Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteEastward is a single-player, story-led adventure RPG built around exploration, puzzles, combat, and two protagonists with different abilities. Developed by Pixpil and published by Chucklefish, it follows miner John and mysterious girl Sam through a world threatened by a toxic miasma. The official FAQ estimates about 30 hours for a playthrough, though optional activities can make it longer.
What kind of game is Eastward?
Eastward is a pixel-art adventure RPG set in a society struggling to survive a deadly miasma. Its official description calls it a “beautifully detailed and charming pixel art adventure RPG” (Eastward official FAQ). The story follows John, a miner, and Sam, a mysterious girl, as they travel through settlements and explore the world beyond them (Eastward official website).
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Eastward | $39.07 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Eastward - Nintendo Switch | $37.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Eastward (Renewed) | $44.77 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Eastward Standard - Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51S5G4aU+7L._SL160_.jpg)
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Eastward Standard - Switch [Digital Code] | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
Rather than focusing on combat alone, the game combines exploration, dungeon sections, puzzles, and encounters with enemies. The official site describes fighting with a frying pan and Sam’s mystic powers as the pair confront the miasma (Eastward official website). The result is best suited to players looking for an adventure in which story and character interactions sit alongside action and problem-solving.
How do John and Sam shape the gameplay?
John and Sam are both playable, and character switching is part of the game’s puzzle and combat design. The official materials describe a mix of character-specific abilities, exploration, and environmental challenges (Eastward official media page; Eastward official FAQ). That gives the journey a partnership dynamic: progress is not only about defeating enemies, but also about working out how to use the pair’s tools in a given situation.
#1 Best Overall
- Explore the beautifully detailed pixel art world of Eastward
- Physical edition comes with exclusive chibi sticker pack with art from the game
- Don't miss out on this quintessential retro RPG for Nintendo Switch
Expect a varied adventure rather than a narrowly defined action RPG. Combat, puzzles, and dungeon passages all feature, while travel between settlements supports the larger story. Optional conversations, treasure hunting, and the in-game game Earth Born offer additional diversions for players who want to spend more time in the world (Eastward official FAQ).
How long is Eastward?
Pixpil and Chucklefish estimate that Eastward takes around 30 hours to complete, according to the official FAQ. This is a developer-publisher estimate, not a guaranteed duration or an independently measured average. The FAQ notes that play style and optional activities affect the total; conversations, puzzles, Earth Born, and treasure hunting can extend a run (Eastward official FAQ).
Rank #2
- Welcome to the charming world of Eastward
- Escape the tyrannical clutches of subterranean society and join the unlikely duo, Sam and John, on an exciting adventure to the land above
- In the near future, society is fast hurtling down the path of destruction, and an unknown, toxic presence has spread and poisoned the air - Those who could escape flocked to villages underground to start a new life
- In Eastward you will discover delightful towns, strange creatures and even stranger new friends in the beautiful yet bizarre settlements as you travel across the world
Is Eastward multiplayer?
No. The official FAQ describes Eastward as a single-player game and says it has no online mode (Eastward official FAQ). Its two-protagonist design is played as one player switching between John and Sam, rather than as a cooperative mode.
Which platforms have Eastward?
The official Eastward website lists PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switch. The publisher’s FAQ also lists Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles (Eastward official website; Eastward official FAQ). Nintendo of America has a Switch store listing for the game and its Octopia DLC (Nintendo of America store listing).
Rank #3
- Explore the beautifully detailed pixel art world of Eastward
- Physical edition comes with exclusive chibi sticker pack with art from the game
- Don't miss out on this quintessential retro RPG for Nintendo Switch
The FAQ gives September 16, 2021 as the original game’s launch date. Its statement that further consoles had not been announced reflects what that FAQ page said; it should not be treated as a complete, current platform announcement. Store availability and prices can vary by region and change over time, so check the relevant storefront for current details.
What is Eastward: Octopia?
Eastward: Octopia is a separate DLC set in a parallel world, where John and Sam take on a quieter life-on-the-land setting rather than continuing the main adventure in the same way. The official FAQ dates its launch to January 31, 2024 (Eastward official FAQ). Nintendo’s US store lists the DLC for Switch (Nintendo of America store listing). The publisher’s FAQ includes historic launch pricing, which is not a reliable guide to current regional prices.
Rank #4
- Playable at September 16 2021
- Escape the tyrannical clutches of a subterranean society and join Eastward’s unlikely duo on an exciting adventure to the land above
- Discover beautiful yet bizarre settlements and make new friends as you travel across the world by rail.
What is Eastward’s age rating?
The ESRB rates the Nintendo Switch version of Eastward Teen for Blood, Fantasy Violence, Language, Suggestive Themes, and Use of Alcohol (ESRB rating record). This is the rating for the Switch version in the ESRB system; it should not be read as a rating for every platform or territory.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What do review scores say?
On October 8, 2026, Metacritic’s retrieved listing showed a Metascore of 82 from 35 critic reviews and a user score of 7.1 from 170 ratings (Metacritic listing). Scores and rating counts can change, and these figures are a snapshot rather than a complete account of what reviewers said. They are most useful as broad context; whether the game fits depends more on how much you enjoy dialogue-driven adventures, pixel-art worlds, puzzles, and a substantial single-player story.
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- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Who is Eastward for?
Eastward is a strong fit for players who want a story-led journey with a distinctive pixel-art presentation and a mix of exploration, puzzles, and combat. Its estimated length makes it a substantial commitment, while its single-player format rules out online or cooperative play. Players primarily seeking constant combat or multiplayer should weigh those design choices before starting.
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