Last year, Animal Crossing: New Horizons had one of the most successful debuts, with fans uploading photos of their creations all over social media, receiving over a dozen awards, and selling over 38.5 million copies worldwide. The game’s success can be attributed in part to the COVID-19-imposed lockdowns, which allowed players to use it as a platform for social interaction and other group activities.
Animal Crossing is a Nintendo-exclusive franchise, so users on other systems will never get a chance to experience it. As a result, we’ve put up a list of games that have a similar setup, gameplay mechanics, and joyful tone to Animal Crossing.
The SIMS 4
The SIMS 4 is, as the name suggests, a life simulator in which players can create their own computer copies of themselves and participate in real-life events from birth to future generations. The game allows players to customize everything from their facial and bodily shape to their attire for various events, hobbies, and even personality traits. Players can map out and build their dream homes in Build Mode, but they’ll have to work and earn money in the game to do so.
The game also has a community structure, where you can change your personality over time by interacting with other bots at parties, meetings, or festivals. Successful encounters may lead to romantic possibilities, whilst unsuccessful interactions may add a rivalry and competitive aspect to the mix. The Sims 4 is accessible via Steam for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC. PS – This game is free to play if you have an EA Play subscription.
Doraemon: Story of Seasons
Story of Seasons is based on the popular anime and follows Doraemon and Nobita as they participate in farming activities throughout the happy town of Natura. After forging the right link, players can plough fields, raise crops, capture bugs, breed cattle and hens, and even ride horses. Throughout the landscape, you’ll find a variety of interactive goods and personalities who will assign you specific tasks to complete, where Doraemon’s futuristic devices may come in handy.
It also has a fishing mechanism, which you can use to cook your catch or sell for money in the market. Parts of the plot suffer from shoddy writing, but it’s an overall enjoyable experience. Doraemon: Story of Seasons is out now on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Steam for Windows PC.
Stardew Valley
Players are given a task when they inherit their grandfather’s old farm plot and hand-me-down tools: work on it and convert it into something profitable. You play as a farmer in this 2D pixelated environment, growing crops, raising animals, and starting various enterprises to compete with the fictional Joja Corporation. Over 30 unique interacting people populate the game, some of them even have romance choices.
You may marry that special someone out of love or as a way to extend your property, just like in real country life. Fishing and mining spots are also available in the game, where you and three other online players can improve your abilities over time. Stardew Valley is available on Steam, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, and Apple iOS, among other platforms.
Cozy Grove
Cozy Island’s mechanics are based in real-time and are set in a snow-covered hand-drawn scene. Players assume the role of a Spirit Scout and hunt the forests for roaming ghosts and hidden truths. Each spirit has a unique, lengthy backstory that, when revealed, adds color to the town. You may construct and decorate your camp, craft stuff, cook, fish, and even go on ghostly expeditions.
Cozy Grove, like Animal Crossing, is real-time synchronized and allows for 30 to 60 minutes of fresh story content and activities per day. After then, you can keep bringing life to the forest and messing around as much as you want. Cozy Grove is available on Steam and Epic Games Store for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS, Apple Arcade, and Windows PC.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
Players are washed up on the sands of Gemea after a shipwreck, a natural island paradise with eight diverse landscapes ranging from tropical beaches to icy highlands. There are no true enemies in this game, but there is a mysterious, dark cloud known as the Murk that pollutes the landscape.
To assist the citizens of Gemea, players must tame wild animals, harvest several farms, solve puzzles, and even master vocations like carpentry and cooking. There’s also a day and night cycle in the game, as well as holiday-themed in-game activities. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is out now for current and next-gen consoles, Nintendo Switch, and Steam for Windows PC.
Castaway Paradise
The premise of Castaway Paradise is similar to that of Animal Crossing in that you, as an outsider, are tasked with assisting the animals and revitalizing the town. Players can customize structures, cultivate crops, and clean up rocks, seaweeds, and waste to help keep the environment clean. The townsfolk will assign you a new set of ever-changing objectives throughout the day, which will reward you with XP when completed.
The entire area will be covered in snow for important holiday occasions like Christmas, and you can assist the people in decorating the island properly. On the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC (Steam), and Android and iOS smartphones, Castaway Paradise is available.
Moonlighter
11 bit studios’ Moonlighter Moonlighter deviates from Animal Crossing in terms of genre, but it contains all of the fundamental elements. Players take on the role of Will, an adventurous shopkeeper who must alternate between caring to the business during the day and combating horrific beasts at night. You may put products up for sale at set pricing, maintain gold reserves, and even recruit assistants in this game set in the Rynoka town. You’ll meet a lot of locals along the way that you can team up with for improved commercial prospects.
Players can manufacture new armour and weaponry, as well as gain new magical skills for taking on bosses at night, using crafting and enchantments. It also has a well-developed loot and inventory system that may be used during combat. Moonlighter is available on Steam and Epic Games Store for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia, macOS, and Windows PC.
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Lirien Chen, a writer who is always seeking to learn and grow, both as a storyteller and as a person. I believe that writing is not just about putting words on a page, but about constantly challenging oneself and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. I strive to create work that is both original and thought-provoking, that pushes the limits of what's possible with the written word. I believe that writing has the power to change the world, and I am honored to be a part of that tradition
