Spiritfarer: A Game About Life, Death, and Human Connection

How Spiritfarer Embraces the Complexities of Life and Death

Written by Calypso Morgan

2020 is a year many of us would rather forget, but if it is to be remembered for one thing, it should be the release of a game that turned the world upside down. This isn’t a reference to Animal Crossing: New Horizons (despite its popularity during lockdown), but to the game Spiritfarer. Please be aware that this discussion includes spoilers, so if you haven’t played the game yet, consider this your warning.

The decision to pick up Spiritfarer was largely influenced by its tagline: “A cosy management game about dying.” The phrase was amusing, and it drew me in. Initially, it was the game’s illustrative style that captured attention, followed by its remarkably real characters, and ultimately, the storytelling, which was found to be perfect.

Spiritfarer is a blend of management, platforming, farming, and crafting elements. Players assume the role of Stella, the new Spiritfarer, accompanied by her feline companion, Daffodil. The task is to care for spirits on Stella’s boat before guiding them to the afterlife. While navigating a vast world, the player is responsible for building and upgrading the ship to make it more comfortable for the passengers—by providing accommodations, feeding them, responding to special tasks, and even giving them hugs.

From the concept alone, it is clear that Spiritfarer deals with death, grief, and the process of moving on. The importance of this game lies in the way it handles these themes and why it is considered an essential experience.

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Throughout the gameplay, players encounter a variety of characters, each linked to the protagonist, Stella. These characters carry issues, regrets, and illnesses that prevent them from moving on to the Everdoor. It becomes apparent early on that the storyline delves into serious matters. These narratives are deeply human, resonating with many who have dealt with or know someone who has faced challenges such as mental health struggles, cancer, severe illness, or trauma from accidents or war. One of the reasons Spiritfarer successfully manages these deep issues is through its world design. The peaceful landscapes, calming atmosphere, and beautiful visuals create a space that balances the game’s serious themes. The atmosphere and style of Spiritfarer can be compared to Studio Ghibli’s films, such as Kiki’s Delivery Service or My Neighbor Totoro.

By caring for each spirit individually, players naturally form bonds with them. Some may frustrate with challenging tasks, while others capture the heart from the start. This bond-building is one of the many reasons why the writing in Spiritfarer is so outstanding. Although the spirits are depicted in animal form, they are unmistakably human in their flaws, strengths, and quirks. It’s not uncommon to be reminded of people close to you—people you know and love—bringing both smiles and tears as these traits are recognised.

Death is not just a theme in the story but also a key element in gameplay. Progression in the game involves upgrading the ship and exploring new areas, but it also demonstrates that death is not an enemy. Instead, Spiritfarer conveys that death is simply part of the beauty of life.

As the world is navigated, the ship stops at various islands. These landscapes are not just sources of resources for upgrading the ship, but they also play crucial roles in the passengers’ storylines. For example, Stella’s first guest, Gwen, directs players to her childhood home. Upon arrival, Gwen shares the story of her strained relationship with her parents. It’s realised that if a spirit is on the boat, it’s because they have unresolved regrets. Spiritfarer teaches the importance of self-forgiveness. This process can be difficult and even painful, but it’s necessary for moving forward. It’s not about forgetting, but about finding peace within.

There will be moments when “what if” scenarios arise: What if there had been more time? What if there had been more presence? These thoughts are a natural part of the grieving process. Initially, they may be hard to silence, but over time, it becomes possible to move on. Both the good and the bad will be remembered, but the pain will lessen. When Gwen finally departs for the Everdoor, she finds peace with her past, allowing her to move forward.

In Spiritfarer, dialogue plays a key role in the narrative, but the game also uses symbolism and metaphor to enrich the characters’ stories. Stella can interact with these symbolic elements through various mini-games, which are crucial for progress. One such mini-game involves helping sea dragons remove stones from their bodies. This creature is connected to one of the passengers, Summer, a snake spirit, and the dragon symbolises her battle with cancer. The more Spiritfarer is played, the more layers of storytelling are uncovered. It encourages players to look beyond first impressions and keep digging deeper, leading to a better understanding of the passengers and the reasons they are on the ship.

The main takeaway from hours of gameplay is that Spiritfarer is about human connection. It serves as a reminder that loneliness is one of our deepest fears, and we all long for peaceful moments with loved ones, especially during their final days. In the end, the most important thing is to remember them and carry them in our hearts. Spiritfarer delivers this message through its cosy atmosphere and deep narratives, demonstrating that the simple act of caring for one another is one of the most challenging tasks in our society. In a world where people are massacred over land, or killed because of their skin colour, gender, or whom they love, it’s crucial to reflect and ask how, on our small scale, we can help change the world.