If you choose to turn on National Geographic over HBO to relax after a long day, then you will want to check out Seclusa. In this photography game from Studio Niente, you’re not just watching nature from your couch—you’re stepping into the frame. You’ll slip into the shoes of a wildlife photographer staying at a secluded East African safari lodge, capturing moments of wild beauty from the perfect vantage point.
Experience the savannah unfolding at its own unhurried pace, camera ready, as the beauty of Africa stretches out before you. Whether you’re chasing the perfect golden-hour shot of an elephant herd or tracking a rare albino zebra, Seclusa is about keeping still and watching the world breathe. About truly appreciating nature in the present moment.
Launched last month, Seclusa is the perfect escape for days when life moves too quickly. Somewhere in East Africa, a lion is walking past a waterhole, completely unaware that a cozy gamer on the other side of the world is capturing their finest close-up yet.
Step Into Seclusa
Seclusa is a laid-back photography sandbox that blends casual simulation with idle game elements. You play as a wildlife photographer staying at a secluded safari lodge in East Africa, and your days follow a gentle, self-directed rhythm.
Each morning, you’ll check the jobs board for new photography assignments from local conservation groups. Maybe someone needs a striking portrait of a lion at sunrise. Perhaps a researcher is documenting zebra migrations and needs shots from the watering hole. You’ll grab your camera, travel to one of seven distinct East African locations, and settle in to see what wanders into frame.
The core loop is simple but satisfying: photograph animals, complete jobs, earn credits and experience. Use those earnings to upgrade your camera with new lenses and filters, and unlock access to new locations. With those extra funds, you can even purchase collectable card packs to fill out your wildlife compendium.
The Photography
Movement in Seclusa is intuitive point-and-click rather than free-roaming. There are seven distinct East African locations—including classic safari staples like the waterhole and sweeping savannah plains. Once there, you click on animals or scenic vantage points to shift perspectives and frame your shots.
What makes the experience so immersive is how naturally the wildlife behaves. Each area has been handcrafted to be highly ambient and immersive, whether you’re photographing the local wildlife or relaxing by the fire as the sun sets. Animals move realistically, going about their daily routines completely unaware of your presence. Get as close as you like, they’re not going to take a bite out of you, or god forbid, your camera.
Camera Mechanics That Impress
For a cozy game, the photography depth is surprisingly robust. You can tweak zoom, focus, exposure, contrast, and more—with upgrade paths available for those who want professional-level control. The game thoughtfully limits your photo storage capacity, forcing intentionality with every shot. Do you spam the shutter and clog your imaginary SD card, or wait patiently for that golden-hour masterpiece?
As you level up, you’ll unlock more animals and locations, as well as camera upgrades that can completely change the look and feel of your photos.
Rare Animal Hunt
There are five rare animal variants that you can keep an eye out for in Seclusa. When one appears, sparkles will indicate its location—just click and teleport directly to your quarry. Bouncing between locations until that sparkle appears becomes an addictive loop reminiscent of classic Pokémon shiny hunting, but infinitely more relaxing.
Jobs and Progression
Your primary income source comes from photography jobs posted by conservation groups. Initially, you’ll have one simple task—photograph a specific animal. Complete it, and a new job appears after a three-minute cooldown (or you can manually refresh instantly with no cost, keeping the credits flowing freely). Credits, which can be used to improve your camera, purchase amenities at the lodge, build up your card collection, and even unlock the power to change the weather and time of day on a whim.
As you build reputation, you’ll unlock up to four simultaneous jobs, and they become increasingly specific: photograph an elephant during golden hour, capture a zebra using the “Studio Lighting” filter, or snap a lion in black and white during a storm. These conditions encourage you to explore the game’s deeper mechanics without ever feeling punished.
Relax At The Lodge
Between photographic expeditions, you’ll return to your lodge—and honestly, you might find yourself reluctant to leave.
Water the potted plants by the window. Adjust the warm lighting to match your mood. Settle into a jigsaw puzzle—there are nine to work through, and the final one lets you assemble pieces from your own photographs, turning your best shots into a new challenge.
Then there’s Paka. The friendly lodge cat quickly becomes your favourite part of coming home. You can customise his fur colour, dress him in tiny accessories, and pet him throughout the day. Max out his affection, and he’ll start accompanying you to photography locations, sitting adorably in your camp while you work.
The lodge also offers practical comforts. Take a nap to advance time without waiting around. Decorate the space with rewards earned from completing objectives. Unlock additional mini-games along the way—labyrinth puzzles and a memory matching game that add variety to your downtime.
Card Collection
Collectors will find endless joy in Seclusa’s 184-card compendium. Purchase card packs in Standard, Deluxe, and Premium varieties (increasing rarity, increasing cost) and build your collection. You also earn Trade Points from opening card packs, and they can be traded for a random card shown in the card shop next to the packs. You can pay with Credits to refresh it for another choice. And you can exchange 1 point for 50 credits, but I don’t suggest it, given how easily you earn money.
The Sights And Sounds Of East Africa
Seclusa is stunning. The environments render with loving detail, and the wildlife animations are smooth and natural. The visual design captures exactly what you’d want from a National Geographic-inspired photography game. Golden hour bathes the savannah in warm light. Storms roll in with dramatic clouds. Dawn breaks over the waterhole as animals gather to drink. It’s screenshot-worthy constantly.
Play with the volume on as the African soundscapes transport you completely. Birds call in the distance. The wind rustles through acacia trees. Lions roar somewhere beyond your view. Combined with an original soundtrack that knows when to swell and when to fade into the background, the audio design transforms Seclusa into something approaching meditation.
Seclusa
You’re a wildlife photographer staying at a cozy, secluded safari lodge in East Africa. Spend time relaxing at scenic outlooks, snapping photos of local wildlife, and working your way through a variety of upgrades and collectables in this laid-back photography sandbox.
Seclusa is out now for the PC.
Final Score: 5/5
