Island Paradise by GSG is a tranquil and imaginative blend of adventure, simulation, and strategy wrapped in a cozy survival experience. Set in a post-storm archipelago where nature has reclaimed the land, the game invites players to rebuild and reimagine a forgotten island chain—one bridge, farm plot, and hand-crafted home at a time.
What immediately stands out is Island Paradise’s non-violent, player-driven gameplay. There’s no combat, no enemies—just a vast open world of lakes, caves, mountains, and forests begging to be explored and nurtured. It’s a refreshing take in a genre often dominated by stress and survival meters. Instead, the game focuses on creativity, community building, and ecological harmony.
The core gameplay revolves around rebuilding abandoned settlements, establishing supply routes via rail and ship, and gradually unlocking new islands by constructing bridges. You’ll farm crops, mine resources, fish, and even raise animals—all while managing shared inventories between islands using an innovative railroad system. The grind is real, but satisfying; every step forward feels well-earned and meaningful.
One of the most charming aspects is the freedom the game offers. It doesn’t handhold—you’re encouraged to discover mechanics on your own, which lends a rewarding sense of autonomy. And despite being in Early Access, it’s impressively polished, with surprisingly few bugs and a developer (Marius) who’s not only responsive but deeply engaged with the player community.
Visually, the game is both peaceful and picturesque, with a thoughtful color palette and a wide variety of biomes that keep exploration feeling fresh. There’s a meditative quality to the gameplay loop, and it’s easy to lose track of time while harvesting mushrooms, designing your dream house, or chasing down rare crafting ingredients.
The only caveat: it’s a game that requires patience. If you’re not a fan of grind-heavy progression or systems that reward experimentation over direction, this may not be for you. But for players who find joy in building, exploring, and quietly shaping their own world, Island Paradise is a hidden gem with enormous potential—especially with the upcoming addition of multiplayer.
Verdict:
Island Paradise offers a delightful escape into a richly detailed world, with a perfect balance of cozy charm and strategic depth. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing solo adventure or a creative playground to share with friends in the near future, this Early Access title is absolutely worth keeping an eye on.
Check out the Steam store page here.
Join the Discord for the game here.