'Harry Potter Meets Stardew Valley' Game Sets Official Release Date

3 hours ago 12

Published Oct 28, 2026, 11:15 AM EDT

Willa Rowe is a contributing writer at Polygon, covering games and entertainment. She is a New York-based journalist and critic whose work has been featured in Kotaku, Digital Trends, the A.V. Club, GamesRadar+, and more. She also co-hosts the Girl Mode podcast.

The long wait for Witchbrook is finally almost over

Witchbrook has been one of my most anticipated games since it was first teased just about a decade ago. The magical take on Stardew Valley looks to be a new entry in the cozy life-sim genre that keeps getting more enticing with every preview developer Chucklefish gives. Now, after years of patient waiting and at least one delay, Witchbrook finally has a release date.

At the start of today's Nintendo Indie World Showcase, developer Chucklefish announced that Witchbrook will be released on Jan. 28, 2027. That is a slight delay from the game's most recent 2026 release window, but considering it is only three months away, I don't think we will complain that much.

The release trailer itself shows off Witchbrook's gorgeous isometric pixel aesthetics and plethora of systems. In some ways it follows in the footsteps of Fields of Mistria, which finally released in 1.0 this year, as a Stardew Valley-inspired game that brings a little magic to the familiar genre. With Haunted Chocolatier still a ways off, it is good to know cozy life-sim fans still have a lot of great games to occupy them.

What we know about Witchbrook

In the simplest terms, Witchbrook is Stardew Valley with magic. The game takes place in the small seaside town of Mossport, where players will start their magical journey by attending Witchbrook College. There are obvious comparisons to a well-known magical-school franchise, but Witchbrook offers a much more charming alternative.

Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality

Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality
Image: Chucklefish, Robotality

In addition to going to class and keeping up your grades, players will also be able to explore the world and engage in a number of gameplay systems. That includes starting a business, flying a broom to get around, dressing up, decorating your home, scavenging, birdwatching, and more. The opportunities really do seem endless. The game will also support up to four-player co-op, so you can have an adventure with friends.

Witchbrook will be released on Jan. 28, 2027, on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.

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