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About The Night Crawler
The Night Crawler is a cozy indie game from Monstigri that lets you play as a bug enthusiast exploring nocturnal insects. Released on September 24 2025 it runs on PC and Linux and offers a single-player experience focused on discovery. You use a torch to navigate environments collect insects care for them in makeshift habitats and complete quests to unlock upgrades. The game emphasizes relaxation over action with a focus on crafting habitats and adjusting settings to your playstyle. It’s a laid-back sim for fans of creature collection and quiet exploration.
Gameplay
You spend most of your time wandering procedurally generated biomes at night with a torch in hand. Controls are simple: point and click to interact with bugs or objects. Each insect has traits that affect how they behave in your care. You trade resources with other creatures earn rewards from quests and tweak gear like traps or lighting to make collecting easier. Sessions often involve balancing exploration with habitat management, you might spend 30 minutes gathering fireflies then an hour designing their enclosure. The game’s pace is slow but methodical with a focus on observation over combat.
What Players Think
The game has a 4.2/5 rating from early players with 78% completing the base story in 15-20 hours. Community moods lean calm and curious, with common praise for the “soothing atmosphere” and “unexpected joy in discovering bugs.” One review noted “it’s like a tiny Stardew Valley for insects.” The average playtime is 25 hours, with 43% of players logging over 30 hours. Achievement completion stands at 68%, highlighting challenges like “Find 50 Species” and “Upgrade All Gear.” Critics call it “quaint but niche,” with some calling the UI “clunky for fast-paced players.”
PlayPile's Take
The Night Crawler is a niche pick for fans of slow-paced creature simulators. With a base price of $19.99 and 32 achievements it offers decent replay value for collectors. While the lack of multiplayer and occasional performance hiccups on Linux might deter some the game’s charm lies in its quiet moments. If you enjoy tinkering with habitats and don’t mind a lack of urgency this is a cozy 15-hour diversion. Not a genre-definer but worth a look if you have spare time to spare.
Game Modes
Single player
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