Year Unknown: Explore the Universe's Library in a Philosophical Sci-Fi Walking Sim

8/29/2026, 4:35:02 AM

Release date: 10/7/2024

Tags: #exploration #sci-fi #walking-simulator #philosophical #adventure #interactive-fiction #minimalist #stylized

User Reviews

Score: 97%Very Positive
Review Count: 63 reviews
Fetched At: 8/29/2026, 4:35:02 AM

Reference prices

Japan

¥ 1,000 (JPY)

Steam JP

$9.99 (USD)

Steam

Live Store Snapshot

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Japan Price: ¥ 1,000
Global Price: $9.99
Price in Your Region: ¥ 1,000Prices as Steam lists them per country. What you are actually charged depends on your Steam account settings.Regional prices checked: 29 Aug 2026
Sale Status: Regular pricing
Price Checked At: 8/29/2026, 4:30:08 AM

Key highlight

Year Unknown is a ~1-hour philosophical sci-fi walking simulator where you explore the universe-sized Library and interact with AIs, featuring a branching narrative about a decaying universe.

Who this is for

For those seeking a brief yet profound journey through the cosmos and the depths of knowledge, Year Unknown offers a contemplative experience with philosophical undertones and a unique sci-fi setting.

Details

Overview

Year Unknown is a concise, philosophical walking simulator that invites players to explore the vastness of 'The Library,' a cosmic megastructure housing all of humanity's knowledge. Developed and published by Julian Heuser, this sci-fi adventure offers a ~1-hour experience focused on exploration and narrative choice.

Highlights

Genre-Bending Experience: Blending Exploration, Sci-fi, Walking Simulator, Philosophical, and Adventure elements, Year Unknown offers a unique narrative journey.
Cosmic Setting: Players navigate the immense 'Library,' a universe-sized repository of knowledge, guided by two distinct AIs.
Branching Narrative: The game features a branching narrative, allowing player choices to influence the unfolding story, which includes a distress call from the universe's center.

Who It's For

This game is perfect for players who enjoy thought-provoking narratives, atmospheric exploration, and philosophical themes within a science fiction setting. If you appreciate walking simulators that offer a deep, albeit short, contemplative experience, Year Unknown should be on your radar. Those looking for a quick yet impactful story will also find much to appreciate.

Game Info

Year Unknown is a paid title released on October 7, 2024. It supports English language options and is tagged by users as Exploration, Sci-fi, Walking Simulator, Philosophical, Adventure, Interactive Fiction, Minimalist, and Stylized. The game is developed and published by Julian Heuser and features multiplayer support alongside other Steam features.