Info about Shelve the Potions!:

Official game description:
Shelve the Potions! Organize 2000+ potions on shelves after the witch's cats have knocked them over, using clues around an enchanted cellar. Learn strange symbols, decipher cryptic notes, and uncover the correct shelf orders in a cozy organizational simple puzzle game.
The witch had to leave on urgent business. By the time you arrive for your very first day as her apprentice. Her mischievous cats have knocked every potion off the shelves, turning the workshop into complete chaos. To leave a good first impression, we might as well put them back up.
**Gameplay**
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Each shelf is its own handcrafted puzzle with unique rules waiting to be discovered. Sort and organize over **2,000+ potions**, learning how every order works through experimentation, logic, and observation.
Some puzzles can be solved at a glance, while others require finding hidden clues, using special items, or connecting information you've learned elsewhere in the workshop.
Whenever you feel stuck, Pet the magical cats, then ask them for hints. They'll point you toward missing potions, highlight important clues, or even reveal part of a puzzle's solution when you need a little extra help.
Features
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*   20+ handcrafted potion-sorting puzzles with unique rules to discover.
*   Organize and sort **2,000+ unique potions** throughout the workshop.
*   Relaxing gameplay with no timers or penalties.
*   Cozy fantasy atmosphere inspired by witches, and alchemy.
*   Cute cats!

Release date: Aug 24, 2026

Categories: Puzzle Solving, Organization Game, Cozy Game, Relaxing and Cozy Gameplay, Resource Management, Character Progression, Single-player


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $2.99 - $5.99
  - Reasoning: Reviews indicate that the current price of $5.99 is considered modest and good value by some, but another reviewer finds the game short and unclear, recommending a deep discount purchase. This suggests a fair price range where the game is acceptable to most, from a discounted price around $2.99 to the current full price at $5.99.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 5.0h
  - Story completion: 4.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The first evidence directly states 100% game completion at just over 5 hours, which supports the gameCompletion metric. The second and third evidence give first-run story completion times of 4 hours 59 minutes and 4 hours respectively, indicating a typical storyCompletion of about 4 hours. The fourth evidence mentions total entertainment time of roughly 6 hours, which may reflect a broader completion including extra activities, but the more specific 100% claim is used for gameCompletion. StoryCompletion is set to 4 hours based on the multiple 4-hour claims and the 4h59m run.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts enjoyably with an intuitive tutorial and engaging puzzle discovery, but enjoyment declines after puzzles are exhausted and item organization becomes tedious, amplified by long spell cooldowns.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: initial perception that all puzzles look the same; uncertainty about puzzle interpretation; minor disappointment over lack of expected crow content
  - Unlock drivers: intuitive tutorial; discovery of hidden object counts in potions; use of environmental hints
  - Conditions: after completing all puzzles; when items become numerous and organization is required; when spell cooldowns are long; when puzzle difficulty remains engaging
- Player Archetypes:
  - Cozy Relaxer (buy)
    - Motivation: Relaxation and light mental engagement without requiring intense focus.
    - Playstyle: Casual, often multitasking (listening to videos), enjoying the cats and the soothing act of organizing items without stress.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Completionist (buy)
    - Motivation: The satisfaction of fully completing a game, including challenging achievements like no-skills-used.
    - Playstyle: Efficient, goal-oriented, aiming to achieve 100% completion and unlock all achievements as quickly as possible.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Genre Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Finding new entries in the tidy-up / organization puzzle genre that match the quality and style of games like Arcane Library and Librarian.
    - Playstyle: Compares the game to established genre titles and evaluates it based on genre conventions and familiarity.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Arcane Library; Librarian
  - Shallow Puzzle Critic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Seeking mentally engaging puzzles that offer fresh challenge each time, not just a one-time solution.
    - Playstyle: Methodical and observant, but quickly loses interest when puzzles become repetitive or lack depth after the initial playthrough.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Magic Library


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Puzzles are engaging and clever (weight 0.97): Players consistently praise the puzzles for being clever, fun, and interesting to solve. The puzzle mechanics add a unique element that sets the game apart from other sorting games.
- Shelves feature unique puzzles (weight 0.44): Each shelf presents its own little puzzle, often involving environmental clues to determine the correct order of potions. This adds variety and an extra layer of challenge.
- Cats are adorable and varied (weight 0.42): The presence of multiple cute cats, each with unique names and appearances, is a beloved feature. Players enjoy the ability to pet the cats, which adds to the game's charm and appeal.
- Puzzle difficulty is well-balanced (weight 0.37): Reviewers note that puzzles are challenging but not frustrating, with a good mix of easy and harder challenges. The puzzles are accessible and rewarding without being obtuse or too difficult.
- Sorting and puzzle mechanics blend (weight 0.32): The integration of sorting with puzzle elements is highlighted as a distinctive strength. Players appreciate how the puzzle aspect elevates the sorting gameplay and prevents monotony.
- Game is cute and fun (weight 0.24): The overall aesthetic and gameplay are described as cute, fun, and interesting. The visual style and engaging mechanics contribute to a positive and enjoyable experience.
- Relaxing and calm experience (weight 0.12): Players find the game to be a relaxing tidying experience, enhanced by soothing music and atmosphere. This makes it a pleasant and stress-free activity.
- No significant bugs reported (weight 0.11): Players encountered no major bugs during gameplay, indicating a polished and stable experience. This contributes to overall satisfaction and enjoyment.

Common complaints:
- Puzzles accessibility issues (weight 0.41): Some puzzles are deemed too easy or too hard for average players, with unclear clues and patterns that require squinting, making them less accessible. Clusters 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 29, 33, 37, 41, and 66 highlight these accessibility concerns.
- Repetitive puzzle designs (weight 0.31): Multiple players noted that puzzle types repeat across different colors, becoming tedious and meaningless after a few repetitions. This issue is highlighted in Clusters 1, 21, 27, and 53, where sequences and solutions are reused for multiple potion colors.
- Too few puzzles (weight 0.3): Several reviews mentioned that the game lacks a sufficient number of puzzles, with some finishing quickly and wishing for more content. Clusters 2, 3, 8, 11, and 51 all stress the desire for more puzzle variety and quantity.
- Game becomes a chore (weight 0.3): After solving puzzles, players find the organizing process to be dull and repetitive, lacking the satisfaction of fully clearing everything. This frustration is captured in Clusters 10, 12, 24, 34, 71, and 72, noting that the game loses its appeal post-puzzle.
- Upgrades are unsatisfying (weight 0.29): The leveling and upgrade system during organizing is seen as unsatisfying, with long cooldowns and a lack of impactful enhancements. This is pointed out in Clusters 23, 30, 31, 32, 54, and 55, where players wish for more meaningful progression.
- Visual clarity problems (weight 0.2): Several players noted issues with color distinction and graphical clarity, such as dark blue and purple potions being hard to differentiate, and a colorblind setting adding noise. Clusters 25, 38, 39, and 40 address these visual concerns.
- Lack of guidance (weight 0.2): Players often felt overwhelmed or stuck at the start, not knowing what to do first, due to unclear objectives and an overwhelming main hall. Clusters 56, 59, 62, and 63 reflect this need for better direction.
- Puzzle interpretation ambiguity (weight 0.18): Some puzzle solutions are ambiguous, causing players to question if they solved them correctly, and certain patterns are confusing, like the Greek alphabet potions. Clusters 35, 36, 66, and 70 highlight these ambiguities.
- Performance and technical issues (weight 0.18): The game has technical problems, including bugs, graphical glitches, and mid FPS on older PCs, with no adjustable settings to compensate. Clusters 4, 43, 44, and 67 mention these performance issues.
- Disappointing endgame content (weight 0.18): After completing all puzzles, players find a lack of activities, making the large room feel disappointing and the game lacking sustained fun. Clusters 7, 45, 46, and 72 express this endgame ennui.
- Lack of replay value (weight 0.17): Players criticized the low replayability, citing that completion times are not saved and there's only one save file, which discourages multiple playthroughs. Clusters 14, 15, and 16 specifically mention these limitations.
- Softlock and progression blockers (weight 0.16): A few players encountered game-breaking issues, including a tutorial that cannot progress and a mandatory item collection that blocks organizing entirely, leading to a softlock and forced return. Clusters 67, 68, and 69 describe these critical bugs.
- Cooldown and ability frustrations (weight 0.15): Long cooldowns on spells and abilities, along with the inability to reduce them, make the game boring and hinder progress after puzzles are solved. Clusters 32, 54, and 55 focus on these frustrations.
- Instruction and assembly issues (weight 0.14): Certain in-game mechanics, like the Assemble Ability, are hard to understand without developer help, and some clues are not obvious, leading to confusion. Clusters 17, 57, and 70 highlight these instructional gaps.
- Audio annoyances (weight 0.12): The sound design received criticism, with sorting sounds being irritating and the oven crackling being excessively loud and impossible to turn down. This is mentioned in Clusters 49 and 50.
- Item collection pacing (weight 0.1): The collection requirement after the tutorial feels too large, and mandatory item collection can block organizing and slow the pace. Clusters 6 and 69 emphasize this pacing problem.
- Missing features and repackaging (weight 0.09): The game is seen as a small step beyond Magic Library with no major improvements, and it lacks Ukrainian language support. Clusters 65 and 64 highlight these missing features.
- Potions lack names (weight 0.05): Players were disappointed that potions do not have names, which affects immersion. This is mentioned in Cluster 26.
- Player annoyance with environment (weight 0.05): Bats flying in the face are annoying and require moving and waiting, breaking the relaxing atmosphere. This is noted in Cluster 52.
- Completeness issue (weight 0.05): One player could not find the last yellow chess piece, leaving the game incomplete. This specific issue is in Cluster 58.

Gameplay feedback:
- Sorting and puzzle hybrid game (weight 0.48): The game is described as a sorting game with puzzle elements, combining organizing and tidying mechanics. Players sort many objects, including potions, while solving puzzles.
- Potion ordering riddles (weight 0.4): Players must solve riddles and puzzles to determine the correct order or placement of potions. The puzzles often involve memorizing patterns and recognizing color-coded clues.
- Tidy-up potion shop theme (weight 0.37): The game is identified as a tidy-up style game set in a potion shop, where players organize shelves and bottles. It fits the recent trend of tidying and organizing simulation games.
- Color-based potion sorting (weight 0.25): Potions are sorted primarily by color, with many potions of different sizes and symbols. The main gameplay loop involves sorting colored potions onto shelves according to specific rules.
- Color-themed puzzle variations (weight 0.2): Different colors correspond to different puzzle sets, and the puzzles repeat for each color. This makes color a central theme in the game's puzzle design.
- Puzzles determine order (weight 0.16): Puzzles are used to determine the correct order or placement of objects, adding a problem-solving element to the genre. The game integrates puzzles as a core mechanic for progression.
- Organizing genre classification (weight 0.16): The game is classified under the tidying or organizing genre, focusing on sorting and arranging items. It belongs to the broader category of tidy-up games.
- Cat provides hints (weight 0.16): A cat is included as a feature that can provide hints or help with solving puzzles. The cat is a helpful companion for players who need guidance.
- Puzzle-solving element (weight 0.11): The game includes puzzle-solving as a general feature, with players engaging in various puzzle challenges. This adds an intellectual layer to the sorting gameplay.
- Shelf-em-up with puzzles (weight 0.11): The game combines shelving mechanics with light puzzle logic, creating a 'shelf-em-up' genre. It adds puzzle elements to the traditional organizing gameplay.
- Magic upgrades speed (weight 0.1): Players can upgrade magic to speed up the sorting or organizing process. This adds a progression element to the game, making it faster over time.
- Simple puzzle elements (weight 0.1): The game includes simple puzzle elements and small puzzles, making it accessible to a wide audience. The puzzles are not overly complex but are integral to the gameplay.
- Potion shelving rules (weight 0.1): Potions are shelved according to specific rules, and the game involves organizing them on shelves. The rules likely vary by color or type.
- Pattern recognition puzzles (weight 0.09): Puzzles are mostly pattern recognition, requiring players to identify and match patterns. This is a core mechanic in the puzzle-solving aspect.
- Simple puzzle understanding (weight 0.09): Puzzles are fairly simple to understand, with a low learning curve. This makes the game approachable for casual players.

Performance notes:
- Performance issues on older PCs (weight 0.08): Players with older PC hardware report experiencing FPS drops and stuttering, which can affect gameplay fluidity and enjoyment. This suggests the game may require optimization for lower-end systems.
- Graphical glitches present (weight 0.07): Users have encountered visual anomalies such as texture popping, flickering, or rendering errors. These glitches can detract from the game's visual polish and immersive experience.
- Smooth performance on some systems (weight 0.07): Some players report that the game runs smoothly without noticeable performance issues, indicating that optimization may be adequate on higher-end or specific configurations. This positive feedback contrasts with the performance complaints from older hardware users.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for organizing game fans (weight 0.33): Several reviews explicitly recommend the game to fans of organizing and sorting games, highlighting its appeal to this niche audience.
- Strong overall recommendation (weight 0.28): Multiple reviews give strong, general recommendations, indicating the game is well-received overall.
- Great for puzzle and tidy-up enthusiasts (weight 0.26): The game is praised for combining puzzle elements with tidy-up mechanics, making it a strong recommendation for players who enjoy both genres.
- Ideal for mental engagement (weight 0.15): The game is recommended for players seeking something for their mind to do, providing a relaxing yet stimulating experience.
- Puzzles engaging yet accessible (weight 0.13): Reviewers note that the puzzles keep the brain engaged without being overly complicated, striking a good balance for casual players.
- Demo recommended for uncertain players (weight 0.12): A couple of reviews advise trying the demo first if you're on the fence, suggesting it gives a good sense of the game.
- Comparable to similar games (weight 0.12): Comparisons to games like Arcane Library and Librarian indicate the game fits well within the genre, though enjoyment may depend on puzzle-solving preferences.
- Worth the price (weight 0.12): Reviews highlight that the game offers good value for its cost, with one noting it's well worth the price and another citing a modest price point.
- Not recommended due repetitive design (weight 0.07): One review expresses dissatisfaction with repetitive puzzle design and tedious organizing, providing a counterpoint to the positive feedback.
- Consider waiting for discount (weight 0.05): One review suggests buying only when heavily discounted, indicating value concerns for some players.
- Encourages genre innovation support (weight 0.05): A reviewer encourages players to support the game to see more innovation in the genre, showing enthusiasm for the game's direction.

Other player notes:
- Short game length criticized (weight 0.33): Multiple reviewers note the game is short, with completion times ranging from 4 to about 7 hours. This brevity is seen as a drawback by some, limiting content depth.
- Positive comparisons to Librarian (weight 0.31): Several reviewers compare the game to Librarian and similar tidy-up games, often favorably. They appreciate added puzzle elements and reduced item overwhelm compared to the reference title.
- Anti-AI stance praised (weight 0.18): The game being made exclusively by humans and taking an anti-AI stance is appreciated by some reviewers. This contrasts with other games that use AI or LLM, and aligns with player preferences for human craftsmanship.
- Cats can be petted (weight 0.16): The inclusion of petting cats is highlighted as a positive feature by multiple reviewers. This cute interaction adds charm and appeal to the game.
- Good for organizing enthusiasts (weight 0.13): The game appeals to players who enjoy organizing tasks, as it fits the tidy-up genre. This niche appeal is highlighted by reviewers.
- Refunded due to collection requirement (weight 0.1): One reviewer refunded the game because completing everything demands starting a new run. This collection-related limit is a source of frustration for completionists.
- Hopes for future updates (weight 0.09): A reviewer expresses hope for future updates, potentially adding more rooms or content. This indicates a desire for extended playability beyond the initial experience.
- Priced affordably around $5 (weight 0.06): A reviewer notes the game is priced reasonably at around five dollars. This price point is seen as appropriate for the amount of content provided, especially given its short length.
- Mixed ratings for parts (weight 0.05): One reviewer rates the first part 8/10 and the second part 6/10, suggesting a decline in quality or enjoyment. This indicates a mixed overall reception from that perspective.
- Low replay value (weight 0.05): A reviewer notes that the game has less built-in replay value than similar titles. This reduces long-term engagement, especially after completing all content.
- Colorblind setting adds noise (weight 0.05): A colorblind accessibility setting uses patterns that add visual noise, which may be counterproductive. This is a drawback for players relying on such settings.
- No Ukrainian language support (weight 0.05): The game lacks Ukrainian language support, which is a clear drawback for Ukrainian-speaking players. This may deter some potential buyers.
- Music can be disabled (weight 0.05): The game offers an option to turn off the music, which is noted positively. This accessibility feature allows players to customize their experience.
- Guide written by reviewer (weight 0.05): A reviewer created a guide for the game, indicating a high level of engagement. This suggests the game has enough depth or puzzles to warrant guidance.
- Accessible with limited reading (weight 0.05): The game is playable even with limited reading comprehension, making it accessible to a wider audience. This is a positive aspect for non-native speakers or younger players.
- Developer engagement positive (weight 0.05): A developer replied in discussions to clarify game mechanics, showing active community support. This engagement is seen as a positive factor for player trust.
- Achievement for no-skill run (weight 0.05): The game includes an achievement for completing without skills, offering an additional challenge. This adds replay value for skilled players.
- Comparison to PowerWash Simulator (weight 0.05): One reviewer compares the game to PowerWash Simulator, suggesting a similar relaxing yet methodical gameplay loop. This comparison may help set expectations.
- Contains 20 puzzles (weight 0.05): The game features 20 puzzles in total. This quantifiable content is a key aspect for players assessing the game's scope.
- Greek letter puzzle suggestion (weight 0.05): A reviewer suggests fixing color consistency in the Greek letter puzzle. This points to a specific usability issue that could be improved.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.2): Players enjoyed the game because it combines tidying with puzzle-solving, which they found unique and engaging. The cute cats, cozy atmosphere, and clever puzzle elements added to the fun, making the game hard to put down.
- Frustration (weight 0.08): Frustration arose from technical issues like bugs, disappearing flasks, and a tutorial softlock, as well as frustrating puzzles like the Greek letters and moon puzzle. The slow pace after solving puzzles, repetitive solutions, and FPS issues also contributed to this negative feeling.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.07): Players felt satisfaction from achieving the platinum trophy, solving puzzle mechanics, and restoring order to an enchanted cellar. The combination of shelving and puzzle logic, along with the charming experience, was deemed worth the price.
- Disappointment (weight 0.07): Disappointment stemmed from the game being too easy due to color-based sorting, with puzzles becoming repetitive after two colors. The lack of satisfying upgrades and potion names, as well as the game not being as relaxing as expected, also contributed.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Players appreciated that the game was made by humans without AI, and recognized the love and effort put into it. The puzzle aspect and ability system set it apart from other sorting games, and the lack of a predetermined order for placing potions added freedom.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Excitement was generated by discovering the game's anti-AI stance and choosing it over alternatives, along with anticipation for updates and supporting artists. The puzzle integration kept the organizing idea fresh, and the demo led to purchasing the full game.
- Love (weight 0.04): Players loved the game overall, especially the ambiance, background noise, and cats with cute names. The attention to detail and the ability to pet cats contributed to a strong positive attachment to the experience.
- Joy (weight 0.04): Joy came from the game being cute, cozy, and satisfying, with the ability to pet cats and engage in the tidy-up genre. One reviewer was particularly happy that a cat was named after their own cat.
- Overwhelmed (weight 0.03): Overwhelm was caused by the large number of items to collect after the tutorial and not knowing where to start. The shop was also overwhelming, making it hard to decide initial actions.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): Boredom set in after sorting about 40% of shelves, as the game became a chore. Long spell cooldowns and repeated collecting and arranging of differently colored potions added to the tedium.
- Disappointed (weight 0.03): Players were disappointed because the game did not meet expectations of being a relaxing tidy-up game, lacked Ukrainian language support, and was seen as only a small step beyond Magic Library, leading some to stop playing.
- Fun (weight 0.02): The game was found to be very fun, with enjoyable puzzles that contributed to a positive gameplay experience.
- Approval (weight 0.02): Approval was expressed for the game's take on the organizing genre with an added puzzle element, which was seen as interesting and fun.
- Relaxation (weight 0.02): The game provided a cozy and satisfying experience with chill gameplay that included puzzles, which players found relaxing.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Players hope the developers will make more games like this in the future and are eager for more content, indicating a desire for continued engagement.
- Contentment (weight 0.02): Contentment came from the game being suitable for killing time, with cute cats and a satisfying overall experience.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Annoyance was caused by specific sounds, such as sorting and oven crackling, as well as bats flying in the player's face, which detracted from the experience.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion arose from difficulty understanding the Assemble Ability and some puzzle solutions having ambiguous interpretations, hindering progress.
- Satisfied (weight 0.02): Players felt satisfied seeing potions neatly arranged, which brought a sense of accomplishment, and overall found the experience positive and worth the money.}