Unpacking
Overview
“Unpacking” is a unique puzzle game developed by the Australian indie studio Witch Beam, released in 2021. The game centers around the simple act of unpacking boxes and arranging items in various rooms, but it delivers a surprisingly emotional and nostalgic experience. Each level represents a new phase in the protagonist’s life, and players learn about the character’s journey through the belongings they unpack. The calm and soothing atmosphere, coupled with the minimalist yet detailed art, creates an engaging and relaxing gameplay experience.
Features
- Simple yet meaningful mechanics:
While “Unpacking” involves the basic task of placing items in a room, the depth comes from the emotional resonance and narrative conveyed through these objects. Every item represents a piece of the character’s past, allowing players to unravel their story one box at a time. - Non-linear storytelling:
The game doesn’t rely on dialogue or text to tell its story. Instead, it uses the progression of belongings and changes in room layouts to tell the player about the character’s life. This form of environmental storytelling makes every playthrough feel personal and open to interpretation. - Soothing music and pixel art style:
The calming soundtrack, paired with the soft, nostalgic pixel art, enhances the meditative nature of the game. It creates a peaceful, stress-free environment where players can focus on the task of unpacking and arranging.
Walkthrough Guide
1. Starting the game
- Understanding the Story Mode:
The game is divided into eight stages, each representing a different move in the protagonist’s life. Starting from a childhood room, players progress through various stages, including student dorms, shared apartments, and eventually their own home. Paying attention to how objects evolve over time helps deepen your understanding of the character’s life journey. -
Exploring and Collecting:
Although “Unpacking” is primarily a puzzle game, it also encourages players to take their time and explore the details of each item. Many objects reappear in later stages, reflecting important moments in the character’s life, so keep an eye out for familiar items and their subtle changes.
2. Best practices for item placement
The challenge in “Unpacking” lies in finding a balance between functional and aesthetically pleasing item arrangement. Here are some tips:
- Start with large items: Placing large furniture first, like shelves or tables, helps you establish the basic layout of the room and leaves space for smaller objects.
- Organize by function: Group items by their intended use. For example, place kitchen utensils in the kitchen, or books near the desk. This method not only makes logical sense but also keeps the room tidy.
- Use storage spaces: Drawers and cabinets are your best friends when dealing with clutter. Use them to store items that don’t need to be on display, helping create a cleaner and more organized environment.
3. Unlock hidden achievements
“Unpacking” includes various hidden achievements that players can unlock by completing specific actions:
- “Traditional Placement”: In certain levels, placing items in traditional spots can unlock achievements. For example, placing a pot above the stove or utensils in the drawer can trigger these rewards.
- “Fate of Items”: Some objects appear across multiple stages of the game. Follow their journey and place them in consistent spots to add continuity to the character’s story and unlock related achievements.
4. Mastering the theme of each room
Each room represents a specific time in the character’s life, and its decoration reflects their personal growth. For example, a childhood bedroom will have simpler, more playful items,
while an adult’s apartment may feature more sophisticated décor. Understanding these themes can guide your choices when arranging items, helping you immerse in the character’s mindset.
5. Embrace the freedom of creativity
While “Unpacking” does have some guidelines that require certain items to be placed in specific locations, most of the time, the placement is flexible. You are free to organize the room based on your own aesthetic preferences, allowing you to create a personalized space that reflects your style. This flexibility is a core part of what makes “Unpacking” so enjoyable.
In conclusion, “Unpacking” is more than just a puzzle game—it’s a meditative experience that lets players reflect on the small details of life. By thoughtfully arranging everyday objects, you help tell the story of a character’s personal journey, one box at a time.
