Hela: Of Mice & Magic is the better fit for players who want a shared, puzzle-led open world with playful movement and optional cooperation. A Short Hike is the better fit for a short, single-player nature outing built around choosing your own route, meeting characters and reaching a summit.
The games overlap in their gentle tone and low-pressure exploration, but they differ in player count, world structure, traversal, activities and release status. Here is what those differences mean in practice.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hela and A Short Hike at a glance
| Axis | Hela: Of Mice & Magic | A Short Hike |
|---|---|---|
| Player structure | Solo or cooperative adventure; preview coverage describes local split-screen and online co-op. | Single-player Steam game. |
| World and setting | Open world inspired by Northern Sweden, combining magical nature with kindness-oriented exploration. | Hawk Peak Provincial Park, a mountainside setting designed around one hike and its surrounding paths. |
| Traversal | The Froggy Backpack enables gliding, bouncing with another backpack and movement-based environmental puzzles. | Hiking, climbing, gliding, swimming and fishing let you choose routes around the park. |
| Activity loop | Exploration, cooperation, experimentation, puzzle solving, ingredient gathering and brewing. | Reach the summit at your own pace, talk with hikers, discover side paths, find treasures, fish and swim. |
| Tone and stakes | Wholesome, heartwarming and nature-focused, with no traditional combat. | Relaxing and playful, with conversations, discovery and self-directed exploration. |
| Availability | Planned for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2. Official pages currently disagree about whether the Steam version is already available. | Released on Steam on July 30, 2019, with Windows, macOS and SteamOS/Linux requirements listed on its Steam page. |
The practical dividing line is simple: Hela is designed around a larger shared adventure and inventive movement, while A Short Hike is a compact solo excursion whose pleasure comes from wandering at your own pace.
What kind of game is Hela?
The official Steam community description calls Hela “a calm, exploration-driven open world adventure” about nature, magic, curiosity and rediscovering harmony through small deeds. That framing places exploration ahead of combat, character statistics or conventional mission pressure. You investigate a world, experiment with its systems and solve environmental problems rather than fight through enemies.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Hela’s setting draws on the forests and wilderness of Northern Sweden. The Scandinavian influence is not just a visual label: the game presents nature as the central subject, with magical elements layered onto a wilderness-inspired landscape. The intended mood is gentle and heartwarming, making it a natural match for players who want a cozy game without removing the sense of discovery found in an open world.
No traditional combat
Hela does not feature traditional combat. That changes the way progress is expected to work. You are not choosing weapons, learning attack patterns or clearing hostile areas. Instead, the game emphasizes movement, observation, cooperation, experimentation and puzzle solving. Players looking for a combat-free adventure will find that design choice fundamental, not an optional mode.
Brewing without a conventional crafting system
The official description specifically says Hela does not include crafting systems such as item creation or base building. Preview coverage nevertheless describes gathering ingredients and brewing. Those activities should be understood as part of the exploration and puzzle loop, not as evidence of a survival-style crafting tree. If you want to collect ingredients for a contextual brewing activity, Hela provides that; if you want to construct tools, equipment or a permanent base, the developer’s description says those systems are not present.
Recommended Free Tools
The Froggy Backpack is Hela’s defining mechanic
Hela’s signature traversal tool is the magical Froggy Backpack. Preview coverage from GamesRadar+ on June 7, 2025, highlights several ways it changes movement: you can glide, bounce off another player’s backpack and use the backpack in environmental puzzles.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Gliding and playful movement
Gliding gives exploration a three-dimensional rhythm rather than limiting you to ordinary walking. The backpack is not merely a cosmetic companion or a menu-based gadget; it is part of how you cross the world. That makes reaching a location an activity in itself, especially when a puzzle asks you to use momentum, positioning or the environment creatively.
Cooperative bouncing
When two players are present, the backpack can support cooperative bouncing. This is a meaningful difference from games that simply allow a second player to follow the lead character. Movement itself becomes a shared problem: players can coordinate positions and timing to gain height or reach a route that would be less interesting alone.
Environmental puzzles
The backpack also appears in environmental puzzles. Hela therefore connects traversal and problem solving instead of treating them as separate systems. A player who enjoys testing how a movement tool interacts with the landscape may get more from Hela than someone who prefers a purely scenic walk with no mechanical experimentation.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteIs Hela single-player or co-op?
Hela supports solo play and multiplayer. Preview coverage describes both local split-screen and online co-op, so the game is built for shared play rather than adding multiplayer as an afterthought. You can approach the adventure alone, but its cooperative movement and puzzle design give groups a distinct reason to play together.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Choose solo when you want control of the pace
Solo play is the better choice if you want to study the landscape, test the Froggy Backpack on your own terms or solve environmental puzzles without coordinating another person. It also preserves the calm, reflective side of the premise: you can stop to explore, gather ingredients or experiment without needing to match a partner’s tempo.
Choose co-op when movement is part of the fun
Local split-screen suits players sharing a room, while online co-op suits friends playing from separate locations. The cooperative bouncing mechanic gives multiplayer a mechanical purpose, rather than limiting the second player to conversation or cosmetic assistance. Before buying for a group, verify the current storefront listing and supported modes, because official availability information is not consistent.
How A Short Hike differs
A Short Hike is a single-player game released on Steam on July 30, 2019. Its Steam page describes hiking, climbing and soaring through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park while making your way to the summit. The goal provides direction, but the route is deliberately flexible.
A compact, self-directed outing
The core loop is easy to understand: explore the park, meet hikers, discover hidden treasures and decide when to pursue the summit. Fishing and swimming add optional diversions, and side paths reward players who leave the obvious route. The game’s appeal comes from the freedom to make a small journey feel personal, not from a large set of systems.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Movement with several route options
Hiking and climbing handle ordinary progress, while gliding, swimming and fishing open additional ways to interact with the park. These tools support freeform route choice, but they serve a different purpose from Hela’s Froggy Backpack. In A Short Hike, movement helps you roam through a compact mountain environment; in Hela, the backpack is also a cooperative tool and a puzzle device.
Conversation and discovery instead of shared puzzles
A Short Hike focuses on an individual hike, conversations and discoveries. There is no multiplayer structure in the Steam listing, so every route decision and discovery belongs to one player. That makes it a strong choice for a quiet session, a short break or anyone who prefers a complete adventure without coordinating schedules.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Hela like A Short Hike?
They are alike in atmosphere more than in structure. Both favor peaceful nature, exploration and low-pressure discovery. Neither is defined by traditional combat, and both let curiosity guide what you do next.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe difference is scale and social design. Hela presents an open world inspired by Northern Sweden, adds magical systems and builds around solo or cooperative play. A Short Hike concentrates on one mountain park and one player’s route to a summit. Hela asks you to experiment with a traversal tool and solve environmental puzzles; A Short Hike asks you to wander, talk, collect optional discoveries and decide how directly to approach your destination.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
If your ideal session involves inviting a friend and figuring out how to move through a space together, Hela is the closer match. If you want a concise, self-contained walk with no multiplayer requirement, A Short Hike is the closer match.
World scale and activity loop
Hela: open-world experimentation
Hela’s open-world structure supports a broader range of activities: exploring natural spaces, cooperating, experimenting with the Froggy Backpack, solving environmental puzzles, collecting ingredients and brewing. The emphasis is on how systems interact. A route may be interesting because of what you can try there, not only because of the scenery.
A Short Hike: one destination with optional detours
A Short Hike gives you a clear destination while allowing detours. Meeting hikers, finding treasures, fishing and swimming make the park feel lived in without turning it into a long-term progression system. Its compactness is an advantage for players who want a focused adventure that can be completed on their own schedule.
Platforms and release status
Hela’s planned platforms are PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2. However, its official pages currently present conflicting information. A Steam community update states that a Q4 2026 launch is planned, while the official website displays “NOW AVAILABLE ON STEAM.” Because those statements cannot both describe the same release status at the same time, check the live Steam listing and the developer’s current announcement before treating Hela as released or planning a purchase.
The Q4 2026 window is a planned period, not a specific day. It also does not establish that the console versions launch simultaneously. If you are choosing a platform, confirm the edition, release date and multiplayer support for that platform rather than assuming that PC and console availability match.
A Short Hike has a settled Steam release date of July 30, 2019. The Steam page lists requirements for Windows, macOS and SteamOS/Linux, making it the more immediately verifiable option for players who want to start now on a supported computer.
Which game should you choose?
Choose Hela if you want:
- An open-world adventure inspired by Northern Swedish forests and wilderness.
- Solo play or cooperative play, including the local and online options described in previews.
- A movement system centered on the magical Froggy Backpack.
- Environmental puzzles that use traversal creatively.
- Ingredient gathering and brewing without item-crafting or base-building systems.
- A wholesome, combat-free experience designed around cooperation and experimentation.
Choose A Short Hike if you want:
- A single-player game with a clear summit goal and flexible detours.
- A compact mountain setting rather than an open-world adventure.
- Hiking, climbing, gliding, swimming and fishing as route-building tools.
- Conversations with hikers, hidden treasures and relaxed discovery.
- A released Steam game with Windows, macOS and SteamOS/Linux support listed on its store page.
Questions to settle before buying
- Do you need multiplayer? If yes, Hela is the relevant option of these two; A Short Hike is single-player.
- Do you prefer a destination or an open world? The summit structures A Short Hike, while Hela offers a wider exploration framework.
- Do you enjoy movement-based puzzles? Hela’s Froggy Backpack is central to that experience. A Short Hike uses movement mainly to support route choice and discovery.
- Are you buying immediately? Verify Hela’s current Steam status because its official pages disagree about availability. A Short Hike has a confirmed 2019 Steam release.
- Are you expecting crafting or base building? Do not buy Hela for those systems; the official description says they are not included.
Bottom line
Hela and A Short Hike share a cozy, nature-first spirit, but they target different kinds of relaxation. Hela is the more ambitious choice for shared exploration, magical traversal and environmental puzzles, provided its current release status and platform support match your plans. A Short Hike remains the cleaner choice for a focused, single-player hike through Hawk Peak Provincial Park, where the pleasure comes from choosing your own path and discovering what lies off it.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
