Life simulators and farming simulators have had a massive resurgence, especially in 2024. What is more interesting is how the two genres really cross over now. Even Animal Crossing: New Horizons introduced farming a while back, even if it isn’t a main feature. Now that it is cold again, we are heading into our cozy game mode! So, we wanted to look at some of the newer simulators out there, which include farming sims, life sims and city builders too!
Some farming simulators, like Farming Simulator proper, lean heavily into the life-like aspects of farming. For this list, we took more of a cozy approach, looking at our favourite cozy games that are likely heavily influenced by the mother of all farming sims, Stardew Valley or maybe even Harvest Moon. It is worth noting that Stardew Valley has just received a major update across all platforms, too, so even if you don’t find something you like on this list, you can always go back to ol’ faithful for something new! Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos is also getting updates, like the new outdoor pack, so you have options there, too.
Here are some of the best cozy sims that you should check out if you are looking for something new!
Coral Island
Platforms: PS5, Steam, Xbox Series X|S
Coral Island is a game I jumped into when I was looking for something cozy but wanted some updated graphics. I won’t lie; for the first little while, it is—quest for the quest—just like Stardew Valley. I was a bit concerned at first that it would just be a rip-off, but the refreshing take on graphics was really nice. There is also an entire underwater component, which is fun.
You can still romance villagers (Suki and Pablo, I’m looking at you), attend seasonal events, farm your heart out, mine and more. There is also a bit of an environmental twist where you help clean up the ocean. Coral Island is a farming sim that is still in early access, so hopefully, we can expect more updates in the future, too!
Fields of Mistria
Platforms: Steam
This one has been my favourite to date, and even though it is in early access, I can’t get enough of it! Only found on PC—though I play on my ROG Ally X—Fields of Mistria sees you head to a new town to create the farm of your dreams. What I liked most is how your contributions directly update the surrounding town. With over 10,000 overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam, I’m not the only one obsessed.
Since Fields of Mistria is still in early access, you can expect plenty of updates in the future! Right now portions of the game are still missing, but think of it as waiting on DLC—its worth it! Romance and befriend those around you, explore the lakes and oceans, gather, fight it out in the mines and don’t forget to pet your farm animals! Fields of Mistria has all the best cozy sim vibes!
Roots of Pacha
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS5 (PS4), Steam, Xbox Series X|S (Xbox One)
This was one of the first cozy sims I headed to after Stardew Valley. I was looking for the same cozy game vibes and aesthetics, but I wanted something different in terms of story. Roots of Pacha takes place in an ancient era, where you will be discovering new tools, seeds and more as you help your society grow.
Roots of Pacha still has that same style as Stardew Valley, but feels completely different. If you are looking for something Stardew adjacent, I would definitely recommend Roots of Pacha!
Tinkertown
Platforms: Steam, Xbox Series X|S (Xbox One)
Tinkertown is a new one that I have really gotten into. Think Minecraft, but flatter. This multiplayer sandbox adventure lets you explore, battle, build and grow either with a friend or on your own. You will find an option to join other people’s worlds, or host your own and can input different seeds to generate different maps. You will come across enemies big and small, and combat is a bit of a learning experience, but I have enjoyed my time in Tinkertown so far and can’t wait to uncover more.
Two Point Museum (Soon!)
Platforms: PS5, Steam, Xbox Series X|S (past games also on Nintendo Switch)
After diving into the preview for Two Point Museum, I was sucked back into the life of building simulators. I finally got my hands on Two Point Hospital, the first in the series, but I have been sinking time into Two Point Campus specifically while I wait for Two Point Museum. Two Point Campus lets you explore various kinds of schools, like medical, sports, clown college and more. The best part about the series, however, is its unique humour and charm! It ticks the cozy and hilarious boxes.
There is a lot of content to unlock and tons of replay value, so whether you’re building a wacky hospital, campus, or soon to be museum, there is so much to do!
- DESIGN – Get creative to design your museum layout your way! Design thematic areas to guide your guests’ visit. Splash paint and lay carpet as you lovingly arrange each prehistoric fern, potentially melting iceman, and dinosaur remains wherever you see fit.
- EXPLORE – Coordinate Experts on far-flung expeditions to discover rare artifacts to entice droves of knowledge-hungry guests who will expect top info-tainment if they’re to leave impressed.
- DESIGN – Get creative to design your museum layout your way! Design thematic areas to guide your guests’ visit. Splash paint and lay carpet as you lovingly arrange each prehistoric fern, potentially melting iceman, and dinosaur remains wherever you see fit.
- EXPLORE – Coordinate Experts on far-flung expeditions to discover rare artifacts to entice droves of knowledge-hungry guests who will expect top info-tainment if they’re to leave impressed.
Palia
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Steam
Palia is the free to play option on this list, and although it can be played on Nintendo Switch, I would recommend the PC version. In this life sim, you will be transported to a new world, filled with creative and cozy characters. There is no combat, so all the vibes here are cozy, and you can sit back and relax. You will be able to design your own home and farm and decorate, but you can also invite friends over to help you cook! The story is filled with mystery, making Palia a fun but relaxing ride.
MySims: Cozy Bundle
Platform: Nintendo Switch
This one is a re-release of a Wii favourite, and our writer had this to say when reviewing it: “The MySims: Cozy Bundle is certainly a worthwhile blast from the past—and a solid addition to any Cozy game collection…” If you were a fan of MySims back on the Wii, then this Nintendo Switch port will serve you well, aside from a few control issues. Comprised of not one, but two games, MySims and MySims Kingdom, you will have lots of exploring to do and creativity to let fly!
- Customize Cute Sims & Decorate Their Worlds – Create adorable Sims and customize the worlds around them! Unlock clothes and build options as you complete different tasks; there are so many options to discover and two unique worlds to develop.
- Play Two Charming Stories – Relax with charming tales of creativity and discovery. Explore two worlds full of puzzles to solve, locations to unlock, and quirky townies in need of help.
