Gamers who enjoy farming on distant homesteads or exploring worlds for items to use in crafting are in for a treat this year, as there are many new farming simulation-inspired video games set to release in 2021. Whether it's for PC or console, players will be able to pick up a few of these new farming games as early as March this year. With so many games like Stardew Valley slotted for release in the coming months, there is growing excitement for players ready to grab an axe or a magic wand and get exploring.
Farming and slice-of-life games are a way for players to take a step back from the daily grind and spend time enjoying (virtual) nature or engaging in fun, mystical stories. Last year, fans were able to pick up the remake of Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town for a bit of refreshed nostalgia, embark on a sci-fi inspired adventure with Summer In Mara, or manage an island town in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. While many newer games in the genre have branched out to include other mechanics, such as dungeon-crawling for resources or traveling to new places on a large world map, slice-of-life games are designed to engage players with unique surroundings and interesting characters.
There are already a good number of popular titles in the farming sim genre that have set the bar for players' expectations of gameplay, events and overall game content. Many players are still looking forward to enjoying the seasonal events Animal Crossing: New Horizons, even though the game already has almost a year of events on record. Other farming sim fans may be itching to get their hands on something new. While another new Animal Crossing game isn't currently in the works, here are some titles that may suit fans of games like Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley or My Time At Portia. Each has a unique theme and a different way to farm and manage resources, for those wanting to try something new in the farming and town-keeping genres.
2021 Farming Games - Story Of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town
The newest title in the Story of Seasons series is slated for a U.S. release on March 23, 2021. Fans will get to explore a whole new town (which appears to be inspired by the Wild West) in Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town, with new marriage candidates and exciting new gameplay mechanics, such as exploring the wilderness around their newly inherited homestead. Players can clear trees, find and raise animals, and discover new locations in this new farming sim by Harvest Moon developer Marvelous. Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town will be available for the Nintendo Switch.
2021 Farming Games - Roots Of Pacha
Players will get to build a civilization from scratch in Roots of Pacha, which is set to release sometime in 2021. With multiplayer as a key feature, gamers can work together with friends while they explore, establish living spaces and survive the Stone Age. The game allows players to evolve as a clan, farm livestock and grow crops as they explore the world, making this a unique simulation title. It also sports a cute pixel design for fans of games like Stardew Valley or Terraria. Roots of Pacha will be available on PC and Switch, as well as PlayStation and Xbox platforms.
2021 Farming Games - Mineko's Night Market
Players will get to explore the island of Mount Fugu and its night market in Mineko's Night Market. With a focus on crafting and selling goods at the local market, as well as exploration, this game is a happy mix of helping a town in need and keeping a personal farm. However, players aren't farming fruits and vegetables in this game. It appears, according to trailers from developer MeowzaKatz, players will actually be growing cats. Though some of the game's mechanics are still unclear, cats are clearly a large part of it. Between that and its adorable art style, it looks to be a lot of fun for simulation fans. Mineko's Night Market will be available on Nintendo Switch, PC, and Mac later in 2021.
2021 Farming Games - My Time At Sandrock
For players who enjoyed the uplifting post-apocalyptical exploration game My Time At Portia, developer Pathea has announced another game from the same universe. The Wild West appears to be a theme in 2021, as it is also the inspiration for My Time At Sandrock. Players will take on the role as a builder in Sandrock, avoiding dangers and assisting the town as it struggles to get by during hard times. It appears many of the mechanics will be similar to My Time At Portia, which is good for those who enjoyed its heavy focus on complex crafting systems. My Time At Sandrock will be available via Steam Early Access starting March 31, 2021, and is planned for a later release on Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles.
2021 Farming Games - Little Witch In The Woods
For gamers wanting an almost Studio Ghibli kind of magic in their gameplay, Little Witch In The Woods could be the perfect game. Players will explore a magical fantasy town and the forest outside it, collecting herbs and interacting with the ethereal creatures that call the space home. It appears players will be able to fish, as well as use items they collect to brew brew potions in their home. This sweet, magical adventure boasts pixel graphics and gorgeous locations to accentuate the rich colors and cute animals. Little Witch in The Woods is planned to release in 2021, according to SunnySideUp, and will be available for PC in 2021.
While it is still early in the year, and more faming simulator titles may be announced in the coming months, there are already plenty of exciting titles for fans of the genre. Whether it is a magical adventure in the woods, raising cats, or exploring different, creative takes on the Wild West, these games will give Stardew Valley fans a selection of new and unique titles to choose from.
