Stardew Valley is a genre-defining juggernaut of a game, but it's also one that's been out for nearly a decade, and we all could use a change of pace now and then. The problem, of course, is that Stardew Valley is a great game, and so cheap knockoffs aren't going to hit the spot. Stardew Valley features every component that makes such a title enticing, from the immersive collecting of artifacts, crops, fish, and other items to the game’s downright adorable pixel art aesthetic--it's not easy for other games to match all that.
Whether you adore ConcernedApe’s stellar indie hit for its fun seasonal farming or its often intense combat and mining, most of us Stardew Valley fans can unite under our love for the game's genre and all of those iconic features it harbors that make us crave more. If you've browsed through lists of other relaxing games yourself but haven't been able to locate one that resembles Stardew Valley or the features that make it so great well enough, fret not. There are thankfully many unearthed farming, fishing, and furnishing diamonds around for you to try. We’ve got you covered here with a few of them as we dive into 16 of our favorite games like Stardew Valley, from the unbearably cute Animal Crossing to the ever-whimsical Sun Haven. And if it's specifically cooperation you're looking for, be sure to check out our list of the best co-op games to play in 2025.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Developer: Nintendo
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Release Date: March 20, 2020
It’s hard to imagine a world of gaming without Animal Crossing’s timeless influence, from its humble beginnings on the Nintendo 64 to New Horizons today on Nintendo Switch. New Horizons is the most recent Animal Crossing game to come from Nintendo, and it plays as a social simulation game with customization options galore. You’ll be tasked with caring for, designing, and thriving on a tropical island all the while engaging with its anthropomorphic residents, taking care of everything from crafting to gardening. Much like in Stardew Valley, you can build relationships with your island’s inhabitants, collect critters and fish to donate to a museum, farm crops and flowers, travel to other regions for unique gameplay, and play with friends. If you dive in, be sure to check out our wealth of
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