Sometimes one of the most rewarding parts of playing video games is the chance to learn about different cultures in an interactive yet meaningful way. By adding this into their games, developers allow players to engage with different traditions, music, languages and more, giving them new perspectives they might not have otherwise.
Gaucho and the Grassland by Brazilian developers Epopeia Games, is a heartfelt, ranching simulation game that offers players a glimpse into South Latin American folklore. Drawing its inspiration from gauchos, or latin cowboys, this game blends farming with a magical tale of helping villagers and restoring harmony to your land.
Gameplay
In Gaucho and the Grasslands, your story begins after the death of your father. Step into the sacred generational role of gaucho, which is not only a rancher but the protector of your family's land and legacy. Your journey becomes self discovery as you navigate your role as gaucho, preserve the culture, and honor your fathers memory.
Built around two intertwined sides of gameplay, your new role can get confusing. Thankfully it doesn't come without help nor instructions. The spirit of your father guides you through, teaching you about farming, and animal husbandry, as well as how to reclaim your land from local legends corrupting the biomes.
Boitatá, a legendary fire serpent from Brazilian folklore, has settled into your lands, a sign of environmental neglect. To enter the labyrinth where Boitatá resides, you must help local villagers with quests to gain access. Once defeated harmony can be restored.
Ranching in Gaucho and the Grassland, captures the daily life of a true gaucho. Forage resources across biomes to craft items, finish quests and upgrade your homestead. Build pens for chickens, cows and sheep, each with their own resources of eggs, milk and wool respectively.Trade items with villagers to obtain resources for quests, or buy recipes for tools or buildings.
Ghost Father also leaves behind loyal companions Cusco the dog and Alazão the horse. Faithful Cusco helps dig up hidden items, while steadfast Alazão helps you cross the sprawling grasslands. You can only lasso animals on horseback, and certain resources can only be found via Cusco, both necessary to finish quests.
Quests
Quests in Gaucho and the Grassland exist in both the mortal and mystic world, blending folklore into rancher tasks. In the mortal world you're tasked with helping villagers, rebuilding your homestead, and rescuing animals. Each quest keeps you grounded in the true gaucho tradition of nurturing your land.
But as you continue on your journey, the portal between the mystic world and reality is blurred. Solve quests for other mystical creatures, collect mystic exclusive resources, and create magical tools. Whether mythical or practical, each quest leads you to restoring harmony and revealing your deeper purpose.
Customization
Gaucho and the Grassland offers a charming customization system for your character. You have the option of choosing to be a gaucho or gaucha (masc and femme versions) along with skin color, hair style and color, hat, scarves and clothing all inspired by authentic gaucho attire. You can also choose your dog and horse colors as well.
You can also customize your homestead, making it your own. As you progress in the game and finish quests, unlock new building materials and designs giving yourself options to give your home flair. New furniture and cute additions take your house from a building to a home.
Although it is in the same vein as other cozy farming games, Gaucho and the Grassland differentiates itself. Through its unique cultural setting, storytelling of South American folklore, and celebration of the sanctity of the gaucho role, it’s a refreshing take on the genre.
 Whether you're helping villagers, lassoing bulls, or taking on a fire serpent, Gaucho and the Grassland brings a heartfelt adventure that's worth exploring.
Gaucho and the Grassland arrives on Steam July 16th with plans for Nintendo Switch, Playstation, and Xbox release dates TBD.
