clever and unique hook.' Criticizing the game's focus on 'chasing numbers,' Rock Paper Shotgun's reviewer felt that later stages ruin its relaxing mood. In contrast, The Guardian found the gameplay 'more forgiving than expected' and praised how the game's elements come together to make it relaxing, also noting that its simplicity and easiness reinforced its message that cleaning up the environment could be made simple. The game's significance lies in its unique inversion of city-building conventions, inspired by the rewilding movement and the climate crisis, and its emphasis on restoration rather than expansion.

Did You Know?

• Terra Nil was originally created for Ludum Dare 45 in October 2019.
• Mobile versions of Terra Nil are published through Netflix Games.
• In the final phase, players must recycle all buildings to build an airship and leave the map.