Unpacking

Positives: - Beautiful Art - Nice Mechanics - Can be played with an empty mind. - Do as the name says Negatives: - SHORT , like 3-4 hour content. I was super disappointed, like "is that all?" - Ovepriced for what it offers. - Many of the top reviews are super misleading and reaching too much. Hands up for those who read the reviews: Many "big" reviews act like this game is so long and you spent so many hours on it and it has some kind of story behind it. => You don't and it doesn't really have any story mentioned anywhere. You must really imagine what could the story be, something you don't do when you are dead tired and want to unwind. Like, If you don't read the reviews, you can just play the game empty-minded and go on with your life. Personally, I was super disappointed as the reviews really hyped it up, especially outside of steam too and like a fool believed them. How you spent 11+ hours on this game and you don't mention anywhere that you are basically replaying it? In the end: Want an organization game? It's the game for you. But don't buy it full price. Wait for a deep discount. Like more than 50% off.

insanely short gameplay. even on sale for 9-10 dollars, not worth it. Steam says I played for 3 hours, I was actually shocked when it played the end credits.

If you're looking for a game where you can turn off your brain and mindlessly complete tasks, then look no further. However, if you want a game that takes an extremely meaningful moment in people's lives and tells that story exceptionally well, without words, then you might want to look elsewhere. Don't get me wrong; Unpacking is a cute game, but I expected more in terms of storytelling. It felt extremely surface level. As if they had a beautiful story idea, but put minimal effort into executing it. This might be unfair, but I approached the game hoping to find tiny details that could be interpreted by the player or snippets of the character's life through letters—anything that would create a more impactful experience. I wanted to feel something, but to me, this game ended up lacking depth, and I wish it hadn't.

I wish the game had more levels or modes or was longer somehow. I loved the storytelling through objects. I played through it and got all the achievements in 3 hours. Short game but very sweet. I wish to see more games by the creators.

Chill, relaxing and absolutely fantastic. The feeling of determining the stories behind the things is.. idk, just awesome. Really loved it and hope to see more games like that! ...And we unpack our lives~

Unpacking isn't filled with action or ultra-impressive graphics. Instead, it's a unique and beautiful narrative-driven game told in quiet tones. No cutscenes. No dialogue. No character models. You unpack cardboard boxes filled with items and at the same time, you unpack the life and story of a woman through the important stages of her journey. Her personal belongings give you subtle clues about who she is and what matters to her. You get to know her over the years, through multiple moves, in a calm, cozy, and unexpectedly affectionate way. A heartwarming and unforgettable story for those who are willing to look a little deeper. I loved it so much. ♥

[h1]Unpacking is a fairly short puzzle game involving sorting out items in a living space.[/h1] Platform: Steam Deck Time for completion (w/ 100% achievements): 4.6h Unpacking is a must play puzzle game for people into cozy gaming for sure, everything works well together: Controls, story and soundtrack. However, I personally don't find it mindblowing or a super charming game, it's just a really solid game. There's not much variation in terms of puzzle aesthetics, you're mostly doing the same thing, moving into a new place and unpacking the items into the interior of the rooms in the correct spot, i.e. soaps into bathrooms, toys into bedrooms. The story behind the puzzles is actually a very subconscious flair into the puzzles, you don't really get it until the end. At first I was like "Hey! Cute puzzles.." and certain stages, I felt more negative emotions like frustration. That is, INTENTIONAL. After you finish the game then you realize that the difficulty of the puzzles were adjusted to make you feel certain emotions in certain levels, so if you're looking for a simple puzzle game to kill time, this isn't exactly the type of game you'd be expecting to play. Before getting this game, I'd suggest you to think of this as a story centric puzzle game than simply a puzzle game to adjust your expectations, but apart from that, Unpacking is a really solid game overall. I don't necessarily think the price tag of the game is too high but it's a game I'd be more likely to get on sale than not. I didn't particularly find myself engrossed in the puzzles, just picked it up whenever I remembered I had it installed and killed around 30 minutes per session until I completed it xD Overall game rating: 6.5/10

Unpacking on Steam is a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking indie puzzle game that centers around the simple yet profound act of unpacking boxes and organizing belongings. At first glance, it might seem unassuming—a minimalist, pixel-art game that appears to focus solely on tidying up spaces—but as players progress through the game, it reveals itself as a nuanced narrative about life, change, and personal growth. The game’s art style is charming and understated, with soft colors and clean, simple visuals that evoke a sense of calm and reflection, perfectly matching its meditative gameplay style. The absence of dialogue and overt storytelling directs players to interpret the game’s narrative through the objects they unpack, making each player's experience uniquely personal and emotionally resonant. Gameplay in Unpacking is surprisingly deep despite its straightforward mechanics. Players are tasked with placing items into various rooms across different stages of life—moving into a new home, growing up, changing jobs, and experiencing major life events. The game subtly guides players in arranging belongings in ways that reflect the character’s evolving personality, lifestyle, and circumstances. There is no time limit or explicit instructions; instead, players are encouraged to think about the significance of each item and its placement, fostering a sense of intimacy with the protagonist’s story. As the game progresses through different chapters, the items and room layouts tell a story of personal development, relationships, and transitions, often resonating emotionally with players who see their own experiences reflected in the mundane yet meaningful objects. What makes Unpacking particularly compelling is its ability to convey complex emotional states through simple gameplay. Items like childhood toys, school supplies, photographs, and personal mementos serve as visual markers of memories, milestones, and emotional states. The game subtly explores themes such as nostalgia, longing, independence, and even loss, without ever explicitly stating them. This narrative depth, conveyed solely through the act of unpacking and organizing, transforms what might seem like a trivial task into a powerful storytelling device. The game’s pacing is gentle, allowing players to absorb each phase of the protagonist's life, creating a contemplative atmosphere that encourages reflection on one’s own personal journey. The sound design and music further enhance the game’s introspective mood. The soundtrack features soft, ambient melodies that complement the minimalist visuals and slow pacing, fostering a tranquil environment. The sounds of objects being placed, drawers closing, and boxes settling create a satisfying tactile experience that immerses players in the act of organization. The lack of spoken dialogue or narration means that the game relies heavily on visual storytelling, which it executes masterfully. The subtle cues and visual storytelling invite players to interpret the narrative in their own way, making each playthrough a personal journey. The game’s ending is open to interpretation, leaving players with a lingering sense of reflection on the passage of time and the impermanence of life’s milestones. Overall, Unpacking is a quietly powerful game that elevates a simple task into a meaningful exploration of human experience. Its minimalist design, emotional depth, and evocative storytelling make it a standout in the indie puzzle genre. It’s a game that rewards patience and introspection, offering a calming yet emotionally charged experience that stays with players long after they finish. Whether viewed as a nostalgic reflection on life’s transitions or as an artistic meditation on personal growth, Unpacking succeeds in turning an everyday activity into a profound narrative journey, demonstrating that sometimes the most ordinary actions can hold the deepest significance. Rating: 9/10

behind every stuffed animal and faded photo is a silent story of change, you’re not just placing objects - you’re witnessing someone’s quiet loss, her attempts to belong and the bittersweet moments where things no longer fit... literally and emotionally like when you move into a space and realise her diploma is tucked under the bed because there’s no place to hang it (｡•́︿•̀｡) or the heartbreak of squeezing her personality into shared shelves, knowing love doesn’t always mean acceptance (︶︹︶)

I bought this game in 2022 for 20 dollars and this has got to be one of the worst games ever i completed the game with 8 hours play time personally i do not see a game with 8 hour play time to be worth 20 bucks and 6 months after i bought it the game got added to game pass on xbox i wish one day to get a refund for this trash purchase and the games story makes no sense at all and above all of this the game does not even have any updates ever since 2022 the game is more worried about creating Merch for the game then updating the game do not buy this game save your money -ultra

I do recommend, its a super chill game, lowkey can get difficult especially when doing a darkstar run. BUT it is very very short, like very short. just when you finally get attached to the character- the game ends and your left with more questions then anything. There is definitely room for added game- like make the baby grow into a kid, the couple grow old etc. theres so much that could have been added. Thats my only gripe though. The art style is super cute and the mechanics are really nice and satisfying.

Unpacking is a cozy and relaxing puzzle game focusing on the unpacking of boxes and decorating of spaces as you watch a woman’s life unfold. The game is divided into multiple chapters, the first one being the year 1997. You start out by helping a young girl decorate her very first own room, and from then on, you follow along her life as she moves out and moves places. You get to watch her story through little details while unpacking and organizing her new living spaces — details such as which items she keeps, which ones disappear throughout the years, and even which ones reappear later on. While the possibilities when decorating are technically limited, they tend to feel endless at times, leaving space for a lot of creative freedom. I only ever had issues placing an item once, but was able to solve it quickly enough. The pixel art is lovely to look at and feels less straining on the eyes than other games with similar graphics. Unfortunately, the game is too pricey for its length. The full game, including obtaining all achievements, takes about three hours maximum. Therefore I would only recommend getting it on sale. I would’ve wished for either multiple storylines or more chapters — even an ‘unlimited mode’ would’ve satisfied me more than enough. Another issue is that the decorated rooms will unfortunately end up looking cluttered at times, which was something that annoyed me just a little, as there’s no option to make everything look tidy sometimes. The game overall tends to be a relaxing experience and is definitely worth to try out, although said experience is unfortunately over too quickly.

Such a cute and fun game! Love the music and all of the art is so pretty! A little late to the party but i loved it and am glad i got to play it.

This was a cute, simple, short and calming game. You have to take items out of the box and place it where appropriate. Not everything belongs in any room and you don't want stuff on the floor, but otherwise there's a lot of room to organize in. I only wish it was a little longer, it felt maybe a little too short but then again I have a tendency to dive into games and let myself be absorbed by them if I'm invested enough. I do recommend the game to anyone who just wants a cozy game to be distracted by for a handful of hours.

This is a very sweet short game. You move houses and unpack items in different locations as you see the character grow up and her style change, how some of the childhood memories like teddy bears are there the whole way through. You will be organizing and placing items whevever you feel like they belong. It's a cosy game that can keep you busy for a short while and is worth to buy if it's on a good sale !

this game makes me wanna clean up my room for some reason and declutter everything but so far a relaxing game to play.

Unpacking is easily addictive and engaging, with a fun art style that includes a lot of details. I enjoyed the way that the story was told to the player without words - we got to come to our own conclusions by piecing together the story through the new places and items. Do I think that this game is worth it's price tag? No. There's only about 3 hours of content and then that's it. It's not really a game you'd play more than once or twice as nothing ever changes. You're better off spending your $20 elsewhere.

Plus for relaxing and unpacking dopamine. A time to feel the urge to organise and classify home items as it should. I found myself spending hours playing this, it's truly soothing for the brain. Works great on Windows, Mac and handheld systems.

Not worth the price at all. Way too short of a game for 20 bucks. I was screwing up a lot and it still only took me 3 hours to finish when I was barely attentive to the game. This game also has no replayability. Once you go through the story, that's basically it. Would get my money back if I could.

This game is great, it's something to take your mind off of whats happening in you life and take things out of boxes.

Real fun, relaxing game. Wish there was a bit more level wise, or even DLC you could buy. Still a very fun and cute, relaxing game with an interesting story underneath it.

Extremly Relaxing!!!, Good game if you enjoy short, games with satisfying soundtracks and endings

Nice and relaxing game. Hits a little close to home as someone who has moved a lot. Very cute too

A short but very brilliant game. It tells a cohesive story while you have relaxing and satisfying gameplay. The graphics are adorable and easy on the eyes, the music is soft and comforting, and it's super easy to play and accessible for everybody. If you want something that makes you smile, allows you to game and lower your shoulders, then get this game and get to unpacking like a pro.

Lovely game. Some items I struggled with for lac of recogniton of what it was, but otherwise a very fun game. The soundtrack is amazing as well!

I'm gonna have to agree with most of the comments on here. It's a really beautiful game. The storytelling, the music, the graphics, they were all beautifully well-done. Even when the game tells you where to properly organize stuff once you have everything done and some of the stuff were incorrectly placed was understandable enough (except the one with the music room where you have to put your diploma somewhere, I had the most trouble with that in my first try). It IS a puzzle game, after all. However, the game was underwhelmingly short and the cost didn't really fit the duration of this game at all. I get where all the negatives are coming from, but some of them were also kind of harsh. Games take a lot of time to make, so I understand why Witch Beam wouldn't continue to make more stages since they might have more projects to work on. Still, if the game doesn't have anymore content after completing it, I think it's safe to say that the team should lower the price to maybe $12. $10 seems a little bit unfair to them, though, but that's just my opinion. I would recommend Unpacking to the ones that like to play calm, casual games and also like to organize things better. Just...wait until it lowers the percentage of the game and then you'll have a good time!

I LOVE THIS GAME!! i wish it was longer because of how fun it was and because it feels pretty short, but the game you get even for the short period of time is AMAZING. If you like organizing games and story driven games, this is perfect for you. I would say it's worth a buy because you can come back and organize in new ways each time. Really cute and satisfying game.

Honestly so impressive how much story is told just through unpacking stuff. Really enjoyable game!

Cutest little cozy game of all time!!! There are so many little hidden details, I have loved replaying. Need a sequel or more DLC asap!!

Unpacking is a simple and cozy game centred around the deeply satisfying task of sorting and organizing. While it includes a light amount of puzzle-solving, the real joy comes from methodically unpacking belongings and finding the best place for them in each new space. You follow a character’s journey from childhood through young adulthood, with each level representing a major stage in their life. The narrative isn’t overt, but it’s there for those who take the time to notice. Subtle environmental storytelling and item placement hint at important turning points and developments in the character’s life. Some players might claim there’s no story, but in truth, it just isn’t spoon-fed—it’s gently woven into the experience for those willing to read between the lines. There’s also some replay value, as there’s often more than one way to unpack the same set of items. If you’re the kind of player who likes to sort items by theme, colour, size, or function, you’ll likely take extra time and care, adding to the satisfaction. My playthrough took about 4–5 hours, but you could complete it faster if you’re less focused on precision. Some reviewers have criticized the game for being too short, but I found the length appropriate for the kind of experience it offers. Not every game needs to provide 75+ hours of content. There are also stickers and achievements to collect for completionists, adding a bit of extra gratification. If you’re on a tight budget, it might be worth waiting for a sale—but if you’re in the market for something gentle and relaxing, I definitely recommend giving this one a try. It’s a great little game to help you unwind.

Calming, and chill game. I have a problem with wanting to constantly reorganize my room when it doesn't need it. So this can really itch that scratch for me. Love the music and sound effects.

Very cute game—I'd recommend it if you're looking to wind down and just chill. It can get a little boring if played for long periods, but I enjoy it every once in a while.

very calm, cool, and relaxing game. can be hard tho if you cant figure out where something goes!!!!!!

Very cozy game! But this game NEEDS to be longer, so much potential.

Fun little game. Relaxing, easy to play, and 100% in under 5 hours. Was a good purchase and will re-complete again whenever I want to game but also want to destress.

I finished A Little to The Left and all its DCs and was missing a puzzle organizing game. This game is perfect! So satisfying with some freedom to decorate a little. The story is very subtle and is really heartwarming to see pieces that move with the main character as they move. I love this game! I only wish it was longer!!!

A master class in visual story telling. Some of the life events really hit hard. I come back to play again occasionally because the organisaing aspect is peaceful, and it still feels really special.

Played this game before on multiple different consoles before and finally went ahead and bought it on Steam. Still as wonderful as I remember it 100\10 would play again.

A nice game for when you just wanna relax, that tells a story of a woman growing up, purely through objects - no cutscenes, no dialogue, nothing like that. The achievements are also rather easy to get, so thats a positive for completionists i guess. I WOULDNT recommend getting it when its NOT on sale though, since it is a pretty short game, and 4-5 hrs of content is just too little for a price of 20€ , especially because its not that replayable imo. Besides that, definitely a game you should try

This helped with my conversion into a cardboard box. In all seriousness, great game!

I LOVE THIS GAME omg its so fun def would recommend for people who want to relax while playing games

A surprisingly moving and deeply personal experience told without a single word. Unpacking is one of the most unique and touching games I’ve ever played. At first glance, it seems simple—you unpack boxes and organize belongings in different rooms. But as you go from one move to the next, you start to piece together a story that’s told entirely through the objects you unpack. And somehow, without any dialogue or traditional cutscenes, Unpacking tells a richer and more emotional story than many big-budget games. You follow one person’s life across years and locations—through childhood, college, relationships, heartbreak, and self-discovery—just by seeing what they bring with them and where they choose to place it. The gameplay is calm, thoughtful, and oddly therapeutic. There’s no timer, no pressure—just the satisfying task of putting things in their place. And there’s something incredibly meaningful about recognizing an old object that’s followed you through several moves, or noticing what’s missing after a big life change. Every detail feels intentional. Visually, the game is charming and cozy, with beautifully pixelated art and subtle animations. The sound design is especially lovely—every item makes a different sound when you place it on wood, carpet, tile, or shelves. It’s a small detail, but it adds so much texture to the experience. Unpacking is more than just organizing things—it’s about identity, growth, and the emotional weight that our belongings carry. It’s a game that makes you pause, reflect, and appreciate the small things in life. If you enjoy slow, meaningful games with storytelling done in a truly unique way, this is absolutely one to experience. It’s short, sweet, and incredibly powerful.

While it's a chill, cosy organising game on the surface, it hides a lovely environmental storytelling journey within. Highly recommend it for relaxing with a side of feels! 🌟 Only wish there was an accessibility setting to tell you what the items are as I didn't recognise all the movie/game covers but was curious!

truly peak, i am never gonna get tired of this game fr need more levels tho....pls unpacking 2 when

I really liked this game, and it felt like you did have your limits which I really enjoyed. Do wish it had more content... maybe a DLC - I would buy that for sure!

worth every single dollar, even at full price. didn't expect it to be a narrative game but the way it subtly tells a story is incredibly moving. through the scrapbook, you see just how much can change in a few years - yet there are some things that always remain constant. the attention to detail is impeccable - objects are worn down, objects get placed in the same area, etc. truly astounding design. my only pet peeve is how difficult it is to see some of the objects; most items are translated into the pixelated art style quite well, but i've definitely found myself staring at the screen more than a few times. still a wonderfully adorable and cozy atmosphere!

Милая коротенькая игра. Чиллово [i] (все, кроме дурацкой кухни, на ней долго тупила что куда правильно ставить)[/i]. Доставая предметы историю можно пытаться понять, а можно забить и чисто на раскладывание по красоте залипнуть

I keep coming back to this game and the boyfriend's house never fails to cause me stress lol

Got super hyper fixated on this game. It’s chill, addictive in the best way, and weirdly satisfying. Really helps with anxiety, and the way the story’s told without any dialogue is actually so smart. Plus, it’s an easy perfect game on Steam

Very cozzy little game. Good story that doesn't take away from the game play. Not much re-play ability. I had fun