Fans waited with much anticipation for Nintendo's newest entry in the Animal Crossing franchise to drop last year, and upon release the game skyrocketed in popularity. While Animal Crossing: New Horizons really launched in the perfect moment, its impressive sales are nothing to ignore. The game has gone on to become a best-selling beast for Nintendo, another major title helping drive Nintendo Switch sales as well.
The island-life sim of Animal Crossing: New Horizons gave players a much needed outlet from the real world, filled with low-stakes entertainment and plenty of content. Plus, the game has received a steady update of seasonal content throughout the year it's been available. From New Horizons' award-winning main theme to its wide breath of customizable cosmetics and items, players have invested heavily into the game. For the players that decide to take a break from Animal Crossing: New Horizons, or set it down for good, there are even more games to consider picking up along the same lines.
Tender: Creature Comforts
Developed by Kenny Sun, indie game Tender: Creature Comforts is basically Animal Crossing meets Tinder. The game plays similarly to the real-life dating app, but features unique twists such as extra-dimensional beings and animals instead of the local frat boy. Social interaction is key to Tender, but there aren't any stakes to the actual gameplay, much like Animal Crossing.
Players can strike up a conversation with someone, and sometimes it goes well, but sometimes players get ghosted. If a conversation really hits off, players can even go on virtual dates with one of these creatures. Like Animal Crossing, Tender is a fun and enjoyable sim with gameplay that can span a long time, though more about dating than island-life.
Tender: Creature Comforts is available on Android and iOS.
Cozy Grove
Even though Cozy Grove may share some elements with Animal Crossing, it's a lot more than just a clone. Cozy Grove is also set on an island, but in this case, it's haunted. The players embody a Spirit Scout, and have to explore the island and help out the local ghosts in various ways.
With a visual style that's reminiscent of Don't Starve, the game clearly sets itself apart from a game like New Horizons. Even more, Cozy Grove has an actual narrative that players can progress through by investigating the island, chatting with ghostly neighbors, and decorating the player's camp. Fans of Animal Crossing: New Horizons can consider picking up this spooky island adventure from Spry Fox.
Cozy Grove is available on Apple Arcade, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
Littlewood
Developed by Sean Young and published by SmashGames, Littlewood is a pixel-art village sim in a similar vein as Stardew Valley. The unique part of Littlewood is the premise. Players take on the role of a hero who has already saved the world of Solemn from the menacing Dark Wizard, even if they can't remember it.
There are plenty of trades to master from farming to cooking to battling with "Tarott Cards." All the while, players will interact with a vibrant cast of characters, helping complete tasks and errands for their fellow townsfolk. Littlewood is a great option for someone who enjoys Animal Crossing: New Horizons and wants to play a new game with some similar mechanics and gameplay elements.
Littlewood is available on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Farm Together
Another game that features some similar social gameplay elements as Animal Crossing: New Horizons is Farm Together, from developer Milkstone Studios. This farming sim allows players to expand a small plot of land into a farm that spans farther than the eye can see, all the while playing either solo or with friends. There are plenty of plants and crops to tend to, and several ways to customize the exterior land and interior of the player's house. Time progresses even when players aren't actively in the game, so it's also not necessary to micromanage every aspect of the game. Farm Together would be worthwhile to check out for its co-op play and casual nature.
Farm Together is available on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
Adding another game set on an island into the mix, Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is an open-world adventure set in the land of Gemea. Developed by Australian studio Prideful Sloth, the game allows players to explore an island with a variety of environments from sunny beaches to cold mountaintops.
Though there aren't really enemies to fight, players will end up clearing out the Murk that has invaded some of the lands, sometimes at the behest of residents in the area. Numerous creatures abound across the island, and some can even be befriended. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is great for players who want a greater variety of island areas to explore than in Animal Crossing, while keeping the more relaxed vibe.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is available on PC, PS4|5, Switch, and Xbox One.