Cozy Games Like Animal Crossing: 5 Multiplayer Options

Gaming provides a transportive experience, offering escape into another realm. Some of these realms are filled with danger, war, and thrilling adventures that have the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Then, there are those times when you just seek a calm, relaxed space, hence the enormous popularity of Animal Crossing.

This popularity can be attributed to the elements of the game, including being in debt to Tom Nook, an interesting perspective of the stock market simulation, and the peculiar character of the art counterfeit guy. Yet, the charm lies in the ability to construct your own home on a tranquil island inhabited by lovable and quirky neighbors.

However, Animal Crossing’s island may not be everyone’s dream home. You may prefer a variation of it, perhaps with human neighbors rather than animals, or complement your soothing homesteading vibes with a little more adventure. Alternatively, you may crave a more MMORPG experience. Fortunately, the world of cozy homesteading games offers something for everyone, and we’re here to suggest some alternatives.

If you prefer an MMORPG ambiance, try Palia. This pleasant community simulator provides genre staples such as gathering, farming, constructing your ideal home, and interaction with villagers, as you unearth the mysteries of the lost human civilization. Palia is a free-to-play option available on PC and Nintendo Switch.

No homesteading game list would be complete without Stardew Valley. This well-liked game has everything from adventure and mystery to the much-loved farming and house construction activities. Available on numerous platforms, including Steam, it is often the top of mind for cozy game enthusiasts and even includes online and co-op gameplay options.

The second “My Time” game from Pathea Games and Focus Entertainment, My Time at Sandrock, is set in a desert habitat. As the game progresses, you become the local builder helping in the town’s development by upgrading a dilapidated workshop. The game bears resemblance to the developer’s first game, My Time at Portia, except for the stark difference in setting and the introduction of co-op play in Sandrock. Both games are rated positively.

In Gardenpaws, you take on the character of an animal that just inherited a farm. The underdeveloped farm needs your hard work to thrive. Notably, this game offers an online co-op feature for up to three players and allows up to 32 people in a player-created lobby, making town-building a shared endeavor.

Sun Haven dreamt big with their fantasy farming simulation that includes magical creatures, massive exploration zones, a heap of dialogues, and 23 potential romantic interests. Players can even court all 23 characters simultaneously. One unique omission from this simulation is the stamina bar, probably due to gameplay modifications like altering day length, enabling invincibility, or turning off pests.