With more than 10 million copies sold and critical acclaim to back up the sales, Stardew Valley is not an easy title to compete with.
As the player, you start off with a run-down farm and second-hand tools. And while it initially looks like a normal farming simulator, there are different elements that make it very unique.
For example, you can interact with NPC characters and even marry them, while you can craft or practice a trade to generate money.
It’s an open-ended game that allows for so many fun activities, it’s no wonder Stardew Valley is such a success.
But there similar games to Stardew Valley in the market right now which we are presenting below for people looking to try other options as well. The list below is in no particular order.
1. Harvest Moon / Story Of Seasons
Ironically enough, Harvest Moon was the inspiration for Stardew Valley. Creator, Eric Barone, took a game he loved and placed his own spin on things.
This means the player also gets introduced to an open-end world where relationships can be formed and farming pays the bills.
In addition, you create and shape your character before you send them off on an unknown journey. There are festivals your character can attend with prizes to be won.
However, the “Story of Seasons” title is the first “separation” from the original series – for those who are familiar with the Harvest Moon series.
This is because the “Story of Seasons” was edited for an American audience on local soil. As expected, the graphics and interface of the game have developed extensively over time.
But the core structure of the game that made the Harvest Moon series so special is still very much present in the latest releases.
2. Animal Crossing
Another notable title many will vouch for is Animal Crossing. Thus fur, four different versions have been released (with one more being prepared) and the options keep getting better.
And instead of living in a town with people, you get a colorful cast of animals instead. As for the setting, it’s a remote little village you are motivated to stay in.
There is no linear quest you have to follow and much like Stardew Valley, time management is very important.
Yes, the time factor in these titles makes everything a little more fun, and Animal Crossing implements it perfectly.
After getting a loan for a home from a questionable realtor, you participate in various activities to get money. Once you have some cash to spend, you can upgrade things like your home.
For players that end up addicted to Animal Crossing, the latest title is set for release in March 2020. It’s called New Horizons and should be as satisfying as the rest of the series.
3. Garden Paws
Even though Garden Paws is still fresh compared to the titles already mentioned, there is no doubt it will continue to grow a vast following.
The initial story as you start the game sees you taking control of your grandparent’s farm. They are traveling the world as you meet up with Frank at the construction shop. He is going to help you with the finishing touches for the house, and what you do from there is pretty much up to you.
In order to make money in Garden Paws, you have to open up a store. What you sell in the store depends on what you find while going out on adventures.
There are tons of things to find and sell. Even things you would never logically sell over a counter. Ultimately, you can turn your piece of land into a kingdom of sorts and have fun while doing it. The open-end aspects really help to immerse the player.
4. My Time At Portia
With more focus on graphics, My Time At Portia promises to be an engaging title for those that love farm life RPG games.
Make no mistake; developing in the game will definitely take some learning. But once you get the hang of things, Portia becomes a place where you want to stick around for a good chunk of time.
Players are either going to love or hate the idea of paying to mine for minerals. And spending your money wisely at the start is recommended, seeing as you want to upgrade your mining tools fairly quickly.
The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic town, and you are responsible for restoring your father’s workshop to its former glory.
This is done by raising farm animals, mining, taking on adventures, and farming in general. The people of the town are quirky and entertaining, and time remains an important factor you have to keep an eye on.
5. World’s Dawn
When you dig into World’s Dawn, don’t do it with expectations that it will change the genre. Instead, consider it a perfect alternative to Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon.
The differences are minor. But some players might actually appreciate these minor touches. For example, the tutorial is not nearly as long as Story of Seasons. And chances are you will be impressed by the bright and colorful pixel art.
This is a title that sticks to the basics which makes Stardew Valley so special. At the same time, it keeps the learning curb more relaxed.
The NPCs are slightly more interesting than those from Harvest Moon though. And the initial pace of the game is fairly slow. However, it offers enough to keep your attention.
6. Farming Simulator
Farming Simulator sees you switches focus from RPG to capitalist, in a manner of speaking. Instead of building relationships with people in town, you aim to expand your farm through smart investment choices.
Grow crops and farm with animals, buy more land and get better equipment, these are aspects that make Farming Simulator so popular.
If you do not like the community part of farm simulators, this game could be the alternative you’ve been searching for.
A string of titles has been released in the series, with 19 being the latest. It features new graphics and farming strategies to keep fans happy.
7. Staxel
Staxel takes a very Sims-like approach to village life. And you are free to focus on changing whatever you want in this sandbox setting.
Just as most of the other titles, your quest is to restore an old farm in a charming rustic village. And you can trust in the quirky villagers to help turn your backyard into a farming enterprise.
You are at liberty to return the favor and really become part of the community.
Invite over your friends, whether these might be NPC characters or online users, and share the fun of living on your farm.
While Staxel is not going to change the face of farm-life RPG simulators, it will keep you busy long enough when you aren’t playing Stardew Valley.
8. Rune Factory
This title is the spin-off edition from the Harvest Moon / Story of Seasons series. What makes it different exactly?
The main difference is the added fighting. Changes have also been made to the way you acquire animals. In Rune Factory, animals are tamed after exploring caves and such.
Why such a different name when Rune Factory so closely resembles Harvest Moon? Because future releases where sword-yielding and fighting enjoy more playtime is expected.
As it stands, you can already find several titles in the Rune Factory series.
9. Ooblets
The concept of Ooblets is based on the same mechanics used for Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon. And to be honest, reinventing these games is already quite a challenge in itself.
But Ooblets still tries to bring something fresh to players. And some describe this particular title as a combination between Pokemon, Harvest Moon, and Animal Crossing.
You engage in simple farm life as you collect magical creatures. And you can participate in dance battles for added fun or communicate with villagers.
Essentially, it offers most of the things you love about a farming RPG simulator and some magic.
10. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
For some players, the graphics of a game can be a deal-breaker. But with Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles, you should ready yourself for some amazing scenes while going on great adventures.
There is a vast area for you to explore, divided into eight different and breathtaking environments. Choose to craft, farm, collect, and build relationships with the locals. And chances are you will easily get lost in this game.
11. Gleaner Heights
The developers of Gleaner Heights chose to go with an old-school design that is as sinister as it is nostalgic.
In addition to farming and engaging other elements like building relationships, you discover the supernatural power behind the eerie atmosphere.
It seems the town has an evil history that is waiting to suck the player right in.
12. Dragon Quest Builders 2
Just when you think games cannot get more expansive, titles like Dragon Quest Builders 2 gets released. There are many interesting plots to follow, things to build and islands to explore.
And the graphics will not let you down. Of course, there is more action in this title than most of those mentioned on the list already.
Plus, the dynamics take some getting used to if you are more accustomed to Stardew Valley. But overall, you get to do as you please or follow the enthralling quests, it’s all up to you.
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