True Crime On Horseback? Equinox: Homecoming Rides Off The Beaten Path

If you had told me a year ago that I’d be spending my free time in a horse game (voluntarily!), I probably would’ve laughed. But then along came Equinox: Homecoming. A cozy horse adventure in an open multiplayer world with a mysterious true-crime plot? It sounded so bizarre, I just had to click.

And what do you know – I wasn’t disappointed. The first few hours feel like Life is Strange – only on horseback. And with friends. And in early access.

A World To Get Lost In – And Lose Yourself

The world of Equinox is vast, atmospheric, and surprisingly lovingly crafted. Dense forests, winding coastal roads, a lighthouse made for midnight plot twists – it's all here. Particularly moody: abandoned mine shafts, a secluded mansion, and a morgue right in the middle of town. Most of it is just for show right now, but the teasing works – I want to know what’s going on with these places.

Horse Poop And High-Stakes Mystery: The Story

The story is – completely unironically – the most exciting part of the game. In flashbacks, we learn that our mother feared something and tried to prepare us for a threat. What exactly happened remains unclear at first. What we do know: she's gone. Her horse, too. A young woman’s body was found in the woods, and somewhere out there, carnivorous deer are grazing. No joke.

It’s delightfully disturbing, weird, and totally my vibe. I want to know what’s wrong with this place – and I genuinely hope the story delivers on the promise it’s making.

Galloping Together – Multiplayer With Potential

The multiplayer aspect is refreshingly unobtrusive. You can just hop into a server with friends, explore the world, race each other, or do quests. Everyone experiences the story individually – no cutscenes, no syncing, no fuss. Group features are planned but not yet available.

For the roleplay enthusiasts, there are already fun little touches like dressage arenas and an indoor riding hall. And yes, there’s a horse trader – currently non-functional, but you can feel it coming: something’s brewing.

Special shoutout to the game’s approach to horse care. If you want to groom, feed, and clean hooves, you can – but no one’s forcing you to clock in for daily stable chores. The focus is clearly on exploration, story, and shared experiences – not on digital mucking-out duties.

Early Access With Open Reins And Technical Hiccups

You can tell the game’s still in a very early stage. Character models are generic, the UI looks like it galloped straight out of 2008, and the first chapter is more tutorial than thriller. Quests are fairly basic for now: fetch this, deliver that, win five races. Rewards include money for new saddles, clothes, and reputation points – great if you enjoy relaxed grinding.

As atmospheric as the world is, it comes at a price. Equinox: Homecoming eats up performance like a runaway racehorse. My high-end rig started wheezing, and I honestly wonder how that’ll go down with the actual target audience – cozy gamers with mid-range hardware?

Conclusion: Between Stable Vibes And Small-Town Horror

Equinox: Homecoming is a strange beast – and that’s exactly what makes it exciting. Yes, it’s unfinished. Yes, it has rough edges that no shiny new saddle can fix. But it also has an idea that goes beyond the usual: a cozy horse game that dares to get dark. One that hints at mysteries instead of spoon-feeding them. And one that leaves you with a feeling somewhere between curiosity and goosebumps.

I’m staying in the saddle – eagerly waiting for the next chapter.