5 Best Games Animal Crossing Fans Need to Try

I adore Animal Crossing: New Horizons as much as the next life simulation gamer. However, it became lackluster after a while, especially when Nintendo announced the final major update in Nov. 2021. 

I craved a new story. One that’s just as relaxing as Animal Crossing: New Horizons but with a unique twist. After searching high and low for similar titles, I found five you’ll want to try. 

5 Best Games Like Animal Crossing

These games appeal to everyone who will enjoy a cozy and wholesome experience. You can also find the developer, price, and platforms of each title.  

Hello Kitty Island Adventure

Developer: Sunblink

Price: The game requires an Apple Arcade subscription that’s free for one month and $6.99/month afterward.

Platform(s): iOS (Apple Arcade)

You can find all of your favorite Sanrio characters, like My Melody, Cinnamoroll, and — of course — Hello Kitty, in this Apple-exclusive game. Players can fish, decorate their homes, catch bugs, customize their character, and do other delightful activities as they restore an island’s beauty. Hello Kitty Island Adventure merges the open world of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and the coziness of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to give players a unique journey. 

Garden Paws

Developer: Bitten Toast Games Inc.

Price: $24.99 (Nintendo Switch), $14.99 until Nov. 6, then it’s $19.99 (Steam)

Platform(s): Steam, Nintendo Switch

After inheriting your grandparents’ farm, you must work with Frank and Mayor Wilson to build the town in Garden Paws. Doing this requires money, of course. Earn coins by running a shop to sell everything you find. New residents will eventually visit the area, and the small village will grow.

Partake in calming activities like farming, crafting, fishing, and mining in this role-playing simulation. When ready for more intense action, venture into dungeons to find more resources. You can even play with up to three friends in online multiplayer mode or make a Creative lobby with up to 32 others. 

Stardew Valley

Developer: Eric Barone (ConcernedApe)

Price: $14.99 (PC), $10.49 until Nov. 18, then it’s $14.99 (PlayStation)

Platform(s): iOS, Android, Steam, GOG, Humble Store, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

Another farm simulation game makes it to the list, and it’s one you shouldn’t pass up. Stardew Valley is one of the stars of farming simulators. It was released in 2016, and players still can’t get enough of it. It’s easy for people to get lost in the game for hours because of the plethora of things to do. 

Many players love Stardew Valley because of its characters, who all have distinct personalities. You can build relationships (platonic or romantic) with them while enjoying the typical farm life that involves tending to animals, fishing, clearing land for crops, and more. Stardew Valley also has continuous updates, so you’ll unlikely get bored.

A Short Hike

Developer: Adam Robinson-Yu

Price: $7.99

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, itch.io, Epic Games Store, Steam, GOG

An underrated yet pleasant title that every cozy gamer should try is A Short Hike. It’s a short adventure, but it’s worth the time. There are several reasons why it’s one of my favorite titles on this list. 

You play a sparrow named Claire who must reach the summit of Hawk Peak Provincial Park. There’s no rush, though. You’re free to hike, climb, and soar wherever you want. Find treasures, go fishing, and help other hikers with their problems on your way to the peak. A Short Hike has cute graphics, relaxing gameplay, and funny dialogue. You get all of that for only $7.99. That’s a steal!

Ooblets

Developer: Glumberland

Price: $29.99

Platform(s): Steam, Nintendo Switch, Epic Games Store, Xbox

Last but not least is Ooblets. This creature collector game is pretty weird. It’s a strange mixture of farming, creature collection, and dance battles, an eccentric title you won’t forget. 

In this farming simulator, you’re a farmer who hatches and raises Ooblets, cute creatures that inhabit the land of Oob. Gather Ooblet seeds to grow more of these guys. You can also befriend the townsfolk if you prefer human friends.