The latest shepherding games

Shepherding games are puzzle games that focus on manipulating the movements of non-player characters (NPCs). NPCs cannot be controlled directly, but they react to the movements of the player character (PC). For instance, NPCs might flee when the PC gets too close, or when the PC enters their line of sight.

Shepherding puzzles require players to understand the rules behind NPC movement and use them to their advantage. Common puzzles include guiding NPCs to specific positions, or clearing a path to the level exit.

Shepherding games are similar to stepping games in that they rely heavily on indirect control of NPC movement. However, in a shepherding game, NPCs only move when triggered by specific PC positioning, whereas in a stepping game, NPCs and PC take equal turns moving through the level. Additionally, most shepherding games aren’t combat-themed, and the levels feature comparatively fewer NPCs than their stepping counterparts.

The games listed below are the most recently released shepherding games in the Thinky Games database.