There are several life simulators to enjoy, some of them being games similar to Stardew Valley. Since the launch of the game in 2016, developers have invested in creations that are inspired both by the title created by Eric Barone and by older and more traditional simulators, such as Harvest Moon, Animal Crossing, and even The Sims.
In this blog post, we’ve listed 10 ideal games for those who like the idea of building their own farm, creating bonds with local inhabitants, and managing the day-to-day of rural life. The titles mentioned below are available for several platforms, including computers and consoles.
1. Moonlighter
Moonlighter is a life simulator where, by day, you work as a store owner, dealing with customers and restocking shelves. At night, however, you become a warrior who must explore dungeons in the best roguelike style to collect goods for your shop. The story is still deep and full of twists, including family dramas and struggles with fate.
Available platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iPhone (iOS).
2. Potion Permit
Potion Permit has few farm elements, but it does have other features that make it a Stardew Valley-like game, such as inhabitants, relationships, combat, and location improvement. As the new Chemist in the village of Moonbury, you must overcome the distrust of the townsfolk, cure the mayor’s daughter, and repair an old clinic. Instead of harvesting the ingredients, you must fight for them outside the city.
Available platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
3. Slime rancher 2
The sequel to Slime Rancher brings a new location to explore: Far, Far Range on Rainbow Island. In the game, Beatrix must build enclosures for her slimes and grow not only crops but also chickadees to keep them well-fed. It is also possible to combine different types of slimes to create special varieties. Slime Rancher doesn’t have the same focus on character relationships as other Stardew Valley-like games, but it does have plenty of exploration and building.
Available platforms: PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
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4. Sun Haven
Sun Haven is a game similar to Stardew Valley, only set in medieval times, with a lot of mysticism involved. In the game, by the way, you don’t need to be human. You can choose different races for your character, such as a demon, elf, angel, elemental, naga, and amari — animalistic folk. You can choose to play alone or with up to eight people in online co-op mode.
Available platforms: PC.
5. Hokko life
Just like in Stardew Valley, you live in a sleepy village filled with opportunities for crafting, fishing, and farming. However, in Hokko Life, you can use your creativity in your workshop to design and build not only your own house but the entire town as well. For collectors, it is also possible to capture and store several species of insects.
Available platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
6. Garden story
In Garden Story, you take on the role of Concord the grape, who teams up with other fruits, fungi, and frogs to protect The Grove from the rot that threatens to destroy its homes. In the story, you have been named the Guardian of the Grove who must rebuild the island while carrying out day-to-day tasks living like a plant in a beautiful garden.
Available platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
7. My Time at Portia
My Time at Portia mixes The Sims with Stardew Valley and has graphics in the style of Studio Ghibli animations. In this game, you must become part of Portia’s community while practicing farming and crafting skills. The main idea is to become best friends with all the characters and build objects both for your workshop and for the entire city.
Available platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iPhone (iOS).
8. Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town
In Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town, you take over your grandfather’s farm and must build structures, grow crops and participate in local activities to help other characters. Inspired by the Harvest Moon franchise, Pioneers of Olive Town is the ideal option for farm simulator lovers who miss more traditional experiences.
Available platforms: PC, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
9. Littlewood
Littlewood offers players a long list of tasks that includes farming, mining, catching bugs, cooking, crafting, and many other activities. You can also control the topology of your city — that is, customize the terrain layout however you like. With villagers to recruit, a museum to fill, and buildings to design, this game is heavily inspired by Animal Crossing.
Available platforms: PC and Nintendo Switch.
10. Verdant Skies
Verdant Skies puts players in the role of a new member of a small colony on the planet Viridis Primus. As the colony grows, you’ll meet with more inhabitants, each of whom has their own experience to help with the growth of the place and the operation. Your mission is to turn native space plants into agricultural operations, as well as capture and tame wild animal species.
Available platforms: PC.