Games Genie
Haven cover art

Haven

Best if you want a relaxed co-op RPG that explores adult relationship dynamics through exploration, light combat, and domestic routines—designed to be played side-by-side with a partner.

Released
December 3, 2020
Metacritic
75
View reviews
Genre
ADVENTURE
User Rating
3.5

Why We Recommend This Game

Haven builds its entire experience around playing as a couple, both mechanically and thematically. Whether you tackle it solo (swapping between both characters) or in couch or online co-op, the core loop alternates between gliding across floating islands to gather resources, returning to your shared nest to cook meals and rest, and engaging in rhythm-based combat encounters that require coordination between both characters. The glide traversal is the standout—smooth, flowing movement across colorful alien terrain that feels meditative rather than demanding. You'll spend most sessions exploring fragmented landscapes, scanning for materials, clearing corruption, and having naturalistic conversations that reflect the highs and lows of committed relationships. It's designed for evening play: 30–45 minute sessions fit comfortably into the explore-gather-return rhythm, and the home base creates natural stopping points. Combat is timing-based rather than tactical, asking you to coordinate attacks and blocks with your partner through simple button presses. Difficulty options let you tune this to keep friction minimal if you're here for the relationship writing and exploration rather than mechanical challenge. The RPG systems are light—gear upgrades, meal crafting, and character progression exist but never demand deep optimization. The learning curve is gentle, with mechanics introduced gradually and no punishing failure states. Replayability is modest; once you've experienced the central arc and explored the world, there's limited reason to return. Performance can stutter during busier visual sequences on Switch, though it rarely impacts the relaxed pacing. Haven's greatest strength is its commitment to depicting everyday intimacy—mundane conversations, shared chores, negotiating stress—woven seamlessly into sci-fi exploration. If you want a game that treats romantic partnership as the core experience rather than a narrative backdrop, and you're comfortable with lighter mechanical depth in exchange for that focus, Haven delivers something genuinely distinctive. It's less about mastering systems and more about inhabiting a relationship through play.

Best For

  • Couples seeking games that explicitly explore romantic relationships
  • Players who prioritize atmosphere and writing over mechanical complexity
  • Fans of relaxed exploration with minimal combat pressure

Not For

  • Players expecting deep RPG systems or tactical combat
  • Those seeking high replay value or endgame content
  • Anyone wanting fast-paced action or challenging difficulty

Multiplayer & Game Modes

2 local • 2 online

Haven does not support crossplay, includes split-screen multiplayer, supports up to 2 players online, features co-op campaign mode.

Features

Crossplay(No Crossplay)
Split-Screen
Online Multiplayer
Local Multiplayer
Co-op Campaign

Play Modes

Single PlayerMultiplayerCo-opOnline MultiplayerLocal Couch Co-opSplit-Screen

Player Count

Local
1-2
Online
1-2
0
Team Sizes
Co-op (2 players)

Additional Details

Supports a full 2-player co-op campaign either locally (split-screen) or online. No LAN mode listed. No cross-play indicated between platforms. Online play on consoles may require the platform’s online subscription (e.g., PlayStation Plus / Xbox Game Pass Core), depending on platform rules.

Edition and Platform Information

Important details about which version to buy and where to play.

Platform Recommendations

Switch version experiences occasional frame drops during visually busy scenes. UI remains readable in handheld mode, though the relaxed pacing makes docked play with a partner the ideal experience.

Accessibility Features

Includes subtitles, adjustable camera sensitivity, and clear audio cues during rhythm-based combat. UI text is legible in handheld mode. Controller remapping options are limited.

Screenshots

Click any screenshot to view in full size

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this game answered by our team.

How hard is the combat?

Light and rhythm-based rather than tactical. Difficulty options let you minimize combat challenge if you're primarily interested in exploration and story. Coordination with your co-op partner is more important than reflexes.

How long does it take to finish?

Around 10–12 hours for the main experience. The relaxed pacing and session structure (30–45 minutes per cycle) spread this comfortably across multiple evenings.

Can I play solo or do I need a partner?

Fully playable solo by swapping between both characters, but the experience is designed with co-op in mind. The relationship themes resonate most strongly when played with a real partner, either locally or online.

Is there much to do after finishing?

Limited replay value. Once you've explored the world and experienced the central relationship arc, there's little mechanical or narrative incentive to return. Best enjoyed as a focused, one-time experience.