What began as a simple farm simulation under the name Farm Folks was almost discontinued. Today, with Autonomica an ambitious open-world adventure that combines farming, automation, storytelling and time travel under a futuristic solarpunk umbrella. This was made possible by Crytivoa studio that has not only rescued a dead project, but completely reinvented it.
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Some games are experiencing a rebirth. But what Autonomica is more than that: it is a complete change of identity. From a planned Stardew Valley in 3D a multi-faceted mix of genres that ranges between Satisfactory, My Time at Portia and Outer Wilds oscillates. And the whole thing takes place in a world in which the laws of nature have gone astray, forests whisper and the boundaries between technology, mysticism and furniture design are blurred.
A Kickstarter project goes down the drain - and is Crytivo newly built
The project was originally launched in 2018 under the name Farm Folks with a successful Kickstarter campaign. Although the original funding target of 50,000 Australian dollars was significantly exceeded, development was slow. From 2020 onwards, there was largely radio silence and there was growing concern in the community that the project could be discontinued.
2025, the newly formed team under the leadership of Crytivo - known through the game of the gods The Universim - a second attempt: a completely revised Kickstarter campaign for the game under the new name Autonomica was launched - and reached its funding target of 170,000 US dollars in less than 24 hours. A few days later, it passed the 247,000 US dollar mark, unlocking the first stretch goal, a modular aquarium system. The enthusiasm in the community was enormous and was reflected in the momentum and encouragement of the Campaign again. In the end, over one million dollars were raised, which no one would have expected.
Between theories and technology - how Crytivo raises its profile
With The Universim has Crytivo as one of the most exciting Indie studios established in recent years. Even there, the team showed the courage to be independent and experimented with unusual concepts in which players could not only observe, but also consciously intervene - as deities with responsibility, humor and divine intuition.
Behind Crytivo is not an anonymous large corporation, but a passionate developer collective that has proven time and again in the past how much potential there is in independent game development. Many team members were previously involved in projects such as Metro 2033, Uncharted or The Last of Us 2 They bring AAA experience with them, which they are now incorporating into ambitious indie productions.
In the case of Autonomica was Crytivo not just a savior in need, but a creative rethinker. Instead of somehow saving an existing concept, the studio decided to make a fresh start - in terms of content, technology and aesthetics. This turned a failed farming game into a complete multi-talent with automation, social storytelling and optional PvEvP.
The link between the two titles can be seen in the pursuit of Independence. Both The Universim as well as Autonomica build worlds in which players not only react, but actively create. So if you have taken a liking to The Universim as an omnipotent entity to colonize planets is described in Autonomica The same attention to detail can be found here - just more down-to-earth, closer to life and much more personal.
Time is broken - and you are right in the middle of Autonomica
Players slip into the role of a former logistics engineer, who wakes up after a mysterious plane crash on an island where everything is a little off: The sun moves backwards, animals glow in the dark and shadowy creatures - so-called phantoms - creep through the woods.
But it doesn't stop at mysteries. The disaster destroyed important autonomous supply structures. Players not only have to survive, but also put a broken world back together again - and save time in the process. This opens up a surprisingly emotional story about families, loss, hope and the need to restore order to chaos.
More than a farm - automation, construction and Solarpunk visions
Autonomica scores with an in-depth construction system. Everything starts with simple building elements, but ends with floating mech garages and glass domes over rivers. The world can be rebuilt in real time - vertically, horizontally and aesthetically absurdly beautiful. Whether it's a high-tech greenhouse or a rustic log cabin with a solar panel balcony: if you want to build, this is the Swiss army knife of sandbox tools.
Then there is automation. Solar panels, wind turbines, conveyor belts and drones - everything can be networked. The play world thus becomes a productive oasis: cheese made from goat's milk on the conveyor belt meets solar controllers and water pipelines. And all in harmony with nature - Solarpunk. The more efficient the systems, the more time there is for exploring, decorating or ghostbusting.
Farming, friends and futuristic fantasies
With over 100 different plant species and a lively Animal world is used in Autonomica the agricultural dream becomes a technological reality. Animals serve not only as a resource, but also as mounts, companions and heart openers. Breeding, crossing, color matching - almost like Pokémon, only with more goats.
In addition to crop cultivation and animal husbandry, a social game system unfolds: NPCs with real personalities, reactions to clothing, behavior and progress. Romance is possible, as is friendship or useful alliances. Each character has been co-developed by real authors - you can tell by the Dialogs and the little quirks that bring them to life.
In the meantime in time - parallel worlds, PvEvP and phantoms
A special highlight: the time travel mechanic. With the help of special capsules, players can visit alternative versions of the world. Sometimes it is peaceful, sometimes deadly. Sometimes there are rare plants, sometimes aggressive ghosts. And sometimes you meet other players there who are pursuing the same goal: loot, extract, survive.
These PvEvP elements are optional, but make sense. If you like, you can dive into the "Finite" mode, fight for resources in mechs or sneak through ghost zones full of rare loot. The rewards are great, as is the risk. At the same time Autonomica also a game for peace and creativity - it's all in the mix.
Music, modularity and co-determination
Before the final curtain falls, it is worth taking a look at what Autonomica in the daily gameplay. Because despite its ambitious systems, the game remains accessible - and even comfortable if you want it to be. Anyone who simply wants to build up their farm, grow vegetables or pet animals will find just as much of a place here as anyone who wants to optimize drone networks and energy flows.
In addition to the many systems, there is also classic progression in the form of specializations. Players can focus on agriculture, animal husbandry, mining, manufacturing or cooking, for example. Each of these specializations brings unique advantages, unlocks new building plans and changes the way you shape your world. This allows for a pleasant sense of role-playing without ending up in rigid classes - which in turn fits perfectly with a sandbox game that feels like a digital future wonderland.
In terms of sound Autonomica in the indie upper class. Included: Disasterpeace (a. o. Fez, Hyper Light Drifter) and Carolina Eyck with their theremin for ghostly soundscapes. In addition, synthwave elements and dynamic soundscapes that change depending on the situation - from relaxed to threatening.
The interior design also goes deeper than in many competitors. Furniture, colors, textures, even the placement of individual objects on tables and windowsills is possible. Players design their retreat with pixel precision - from the mint on the bedside table to the lava lamp on the toilet.
A fragile origin, a strong comeback
Autonomica has an eventful history. Originally as Farm Folks launched and funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign, the game seemed almost doomed when radio silence and technical problems sidelined the project. But with the takeover by Crytivo a complete new start, which was not only technically, but also creatively completely New ways hit.
A second Kickstarter campaign followed in April 2025 - this time under the new name Autonomica. The funding target was reached in under 24 hours, followed shortly afterwards by the first stretch goal activation. The community responded with enormous support, which confirmed the new course and gave the game a stable starting point.
Whether the game ultimately meets all expectations remains to be seen. But rarely has failure been so productive.
