WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK IN INDIE GAMING: JULY 1ST

Welcome to the weekly brew, where we quench your thirst for indie game news.

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Lightyear Frontier Makes Big Strides

Lightyear Frontier has launched its “Making it Home” update, adding a photo mode, more decorations, emotes, and quality-of-life improvements to their off-world farming sim adventure. This early access title is available on Xbox Game Pass or 25% off on Steam during the Summer Sale. Check out Lightyear Frontier here

Dungeons and Dining Tables lands publishing deal

Calling all cozy gamers! Dungeons and Dining Tables, a unique action RPG where you play as an axolotl who furnishes their home with dungeon loot, has secured a publishing deal with Indie IO. Additionally, the game’s Steam page is now live, so you can add it to your wishlist and stay tuned for future updates Wishlist Dungeons and Dining Tables here.

Pipsqueak update - fully funded in a week!

Remember Pipsqueak, the adorable 2D platformer featuring a tiny mouse named Tofu? Well, it achieved full funding on Kickstarter in just a week! There’s still time to back the project and unlock some exciting stretch goals, so head over to their Kickstarter page and show your support Pipsqueak Kickstarter

Pioneer’s of Pagonia launch new mining update

Pioneers of Pagonia, the early access colony sim, has just launched its “Mining Update,” bringing a wealth of new features to the game. Subsurface mining, steel and gold production, new enemies, new combat units, and a slew of quality-of-life improvements are all part of this exciting update. Grab your pickaxe and claim your discount during the Steam Summer Sale Pioneers of Pagonia Update.

Nightingale launch new grapple and travel update

Nightingale, the fantasy survival crafter, has received its “Grapple and Travel Update.” This update introduces a grappling hook for better exploration, a cross-realm storage system for easier resource management, fast travel for convenience, and a bunch of quality-of-life improvements. With the recent improvements and a 20% discount during the Steam Summer Sale, Nightingale is a great time to jump in Nightingale Update.

Farthest Frontier have detailed their roadmap out of early access

Farthest Frontier, the city builder survival game, has revealed its roadmap to leaving early access. The developers plan to release five more major updates before the game’s official 1.0 launch this fall. Performance improvements, enhanced combat, higher tiers of buildings, and more management systems are all on the horizon. Check out the full roadmap on the Crate Entertainment forums Farthest Frontier Roadmap.

Moonstone Island have dropped a new free DLC

Moonstone Island, the creature collecting life sim, has launched a free summer-themed DLC called “Pool Party.” This DLC adds pools, floaties, towels, and other summer fun to your island paradise. Additionally, the base game is 30% off on Steam, along with hefty discounts on previous DLC packs Moonstone Island DLC.

Phasmophobia launch Point Hope update

The ghost-hunting horror game Phasmophobia has received a chilling update with Point Hope, a brand new location to explore. This eerie lighthouse features 10 floors, 12 rooms, and a unique layout that will challenge even the bravest paranormal investigators. The update also includes bug fixes, optimizations, and quality-of-life improvements to enhance your ghost hunting experience Learn more here.

Nivalis launches new trailer

Nivalis, the cyberpunk life sim where you manage a noodle stand and build your way up to a nightclub empire, has released a new trailer showcasing more gameplay and revealing a spring 2025 release window. Sharpen your entrepreneurial skills and get ready to climb the neon-lit ladder of success Watch the full Nivalis Trailer here.

Let's School Gets Ready for Console and Magical Makeovers

The high school management sim Let’s School is hitting consoles on July 16th! Alongside the console release, a new DLC called “Magical Castle’s DLC” has been released, offering a variety of new themed rooms and decorations to make your school truly magical. Get ready to build your dream school experience Learn more here.

Palworld Unleashes its First Major Update

The smash-hit creature collection game Palworld has released its first major update, adding a ton of new content. Explore a whole new island, battle in the arena, build your stronghold, and encounter a wealth of new features. With the Steam Summer Sale offering a 25% discount, there’s no better time to dive into the world of Palworld Learn more here.

New Western Farming sim game announced

Playtonic Friends has announced a brand new game: Cattle Country! This western-themed farming sim lets you build a ranch, fight off bandits, develop your town, and experience the Wild West in a whole new way. Keep an eye on Cattle Country as it develops and add it to your wishlist here.

Smalland: Survive the Wilds Grows Up on the Experimental Branch

Smalland: Survive the Wilds, the open-world survival crafter where you play as tiny people in a giant’s world, has received a substantial update on its experimental branch. The treetop canopy has been expanded, a new mantis creature has been introduced (beware of guarding your eggs!), and base raids are now a thing! Grab this unique game at a 50% discount during the Steam Summer Sale Learn more here.

Steam Summer Sale: Hot Deals on Indie Gems

Speaking of sales, the Steam Summer Sale is scorching hot! Here are some recommendations to quench your thirst for great indie games:

  • Management Sims: Grab Espresso Tycoon & Cat Cafe Manager (50% off) or Frostpunk (90% off) and become a master manager.
  • Story-Rich Games: Dive into the narratives of Papers Please, Lil Guardsman (30% off), Slay the Princess (25% off), or Cult of the Lamb (40% off).

The sale ends July 11th, so don’t miss out on these incredible deals!

End of Ember Burns Bright as a New Aussie Game

A fiery new game has been announced: End of Ember! This Aussie-made roguelite shooter throws you headfirst into a battle against Satan himself. This is not for the faint of heart, but for those who crave a bullet-riddled adventure, End of Ember is definitely one to watch.

Frostpunk 2 Release Delayed for Further Polishing

The highly anticipated Frostpunk 2 has been delayed to September 20th. Based on feedback from the beta, the developers are adding new features, refining the game mechanics, and revamping the interface to create the best possible experience for players. Patience is a virtue, and Frostpunk 2 promises to be worth the wait Read the full announcement here.

That is a wrap on this edition of The Weekly Brew!

Until next time, Stay Caffeinated!