Curveball Games and developer Cloth Cat Games have announced a new co-op party gardening game Planted!, which is scheduled to launch in 2026. The title will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, with physical editions planned specifically for the PS5 and Switch consoles.
Described as a blend of harvest simulation and sports competition, the game centers on “horticultural combat.” Players engage in arena battles where the primary objective is to sow, grow, and then throw produce at goals—and opposing players—to accumulate points. This unconventional approach to the gardening genre replaces traditional relaxation with “cultivated chaos,” requiring players to manage their crop production strategically to gain a competitive edge.
The game’s core loop involves a tactical layer of agriculture. Players can utilize fertilizer to create colossal crops for higher point values or attempt to steal produce from their opponents. To add to the volatility of the matches, the developers have integrated various power-ups and environmental hazards, including “spud turrets” and “weed bombs,” which disrupt the flow of the match and force players to adapt their tactics in real-time.
The Mechanics of Horticultural Combat
At its heart, Planted! functions as an arena-based competition. Rather than simply managing a farm, players must treat their garden as an arsenal. The gameplay is divided into several distinct phases: the sowing of seeds, the growth period, and the eventual delivery of the produce into the goal. This cycle turns the act of gardening into a high-stakes sport where timing and resource management are critical.
The game will feature eight diverse environments, each designed with unique layouts and challenges that affect how crops are grown, and thrown. To further differentiate the experience, players can choose from a variety of characters, each possessing their own individual personality and visual style.
The ambition behind the project is a result of a long-term vision from the development team. Ben Cawthorne, creative producer at Cloth Cat Games, noted that the title has been a background passion project for the team for five years. In a press release, Cawthorne stated, “We are beyond excited that the game we weren’t able to stop thinking about has now become a reality. We have lots more to dig into, but hope this first look gets players excited at the prospect of combat gardening with their friends!”
Multiplayer Flexibility and Single-Player Depth
Recognizing the different ways modern audiences consume party games, Cloth Cat Games is implementing a wide range of connectivity options. The title will support local “couch” multiplayer for those playing in the same room, as well as online multiplayer for remote play. Crucially, the game will feature cross-play functionality, allowing users on PC and various consoles to compete against one another regardless of their hardware.
While the multiplayer chaos is the primary draw, the game also includes a dedicated single-player campaign. This mode is set within the “cutthroat world of competitive gardening,” providing a structured narrative and progression system for those who prefer to tackle the horticultural challenges solo.
The publishing partnership with Curveball Games was driven by the game’s unique identity. Ed Gregory, senior publishing manager at Curveball Games, explained the decision to pick up the title, saying, “When Cloth Cat told us about their horticultural combat party game packed to the brim with character and playful ideas, we were sold, instantly, and we hope players are too!”
Platform and Feature Breakdown
The decision to include physical editions for the Switch and PS5 suggests a push toward the collector’s market, a move that is becoming increasingly rare for smaller indie titles in an era of digital dominance.
| Platform | Availability | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | Digital & Physical | Cross-play support |
| Xbox Series | Digital | Cross-play support |
| Nintendo Switch | Digital & Physical | Local & Online Co-op |
| PC (Steam) | Digital | Cross-play support |
Industry Context and Market Positioning
The emergence of “combat gardening” places Planted! in a growing trend of “cozy-adjacent” games—titles that utilize the aesthetics and themes of relaxing simulations (like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing) but introduce competitive or high-pressure mechanics. This hybrid approach targets both the simulation community and the party-game audience, bridging the gap between methodical growth and fast-paced action.
From a technical perspective, the inclusion of cross-play across three different console ecosystems and PC is a significant undertaking for an indie developer. It indicates a strategy focused on maximizing the player base and ensuring that the community isn’t fragmented by platform choice, which is often the biggest hurdle for multiplayer party games.
As the title moves toward its 2026 launch, the focus will likely shift toward refining the balance between the “harvest sim” and “sports game” elements. The challenge for Cloth Cat Games will be ensuring that the strategic planning of crop production doesn’t slow down the momentum of the arena combat.
Further updates regarding specific gameplay mechanics, character reveals, and a more precise release window are expected as development progresses toward the 2026 deadline.
Do you consider “combat gardening” is the next big trend in party games? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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