Night in the Woods follows Mae, a college dropout returning to her declining hometown, as she reconnects with old friends and confronts unsettling changes in the community. The story blends everyday slice-of-life moments with a creeping, mysterious undercurrent.

Players explore the town, talk with its cast of anthropomorphic residents, and take part in occasional minigames and platforming sequences as the narrative unfolds. It's a beloved narrative adventure known for its writing, character depth, and emotional honesty.