The best games like Stardew Valley to play right now
After it came out in 2016, Stardew Valley set a new standard for the farming sim genre. It’s a game that can be as chill or as intense as each player wants, and the charming pixel art and iconic soundtrack really cement it as a quintessential “cozy game.”
But if you’re a little Stardew Valley-ed out after running through patch 1.6, or simply looking for something with similar vibes but different gameplay, then we’ve got you covered. From relaxing games about the afterlife to Disney crossovers, here are 12 games with big Stardew Valley energy.
Where to play: Nintendo Switch
What it is: The quintessential cozy game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is right up there with Stardew Valley in terms of chill games where management and friendship are huge mechanics. Build up an island and invite adorable villagers to live there with you!
Why it’s like Stardew Valley: This is an obvious entry, but it bears repeating on the off chance a Stardew Valley fan in your life hasn’t yet tried New Horizons. Like Stardew Valley, New Horizons can be super chill and based on vibes — or you can really try to maximize everything and make a million bells, invest in the stalk market, and turn your bare-bones island into an intricate themed wonderland. It’s up to you! —Petrana Radulovic
Where to play it: Nintendo Switch, Windows PC
What it is: Just what it says on the tin. You’re a bear named Hank, and you run a bed and breakfast with your forest friends. Renovate old buildings and deck them out with kitschy furnishings to attract guests, while decorating their rooms and cooking their favorite dishes to divorce them from as much cash as possible. Eventually you’ll expand your empire to include bigger lodgings and bring employees onto your crew to handle some of the day-to-day drudgery. Bottom line, Bear and Breakfast is a game with a charming art style and witty dialogue paired with a satisfying gameplay loop.
Why it’s like Stardew Valley: If you enjoy the satisfaction that comes from
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