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APICO

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2022

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Quick resume

APICO is a laid-back beekeeping sim game about breeding, collecting, & conserving bees! Set in a series of lush environments, APICO uniquely combines resource gathering, biology, and beekeeping minigames, taking ideas from a mix of real-life and fantasy apiculture & floriculture.

Global score

92/100

Genres

Casual, Simulator, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure

Pros

  • Relaxing and cozy gameplay
  • Deep and engaging bee breeding mechanics
  • Excellent ui and inventory management
  • Support for multiplayer co-op
  • Strong community and developer support

Cons

  • Early game can be overwhelming
  • Some grind and waiting involved
  • Limited npc interaction and story depth
  • Price considered high by some
  • Minor bugs and ui quirks

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to explore, breed bees, build and manage at their own pace without time pressure or forced routines."

  • Competence
    3

    "The game involves mastering complex breeding mechanics, managing resources, and optimizing production, providing skill challenges."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on personal progress and collection without ranked modes or direct player comparison."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Many players report long sessions and habitual play due to engaging progression and collection goals."

  • Cooperation
    2

    "Supports multiplayer co-op play with shared goals, though much gameplay can be done solo."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players can customize and build their environment, move NPCs, and design layouts for efficiency."

  • Domination
    -5

    "Interactions emphasize equality and mutual respect; no evidence of exerting control or superiority."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a relaxing, stress-relieving experience with immersive ambient sounds and music."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Engagement is voluntary and driven by intrinsic interest and personal desire."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players experiment with bee genetics, breeding combinations, and environmental factors to discover new species."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players explore different biomes and discover new bees, butterflies, flowers, and secrets."

  • Expression
    3

    "Customization of base layout, decorations, and environment allows self-expression."

  • Fantasy
    1

    "While based on real biology, the game includes fictional elements like bee species and whimsical story aspects."

  • Fellowship
    2

    "Community engagement and multiplayer co-op foster a sense of belonging, though solo play is common."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players learn genetics, breeding mechanics, and resource management, supporting personal development."

  • Health
    -5

    "The game is sedentary with no physical activity or health-related gameplay."

  • Idle
    3

    "Gameplay includes waiting for bees to breed or machines to process, allowing for intermittent attention."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Limited social interactions mostly through NPCs and multiplayer; no deep emotional connections described."

  • Leadership
    -4

    "Players mainly manage their own tasks; no evidence of leading or managing others."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong focus on collecting bees, unlocking species, and upgrading equipment."

  • Relaxation
    5

    "Widely described as a relaxing, stress-free, and cozy experience with soothing music and ambient sounds."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Enjoyable pixel art, music, and sound design provide moderate sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -4

    "Achievements and progress are mostly personal; little emphasis on social recognition or popularity."

  • Story
    2

    "There is a light narrative and quests, but the focus is on gameplay and collection rather than deep story immersion."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players engage in planning breeding strategies, resource management, and optimizing production."

  • Thrill
    -3

    "The game is calm and predictable with minimal risk or suspense."

  • Value
    3

    "Players perceive good value due to extensive content, long playtime, and ongoing updates."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destructive gameplay; focus is on constructive and cooperative activities."

  • Survival
    -4

    "No threats or failure states; stable, low-risk environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026