Farming simulations have become increasingly popular in recent times, especially since the release of Stardew Valley in 2016. This classic game has been loved by many who appreciate its unique combination of farming, crafting, and storytelling. But if you're looking for a new experience, these top-five alternatives to Stardew Valley are sure to please! Each game offers something different in terms of setting, story, and gameplay. Read on to learn more about these exciting games that will let you explore the world of farming simulation.
My Time At Portia
My Time At Portia is an indie adventure game developed by Pathea Games. Set in the beautiful post-apocalyptic world of Portia, this game offers a charming mix of farming simulation, crafting, and exploration. Players must build their own workshop from scratch and manage their farm as they explore the town and uncover its secrets. With gorgeous visuals, an intriguing storyline, and plenty of activities to do outside farming — like mining or fishing — there's no shortage of fun to be had in this delightful world!
Gameplay
In My Time At Portia, players must first create their own character before they can begin exploring the town. From there, it's all about building up your workshop as well as managing your farm efficiently while completing various tasks like harvesting crops or crafting items from raw materials you find. There are also side quests to take on and dungeons to brave if you feel like venturing out further afield! You can also make friends with other characters in town and even get married if you so choose.
Story and Setting
Set in the post-apocalyptic world of Portia, where humans live alongside robots, players must help rebuild society by restoring their grandfather's old workshop. Along the way, they'll work on relationships with other citizens while exploring mysterious dungeons full of dangerous creatures and valuable treasures alike. With a diverse cast of characters each with their own goals and motivations for living in Portia — plus a few surprises along the way — there's plenty here for fans of both fantasy settings and farming sims alike.
Harvest Moon: Light Of Hope Special Edition
Harvest Moon has been around since 1996, offering players a chance to run their own farms while developing relationships with townsfolk and participating in seasonal festivals. This latest installment takes things up a notch with its remastered graphics, new content, and expanded storyline – making it one of the best Stardew Valley alternatives available today.
Gameplay
As usual with Harvest Moon games, players will be taking care of their farms while trying to develop relationships with other NPCs in town – including potential love interests! But this time around, there’s more content than ever before, including new tools for farming, like crop circles that allow you to grow multiple crops at once, as well as fishing tournaments that offer rewards when completed successfully. There are also special events throughout the year, such as music festivals where players can join in on some rhythm-based mini-games for extra rewards too!
Story and Setting
The story follows protagonist Marie as she moves into Beacon Town after a storm at sea destroys her home. She soon discovers that Beacon Town is not what it used to be – but through hard work, she might just be able to restore it back to its former glory. As she does so, she meets new friends along her journey who offer insight into why Beacon Town fell apart, leading up to an emotional climax that’ll leave players wanting more when it’s over.
Animal Crossing New Horizons
If you're looking for something completely different, then Animal Crossing New Horizons may just be what you need! This beloved franchise has been around since 2001 offering players a chance to escape into a relaxing island paradise filled with adorable animals – perfect for anyone looking for something more peaceful than Stardew Valley's bustling farms.
Gameplay
Unlike most other farming sims, Animal Crossing New Horizons doesn't involve any actual farming at all – instead, it focuses more on providing players an opportunity to take part in activities such as fishing or bug catching while customizing their island homes however they see fit (including growing flowers!). Players can also share items they've collected online via Nook Shopping which helps them make even more money allowing them access to even more customization options too.
Story And Setting
Players start off arriving at an island via plane, where they'll meet Tom Nook, who gives them an empty plot of land that they must fill up, however, they wish to use whatever resources they find scattered around or buy from the Nook Shopping online store. As they progress through the game, they'll encounter various animal villagers who each offer different personalities adding depth and variety to your experience overall - plus, various special events occur throughout each month, giving players even more opportunities for fun adventures too.
Farm Together
Farm Together comes from Milkstone Studios, offering gamers another option if Stardew Valley isn't quite enough cooperative multiplayer action for them. With stunning 3D visuals Farm Together allows two people (or four at once) to collaborate together either locally or online via Steam Workshop - perfect for those who want social interaction rather than solo playtime when playing virtual farming simulations.
Gameplay
While still keeping within traditional farm management mechanics, Farm Together introduces some unique changes like having two separate plots meaning two people can farm together without having conflicts over space. It also features dynamic weather systems, seasons, day/night cycles, competitive leaderboards & much more. What makes it great is how easy it is to pick up & play - so perfect for those short gaming sessions during lunch breaks.
Story & Setting
The story follows two protagonists — Jack & Jill — who go out into the countryside to search for adventure & find themselves owning large farmland properties instead. Tasked with turning abandoned land into a prosperous farm, Jack & Jill enlist help from local villagers performing tasks such as helping harvest crops etc. Along the way, the duo meets quirky characters, unlocks secrets hidden within the area, and competes against other farmers on online leaderboards too.
Farming Simulator 19
Farming Simulator 19 brings realism next level thanks to its improved graphics engine, physics system, expanded range of vehicle equipment, plus addition forestry activities - making it one of the most comprehensive & immersive simulation games ever released. Whether looking to take control entire agricultural empire or enjoy an immersive environment without any pressure, then look no further.
Gameplay
FS19 allows gamers to customize everything from terrain layout types, crops being grown, livestock being raised, tractors used, etc. - giving unprecedented control over virtual farmsteads. It also features a career mode allowing gamers complete objectives in order to progress through the ranks, becoming the ultimate farmer/=. For those wanting a challenge, then coop mode allows 4 friends to join forces managing the same farmstead together and seamlessly split tasks between each other to speed up progress significantly.
Story And Setting
Set Rural America FS19 puts the gamer role of a farmer tasked with rebuilding a rundown family business, earning money, buying better equipment, and expanding operations across the region and the entire country. Along the way, the player meets a range of interesting NPCs, befriending some while competing against others' missions, races, etc, ultimately resulting in success or failure depending on decisions made throughout the course playthrough.