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!
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Evaluation
Research Story reached its 1.0 release on July 21, 2025 and has received steady post-launch development from solo developer Miki at Petal Cat Games.
The first major post-launch update, v1.1 (Decor and Heart Event Tracker), shipped on December 18, 2025, adding over 60 new decor items, wallpaper and flooring systems, a reworked placement system, and a heart event tracker.
On July 24, 2026 — the game's first anniversary — the developer shipped v1.2 (Carefree Creatures), a substantial update adding two new rideable capybara creatures, a new sub-area (Clayey Shallows), six new farm buildings for automating creature care, new soil modifiers, fast travel improvements, a new Relaxed game mode, and numerous quality-of-life improvements.
The game also launched on Nintendo Switch on August 28, 2026, as announced in the anniversary post. A hotfix (v1.2.4) was issued on August 23, 2026, confirming the developer remains actively engaged.
Most importantly, the July 24, 2026 anniversary post explicitly described the next planned major update — a "Romance & Relationships Update" — covering more post-marriage content, additional dialogue and cutscenes, and possibly new romanceable characters. This is a clear, developer-stated plan for future content beyond what has already shipped, and it has not been superseded or walked back by any subsequent communication.
Evidence
Developer announces the next planned major update: a 'Romance & Relationships Update' with more post-marriage content, dialogue, cutscenes, and possibly new romanceable characters.
v1.2 Carefree Creatures major update ships: two new rideable creatures, new sub-area, six new farm buildings, new soil modifiers, fast travel, Relaxed game mode, and QOL improvements.
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!
FindFish 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!
A game about research and discovery
Forage for seeds, grow crops with different growth conditions
Tame and raise 32 unique creatures! 
Fishing - some common fish, but also unique fish requiring research!
Dive deep into the Mines! 
Explore the puzzle caves to uncover the mystery behind Shimmerbrook
Cook, craft, build, and more!
Meet the townsfolk!
