Haven: Play as a Couple Fighting Against an Oppressive Matchmaking System

Haven is a sci-fi action RPG that focuses on love, intimacy, and survival. It tells the story of two lovers, Yu and Kay, who escape to a forgotten planet to avoid being separated by a totalitarian regime. The game combines exploration, light survival mechanics, and turn-based combat, all underpinned by a narrative centred on partnership, rebellion, and freedom. Unlike most sci-fi games that focus on war or isolation, Haven is a romantic and emotional experience that foregrounds connection.

Plot and Setting

Set on a fragmented, alien world called Source, Haven follows Yu and Kay, a couple who have fled their society’s oppressive matchmaking system, known as the Matchmaker. The two find refuge on Source, a deserted planet scarred by toxic corruption and floating landmasses.

Their journey is one of love, survival, and reconnection—not just with each other, but with a world full of unknowns. They repair their ship, scavenge for food, and clean up the planet while deepening their bond and uncovering the truth about Source’s past and the system they fled.

The game’s sci-fi setting is vibrant and ethereal—colourful skies, surreal terrain, and abstract environmental design support its mood of romantic rebellion and discovery.

Gameplay Features

Duo-Based Exploration

Glide across floating islands in tandem, using “Flow” energy to traverse, purify corrupted areas, and uncover resources.
The couple moves as one, emphasising their unity in both movement and design.

Turn-Based Combat with a Twist

Combat uses a real-time-with-pause system where Yu and Kay’s actions (melee, ranged, shields, and pacify) must be synchronised.
Coordination and timing matter more than brute force—combat feels intimate and cooperative.

Relationship-Driven Progression

Rest at your ship, cook meals, heal, and engage in heartfelt (and often humorous) dialogue between the pair.
Relationship growth unlocks combat synergies, new abilities, and personal story beats.

Resource Management and Crafting

Gather ingredients to cook meals, craft meds, and maintain your ship. Light survival mechanics are present, but not punishing—designed to encourage planning rather than grinding.

Themes

Love as Central Mechanic

Most RPGs make love a subplot; Haven makes it the main mechanic—your bond affects everything from combat to cooking.

Escapism vs. Responsibility

The game explores what it means to run away and what it means to build a life together. It challenges whether love alone can sustain freedom.

Nonviolence and Empathy

Where many games solve problems with conflict, Haven leans toward empathy, healing, and emotional growth.

Visuals and Audio

Haven features a soft, pastel colour palette with cel-shaded visuals that support its tone of romantic escapism. The floating islands feel dreamlike and abstract, yet grounded enough to explore and call home.

The electro-pop soundtrack by Danger is a highlight—energetic during exploration and combat, but ambient and moody in quiet moments. Voice acting is strong and naturalistic, enhancing the chemistry between the leads.

Have you played Haven? What’s your favourite part of it? We’d love to hear from you.

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