Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 38,695

Mobile Support: Yes

About Ida's Herbarium

Step into the enchanting world of Ida's Herbarium, a strategy-driven indie gem where magic, exploration, and artistry blend seamlessly. Designed as a captivating student project, this free HTML5 browser game invites you to accompany Ida—a spirited little owl—on her whimsical journey to become the next Green Witch of her village. The lush, hand-crafted environments burst with color and detail, drawing you into a cozy yet mysterious forest brimming with secrets and magical potential.

As you take on the role of Ida, you'll navigate a lost world where enchanted plants have mysteriously vanished. Your mission: to rediscover, sketch, and collect rare herbs while mastering strategic decisions reminiscent of modern roguelikes. The draw-and-collect mechanics are woven into Ida's compact adventure, rewarding both curiosity and careful planning. Each discovery brings you closer to unlocking new recipes, spells, and the heart of ancient forest magic.

The gameplay balances intuitive exploration with thoughtful strategy. You'll travel through vivid hand-drawn maps, finding and sketching plants while interacting with quirky creatures and magical ruins. Every plant you encounter adds to your herbarium—a living record of your journey and progress. But with every step, the stakes rise: resources are limited, choices matter, and the fate of the magical forest hangs in the balance.

Ida's Herbarium stands out for its charming artistry, emotive soundtrack, and accessible browser-based play—perfect for quick gaming sessions on desktop or mobile. Although the prototype is in French, the game’s universal appeal shines through its gorgeous visuals and intuitive mechanics. It's a heartfelt experience tailor-made for indie enthusiasts, strategy aficionados, and anyone who loves clever, meaningful games. Will you help Ida bring magic back to her home, one plant at a time? Dive in and begin your own enchanting, strategic adventure today!

How to Play

Begin your journey by launching Ida's Herbarium in your web browser—no downloads required. As Ida, the charming owl apprentice, you'll traverse hand-crafted forest paths using intuitive point-and-click controls, whether on desktop or mobile. Progress unfolds in distinct stages—exploration, discovery, drawing, and collection.

First, scan your surroundings for interactive elements like glowing herbs or mysterious objects. Hover your mouse (or tap on mobile) to highlight potential discoveries. When you spot a magical plant, click or tap to approach it. Here, a simple sketching mini-game begins: trace the outline of the plant with your mouse or finger, carefully mimicking its shape to succeed. The more accurate your sketch, the more complete your Herbarium grows!

Strategically manage limited resources. Each decision—where you explore, which plant you pursue, which path you take—affects your progress. Use the on-screen buttons and menus (all in French) to access your herb collection, study clues, or review recipes for magical concoctions. Completing these tasks will unlock hints and new areas.

Beginner tips: Take your time with sketches; accuracy pays off. Examine every corner of the map—most secrets are hidden in plain sight. And don’t worry about the language barrier; the visual cues are intuitive, making the experience enjoyable for players of all backgrounds. The game saves progress automatically, so you can dip in and out as fits your schedule. Let curiosity guide you, and soon you’ll uncover the forest’s deepest secrets!

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Master the sketching mini-game—precision unlocks better rewards and rare herbs.
Explore every nook on each map; magical plants and secrets await off the beaten path.
Conserve resources—be strategic about which areas and plants to investigate first.
Collect and analyze clues in your herbarium to discover new recipes and magical upgrades.
Interact with all characters; some offer hints or hidden objectives essential for progress.
Replay levels to perfect your sketches and maximize your herb collection.
Use headphones—subtle audio cues signal nearby secrets and events.

Game Features

Charming hand-drawn visuals bringing a magical forest to life
Innovative sketch-and-collect gameplay unique to the strategy genre
Mobile and desktop browser compatibility—play anytime, anywhere
Resource management and strategic decision-making for replayability
Emotionally rich storyline following Ida's dream to become a Green Witch
Dynamic Herbarium journal that evolves with your discoveries
Atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the magical adventure

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ida's Herbarium free to play online?

Yes! Ida's Herbarium is completely free to play in your web browser—no downloads, no sign-ups, and no hidden costs. Just launch and enjoy instantly.

Do I need to understand French to play the game?

Not at all! While the prototype's text is in French, the gameplay relies heavily on intuitive icons, visuals, and clear interactions. Non-French speakers can easily enjoy the core experience.

Can I play Ida's Herbarium on my mobile phone or tablet?

Absolutely. The game is fully optimized for mobile browsers. Tap controls make sketching and exploring feel natural on touch screens.

How long is the game, and does it save progress?

Ida's Herbarium is a short prototype, perfect for a relaxing session or exploration breaks. Progress is saved, so you can return anytime to continue your adventure.

Are there plans for a full version or English localization?

The developers encourage feedback and interest—leave a comment if you’d love to see a full version or English text! Community support can help shape future updates.