Strange Antiquities launches September 17 for Switch, PC

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On September 17, the independent studio Bad Viking is set to release “Strange Antiquities,” a follow-up game not requiring previous titles, for both Nintendo Switch and PC through Steam. This announcement was made by the publishers, Iceberg Interactive.

As creators John and Rob Donkins, we’ve put our hearts and souls into crafting Strange Antiquities. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built, taking all the insights we gained from Strange Horticulture to create something far more intricate, deeper, and ambitious.

Imagine yourself as a seasoned occult investigator, huddled over ancient manuscripts and reference materials by the soft glow of a candle, with rain pelting against the window outside. That’s the immersive world we’ve brought to life in this game.

We believe in our players, empowering them to unravel the mysteries on their own-to delve into the intricate details, follow the breadcrumbs, and discern what truly matters. We can’t wait for you to dive into this captivating treasure trove of curiosities that we’ve created. Enjoy the journey!

Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:

About

Assume responsibility for a unique antiquities shop specializing in occult items. Discover the charming yet eerie town of Undermere, filled with peculiar happenings and shadowy enigmas. Hunt down and authenticate mystical artifacts, utilize them to help the townspeople resolve their odd predicaments – all while giving your cat plenty of affection!

A Note From the Shopkeeper

Dear Applicant,

I am pleased to offer you the role of Apprentice Thaumaturge at Strange Antiquities.

You exhibit great potential, with a sharp intellect and a robust constitution, which are ideal qualities for this job. Given my current responsibilities require immediate attention, I entrust you to manage the shop during my absence. Your keen observation skills will be crucial as you cater to the townsfolk of Undermere by supplying them with occult items for their magical requirements.

At a glance, Undermere appears quiet and idyllic, nestled by a vast lake. However, it stands not only on the border of our known world but also on the brink of the unknown-it’s our responsibility to safeguard the fragile frontier that separates reality from the beyond.

Permit me now to outline your duties—you’ll need to be up to speed from day one.

On Your Duties in the Shop (Gameplay Mechanics)

Daily, you’ll greet fresh clients in the cozy, candle-adorned ambiance of the store. The nature of their requirements can be erratic and occasionally startling, yet always intriguing!

  • Study and Identify – Examine, identify and catalogue strange artefacts. Observation, deduction, and careful reference to our collection of illustrated tomes will serve you well. Mistakes can be… costly.
  • Help… Or Hinder – When dealing with powerful items, your choices matter. Will you help someone with their problem, or curse them with a horrid affliction? In a small town like this, people remember your misdeeds.
  • Explore and Discover – From time to time, you will have to leave the safety of the shop. Whether investigating rumors or retrieving artefacts, my well-loved hand-drawn maps will guide you to where you need to go.
  • Solve and Uncover – Your day-to-day might already feel like a puzzle, but this store holds many more. Few know how old this building is, and fewer still know what secrets lie within its walls.
  • Tending the Familiar – And, of course, Jupiter, the shop’s cat, demands daily affection. In return for his company, please oblige him with the occasional scratch behind the ears.

About My Absence (Narrative and Setting)

These ravens are an omen. There is a sickness in this town and I intend to investigate it.

Barton Potter shared with me that his troublesome eye is hurting once more, which doesn’t bode well. Furthermore, a gloomy atmosphere seems to have enveloped Jack Hungerford’s residence. Before departing for Ravenglass, I plan on seeking advice from the occult expert, Verona Green.

In simpler terms, there’s usually something trying to destroy our cherished town of Undermere. We are currently acting as a barrier to prevent this from happening. If circumstances change, you might need to join us in defending it.

In Conclusion

This store represents the fruit of my lifetime’s labor, and for the majority, it has been kind to me. I hope it brings an equal measure of joy and intrigue to you now! However, do keep in mind that certain enigmas are best left undisturbed, and not everyone who visits here is exactly who they appear to be.

I look forward to your arrival.

Hey there! I’m Eli White, the owner and thaumaturgist at Strange Antiquities in Undermere – we’ve been dealing in all things arcane since way back in 1683. Hope you find something that sparks your magic here!

Best,
Eli

A Note from the Developers

Originating from the United Kingdom, my gaming partner and I are two siblings who have collaborated in creating games for more than ten years. In the year 2022, we launched our enigmatic puzzle game titled “Strange Horticulture,” and the feedback has been astounding; ranging from impressive reviews, award nominations, to being included in multiple top-tier lists of the year. What stands out most, however, is the pleasure we derive from reading the heartfelt comments left by countless players on Steam, where our game continues to receive an Overwhelmingly Positive rating after nearly 12,000 reviews!

In ‘Strange Antiquities,’ while there are similarities with what you’ve seen before, it’s not exactly a follow-up story. You’ll encounter some familiar characters and perhaps recognize a few plants, but the narrative is entirely fresh. If you enjoyed ‘Strange Horticulture’ and appreciate our unique blend of darkness and warmth, rest assured that this new tale will feel comfortably familiar.

We’d like to express our gratitude to all those who have enjoyed playing “Strange Horticulture”, taken time to write a review, recommended it to others, or backed the game in any manner. This incredible journey has been truly rewarding, and we eagerly anticipate sharing the next phase with you.

Many thanks,
Rob and John

Watch a new trailer below.

Release Date Trailer

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2025-08-07 20:47