If you’ve been waiting for a cozy, whimsical alternative to Pokémon on PC, Whimside might just be the game to finally fill that Poké-shaped hole in your heart. Revealed today with an adorable new trailer and a playable demo on Steam, Whimside is the debut title from indie duo Toadzillart and is being published by Future Friends Games—the team behind Europa, SUMMERHOUSE, and Gourdlets.
Blending idle gaming with creature collecting, decoration, and cozy vibes, Whimside is a genre mash-up designed for those who want to multitask or simply chill while watching creatures thrive on the bottom of their screen. Think Rusty’s Retirement meets Pokémon, with a dash of Animal Crossing‘s interior flair. And yes, it looks so freaking cute.
🎮 Try the demo now on Steam
📺 Watch the official reveal trailer here
A Cozy Companion That Lives on Your Desktop
One of the most unique aspects of Whimside is its form factor—it runs as a companion at the bottom of your screen, designed to be played passively while you work, study, or scroll the web. This isn’t your typical windowed game. Instead, Whimside occupies a non-intrusive spot, turning your monitor into a tiny ecosystem of cuteness while you go about your day.
Toadzillart calls Whimside “a creature collection idle game,” but it’s much more than just an idle clicker. It’s a peaceful and aesthetic micro-simulation where every creature and decoration feels lovingly handcrafted. You’re not battling for dominance—you’re building a cozy, whimsical world for you and your Whimlings.
Capture and Create Whimlings, Your Adorable Pocket Friends
The heart of the game lies in the Whimlings—small, charming creatures that you’ll collect, combine, and nurture. Rather than simply catching them, you can create new Whimlings by combining two existing ones, revealing entirely new procedurally generated species. Every fusion offers a unique result, and discovering new combinations becomes a rewarding cycle in itself.
These Whimlings don’t just sit around either. They help you unlock new biomes and in-game content. They also become a part of your personalized play space, where they wander, nap, and keep you company while you do other things outside the game.
Unlock Biomes and Decorate Your Whimsical Space
Progression in Whimside means unlocking new biomes to explore—each packed with secrets, decorations, and rarer creatures. These biomes offer more than just aesthetic change; they shape the personality and resources of your space.
And yes, there’s a hefty dose of cozy-core here. As you play, you’ll gather new decorations that let you transform your whimsical haven into whatever vibe you want—from a soft, garden hideout to a lively, pastel playground. You can arrange elements freely and use them to shape your dream Whimling sanctuary.
Idle Gameplay That Encourages Creativity, Not Stress
Unlike games that push productivity at all costs, Whimside encourages passive play and creativity. You won’t be punished for stepping away. Instead, the game is designed to keep gently ticking in the background while you do other tasks.
It’s the kind of wholesome sidekick game that’s been sorely missing on PC—a mix of idle sim, pet collecting, and aesthetic management. If you’ve ever wished Pokémon could just vibe, Whimside is the answer.
Built With Heart by a Duo Dev Team
Whimside is being developed by Toadzillart, the game dev duo made up of Salomé and Louis, a couple based in France. They describe the project as a “true labor of love,” born from their shared dream of creating something warm, cozy, and joyfully strange.
They live with their two cats, Oscar and Tigri (both lovingly referenced as their real-life Whimlings), and the charm of their personal life clearly spills over into the game’s cheerful tone and aesthetic.
Toadzillart’s partnership with Future Friends Games—publishers with a strong track record for spotlighting indie gems—makes this release one to keep a close eye on.
What to Expect from the Demo
The free demo now available on Steam offers a small taste of what’s to come in the full game. Players can capture, create, and decorate using a selection of Whimlings and items, giving you a feel for the game’s cozy pace and satisfying systems.
Whether you want to test out fusion mechanics or just see how Whimside slots into your daily work/gaming routine, the demo is well worth downloading.
Will Whimside Be the PC Pokémon Fans Have Been Waiting For?
Let’s be honest—games like Palworld and TemTem promised to be the Pokémon-alternatives PC gamers have craved for years, but they often lean too far into action, combat, or MMO structures that don’t feel quite right for fans of chill, exploration-based collecting.
Whimside sidesteps this entirely by creating its own niche: cozy, idle, and relentlessly charming. There are no epic battles here, no grinding mechanics—just exploration, discovery, and decoration. It’s not trying to outdo Pokémon, it’s offering an entirely new kind of creature collecting that works with your daily routine rather than demanding all your attention.
And that may be exactly what makes Whimside stand out.
Wishlist Now, Play Later
Whimside is slated to launch on PC via Steam later in 2025. You can wishlist the game right now to stay up to date on all development progress and announcements.
🔗 Wishlist Whimside on Steam
📺 Watch the official trailer
Whimside isn’t just a new take on creature collection—it’s a game built with intention. By shifting the focus away from competition and toward creativity, relaxation, and companionship, Toadzillart is offering a heartfelt experience that fits into your life rather than trying to take it over.
If your idea of a perfect game is something that quietly delights you while you work, study, or simply unwind, Whimside is shaping up to be a must-play.