Herdling Reviews

Short, sweet, and utterly charming, Herdling's evocative beauty more than makes up for its superficial gameplay.

Herdling is as much of an experience as it is a game. There is gameplay as you gather and herd goat-like animals through the world, but it’s there to further your emotional travels with these creatures. It’s a game for dreamers, for the innocent, for those who delighted in floating around in Thatgamecompany’s Journey.

Despite frustrations with the slow-moving herd, Herdling is still worth trying if you enjoy visual story-telling and atmospheric games. That said, if you can play anywhere but Switch, do so.

When I first heard about Herdling, I was immediately intrigued by the prospect of befriending a menagerie of furry, antlered beasts. Developed by Okomotive, the studio behind the acclaimed FAR game series, Herdling captures the emotional ups and downs that come with controlling a group looking to you for guidance, while offering accessible gameplay mechanics that will keep you engaged during its short runtime.

Herdling is a cosy, heartfelt trek that feels like a breath of fresh air and its stunning atmosphere and soundtrack do much of the heavy lifting. Whilst the game rarely stumbles, it seldom soars and often gets stuck behind janky controls or disappointing performance. Still, for all its rough edges, Herdling is a memorable adventure. If you’re chasing the next grand expedition, this game might fall short, but if it’s vibes you seek, look no further than this herd of lovable, clumsy beasts.

Herdling is undoubtedly an indie gem, but not without its flaws. While it's visually stunning and creative, the gameplay needs work in certain areas. However, Herdling finds its stride when racing through the more open passages of the game, and there's decent replayability to this quick adventure.

Herdling continues Okamotive's reputation for unorthodox titles that resonate in unique ways. Desolate and survival-driven, yet warm and freeing, it's an adventure unlike any other despite the occasional hiccups.

A delightful sojourn in bleakly beautiful landscapes, that has you steering a herd of giant yak-like beasts while gently wrestling with controls that aren’t afraid to embrace the organic waywardness of your charges.

Beautiful in every way, Herdling is a short and sweet adventure that will pull at your heartstrings.

Okomotive's Journey-like adventure game delivers a strong emotional impact thanks to its memorable furry friends and a unique core concept.

Editor’s Note: This review was updated 08/22/2025 to accurately explain post-game save access.

The invisible orchestra is another kind of herd that mirrors the one you drive before you – sometimes devolving to individual performers when your beasts are scattered, only to gather itself furiously when the Calicorns are in full flight. It’s a lovely audible modelling of a disorderly group of beings in motion. It’s also an audible expression of your power over those beings and the limits of their simulated autonomy.

Herdling is a very emotional and joyful journey that will just warm your heart, if you let it.

Herdling's brisk walk through a wild world manages to charm from beginning to end, with just enough drama and beauty to make waving a makeshift cane at a horde of hairy beasts into an unforgettable journey.

Herdling is a captivating, albeit flawed experience that never has any low points, but never hits any genuine highs either.

You awaken cold and alone in your makeshift home in an underpass. A car alarm sounds off in the distance. You find the vehicle on its side, knocked over by a rampaging beast. Then you notice, it’s not wild, only scared. A bucket is stuck on its head, causing it to thrash wildly. You snap a branch of the closest tree, quickly prying the bucket off. A moment of silence, then acceptance, as this gentle Calicorn accepts your friendship and a beautiful, moving, triumphant journey begins. This is...