8 best games like Stardew Valley in 2024

Stardew Valley is one of the most successfull indie games ever made, and it endeared an entire generation to the subgenre of cosy games and social simulators, of which there are many more to choose from.

While Stardew developer ConcernedApe is busy working on his new project, Haunted Chocolatier, you may want to tide yourself over with other similar experiences. So, check out some of our picks for the best games like Stardew Valley right now.

Best games like Stardew Valley in 2024, ranked

8 - STORY OF SEASONS: Pioneers of Olive Town

• Developer: Marvelous Inc.
• Release date: September 2021
• Platforms: PC, PS4, Switch
• Subscription service: n/a

Story of Seasons is arguably the true successor to Harvest Moon, as it is technically the same series. The latest in the series, Pioneers of Olive Town, was released on Nintendo Switch and on Steam in March 2021. It takes the classic aspects of the series into a more modern style. It is a fully 3D modern game, but retains the charm of the classics.

Once again, you will be repairing your farm and expanding it to your liking. You get to raise animals and grow crops, with newer features like taking pictures of wild animals. The locals of Olive Town are there for you to interact with, with the ever-present potential for romance.

In many ways, this is the modernised version of Harvest Moon. If Stardew Valley had been made by a larger studio, it might have looked something like this.

7 - My Time At Portia

• Developer: Pathea Games
• Release date: January 2019
• Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, Android
• Subscription service: Xbox Game Pass

My Time At Portia is another game that takes heavy inspiration from Harvest Moon. The initial difference is that farming is not the primary concern of the game. In My Time At Portia, your main goal is to renovate your father's workshop.

As you rebuild the business, you can take on requests from the townspeople to build things and become part of the community. There is farming as well, as you can turn the surrounding woodland into your own farm.

There are dungeons to explore and creatures to fight. There are a host of activities you can take part in with the people of Portia. Becoming a member of this little community is the true goal of the game while having lots of fun and adventures along the way.

6 - Moonlighter

• Developer: Digital Sun
• Release date: May 2018
• Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, Android
• Subscription service: Xbox Game Pass

This is one for those of you who spent more time dungeon-crawling than farming in Stardew Valley. Moonlighter has you play as a shopkeeper in a magical medieval town.

Your primary goal is to run your shop, but to do so you need gear to sell. This is why you must venture deep into the dungeons, fighting monsters and claiming their loot. Bringing the spoils of your work home to your shop is how you succeed.

Making a profit isn't your only goal, however, as your efforts can benefit the town as a whole. Help your neighbours, and get to know them. Like Stardew Valley, this is a game about community. If those aspects appeal to you, along with plenty of dungeon crawling, Moonlighter is a game for you.

5 - Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles

• Developer: Prideful Sloth
• Release date: July 2017
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch
• Subscription service: n/a

Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is a fantasy game where you return to your homeland of Gemea to make your home. Gemea is an idyllic island with all kinds of terrain. Snowy mountains, wide-open plains, forests and beaches. Yonder doesn't ask much of the player, simply to explore, discover, and make your mark on this little piece of paradise.

The only real threat in the game is the Murk, a miasmatic corruption that taints parts of the island. You must use the power of the Sprites to clear out the Murk and restore the island's beauty. For anyone looking for more chill vibes, Yonder: The Cloud Catcher is a must-play.

4 - Disney Dreamlight Valley

• Developer: Gameloft
• Release date: December 2023
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch, iOS
• Subscription service: Xbox Game Pass

Disney Dreamlight Valley is a hybrid of life sim and action-adventure genres, blending it with the world of Disney and its various characters to create what I assume is many people's dream game.

From kids to Disney adults, and your typical cosy games fans, there's a draw here for everyone, and it's delivered with a signature fairytale flair that makes the world a joy to explore. 

Your overall goal is to fight back the corruption of the Night Thorns and restore the valley to its former glory, expanding the town and befriending the citizens along the way.

3 - Farming Simulator 22

• Developer: Giants Software
• Release date: November 2021
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series
• Subscription service: Xbox Game Pass

Okay, did Stardew Valley REALLY leave you with a strong urge to farm? Then how about the most realistic simulation of farming available today. Farming Simulator 22 is exactly what it says it is.

If you are interested in the real job of farming, using representations of real farming equipment, and putting the time in to run a farm without actually leaving your home, then this is something you should consider.

For many of us, this isn't the most enticing prospect. That said, Farming Simulator 22 is a popular game, so clearly they are doing something right. If you find farming genuinely interesting, then Farming Simulator 22 might be the next step you need.

2 - Slime Rancher 2

• Developer: Monomi Park
• Release date: September 2022 (Early Access)
• Platforms: PC, Xbox Series
• Subscription service: Xbox Game Pass

Now, for a different kind of farming. The goal of Slime Rancher 2 is to grow your ranch into a profitable business. You will set out into the world to find and capture slimes of all different kinds. Bringing them back to your ranch, you must keep them healthy and happy. Build pens for them, raise crops to feed them, and expand your ranch.

The game is very cute and casual, but there is plenty to concern yourself with. There are lots of upgrades and rewards to chase, but it's entirely up to you how you go about it. It's currently in early access too, so expect even more content over time.

What is the best game like Stardew Valley in 2024?

1- Animal Crossing: New Horizons

• Developer: Nintendo
• Release date: March 2020
• Platforms: Switch
• Subscription service: n/a

This one probably goes without saying, but if you're looking for a pleasant, casual game to unwind with, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is pretty much the number one. No farming per se, unless you include planting trees and flowers.

That said, if you want a happy time customising your little part of the world surrounded by very likeable characters, you need to be playing Animal Crossing.

Like Stardew Valley, it doesn't expect much of the player. You don't have a pressing goal to complete, your only objective is to enjoy your time there. Relax, take it easy, and do your thing.

Check out our lists homepage for more recommendations. We've also covered the best Xbox Game Pass games, the best card games, and the best Nintendo Switch games for kids.