Farming simulators are not a new genre in video games. Harvest Moon goes all the way back to the SNES with its original release in 1996. I have fond memories of Harvest Moon in my teen years on GameCube, never mind the dozens of other versions that have been released for various systems.
Today, one of the most popular farming sims is Stardew Valley, which is the inspiration behind this whole list.
Just how many farming simulators are there out there? I wouldn’t dare try to count. But here are a few of the best farming simulator games currently available. A few of my personal favorites for sure.
Stardew Valley: The Best Farming Simulator So Far
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
Of course, we had to start with the best farming simulator (I think), Stardew Valley. After its release in February 2016, Stardew Valley was ported to almost any platform you can think of. With all that versatility, it’s no wonder why it has gained such a massive following in the gaming community, not to mention the multiplayer functionality!
Stardew Valley has players take on their grandfather’s farm, explore mines, make friends—and lovers—forage, and more. It is by far my favorite farming sim to date.
“You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home?” Buy it on Steam.
Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC
Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town was originally released in 2019 and has a Metacritic score of 77%. Available on multiple platforms, and a part of the Harvest Moon canon, players are still snatching the game up today three years after its release.
“Your farming life begins in Mineral Town, a charming village surrounded by nature. You’ve returned after many years to restore your late grandfather’s farm to its former glory. Care for crops, livestock, and more as your very own story of seasons unfolds.” Buy it on Steam.
Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PC
This is the title I am currently hooked on. Also, a part of the Harvest Moon story, Pioneers of Olive Town is the most recent title to release in the series in February 2021.
Though this sequel is on limited platforms, it’s still one of the best farming simulator experiences, with plenty of crops, areas to unlock, and people to meet!
“Welcome to Olive Town, a peaceful community established by your trailblazing grandfather and his friends. Now that you’ve taken over his farm, it’s your job to carry on his legacy. Plant crops, raise animals, build relationships, and get to know the residents of your new home in this brand-new entry in the STORY OF SEASONS series!“ Buy it on Steam.
Farming Simulator 22: A True To Life Farming Simulator
Platform: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Google Stadia, macOS
I can’t speak to whether this will be your favorite Farming Simulator version as there are 13 of them in total. Farming Simulator 22 is just the latest in the series, releasing in November 2021.
This is by far the most true-to-life of the farming sims, and you can even create a cross-platform multiplayer farm with friends. After all, there is lots of work to do!
“Take on the role of a modern farmer! Agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry offer a huge variety of farming activities while you face the challenges of the four seasons, especially when winter sets in.
Creatively build your own farm and extend your farming operations with production chains – forming an agricultural empire! Even run your farm together with friends and enjoy cross-platform multiplayer together.” Buy it on Steam.
Kynseed: A Farming Simulator With A Unique Art Style
Platform: PC
This one sits in the PC niche, as Kynseed isn’t available on any other platforms. Releasing in November 2018, the game is still somehow in early access.
Kynseed has an interesting art style that brings something different to the table compared to other retro-style games.
“Kynseed is a sandbox life sim RPG brought to you by developers who worked on the Fable series for Lionhead Studios. Live your life in a quirky world where everyone ages and dies, including your pets! Take control of the mystical Kynseed and grow your family legacy over generations as you pass your skills and powers down to your children.” Buy it on Steam.
Harvest Moon: One World
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC
Now, this one did not score the highest during reviews, or even from the public. Why it is here though, is because it’s a great entry point into the series.
If you haven’t been playing Harvest Moon for years, jumping into the franchise might seem daunting, but Harvest Moon: One World is a simplified farming simulator, with a little less detail to character and story, but still a fun one if you love gathering and building your own farm!
“Trek across beaches, the desert, and even a volcano in the latest entry into the long-running Harvest Moon series! The Harvest Goddess has gone missing, and it’s up to you to help bring her back! Along the way, you’ll come across cows, sheep, camels, and even reindeer! Dig in, because in this game, the world is literally your oyster!” Buy it on Steam.
Animal Crossing New Horizons: This Farming Sim Keeps Getting Better!
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Originally, Animal Crossing New Horizons wasn’t really the best farming simulator—unless you count farming flowers. This game is constantly growing and evolving, and in the 2.0 update, they introduced carrots, potatoes, sugarcane, tomatoes, and wheat.
Though things like fruit trees and pumpkins were already available, now there were all kinds of new options ready to be cooked up!
“Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts.” Buy it for Nintendo Switch.
Rune Factory 4 Special
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC
This is possibly the cutest of the best arming simulators on our list. Rune Factory 4 Special is technically an RPG, but it features all the elements of popular farming simulators with the extra bonus of combat, exploration, and upgrading, giving the overall gameplay a real sense of accomplishment.
This game has been around since 2012, starting on the Nintendo 3DS, and people are still playing it, even with Rune Factory 5 now available too.
“After falling from the sky and landing on the back of a friendly dragon, the young hero or heroine is invited to live in the local castle and, as a newly designated ruler, begins their life anew while developing the town, exploring nearby dungeons, and cultivating the soil.” Buy it on Steam.
Grow: Song of the Evertree: A Farming Simulator On A Grand Scale
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC
So much sets this game apart from the other best farming simulators on this list. For one, you don’t have any stamina. DO ALL THE THINGS! It is also the most unstructured of the farming sims.
You won’t find many neat little rows filled with crops.
You will use your farming skills to help grow new specially designed worlds, farming on a larger scale.
“Over time, the Worlds of Alaria faded. The Evertree – where many worlds resided on its countless branches – is now nothing more than a sapling, its splendor long erased from memory. No one knows how to make it grow. But you are different.
You hear the sun as it sings across the sky. You hear the language of rain against the earth. You are the last of the Everheart Alchemists and it is your ancestral task and privilege to care for the Evertree.” Buy on Steam.
Slime Rancher: A Farming Simulator With A Slippery Twist
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Linux, macOS
Slime Ranch is an adorable poop-harvesting sim from 2019 that scored an impressive 81% on Metacritic, and even managed a perfect score from CGMagazine.
Though breeding slimes is your primary objective, a slime’s gotta eat! Plant crops to keep your hungry guys happy.
“Slime Rancher is a charming, first-person, sandbox experience. Play as Beatrix LeBeau: a plucky, young rancher who sets out for a life a thousand light years away from Earth on the ‘Far, Far Range.’
Each day will present new challenges and risky opportunities as you attempt to amass a great fortune in the business of slime ranching. Collect colorful slimes, grow crops, harvest resources, and explore the untamed wilds through the mastery of your all-purpose vacpack.” Buy it on Steam.
Farm Together
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Linux, macOS, Classic Mac OS
Farm Together is the ultimate relaxing version of our best farming sims. There is no real rush, or panic to get things done. Your crops won’t die if they miss a day of care, and you have the opportunity to create a farm in your own personal style.
It’s a great farming simulator to introduce your kids to as well since it’s more about creating than anything.
“The ultimate farming experience! From the creators of Avatar Farm comes Farm Together, the ultimate farming experience! Start from scratch, with a small plot, and end with a huge farm that extends further than the eye can see!
Grow your farm. Grow crops, plant trees, take care of the animals, and much more!” Buy it on Steam.
Core Keeper: A Farming Simulator Game For Up To 8 Players
Platform: PC, Linux
This one is a fun farming simulator that you can play with up to eight friends. Of course, there is a lot more to Core Keeper than just farming, but it’s still an important part of the game.
Gather seeds, plant them, water them, and profit! Or perhaps creating a wood farm is more your style. The possibilities are endless.
“Drawn towards a mysterious relic, you are an explorer who awakens in an ancient cavern of creatures, resources and trinkets. Trapped deep underground will your survival skills be up to the task? Mine relics and resources to build your base, craft new equipment, survive, and power up the Core.
Defeat giant monsters, discover hidden secrets, farm crops, cook new recipes and explore a procedurally generated underground world in a mining sandbox adventure for 1-8 players.” Buy it on Steam.
Littlewood
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PC, Linux, macOS
Alright, maybe this is the cutest farming simulator. Littlewood is what happens after you defeat the dark wizard. Now the town must rebuild.
You design your own little town, make friends, and harvest materials all while running around in the most colorful game on the list.
“Explore the vast world of Solemn. Enchanted Forests, Bustling Fishing Towns, & Dark Mining Caves are some of the few places to visit. Meet Townsfolk and convince them to stay in your town.
Perhaps meeting people will unlock your memories of the past…Collect rare items and materials found across the world and bring them back to your town for selling and crafting!” Buy it on Steam.
Minecraft: A Farming Simulator I’m Willing To Debate Over
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, iPadOS, iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Linux, Apple TV, Fire OS, macOS, Classic Mac OS, Java
Clearly the most versatile as far as platforms go, but not everyone would consider Minecraft a farming simulator. I’m here to tell you those people are wrong. Beginners will dig holes, gather materials, and build to their heart’s content.
Hardcore players will dive deeper into the creative side of things and the combat side, which means you’ll need food. Gather seeds, grow crops, and succeed!
“Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures. Build anything you can imagine with unlimited resources in Creative mode, or go on grand expeditions in Survival, journeying across mysterious lands and into the depths of your own infinite worlds.” Buy it for PC.
Ranch Simulator: A Realistic Farming Simulator With Many Angles
Platform: PC
You guessed it, you’re taking over your grandparents’ legacy…again. This is the most realistic of the farming sims, an option for a less cutesy style overall.
Here you will manage your livestock, or even go hunting to build the best ranch you can. You can play Ranch Simulator with up to four friends.
“It was once your grandfather’s pride and joy, but your family ranch has fallen on hard times and it’s up to you to turn things around. Sitting in a remote forested valley, the dilapidated homestead will test all your abilities as you attempt to turn it into the most prosperous ranch in the region – either alone or in up to four-player co-op multiplayer.” Buy it on Steam.
My Time at Sandrock
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC
Pathea Games listened to players of My Time at Portia when creating the farming sim portion of My Time at Sandrock. Gone are the days of planter boxes to bring in a more traditional farming experience. Use your new planting skills to help bring green back to the desert!
“Just like My Time at Portia, My Time at Sandrock takes place in a wholesome post-apocalyptic world 300 years after the Day of Calamity destroyed most modern technologies. After accepting a job offer to become Sandrock’s newest Builder, you’ll arrive in the wild and rugged city-state, where it’s up to you and your trusty tools to restore the community to its former glory.
Gather resources to build machines, befriend locals, and defend Sandrock from monsters — all while saving the town from economic ruin!” Buy it on Steam.
That’s our list of the best farming simulator games across all platforms. Which farming simulator is your favorite? Let me know in the comments section.
