Highlights

  • Potionomics stands out from other cozy farming games with its vibrant world, unique card battle system, and immersive characters.
  • Players help Sylvia brew potions, sell them to customers, upgrade her shop, and build relationships to pay off her uncle's one million gold debt.
  • The game offers a dating sim feature with 10 romanceable characters, each offering specific perks and the ability to enter a relationship once the relationship rank reaches Rank 7.

Potionomics has caught many players' attention with its vibrant world and characters that are reminiscent of Stardew Valley. But when players boot it up, they'll discover that it's filled with so much personality, making it stand out from other cozy farming games.

Developed by Voracious Games, Potionomics is an indie business simulation game centered around Sylvia, an up-and-coming potion maker. The main premise of the game is that Sylvia has to sell potions to pay off her late uncle's massive debt. Players are tasked with helping Sylvia brew potions and sell them to customers, while also upgrading her shop and building relationships in between. Potionomics doesn't shy away from topics of capitalism and debt, but Voracious Games was able to inject humor into the story to add lightness to Sylvia's not-so-ideal situation. Plus, it adds to the game's upbeat charm, which resonates well with many Stardew Valley fans.

A header image showing the art and logo of Potionomics
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The structure of Stardew Valley has long been replicated and improved upon by many simulation games, like Coral Island and Bandle Tale. The experience with Potionomics isn't different, as players start out with a rundown potion shop that was left behind by Sylvia's late uncle. But instead of planting seeds and selling crops to make ends meet, Sylvia has to learn how to brew various potions to sell them to customers. The goal is to make enough gold in time for her weekly payment deadline, and ultimately, pay off her uncle's one million gold debt.

The magic of Potionomics is in its unique card battle system when selling potions to customers. To make enough money to pay off her uncle's debt, players will help Sylvia with upselling her potions and negotiating a price with customers without disappointing them or stressing herself out. Players will utilize three main card types (Opener, Closer, and Stress cards), as well as special character cards that they'll pick up as they meet new people along the way.

The selling challenges also get more difficult throughout the game as Sylvia will also participate in a series of potion competitions, where she can win 10,000 gold. Apart from paying off debt, this in-game currency can also be used to buy ingredients, upgrade equipment, and renovate the potion shop.

It's easy to get hooked on the business sim aspect of Potionomics as players can spend hours on it, but one of the game's highlights is the colorful personalities of its characters. Voracious Games was able to showcase the distinct personalities of each person through animated movements and facial expressions, which adds to the immersive experience. The entertaining conversations between Sylvia and the other characters make Potionomics all the more likable. It also makes it easier for players to determine who they want to befriend and date in the long run.

Of course, a Stardew Valley-esque title like Potionomics also has a dating sim feature. The game has a total of 10 romanceable characters, ranging from strong warriors to enchanting witches, who will visit Sylvia's potion shop. Just like in Stardew Valley, each character offers specific perks, mostly new cards, and can be gifted their favorite ingredients to increase the relationship ranking. Players will be able to enter a relationship with their chosen character once their relationship rank reaches Rank 7 (Best Friend).

Potionomics delivers on showcasing a fantastical world with many interesting features and interactions to explore. The caveat is that players can finish it within 8–12 hours, which is why many are requesting either a New Game Plus mode or DLC to fully maximize the game. But it's also possible that it was designed this way to invite players to replay Potionomics and try making different potions and date other characters without burning out from playing the game. Nonetheless, Potionomics successfully gave players magical characters and storytelling that they will remember.