If you’ve spent hours cultivating crops, tending to animals, and building meaningful relationships with villagers in Stardew Valley, you’re likely looking for more games that capture that same relaxing farming and simulation vibe. Stardew Valley has become a fan-favorite for its charming blend of farming, exploration, and social interaction. But what if you’ve already put in hundreds of hours and are craving new experiences? Don’t worry — there’s a whole world of farming games out there, each with its unique spin on the genre. Here are some of the best farming games to try after playing Stardew Valley.
1. Harvest Moon: Light of Hope
Why You Should Play It:
Harvest Moon is one of the original farming simulation series, and Light of Hope is a great entry for players who love Stardew Valley’s blend of farming and adventure. In this game, players take on the role of a character who must restore a rundown farm, grow crops, raise animals, and even save the town. The charm of the Harvest Moon series lies in its straightforward gameplay and emphasis on community-building, much like Stardew Valley.
Key Features:
- Restore and manage a farm.
- Interact with quirky characters.
- Participate in festivals and events.
2. My Time at Portia
Why You Should Play It:
If you’re looking for a mix of farming and crafting with an added emphasis on exploration, My Time at Portia is a fantastic option. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where you inherit a workshop and must grow crops, raise animals, and craft various items to improve your town. The game also features dungeon exploring, making it a great choice for players who love a good mix of farming and adventure. Read our article about The Best Inventory Management Strategies in The Witcher 3.
Key Features:
- Craft and upgrade your workshop.
- Complete quests and explore ruins.
- Build relationships with the town’s residents.
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Why You Should Play It:
While not strictly a farming game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a delightful island life experience with farming elements. You can grow crops, raise animals, decorate your island, and interact with an adorable cast of animal villagers. The game’s laid-back nature and emphasis on customization make it an ideal next step for Stardew Valley fans who want a more relaxed experience.
Key Features:
- Build and decorate your own island.
- Grow crops and raise animals.
- Form friendships with a variety of animal villagers.
4. Farm Together
Why You Should Play It:
If you love the cooperative aspect of Stardew Valley, Farm Together is the game for you. This charming farming simulation allows you to plant crops, raise animals, and design your farm — all while working together with friends in real-time. Whether you’re harvesting a bumper crop or redesigning your farm’s layout, Farm Together offers a great experience for multiplayer farming fun.
Key Features:
- Real-time multiplayer farming.
- Customize your farm with a variety of decorations.
- Simple and relaxing gameplay.
5. Slime Rancher
Why You Should Play It:
If you’re looking for something a bit different but still within the farming genre, Slime Rancher is a quirky take on the concept. Instead of raising animals like cows and chickens, you’ll be raising adorable slimes. You’ll harvest slime plorts, grow crops, and explore a vibrant world full of colorful creatures. While it offers less traditional farming than Stardew Valley, its charming visuals and mechanics make it an enjoyable farming adventure.
Key Features:
- Raise and breed different types of slimes.
- Explore diverse biomes to find new slimes.
- Engage in fun farming mechanics like harvesting plorts.
6. Spiritfarer
Why You Should Play It:
While Spiritfarer is more focused on helping spirits pass on to the afterlife, it incorporates elements of farming, crafting, and customization that Stardew Valley fans will appreciate. In this beautifully hand-drawn game, you’ll build a boat, grow crops, raise animals, and help spirits fulfill their final wishes. The game’s heartfelt narrative and charming art style make it a standout option for those who want an emotional and relaxing farming experience.
Key Features:
- Build and upgrade your boat.
- Grow crops and raise animals for the spirits.
- Emotional storytelling with a focus on friendship and letting go.
7. The Sims 4: Cottage Living Expansion
Why You Should Play It:
If you’re already a fan of The Sims 4 but want to add some farming elements to your gameplay, the Cottage Living expansion is the perfect addition. This expansion adds farming activities, such as growing crops, raising animals, and cooking dishes from your harvest. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to blend life simulation with farming without straying too far from the Sims series.
Key Features:
- Grow crops, raise animals, and cook meals.
- Build and customize your cottage.
- Live a rural life with charming visuals.
For more details, visit The Sims 4: Cottage Living page on Fandom.
If you love the charm and mechanics of Stardew Valley, these farming games provide plenty of similar experiences while adding their own unique twists. Whether you’re crafting in My Time at Portia, raising slimes in Slime Rancher, or building your dream island in Animal Crossing, these games offer a wide variety of farming adventures to suit your style. So, grab your watering can, cultivate your crops, and explore these fantastic titles — there’s a whole new world of farming to discover!
