Stardew Valley has charmed players worldwide with its combination of farming, exploration, and heartfelt social interactions.
For those who have already cultivated every field in Pelican Town and are looking for a similar experience, we offer a list of the best games like Stardew Valley.
Each game combines elements of farming or related mechanics, community building, or a similar soothing atmosphere while adding their unique features.
Harvest Moon: One World
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
As the spiritual predecessor of Stardew Valley, Harvest Moon (now continued as Story of Seasons) inspired many of its core mechanics. Players can grow crops, raise livestock, and forge connections with the residents while enjoying a peaceful life.
Notable Features:
- Farming mechanics similar to Stardew Valley.
- Rich social interactions with residents, including marriage and family creation.
- Seasonal festivals and a community-oriented focus.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Animal Crossing has the same cozy, laid-back appeal. While it lacks a complex farming system, its focus on community building, creativity, and everyday life simulation resonates well with Stardew. Real-time progress adds a unique sense of immersion to the gameplay, requiring time management.
Notable Features:
- Build and personalize your dream island.
- Make friends with quirky anthropomorphic villagers.
- Seasonal events and an extensive crafting system.
My Time at Portia
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, Xbox One, iOS, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, macOS
My Time at Portia combines farming with a broader emphasis on crafting and exploration. It’s a blend of the “slice of life” charm of Stardew with a more industrial and quest-driven approach.
Notable Features:
- Gameplay focus on crafting, resource gathering, and item creation.
- Expansive exploration of ruins and dungeons.
- Vibrant world filled with NPCs, quests, and social activities.
Rune Factory 3
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo DS
If you enjoy Stardew Valley but want to add some adventure, Rune Factory is the ideal blend of farming and fantasy. It adds an exciting combat system, offering a more dynamic experience.
Notable Features:
- Mix of farming with RPG elements, including combat and dungeon exploration.
- Unique fantasy world with magical crops and monsters.
- Rich social systems with relationship and marriage possibilities.
Graveyard Keeper
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Android, PlayStation 4, iOS, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, MacOS
Graveyard Keeper takes Stardew Valley's managerial style and gives it a darker twist. Instead of a farm, you manage a graveyard, but the core mechanics of resource gathering, crafting, and social interaction remain.
Notable Features:
- Dark humor and quirky storylines.
- Manage a medieval graveyard along with farming and crafting.
- Moral dilemmas and unconventional quests.
Slime Rancher
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, MacOS
Although it is a more futuristic game, Slime Rancher satisfies the same need for farming and exploration as Stardew Valley. Its light-hearted tone and engaging gameplay bring true joy.
Notable Features:
- Collect and nurture cute slime creatures.
- Explore a vibrant, colorful alien world.
- Build and manage your slime farm.
Coral Island
Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Microsoft Windows
Coral Island builds on the formula popularized by Stardew Valley, adding modern touches and a stronger environmental message. Its lush visuals and charming gameplay are perfect for fans of the genre.
Notable Features:
- Eco-conscious themes, including coral reef restoration.
- Traditional mechanics of farming, fishing, and gathering.
- Beautiful, hand-drawn style and diverse NPCs.
Garden Paws
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, MacOS
Garden Paws captures the essence of Stardew Valley's peaceful gameplay with the added twist of shop management. Its focus on cuteness and creativity makes the game a true delight.
Notable Features:
- Play as an adorable animal managing a shop and farm.
- Explore caves, tame animals, and decorate your farm.
- Cozy and laid-back atmosphere.
Terraria
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, MacOS
Terraria might be more action-oriented, but its crafting, exploration, and farming elements align it closely with Stardew Valley. The 2D pixel graphics and freedom of building also draw in fans of creative gameplay.
Notable Features:
- Sandbox-style world with extensive crafting potential and exploration.
- Gameplay focused on combat and procedurally generated worlds.
- Farming elements alongside base building.
Spiritfarer
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Google Stadia, MacOS, Android, iOS
Spiritfarer features relaxed gameplay and deep emotional storytelling, reminiscent of Stardew Valley’s warm atmosphere. While there is no conventional farming, managing a mobile home and forging emotional connections prove equally meaningful.
Notable Features:
- Manage and expand your boat while helping spirits pass on to the afterlife.
- Beautiful, emotional storytelling with hand-drawn graphics.
- Farming, crafting, and resource management on the go.
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