Terra Nil
Released Mar 2023
Terra Nil is an intricate environmental strategy game about transforming a barren wasteland into a thriving, balanced ecosystem. Bring life back to a lifeless world by purifying soil, cleaning oceans, planting trees, and reintroducing wildlife, then leave without a trace.
86% positive · 8,942 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Steam $24.99
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Evaluation
Terra Nil launched on March 28, 2023 and went on to receive two major free content updates. The first, Vita Nova (June 24, 2024), added five new missions, two new biomes, nine new buildings, and a completely overhauled animal migration system. The second, Heatwave (August 7, 2025), added an entirely new arid region with three new maps, new animals (elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos), new buildings, and a photography mode — content the developers noted had originally been cut from the 1.0 release to meet their launch deadline.
On March 20, 2026, Free Lives published an update adding Steam Deck and full controller support. In that same post, the developer explicitly stated this was their "final update for Terra Nil," expressing pride in "the game it's become." This is a direct, unambiguous declaration that development is complete. A follow-up bug fix patch on March 30, 2026 addressed issues introduced by the controller update, but no further content or development has been announced.
The only DLC listed are the soundtrack and digital artbook, both released at launch. There are no unreleased DLC entries, no outstanding roadmap commitments, and no announced future content. The game shipped as a fully realized product and the developer has now formally closed the book on it.
Evidence
Developer Free Lives explicitly announced this Steam Deck and controller support update as their 'final update for Terra Nil,' stating they are 'incredibly proud of the game it's become.'
Heatwave, a major free content update, launched adding a full new arid region with three maps, new animals, new buildings, and a photography mode. Developer noted this completed their original vision of 'all 5 major climate zones.'
Content
2 of 2 released · no outstanding content
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Devolver Digital
Achievements
37
Platform
Windows, macOS, Linux
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player
About this game
Terra Nil is a game about transforming a barren, lifeless landscape into a thriving, vibrant ecosystem. Turn dead soil into fertile grassland, clean polluted oceans, plant sprawling forests, and create the ideal habitat for animals to call home. Then recycle your buildings and leave no trace that you were there. Reclaim the wasteland.
A reverse city builder
Use advanced eco-technology to purify the soil, creating plains, wetlands, beaches, rainforests, wildflowers, and more—then efficiently recycle everything you've built, leaving the environment pristine for its new animal inhabitants.Different maps every time
Procedurally generated landscapes mean no two playthroughs of Terra Nil will ever be the same. Plan your build around randomized, challenging, and unpredictable terrain, including snaking rivers, mountains, lowlands, and oceans.A natural ebb and flow
Each region of Terra Nil progresses through phases, with the ultimate goal being leaving pristine wilderness behind. Levels are not about infinite growth, but rather balancing and nurturing the environment before leaving it in peace.Experience tranquility
Lush hand-painted environments, relaxing music, and an atmospheric ambient soundscape make Terra Nil a peaceful, meditative experience. When you're done, use Appreciate mode to bask in the natural beauty of the ecosystem you have restored.Last evaluated Jun 23, 2026
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