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Research Story
Set out to discover and record plants and creatures for the Violet Archive. Grow crops, tame animals, and build the perfect farm! Forge friendships along the way as you begin your life as a researcher!
★Very Positive· 95% of 344 Steam reviews
Screenshots & Gameplay
In-game captures

Where to Buy
Official digital stores and platform availability
About Research Story
The Violet Archive needs your help! Sightings of exotic plants and creatures near the town of Shimmerbrook have attracted a wave of new settlers. The Violet Archive was set up to record the development in the region, and is looking for researchers to aid its cause!
A game about research and discovery
- Discover and record 90+ plants, creatures, and fish at various locations around Shimmerbrook, and contribute your findings to the Archive.
Forage for seeds, grow crops with different growth conditions
- Observe wild plants and grow them as crops based on their requirements!
Tame and raise 32 unique creatures!
- Tame creatures as part of research! Observe wild creatures, learn their diet, and tame them with their favourite food!
- Raise creatures, meet their needs, and unlock their perks! Each creature has a unique ability: Chickens find you seeds, Sproutkittens grow seeds into sprouts instantly!
- Collect Shimmers! These rare coloured variants give double the Produce!
Fishing - some common fish, but also unique fish requiring research!
- Find Fish Parts and use different bait to hook various fish!
Dive deep into the Mines!
- Mine ores and gems in the Mines.
- Certain plants and creatures can be found only in the Mines!
Explore the puzzle caves to uncover the mystery behind Shimmerbrook
- Complete puzzles to obtain Artifacts! Each puzzle you solve brings you one step closer to learning the truth behind the proliferation of flora and fauna in Shimmerbrook.
Cook, craft, build, and more!
- Cook meals to gain buffs!
- Craft and automate with sprinklers, auto-feeders, and more!
Meet the townsfolk!
- Befriend townsfolk! From a druid whose family has lived for generations in the mountains, to a featherfolk whose first job is in this new town - many characters await in Shimmerbrook!
- Schedule Hangout Events with them to learn more about their stories!
- Romance any of the 10 romanceables and marry your favourite!
Developed by Petal Cat Games and published by Petal Cat Games, Electronic Sheep Games, Research Story was originally released on Jul 21, 2025. It holds a Very Positive reception on Steam with 95% positive reviews.
Playtime & Pacing
Average playthrough durations based on community play data for Research Story:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Research Story multiplayer or co-op?
No, Research Story is a dedicated single-player experience designed for cozy, stress-free solo play.
Can I play Research Story on Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch?
Research Story is natively available on Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo eShop. It is fully playable on Steam Deck with controller support.
How long is Research Story?
A typical playthrough of the main story takes about 0 hours. Players aiming for full completion and side content can expect around 155 hours of gameplay.
How much is Research Story and is it on sale?
Research Story is currently on sale for $11.24 USD (25% off its regular price of $14.99 USD) on participating digital storefronts.



