GET YOUR BEARINGS
About Secret Little Haven
Secret Little Haven is an indie adventure that follows Alex Cole, a teenage trans girl in 1999, as she spends time on a fan forum, chats with friends, and explores a simulated computer. The narrative focuses on self‑discovery through friendship, media, and the early‑internet culture.
The game runs inside SanctuaryOS, a Unity‑built operating system that offers a Web Browser, Chat Client, Doll Maker, Text Editor, and other applications. Players navigate these tools and an in‑game web forum to uncover the curiosities of the era while reflecting on identity and community.
01 / THE GUIDE
Story and Themes
Alex Cole is presented as a teenage trans girl in 1999 who has yet to figure herself out. Her free time is spent browsing a fan forum for a magical‑girl show and chatting with friends, framing the plot around personal identity and online community.
The game highlights themes of old computers, community, creativity, fandom, gender, and the early internet. These ideas are woven into the narrative, encouraging players to consider how small digital spaces can provide comfort and self‑exploration.
- Notice how forum dialogue mirrors real‑world online support.
- Reflect on how Alex’s interactions illustrate broader gender and belonging themes.
02 / THE GUIDE
SanctuaryOS Applications
SanctuaryOS is an operating system built in Unity that contains nearly a dozen applications, including a Web Browser, Chat Client, Doll Maker, and Text Editor. Each app is designed to evoke the look and feel of late‑1990s software.
Players can open and use these applications within the same environment, allowing them to browse a simulated web, converse with in‑game characters, create dolls, or edit text as part of the story’s progression.
- Try the Doll Maker to see how creative tools are presented.
- Use the Text Editor to experiment with in‑game writing.

03 / THE GUIDE
Exploring the Simulated Internet
The game includes an entire web forum that players can search through, replicating the tight‑knit sites of the early web. Exploration of this forum is encouraged as a way to discover “treasures and curiosities” from that era.
Navigating the simulated internet serves both as gameplay and narrative device, reinforcing the themes of community, fandom, and personal discovery that drive Alex’s story.
- Search the forum for hidden references to 1990s fandom.
- Observe how the simulated web design evokes nostalgia.
04 / THE GUIDE
Platforms and Single‑Player Mode
Secret Little Haven is released for Windows, macOS, and Linux, confirming the operating systems on which it can be installed. The listing specifies a single‑player experience, indicating the story is played alone.
Additional listed features include Steam Achievements and Family Sharing, which are present in the store description but do not imply any multiplayer or shared‑save functionality beyond what is stated.
- Check the achievement list for milestones tied to exploration.
- Verify that your system meets the listed OS requirements.
05 / THE GUIDE
Content Warnings
The store page notes content warnings for parental conflict, gaslighting, and flashing visuals. These warnings inform players of potentially distressing narrative moments and visual effects.
Being aware of these warnings allows players to prepare appropriate accommodations, such as adjusting display settings or taking breaks, to ensure a comfortable experience.
- If flashing visuals are a concern, adjust your display settings beforehand.
- Consider pausing during scenes that involve parental conflict if needed.





COMMUNITY
Player discussion