Item: The Unfinished Swan
Rating: 94
Author: Dinsun

Our Expert Score

94/100

The Unfinished Swan is a poetic masterpiece that uses a simple mechanic—throwing paint—to explore themes of grief, wonder, and discovery. You start in a world of pure white, and your only way to see is to splat black paint against the invisible geometry. It is a brilliant metaphor for a child navigating the unknown after the loss of a parent.

The game constantly evolves, introducing new mechanics just as you get comfortable. From growing vines to navigating a dark forest using glowing orbs, the gameplay feels fresh throughout its short runtime. The story, narrated like a classic fairy tale, is touching without being overly sentimental. It’s an artistic achievement that proves mobile games can be just as emotionally resonant and visually stunning as any big-budget console title. It’s truly unforgettable.

Dinsun reviewed on: Thu Feb 26 2026

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1490196582

$4.99 9+★3.8 63 reviews

Author : Annapurna Interactive

Pubish Date : Wed Sep 09 2020

Last Update Date : Tue Oct 13 2020

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 1.0.1Tue Oct 13 2020

Thank you for playing The Unfinished Swan!
This version includes key performance improvements and bug fixes.
From the creators of What Remains of Edith Finch.
Explore a mysterious all-white landscape by splatting paint to reveal the world around you. As Monroe, a 10-year-old orphan, you'll follow a swan that's stepped out of an unfinished painting and wandered off into a surreal, storybook-inspired kingdom. Each chapter brings surprises, new ways to explore the world, a host of bizarre (and sometimes dangerous) creatures, and encounters with the eccentric king who built this empire.
Requires iOS 13.4 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
From the creators of What Remains of Edith Finch.
Explore a mysterious all-white landscape by splatting paint to reveal the world around you. As Monroe, a 10-year-old orphan, you'll follow a swan that's stepped out of an unfinished painting and wandered off into a surreal, storybook-inspired kingdom. Each chapter brings surprises, new ways to explore the world, a host of bizarre (and sometimes dangerous) creatures, and encounters with the eccentric king who built this empire.

Ratings & Reviews

3.8 out of 5 with 63 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 9+

From the creators of What Remains of Edith Finch, The Unfinished Swan is a surreal first-person adventure. You play as Monroe, an orphan following a swan that has escaped from a painting into a strange, unfinished kingdom. The game begins in a completely white space; you must throw paint to uncover the walls, floors, and secrets of the world around you. As you progress, the world changes, offering new ways to interact and solve environmental puzzles.

Features

Unique paint-splatting exploration mechanic

Award-winning artistic direction

Touching fairy-tale narrative

Engaging environmental puzzles

Tips

Finding Your Way in the White

In the opening scene, don't waste all your paint in one spot. Throw small splats at floor level to find the edges of paths and stairs. Look for the 'sound' of the paint hitting a surface to determine how far away a wall is.

News on this game

Annapurna Interactive May Be Teasing New Unfinished Swan Game

2012 indie game The Unfinished Swan has largely been forgotten, but a cryptic tease from Annapurna Interactive suggests it may be coming...

Game Rant - Sun Mar 28 2021

How Does Annapurna Interactive Manage To Publish Nothing But Bangers?

As far I know, AI is the only publisher with a flawless record, and I need to figure out how they've managed to only publish bangers.

TheGamer - Thu Oct 28 2021

Annapurna Interactive represented the pinnacle of indie games | The DeanBeat

All 25 of Annapurna Interactive's team resigned after a deal fell through to spin them out of the entertainment company Annapurna.

VentureBeat - Mon Apr 28 2025

Edith Finch dev's formerly PlayStation-exclusive The Unfinished Swan now on PC

The Unfinished Swan, which is being published by Annapurna Interactive, is available now on Steam and the Epic Store, where it's priced at �11.49/$13.49 USD.

Eurogamer.net - Wed Apr 28 2021

From Journey to The Unfinished Swan: Looking back on a decade of emotional experiences

From Journey to The Unfinished Swan and Dear Esther: How simulated strolls broke the mold a decade ago. When you purchase through links on...

GamesRadar+ - Fri Jul 28 2023

The Unfinished Swan now available for PC, iOS

The Unfinished Swan is now available for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store for $14.99, and iOS via the App Store for $4.99…

Gematsu - Wed Apr 28 2021

Eight years later, The Unfinished Swan finally lands on PC

The 2012 debut from Edith Finch devs Giant Sparrow has finally escaped PlayStation exclusivity, arriving today on Steam and Epic Games.

Rock Paper Shotgun - Wed Apr 28 2021

The Unfinished Swan Is Out Now On PC For The First Time

I don't know if this had been announced previously, but The Unfinished Swan has launched on PC today via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Explosion Network - Wed Apr 28 2021

What Remains Of Edith Finch Hands-on Preview - Hands-on Preview

The game has you take control of the titular Edith Finch as she explores her old family home and relives the tales of her many unfortunate relatives.

Nintendo World Report - Tue Jan 28 2020

Death and chaos with Edith Finch and The Unfinished Swan

A short while into What Remains of Edith Finch, you come to a beach. It's night, but you can still make out the silhoue…

Eurogamer.net - Wed Apr 28 2021

Gameplays

Water and Growth

In the later chapters, your paint balls become water. Use them to guide the growth of green vines. By splashing water on specific surfaces, you can create ladders of leaves to reach higher platforms and hidden storybook pages.