Gaming | September 29, 2023
Farming simulators have gained tremendous popularity in recent years. More and more players are enjoying experiencing the everyday tasks of farmers and other rural professionals through video games. These games effectively serve their purpose of providing relaxation and an opportunity to disconnect from daily routines.
To mark the release of Fae Farm, a unique farming game developed by Phoenix Labs, the creators of Dauntless, We has compiled a list of some of the most noteworthy titles in the genre that have been released in recent years. The titles listed below have not been ranked according to any specific criteria.
Release Date: 03/16/2021
Developer: Mischief
Available on: Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC
Adios is a somewhat unusual farming simulator. It’s an adventure with a strong narrative component that tells the story of a man who wants to leave his criminal past behind. While you’ll still have to take care of some farm animals, the main focus of the game is on dialogues and character interactions. It’s a highly recommended title, especially if you’re looking for a life simulator that goes beyond the ordinary, with an intimate story infused with drama.
Release Date: 09/17/2020
Developer: Bird Bath Games
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC
What happens when you combine the roguelike action game formula with life simulation? The result is Atomicrops, a quite original title set in a post-apocalyptic world. It invites you to manage a farm to ensure your survival while defending it against a horde of hellish creatures. This fresh proposal combines shooting and farming activities seamlessly.
Release Date: 10/11/2019
Developer: Marvelous
Available on: PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC
Doraemon Story of Seasons is a crossover between the well-known cosmic cat from the future and the Story of Seasons series. Alongside Doraemon, Nobita, Shizuka, Takeshi, Suneo, and other characters from the animated series, players must carry out various tasks, from caring for animals to farming and conversing with neighbors. One unique feature is the ability to use Doraemon’s gadgets to successfully complete some missions.
Release Date: 01/18/2019
Developer: Milkstone Studios
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC
Farm Together was promoted as “the ultimate farming experience” because it offers plenty of customization options, allowing players to design and build their farms to their liking. In addition to typical farming tasks, this title lets you build your own house, have a pet, and invite friends and strangers to visit your farm. You can also invest some of your earnings in new buildings and decorative elements.
Release Date: 11/21/2021
Developer: Giants Software
Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC
Kynseed is a life and farming simulator where player decisions have a significant impact on the future. It boasts exquisite hand-drawn artwork and characters with more complexity than may initially appear. Its standout feature is undoubtedly its gameplay loop, which involves growing and passing down skills, knowledge, and powers to your offspring before your demise.
Release Date: 04/16/2019
Developer: Pathea Games
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC
My Time At Portia draws heavily from the gameplay formula of Animal Crossing, making players familiar with Nintendo’s series feel right at home. In this game, you inherit a workshop and have the challenging task of rebuilding modern society after an unknown disaster.
Release Date: 12/07/2021
Developer: Marvelous
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC
Rune Factory 4 Special, the most comprehensive edition of the Japanese farming and role-playing simulator developed by Marvelous, is a must-play for genre enthusiasts. It offers a unique blend of romance, agricultural management, and exploration. This version not only features improved visuals compared to the original Nintendo 3DS release but also includes plenty of additional content, such as a new difficulty level and special episodes.
Release Date: 08/11/2021
Developer: Monomi Park
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC
While Slime Rancher is more of a first-person arcade-style shooter than a farming simulator, it includes enough farming elements to warrant its inclusion in this list. In Slime Rancher, you not only battle on a hostile planet far from Earth but also have the opportunity to capture and raise adorable creatures called Slimes on your space farm.
Release Date: 12/14/2016
Developer: ConcernedApe
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS VITA, iOS, and Android
Stardew Valley needs no introduction; it’s probably one of the most popular farming simulators released in recent years. It features beautiful 2D pixel art aesthetics and, beyond being an excellent farming management game, it’s a work that represents rural society like few others. Stardew Valley places great emphasis on building relationships with your neighbors, most of whom are charismatic characters with entertaining dialogues.
Release Date: 07/10/2020
Developer: Marvelous
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC
Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town is the most comprehensive version of the successful series that originally debuted on Game Boy Advance. Despite some of the titles being over two decades old, they have aged well and remain enjoyable today. If you can overlook the somewhat slow gameplay pace compared to modern standards, you’ll find a content-rich title offering hours of fun.
Release Date: 06/16/2020
Developer: Chibig
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC
Summer in Mara is an adventure title that invites players to take care of their own island. It skillfully combines classic gameplay elements found in management games with crafting mechanics, adding a touch of freshness to the genre. The game features meticulously designed visuals and charming characters, making it worth checking out if the concept appeals to you.
