Animal Crossing has established the standard for comfortable games. Yet, there are numerous other tranquil games similar to New Horizons for you to choose from.
Although Animal Crossing is a highly beloved cozy game, there are still many similar titles available to play on both the Switch and PC.
Despite its reputation for having calming and easy-going games, the Nintendo Switch is not the only option. Our guide also includes PC games that offer a similar experience to Animal Crossing, so you don’t have to worry if you don’t own a Switch.
If you’re in need of a break from the real world or the growing amount of Bells you owe Tom Nook, we have a variety of top games for you to test out.
Stardew Valley
Get cozy with your very own farm in Stardew Valley.
Stardew Valley is an incredibly charming RPG that allows you to farm, mine, fish, and befriend the villagers, among other activities. Its similarities to Animal Crossing make it a seamless transition for fans of the beloved game.
Just like how Animal Crossing can easily captivate players, Stardew Valley’s open-ended gameplay lets you immerse yourself in creating your dream farm for hours on end without even realizing the passing time. It’s just as difficult to tear yourself away from as Animal Crossing.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Disney Dreamlight Valley takes Animal Crossing and makes it a dreamy Disney delight.
Despite being in early access, Disney Dreamlight Valley has received widespread acclaim in the gaming community. Upon its initial release, many players noted the similarities between the game and Animal Crossing, but also praised Disney Dreamlight Valley for its numerous improvements and enhancements to the genre.
Disney Dreamlight Valley offers a plethora of features, including the chance to interact and befriend beloved characters, engage in activities such as fishing, farming, cooking, and mining, and customize both the valley and your own home to your liking. Whether you are a Disney enthusiast or not, if you enjoyed playing Animal Crossing, you will surely be enamored with Disney Dreamlight Valley.
My Time at Portia
Explore a post-apocalyptic utopia by crafting, battling, and befriending in My Time at Portia.
Despite its fantastic qualities, My Time at Portia is unfortunately still considered a hidden gem and has not gained the popularity it deserves. The game follows a similar storyline to Stardew, where you inherit your grandfather’s estate, but instead of a farm, it is a workshop.
Rather than focusing solely on farming, players are encouraged to venture out into the post-apocalyptic world and build relationships with villagers while also battling monsters. The game is a delight from start to finish and introduces enough unique elements to distinguish it from Animal Crossing, while still retaining a sense of familiarity.
A Pawsome Adventure
If the adorable animal designs of the villagers in Animal Crossing capture your heart, you will also be fond of Garden Paws.
In this game, players take on the roles of cute animals and work towards developing their farm and town. It’s similar to Animal Crossing, but with a greater focus on animal characters. This makes it a great choice for those seeking a more traditional gameplay experience.
Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town
Raise animals, build your own house, and get to know the world around you in this adorable experience.
Featuring adorable animation and even more adorable animals, Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is almost like a tradition for those who enjoy cozy life simulation games. This popular title has gained recognition for its similarities to Harvest Moon and includes all the beloved activities found in games like Animal Crossing.
To fully immerse yourself in this game, you must transition from living in a tent to a house, form bonds with the villagers, and tend to the surrounding land. These shared elements will create a sense of familiarity while also offering a unique experience.
Spiritfarer Video Game
Create lasting memories in this management life sim experience.
Spiritfarer is exactly what it is.
This cozy management sim takes the player on a journey through the ups and downs of life, death, and the process of dying, guaranteed to evoke both smiles and tears.
In essence, you take on the role of a ferryman, responsible for assisting individuals in their journey towards the afterlife. You embark on exciting adventures, fulfill quests, form friendships, cook, and engage in various activities resembling those in Animal Crossing. However, this game is completely original and offers a one-of-a-kind experience that should not be overlooked.
Slime Rancher
Collect slimes and explore a beautiful planet in Slime Rancher.
Slime Rancher offers a more laid-back gaming experience, making it ideal for those with limited time who still want to enjoy a game with minimal limitations and an abundance of charming creatures.
Once you begin playing, you will find yourself on an unfamiliar planet, tasked with managing a charming farm inhabited by elusive Slimes. As you tend to the farm, you can also embark on quests, venture out into the planet’s uncharted territories, and perhaps stumble upon rare hybrid slimes in the perfect location. For those seeking a tranquil and uncomplicated gaming experience, this is the ideal game for you.
Littlewood
Littlewood is reminiscent of both Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, with its charming pixel-art style similar to Stardew Valley and the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Animal Crossing. In any case, Littlewood offers a wonderful experience with captivating quest lines and fulfilling tasks to accomplish.
Similar to Animal Crossing, Littlewood offers the standard activities of crafting, farming, and fishing, while also providing the opportunity to engage in challenging card games and collect diverse items such as bugs. However, Littlewood also incorporates a greater emphasis on completing quests, which adds an extra element of achievement while also fostering relationships with the villagers.
Cozy Grove
Cozy Grove incorporates many familiar elements from Animal Crossing, such as its charming tropes, but also adds in elements of mystery, the supernatural, and a significant emphasis on cooking. This unique blend creates an incredibly enjoyable and cozy experience, made even more delightful with the addition of adorable animal characters to interact with.
This game has a similar feel to Animal Crossing, but it also incorporates spooky elements that will delight fans of Halloween or horror.
Sun Haven
Enjoy the mythical world of Sun Haven.
Sun Haven is reminiscent of a blend of Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, and Dungeons & Dragons. This remarkable farming simulation game allows players to embody devils, angels, and other fantastical beings, each equipped with mystical abilities to aid them in their roles as farmers and adventurers.
With its captivating quests, dynamic NPCs, and visually appealing art style, this game will effortlessly immerse you and before you know it, hours will have gone by in what seems like mere minutes. It’s the ultimate choice for a cozy and engrossing gaming experience.
Although it is not currently accessible on the Switch, the game’s roadmap indicates that it will be available in the near future. Make sure to revisit this page for updates.
Forager
Forager includes collecting, exploring, puzzles, and all the best bits about Animal Crossing.
Forager draws inspiration from popular games such as Terraria, Zelda, and Stardew Valley, blending the charming elements of adventure games into a straightforward and compelling gameplay.
Despite not having the high-quality graphics that many gamers are accustomed to, Forager still manages to captivate players with its charming pixelated world. It has a unique ability to immerse you in the game.
Forager offers a diverse range of activities such as resource gathering, crafting, building, exploring, and puzzle solving, making it a game that can easily accommodate players for a quick half-hour session or a full day of play without ever feeling bored.
After discovering the top games similar to Animal Crossing, consider exploring games such as Stardew Valley if you enjoy relaxing and cozy gameplay. Additionally, be sure to check out the most popular mobile games to play in 2024.
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