Wait. If you've been following Level-5 lately, you know the vibe is a mix of pure nostalgia and "please just give us a release date already." We are finally getting closer to the launch of Fantasy Life: The Girl Who Steals Time, and the community is obsessing over one specific addition: the Strangelings. These aren't just your standard RPG pets or simple cosmetic followers. They represent a fundamental shift in how the Fantasy Life series handles progression, world-building, and that "one more hour" gameplay loop we all fell in love with on the 3DS.
Let's be real. The original 2012 game (2014 for those of us in the West) succeeded because it let us live a quiet life as a Cook or a chaotic one as a Mercenary, all while feeling like every action mattered. But it lacked a certain weirdness in its companion system. Fantasy Life: The Girl Who Steals Time Strangelings fix that. These creatures are bizarre, customizable, and deeply tied to the game's new time-travel mechanics on Reveria.
What Exactly Are These Strangelings Anyway?
They're weird. Honestly, the name is a bit of a giveaway.
In the upcoming Nintendo Switch title, Strangelings serve as your primary companions on the ruined island you're tasked with rebuilding. Unlike the generic pets from the first game, Strangelings have distinct personalities and visual traits that feel almost like a cross between a Pokémon and a Studio Ghibli fever dream. You'll find them scattered throughout different eras. Because the game revolves around traveling between the past and the present, these creatures often act as the bridge between those two points in time.
You aren't just collecting them for a gallery. You're using them to survive.
I've seen a lot of people asking if they replace the Life system. Short answer: No. They augment it. If you’re playing as a Carpenter, certain Strangelings might provide buffs to your crafting speed or help you source rare timber that only grows in the "Past" version of the island. They are the utility players of Reveria. Level-5 has hinted that the diversity of these creatures is massive. You might find a small, blob-like creature that helps with fishing in the morning, only to realize it transforms or gains new abilities when you take it into a dungeon at night.
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The Connection to the Island's Mystery
The "Girl Who Steals Time" isn't just a catchy subtitle. It refers to a specific narrative thread involving a girl who appears to have the power to manipulate the timeline of the island. The Strangelings appear to be "glitches" or remnants of these time shifts.
Think about it. In the original game, you had a butterfly companion (Flutter) who handled the talking. In this sequel, the interaction feels much more tactile. You're building a home for these things. You're feeding them. You're watching them grow. It adds a layer of "Life Sim" that the first game only scratched the surface of.
Why the Fanbase is Actually Worried (and Why They Shouldn't Be)
Whenever a developer adds a "collection" mechanic to a beloved franchise, the "gacha" alarm bells start ringing in everyone's head. It's a fair concern. We’ve seen too many great series get bogged down by microtransactions or forced grinding.
However, from everything shown in the Nintendo Directs and the Level-5 Vision showcases, Fantasy Life: The Girl Who Steals Time Strangelings are baked into the core progression of the single-player experience. There’s no evidence of a stamina bar or a premium currency tied to them. Instead, it looks like a refined version of the "Ally" system.
The complexity comes from the "Strange" part of their name. They can be fused or modified. This isn't just about finding a "Blue One" or a "Red One." You’re looking for specific traits that complement your current Life. If you're a Paladin, you want a Strangeling that can tank hits or provide elemental resistance. If you're a Tailor, you might want one that increases the quality rate of your stitches.
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It’s deep. It’s nerdy. It’s exactly what the fans wanted.
Breaking Down the Customization
Level-5 is known for Professor Layton and Ni no Kuni, so they understand how to make a system feel rewarding without being a chore.
- Visual Evolution: As you spend time with a Strangeling, their appearance changes based on the items you give them.
- Time-Locked Traits: Some abilities only activate during specific "Time Gates."
- Life Synergy: They aren't just combat pets; they are crafting assistants.
The Technical Leap from 3DS to Switch
We need to talk about the visuals for a second. The 3DS was charming, but it was limited. On the Switch, the Strangelings actually look "strange." They have textures that look like clay or soft fabric. Their animations are bouncy and fluid.
When you’re exploring the open areas of the island, seeing these creatures interact with the environment adds a level of immersion that was missing before. They don't just follow you in a straight line. They wander. They react to the weather. They might hide if a high-level monster wanders too close. It makes the world of Reveria feel alive rather than just a backdrop for your menus.
How to Prepare for the Launch
If you’re planning on jumping into the game the second it hits the eShop, you need a strategy for managing these creatures. The island restoration is the "Macro" goal, but the Strangelings are the "Micro" engine that keeps things moving.
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Don't ignore the "Past" eras. It’s tempting to stay in the "Present" where your house and shops are located, but the rarest Strangelings are hidden in the historical layers of the island. You’ll need to master the time-travel mechanic early on to build a diverse roster.
Also, keep an eye on your inventory. In the first game, hoarding materials was a way of life. In this one, you’ll be sharing those materials with your companions to level them up. It’s a trade-off. Do you use that rare ore to make a new sword, or do you give it to your Strangeling so it can learn a new support skill?
Final Thoughts on the Evolution of Reveria
The inclusion of Fantasy Life: The Girl Who Steals Time Strangelings shows that Level-5 isn't just trying to remake the first game. They are trying to expand what a "Life" means. It’s not just about your job; it’s about your impact on the world and the creatures you share it with.
The wait has been long. Delayed release dates have become a meme in the Level-5 community. But if the depth of the Strangeling system is any indication, the extra polish will be worth it. We are looking at a game that could easily eat 200 hours of your life without you even noticing.
Actionable Steps for Players:
- Revisit the original: Dust off your 3DS or check out the mobile version (if you can) to refresh your memory on the 12 core Lives. Understanding the basics of the Miner or Angler will give you a head start.
- Focus on "The Island": Remember that this game is more "Animal Crossing" in its layout than the first one. Plan your space early to accommodate the habitats for your Strangelings.
- Watch the VODs: Go back and look at the TGS (Tokyo Game Show) footage. Pay attention to the background—you can see several different Strangeling types that haven't been officially named yet.
- Balance your Lives: Don't just stick to one job. The best Strangelings require items from multiple different Lives to reach their full potential. Switch roles often.
The island of Reveria is waiting. The time-stealing girl is ready. And those weird little creatures? They’re going to be the best part of the journey.