Games Like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch

If you are looking for games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch then you are in the right place. We have compiled a list of all the games that you would need to start your next adventure. There are farming games, games with combat, games with monster taming, crafting, adventure, magic and so much more. All these games will set you on the next robust yet captivating experience. Though these games might have shortcomings, they still offer an amazing experience.

12. Harvest Moon: One World

Games Like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch
Courtesy of Natsume Inc.

Harvest Moon: One World is the new game in the classic farming simulation series. It brings players to a new world in the series. Players have to explore a new world and grow crops. In the game, players go on a journey to five different regions. Each of these regions has its own weather, crops to grow, and challenges to face.

The game has a larger world compared to the previous entries into the series. It allows players to travel between different parts of the map while also discovering unique animals and plants. Its farming system is similar to the original games but it is more enhanced. There is more focus on raising animals, harvesting as well as growing crops, and raising different animals, all the while managing the farm’s resources. There is also a focus on exploration so you can find different secrets of the regions and help the residents solve different problems.

Like some other titles on games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch list, there is a relationship-building aspect at play. Players will meet different characters. Make friends, and even marry some of them. The game retains all that made the series such a great experience while at the same time offering new stuff.  It is the type of game that is good for both long-time fans of the series and new players.

11. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles

Courtesy of Prideful Sloth

Developed by Prideful, Sloth Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is an open-world adventure game that provides a peaceful gameplay experience. It is set on an island known as Gemea. Players can explore its varied environments that range from lush forests to snowy mountains. Each of these areas has its own biome.

Players are tasked with getting rid of a mystic force called Murk that is affecting the land and people living on it. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles places emphasis on exploration, farming, and crafting. Players can gather resources, and build as well as decorate their farms. Additionally, they can also help the village with different tasks. The world of the game is robust, that is both musical and enticing.

The soundtracks of the game are good. The soundtracks are captivating and enhance the sense of wonder and calmness as players explore the island. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles has no combat, it offers a stress-free experience in an open world. The game prioritizes creativity, community building, and exploration. The combination of these factors gives it space among games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch.

10. A Short Hike

Courtesy of Adam Robinson-Yu

A Short Hike is an indie adventure game that places a huge emphasis on exploration and moving at your own pace. Players play as the character named Claire. Claire is a young bird who has visited a small Island to take a break from life’s hassles. The main goal of the game is to reach the top of the island’s mountain. The focus is more on the experiences that players have while on their way rather than the destination itself.

The game has a non-linear open world that lets the player move at their own pace. Players have the option of interacting with other hikers. Finding lost treasure, catching fish along the way, and gliding through the air are all part of the gameplay loop. A Short Hike has a simple but engaging art style with its robust color palate which breathes new life into the island.

The game’s soundtrack goes hand in hand and complements what’s happening on the screen, creating a relaxed atmosphere. If you are looking for games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch then A Short Hike could be a good escape. The game offers a memorable escape as well as a peaceful and soothing experience. It encourages players to explore and discover without burdening them with complex gameplay.

9. Rune Factory 4 Special

Courtesy of XSEED Games

Rune Factory 4 Special is a remake of a famous game, Rune Factory 4. It combines RPG elements with farming simulation. Players will take control of a character who has no memory of their past life. The character has landed in a town called Selphia. He/She is now a newly appointed prince or princess depending on the character the player selects. As a prince or princess, players have the responsibility of keeping the town prosper as well as maintaining the player’s own farm.

There are multiple activities available for the player which include raising monsters that can also be used in combat, growing crops, and even weapons and other tools. Combat is a major part of the game. Players can explore dungeons, and defeat monsters as well as bosses. There is a relationship system in the game that allows you to establish friendships. It can even lead to marriage to some of the eligible characters that are in town. Each character has their own backstory and personality.

Since Rune Factory 4 Special is a remake, it has some new features that were not part of the original game. These features include additional storylines as well as more difficulty modes. The game combines the elements of farming with combat and character interactions which results in a unique yet engaging experience. Its structure appeals to both fans of simulation games and RPGs. If you are looking for games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch then this will feel right at home.

8. Garden Paws

Courtesy of Bitten Toast Games

Garden Paws is a game developed by Bitten Toast Games. It is a light-hearted and fun farming simulator. Players will play as cute-looking animal characters who have inherited a farm from their grandparents. The game gives you the option to grow crops, manage your shop, and raise animals. At the shop, you can sell all the things that you produce along with selling the items that you craft.

The game is set on an island that is full of surprises and secrets. There are different quests and activities that will keep players engaged for hours. Players have the choice to explore the island, go fishing, uncover some hidden stuff, and do mining. Players even expand the farm to make new buildings and unlock new features on the farm.

Garden Paws also has a detailed customization system that lets you decorate your shop, home, and even farm to the way players see fit. The art style of the game is colorful and robust which makes the game look good. Its art style makes it good for both young and mature players. Due to its playful nature and the large amount of activities that the game offers, it is good for players who are into farming games or looking for games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch.

7. Littlewood

Courtesy of Smash Games

Littlewood is a town-building and life simulator game. It takes place in a world where the war against the dark wizard has ended and the dark wizard has been defeated. Players play as a hero who has saved the world. Now, your goal is to live a peaceful life in a small town. Players will face various challenges while living in the town. The premise creates a decent background for the game.

It offers a light-hearted and engaging experience that places a strong emphasis on exploring stuff and customization. Players have the choice of gathering resources, upgrading buildings, and making new ones. Eventually, players will create a town that reflects their own style. Each person from the town has their own back-stories and personalities. Creating relations with these characters is an important part of the game.

Players will also do different activities like farming, cooking, and crafting. The pixelated art style of the game is pleasing and soundtracks are good which supports the stuff happening on the screen. The combination of these two factors inspires players to play the game at their own pace and create a town as per their ideals. The community building and creativity that it offers make it among the games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch.

6. Cozy Grove

Courtesy of Spry Fox

Developed by Spry Fox Cozy Grove is a Life simulation that provides a cozy and lighthearted experience. Players will play as a character known as Spirit Scout. Spirit Scout has the task of helping the ghostly beings on an Island to find peace. The game has a unique progression.  It is designed to be played in daily short sessions.  New quests and activities unlock over time. The Island of the game changes dynamically. It changes and grows as you progress. Its progression system makes it stand out among the games like Animal Crossing for Switch.

The Art style of the game is hand drawn and there is a charm to it. Its color pallet changes depending on the time of day and as the game progresses. This change in color pallet gives it a unique ability to change color dynamically along with the island. The gameplay loop revolves around finding resources, decorating your campsite, and crafting resources.  The Campsite is your home and base of operation.

Every ghost on the island has its own unique story and a set of quests that progress as you help them. As you help ghosts you will learn more about their past lives as well as the history of the island. The soundtrack of the game is also good. Not only is it soothing but it also adds more to the environment. It is a good game for players who are looking for a light-hearted experience. Cozy Grove will feel right at home if you are looking for games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch.

5. Stardew Valley

Courtesy of Eric Barone

Developed by ConcernedApe, Stardew Valley is a farming game. Players can raise livestock such as cows, goats, and chickens. There is the option of befriending people in town. Players have the option to attend festivals and partake in community bundles to help restore the town’s community center.

Players will also have the option of crafting items and tools. There is also the option of mining resources. The caves for resources are filled with monsters and precious resources. You can also customize your home and farm by decorating it with furniture and other items.

The game also has the option of multiplayer in online co-op mode. There is a wide sense of familiarity between the two games is evident the moment you start the game. If you are looking for games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch then Stardew Valley could be your next stop.

4. Ooblets

Courtesy of Glumberland

Ooblets is a game from the developer Glumberland and it is a musical life simulation that contains the elements of the creature collection, dancing, and farming. In the game, players take control of the character who has moved to a new town and has started a farm. On the farm, you can plant crops and raise cute-looking creatures known as Ooblets. These creatures can be collected, trained, and utilized in dance battles.

With a bright and colorful art style and cartoonish animation that matches its bright tone, the game creates a punchy expression from the get-go. The game’s world has a lot of cheerful characters and each one of them has their own distinctive design and personality. As players progress, they can take part in dance battles. In these dance battles, player’s Ooblets go against other Ooblets. Players will gain experience which will let them unlock new abilities.

Farming is a major part of the game. Players can take part in growing crops, work on the farm, and sell the stuff they get for the farm to earn money, which enables them to grow their farm and other things. There is a wide range of customization options that allow players to make changes to their homes, characters, and farms with a large number of items. Ooblets offers a fresh take on farming games making it one of the games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch.

3. Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town

Games Like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch
Courtesy of Marvelous

Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is a farming game developed by Marvelous Inc. Farming is the main component of the game. Players will start from zero with nothing in their name. Slowly player will develop their farm by planting different crops, raising livestock, and clearing land. It covers all the basic farming stuff that keeps players engaged for hours.

Along with farming for your own stuff and progressing through farming players would also need to make the town better for everyone. Olive Town is in a rough state. To rebuild Olive Town players have to participate in different events and fulfill the request of the town’s residents.

As players explore the land they will find new areas, secret locations, and even secret treasures. The game also offers a large number of customization options to customize your home, character, and farms. Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is one of the games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch.

2. My Time at Portia

Courtesy of Team17

Unlike other games on the list, My Time at Portia is not a farming game but rather a game with crafting elements. Developed by Pathea Games, My Time at Portia promises to keep the experience fresh. Players will work towards restoring their workshop and upgrading it. Along the way, players craft different items and complete tasks for the townspeople to strengthen the bond.

There is a huge emphasis on relations and it can play a major part in how narratives are shaped. Players will have the option to engage in friendship and other platonic relations. There is the option to date a character and even the option to marry a character. Players can also participate in festivals and other activities that deepen their relationships.

Players can explore different ruins and dungeons that can result in finding some rare components. It is a game that goes beyond crafting and farming as there are monsters to fight and resources to gather. Players will also have the choice of growing crops and raising livestock on the farm. My Time at Portia is one of the games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch because the vibe of both games is the same. It is not just farming but the way both games feel.

1. Spiritfarer

Courtesy of Thunder Lotus Games

Spiritfarer is a game developed by Thunder Lotus Games. That relies on crafting instead of farming. Though the game has some farming elements, it mostly sticks to crafting. Players have to gather spirit and then make space for them to stay. In the game, you will be building a boat to accommodate more spirits. So core gameplay revolves around spirits.

Aside from accommodating spirits, there are many other things that you will be doing along the way. Players will have the choice to craft items, cook meals, and create material to complete requests of spirit. There are emotions attached to the story with each spirit having its unique story and personality. The combination of these elements helps create an emotionally rich narrative.

Players will be navigating through the mystical sea and discovering new islands along the way. When players find new islands they can interact with the inhabitants of that island which adds another layer of gameplay element. Though Spiritfarer might not be the same as Animal Crossing, its vibe is still the same.  Spiritfarer is one of the games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch.

The Wrap Up

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of the best in the genre. Hopefully, this list includes all the games you need to start your next adventure. These games share mechanics with Animal Crossing as well as the general feel of the games. That’s all we have for now check back for more. The list of games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Switch got you covered.

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