Realistic Dating Sim Visual Novel
Zeta Wolf Chronicles
"Date" one of four girls on the path to enlightenment. Prom awaits. Will you be led astray by an old crush? Follow Rayen, a young disillusioned teen who desires a girlfriend by year's end. Is there hope in his future or endless despair?
Expanded Demo Arrives Fall 2025 for Steam Next Fest
Launch: 2026. Wishlist on Steam!
Main Characters
Main Character
Main Routes
Extra Routes
Rayen Lycon
The Zeta Wolf
An antisocial teen who has yearned for the touch of a girlfriend for many years. Swears that he will stop at nothing to get a girl before senior prom. Due to his naive nature and lack of friends, he resorts to unorthodox tactics to pick up girls, with many attempts failing due to his lack of confidence.
Hobbies: Video games (MMO's), idling in the bathroom?
Overanalyzes each and every interaction with girls to an unhealthy degree.
Last name inspired by the Eastern Timber Wolf (Canis Lupus Lycaon)
Alphi Bernard
The Playful Wolf
Member of the school swimming team. Not her passion, and as a non-competitive person, she prefers the recreational side. Carefree and a little goofy, she desires to live life as leisurely as possible. Harbors a latent crush on Rayen, but considers him but one possibility in a sea of boys.
Hobbies: Swimming (for fun), being as silly as possible?
Alphi's route focuses on the following themes: the line between friendship/romance, swimming, and studying.
Last name inspired by the extinct Bernard's wolf (Canis lupus bernardi)
First name inspired by "Alpha" in alpha wolf.
Crescia Young
The Mischievous Wolf
Obsessed with chasing the hottest guys and attempting to date them. Former member of the Business Leaders of America, she soon dropped out as she considered it a pointless endeavor. With dreams of securing an easy life as a housewife, school work, and career planning take a back seat. Openly disobeys the school dress code.
Hobbies: Beauty and skincare, lusting over hot guys, wandering the school searching for her next target?
Crescia's route focuses on the following themes: Gender Roles, Business (Education), Beauty Routines/Hygiene.
Last name inspired by the extinct southern Rocky Mountain wolf (Canis lupus youngi)
Ravia Ligoni
The Agile Wolf
Captain of the girls' track team. Possesses an insane work ethic and is often found training solo well beyond the end of practice. Sets a high standard for herself and looks down on slackers. Sees little reason for feminine activities and pleasantries. Rather cold and distant, even with those she is acquainted with.
Hobbies: Improving her track times, postponing leaving the school?
Ravia's route focuses on the following themes: Track and Field, Choices and Sacrifices, Discipline, Femininity, Family.
Last name inspired by the Alexander Archipelago wolf (Canis lupus ligoni)
Maikah Orion
The Disdainful Wolf
Student president of the Disciplinary Committee and leader of the girls' cheerleading squad. Willing to use and abuse anyone or anything to get ahead. Tends to ridicule and diminish those below a particular social standing.
Hobbies: Cheerleading (it's easy), disadvantaging others for profit?
Maikah's route focuses on the following themes: Cheerleading, Student Council (extracurricular), Teenage Relationships/Love (in a general sense).
Last name inspired by the Greenland wolf (Canis lupus orion)
Siona Rufus
The Deceitful Wolf
The object of Rayen's desires after an encounter with her early in the year. On the surface, she appears to be a beautiful, exemplary student who is well-liked by everyone. Perhaps there is more to her than meets the eye...
Hobbies: Social events, being around boys?
Siona's route runs concurrently with the other girls and serves as a "distraction" to Rayen and his true goals.
Last name inspired by the Red wolf (Canis lupus rufus)
Main character in the prequel, Zeta Wolf: First Bite.
Elysia Lupine
The ??? Wolf
A mellow and sweet girl who loves gardening—lavender plants in particular, and runs the school's gardening club. It is said that just being around her will induce a sense of calm, happiness, and inspiration. Has an interest in Rayen, the main character, and decides to seek him out in the cafeteria one day.
Hobbies: Gardening, harvesting and working with lavender in many capacities?
Elysia's route focuses on the following themes: Gardening and Horticulture, Mental States, and Dreams
Last name inspired by the flower Lupine, a plant with a lavendar, lilac color (Lupinus)
Screenshots coming soon!
Side Characters
Lunian Seers
Students
Teachers
Arctia
Heiress of lunian
Resident she-wolf of the domain Lunian, a rather otherworldly place that is only accessible by its seers. She resides in a small space named the Wolfenglade with her disciples, whom she takes under her wing. Has a firm, icy exterior, but is infinitely wise in matters of the heart, romance and strategies in its pursuit. Through the power of dream traversal, she contacts Rayen, whom she has a peculiar interest in, and bestows wisdom upon him to aid him in his pursuit of love.
Her name and design is based on the Arctic wolf (canis lupus arctos)
Lyca
Arctia's Aide
A mysterious young girl who somehow possesses the ability to fully traverse between the Lunian realm and Earth. Her exact origins are unknown. Assists Arctia in her plan of "rehabilitating" Rayen into a better man, fully capable of dating and conversing with girls. Has quite the flirtatious streak and often leads her subject astray.
Her name is inspired by "lycanthrope" or werewolves.
Ferine Mackenzi
Serene beauty and undercover agent
An undercover agent who ends up employed by Arctia to assist in Rayen's rehabilitation. Since she is fully human, she's unable to travel to Lunian, but that doesn't stop her dedication to the cause. Highly intelligent with an angelic grace offered only to a select few. Often ends up as prey to Lyca's shenanigans. Without her steady guidance, success is impossible.
Her last name is inspired by the Mackenzie River wolf (canis lupus mackenzii)
Rika Bailey
Foreign Transfer student
A transfer student from South America who has been held back a year to meet the required credits for graduation. Very hesitant and shy to interact with her peers, she tends to be self-conscious not just when it comes to her English phonetics and pronunciation, but also physically. Lacks confidence with boys, particularly due to being in new, unfamiliar territory.
Her last name is inspired by the Mexican wolf (canis lupus baileyi)
Screenshots coming soon!
Colin
The enigmatic loner
A depressed, gloomy teen in Renden High’s senior class. Much like the main character, he tends to trip over himself in his pursuit of girls. Tends to come across as brooding and one-note, until talk of his crush comes around. During these moments, he transitions into a creepily happy and obsessive person.
Has a crush on Alphi?
Only present during Alphi's route.
Screenshots coming soon!
Carly Chancol
The energetic, exotic beauty
A vibrant and easygoing gal who seemingly gets along with everyone. Befriends Siona before the main events of the game and decides to stick by her side. Regularly violates the school dress code, but no one seems to bat an eyelid or discipline her on that front.
Friends with Siona.
Her last name is inspired by the Himalayan wolf (canis lupus chanco).
Main character in the prequel, Zeta Wolf: First Bite.
Tonya
Stern track gatekeeper
Vice Captain of the Girls' Track and Field club at Renden High. Highly idolizes Ravia, the captain of the team, and the two are often seen together. Quite the tough cookie, she often gives her peers the rough treatment before eventually softening up. Very judgmental and critical toward boys, and is often disliked by them as a result.
Friends with her teammate, Ravia.
Only present during Ravia's route.
Screenshots coming soon!
Sigma Vanagander
Smug gossip man
Local gossip-man and sociable teen at Renden High who lives for the latest scoop. Can come across as a prick and is highly arrogant and boastful. Tends to hold objectionable opinions, particularly toward girls, which Rayen takes offence at. Despite his rough attitude, he provides insightful commentary in his interactions with the MC.
Can provide gossip and juicy info on each heroine during their respective free time events during all routes.
Screenshots coming soon!
Blair MacLeod
The charismatic jock
Captain of the boys’ wrestling team at Renden High, but partakes in a wide variety of sports. Contrary to his appearance, he is an astute and gracious soul who takes pride in helping others. Rayen approaches him seeking advice on girls, and he is more than happy to impart his wisdom.
Can provide insight and advice on troubles with each heroine during their respective free time events during all routes.
Screenshots coming soon!
Seren
Assistant rule enforcer
Member of the Student Council Disciplinary Committee, and Maikah’s right-hand gal. She’s a little uppity towards those who break the rules and is highly protective of Maikah and a little snappy at those who engage with her. Highly intelligent, yet has bouts of immaturity on occasion.
Maikah's aide and shadow.
Only present during Maikah's route.
Screenshots coming soon!
Hima Crass
Teacher and dress code rule breaker
Guidance counselor at Renden High. A kind, helpful woman who assists Rayen in his initial plans to engage with girls on Valentine's Day. A little unorthodox in her methods, she is willing to make time for any student who comes seeking her aid. Is she responsible for overlooking the girls in their blatant dismissal of the dress code?
Responsible for Rayen's continued pursuit of Siona.
Her last name is based on the Vancouver Coastal sea wolf (canis lupus crassodon).
Mr. Issa
Wise man and business leader
A free-spirited, nonchalant teacher at Renden High who frequently directs Business education. While he tends to let his students live their lives freely, he does chime in now and then to impart wisdom for their betterment. Makes an effort to corral Crescia back to his class despite her attempts at evading him.
Primarily seen during Crescia's route.
Screenshots coming soon!
Game Features
Experience a riveting romance story inspired by real-life events.
Expansive cast of 19 characters, complete with partial voice acting.
The main roles of Alphi, Maikah, and Ravia feature full voice acting of these routes.
Four main routes, 1 concurrent route, 1 post-game route*, and 1 epilogue! Singular focus on each heroine without muddying the waters!
Get acquainted with your preferred "friendship candidate" down to the nitty-gritty. Go on "dates", bond over the phone, and assist them in their daily lives.
Point-and-click mechanics, including insight events and free time that expand gameplay.
A timeline system that allows you to jump to any unlocked scene in the game at any point in time.
Vast lore-based glossary system with over 300 terms and definitions unlocked with progression through the game. Heroines often sporadically have their individualized commentary on said events.
Thorough, comprehensive story with a script size of over 200k words with 50k+ words of voice acting.
2023 Kickstarter Trailer
Zeta Wolf Chronicles will be a T/17+ release and will arrive on Steam and itch.io in 2026. Digital price will be $19.99 with a 10% launch discount. Wishlist on Steam to be notified on release!
*Post-game route is planned free DLC set to launch sometime after the game's release.
Routes
Zeta Wolf Chronicles has a unique handling of its route system that provides you the ability to spend additional time with your chosen heroine. At the conclusion of the common route, Rayen must choose one girl of four to befriend in an effort to hone his communication skills. However, due to Lyca's decree, absolutely no romance is allowed!In addition to this, Rayen must wrestle with the idea of devoting time to his first crush, Siona Rufus, and decide whether he wishes to pursue her concurrently. Will he maintain the patience required to heed his mentors' wisdom, or will he take matters into his own hands?Zeta Wolf Chronicles also features an intimate focus on its main routes, with characters exclusive to their individual route (with the exception of Siona). For instance, Alphi is only present in Alphi's route, Ravia in Ravia's route, and so on. This allows a greater focus on each girl individually without muddying the waters!Elysia is also an additional route that players can pursue, but she will be a free DLC addition offered in a post-launch update!
Insight Events
Insight events are point-and-click scenarios that allow you a deeper view of a character's mind. Much of Zeta Wolf Chronicles focuses on one's internal psyche, and this gameplay addition is just one way to highlight that. You'll be able to hear the thoughts of a particular character once you trigger these events. Be careful though, you may be caught off guard if you advance too quickly, skipping over things entirely!Reflection events are also triggerable, focusing on Rayen and his inner thoughts, usually regarding specific characters or situations. In some instances, you will have to choose between the two (though you can also replay the scene to view both)!
Free Time
Free time is a game mechanic where you can spend additional time with characters at Renden High at your leisure. You can advance each series of dialogues in any order you wish. It is important to note that while each Free time may seem similar at first glance, they are a unique experience depending on which route you are on. Some characters are also exclusive to certain routes as well. While entirely skippable, you might miss out on a number of unlockables, glossary, and student handbook entries by doing so.
Timeline System
Using the Timeline system, you can progress through the game and seamlessly and instantly traverse through different scenes at will. You can even easily change routes on the fly if you wish! The demo will allow you to access all scenes up to day 10 on all routes (outside of a few exceptions) immediately.It is important to note that all progress and unlocks are instantly recorded at the designated point without saving and loading. This applies to scene unlocks, glossary, and student handbook entries as well.
Student Handbook
The Student Handbook is a system that allows you to keep track of characters across Renden High. As you progress through the game, you will be able to unlock bio entries as your bonds deepen with everyone. Main heroines will have expanded pages, with more to unlock in the full game!On each character's page will be a built-in sprite viewer that will allow you to toggle through their costumes (if any) and facial expressions. In addition, you'll be able to play voice clips for your listening pleasure.
Glossary
Zeta Wolf Chronicles has an extensive glossary system with entries that unlock by advancing through the game. The demo has approximately 30 entries available, with the full game boasting several hundred!While you can expect the typical lore, scenario, and setting definitions, many entries are fine-tuned to focus on social interactions and etiquette, often to an exaggerated degree. Many such terms are eccentric musings of the protagonist detailing his view of the world and peculiar takes on dating and romance. Characters will often have their input and thoughts regarding certain subjects, which will gradually unlock as you advance.
Play the Prequel
Zeta Wolf: First Bite is a prequel set several months before (and sometimes concurrently) with the events in Chronicles. It stars two heroines, Siona and Carly, who explore a blossoming friendship throughout the game. You'll be able to uncover the greater backstory behind these two girls and witness their various escapades through the school, cafes, and the beach.Of particular note is Siona and her mysterious machinations surrounding both Carly as well as Rayen, the protagonist of Chronicles. You'll likely shed additional light on her character, motivations, and psyche that might explain her behavior in the sequel.Zeta Wolf: First Bite on Steam
2025 Trailer - Zeta Wolf First Bite
Story
Zeta Wolf Chronicles portrays the journey of one antisocial kid, Rayen Lycon, during the woes of his senior year. He has made it his ultimate mission to find a girlfriend before graduation — a more insurmountable goal than he ever realized. Influenced by his online research, he begins taking cues from an ebook he came across, which details the ins and outs of approaching girls — a key component to success with them, or so the book claimed.Unbeknownst to him, he is eventually discovered by citizens of Lunian, a dream-like world governed by Arctia, Its leader, resident she-wolf, and de facto expert regarding all love-related intricacies. Arctia sends Lyca, her subordinate, to infiltrate Renden High to personally train Rayen. Guys like him are branded as zeta males — those who reject society, friendships, and all social attachments in the pursuit of love. Eventually, Rayen finds out that he must learn to accept help and lean on others for support.Lyca approaches him with the plan to befriend — and only befriend — one of four girls as part of his rehabilitation. While burdened with this task, Rayen continues his initial objective set out by his guidance counselor. Enamored by her beauty and grace, he sets his eyes on Siona Rufus, intending to construct a love letter for her to commemorate Valentine's Day. With his counselor's help, the letter is delivered — but will it reach her heart?In this tale inspired by real-life events, Rayen is forced to change his life, and commit time and energy toward what his heart desires the most. Will desperation win out, or will knowledge, patience, and logic pave the way to success?
Credits
Development Team
Shane Sheffey (Zanthos) - Lead Developer/Writer/Programmer | Bluesky
PhamChau Studio - Lead Artist / Character Design / CG / BG
khoai - Promotional Art
Re.Alice Works - GUI / Interface Design
Keiraworks - Additional Background Art | X
Milena Olivson - Background Art and Background CG Art
invpanda - Background Art and Background CG Art
Rene Breitbarth - Additional Music
Stefan Großmann - Additional Music
Kotori Works - Promotional Trailer (Kickstarter)