Homekeeping - Visual Novel Horror Game

Homekeeping is a captivating pixel art visual novel developed by Spica using RPG Maker. This atmospheric horror game follows Rutile, a young woman who lands her dream job as a maid, only to discover that her new mistress Lady Alle harbors dark secrets. With its compelling narrative, beautiful pixel art, and haunting atmosphere, Homekeeping has earned a stellar 4.7 out of 5 rating from players worldwide. The game features three distinct endings based on your choices, offering 30 minutes to 1 hour of immersive gameplay that explores themes of mystery, trust, and the darkness that lurks beneath elegant facades. Often described by players as "toxic doomed yuri," Homekeeping delivers a unique blend of suspense and character-driven storytelling that keeps players engaged until the very end.

What is Homekeeping?

Homekeeping is an indie visual novel created by Spica and submitted to the RPG MAKER 2025 GAME JAM. The game tells the story of Rutile, an eager young maid who begins working for the mysterious Lady Alle in a grand estate. What starts as a dream come true quickly unravels into a web of suspense and horror as Rutile uncovers the truth behind the death of Lady Alle's family - officially attributed to illness, but surrounded by suspicious circumstances. Homekeeping masterfully builds tension through its seasonal narrative structure, taking players through Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter as the relationship between Rutile and Alle grows increasingly complex. The game combines classic visual novel gameplay with puzzle elements and cooking minigames, creating a rich and varied experience. With depictions of blood and violence woven into its narrative, Homekeeping is a mature horror experience that rewards attentive players with its intricate story and memorable characters.

Homekeeping Story & Characters

The Main Characters

The heart of Homekeeping lies in its compelling cast of characters. Rutile is the protagonist - a dedicated and optimistic young woman who has always dreamed of becoming a maid. Her earnest nature makes her the perfect lens through which players experience the unfolding mystery. Lady Alle is Rutile's enigmatic mistress, an aristocratic woman whose odd behavior and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her family's deaths create an atmosphere of constant unease. Supporting characters include Gabriel and Calcite, each playing crucial roles in the narrative and connected to one of the game's three endings. The dynamic between Rutile and Alle forms the emotional core of Homekeeping, building from professional distance to something far more complicated as the seasons progress.

Seasonal Narrative Structure

Homekeeping unfolds across four seasons, each bringing new tasks, revelations, and dangers. In Spring, Rutile begins her duties with cleaning the living room, cooking meals, and organizing the library. Summer intensifies the mystery as players explore cupboards, prepare refreshments like lemonade, and begin to notice oddities in Lady Alle's behavior. Fall brings players deeper into Alle's private spaces, including her bedroom, while introducing interactions with Calcite. Winter serves as the climax, where all secrets are revealed. Players must read Alle's diary, unlock a safe using the code 2612 (derived from clues about her low appetite in winter, a misplaced snow globe with a Christmas tree, and her mother's death a day after a joyous occasion), and make the final choice that determines Rutile's fate.

How to Play Homekeeping

Controls & Gameplay

Homekeeping features intuitive controls designed for accessibility. Use the Arrow Keys (Up, Down, Left, Right) to move Rutile through the mansion. Press Z or Space to interact with objects and characters, and X to access the menu. Hold Shift to dash for faster movement, and use Page Down to fast-forward through dialogue you've already read. The game includes fun minigames such as cooking challenges where Rutile prepares meals for Lady Alle. Pay close attention to environmental details and dialogue, as Homekeeping rewards observant players with hints toward the safe code and deeper understanding of the characters.

Tips for New Players

To get the most out of Homekeeping, explore every room thoroughly and interact with all objects. The game's puzzles are designed to be solvable through careful observation of your surroundings. Keep notes on any dates, numbers, or unusual details you encounter - these will prove essential in the Winter chapter. Don't rush through dialogue, as character conversations contain important foreshadowing about the mystery at the heart of Homekeeping. The cooking minigames are meant to be enjoyed, so take your time and immerse yourself in Rutile's daily routine as a maid. Most importantly, save your game before the final confrontation in Winter, as your last choice determines which of the three endings you'll receive.

All Homekeeping Endings Guide

Gabriel's Ending

To achieve Gabriel's Ending in Homekeeping, when confronted by Alle in the final scene, tell her that you are scared of her. Then continuously choose "yes" to all subsequent prompts until the ending triggers. This ending explores what happens when Rutile fully embraces her fear and seeks protection from Gabriel, leading to one of the game's more dramatic conclusions.

Calcite's Ending

Calcite's Ending requires a more nuanced approach. When Alle confronts you, tell her that you are scared of her, but instead of continuing to agree, stop halfway through the conversation. This hesitation leads Rutile down a different path, one that involves Calcite more directly in the resolution of the story. This ending offers a different perspective on the events of Homekeeping.

Alle's Ending

The most emotionally complex conclusion is Alle's Ending. To achieve this, when Alle asks if you are scared of her, tell her that you are not scared. This brave choice leads to a deeper exploration of the relationship between Rutile and Alle, revealing the full truth behind the mansion's mysteries. Many players consider this the "true" ending of Homekeeping, as it provides the most complete resolution to the narrative.

Why Play Homekeeping?

Homekeeping stands out in the indie horror game space for several reasons. Its beautiful pixel art creates an atmosphere that is both charming and unsettling, perfectly complementing the narrative's tonal shifts. The music enhances every moment, from peaceful domestic scenes to tense revelations. The writing excels at building paranoia and suspense while developing genuinely compelling characters. Players have praised the game's effective pacing, which allows the mystery to unfold naturally while maintaining engagement throughout. The yuri elements add emotional depth to the central relationship, making the stakes feel personal and immediate. With its multiple endings and rich attention to detail, Homekeeping offers substantial replay value for those who want to experience every path. Whether you're a fan of visual novels, horror games, or pixel art adventures, Homekeeping delivers a memorable experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Conclusion

Homekeeping is a masterfully crafted visual novel that proves indie games can deliver experiences as rich and memorable as any mainstream title. Through its compelling characters, intricate mystery, and atmospheric presentation, the game creates a world that is both beautiful and haunting. The relationship between Rutile and Alle forms the emotional backbone of a story that explores trust, fear, and the darkness hidden behind closed doors. With three distinct endings based on your choices, Homekeeping invites you to explore every possibility and uncover the full truth of what happened in that grand estate. Whether you seek Gabriel's protection, find solace with Calcite, or brave the truth with Alle, your journey through Homekeeping will be one you won't soon forget. Play it now in your browser and discover why players worldwide have rated this indie gem 4.7 out of 5 stars.