Harvest Moon, the beloved farming simulation series, has captured the hearts of players with its charming rural life, farming mechanics, and emphasis on community. If you’ve spent hours planting crops, raising animals, and building relationships in Harvest Moon, you might be looking for similar experiences. Here are five games that offer a similar blend of farming, exploration, and heartwarming storytelling.
List of Games like Harvest Moon
There are five games that resemble Harvest Moon, featuring farming, socializing, and meaningful life simulation experiences.
- Stardew Valley
- Story of Seasons
- My Time at Portia
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Rune Factory 4
1. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is often considered the spiritual successor to Harvest Moon, combining farming simulation with a rich, immersive world. In this game, players inherit a run-down farm and work to restore it to its former glory. Much like Harvest Moon, you plant crops, raise animals, and build relationships with the townspeople. The game also includes dungeon exploration and combat, adding a layer of adventure to the farming experience Games Like Harvest Moon. With its retro-inspired art style and heartwarming storylines, Stardew Valley is a must-play for fans of Harvest Moon.
- Developer: ConcernedApe
- Available on: PC (Windows, macOS, Linux), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
2. Story of Seasons
Story of Seasons is the direct continuation of the Harvest Moon franchise, as it is developed by the same team behind the original games. The series offers the same farming mechanics and emphasis on community interactions. Players can raise animals, grow crops, and build relationships with various characters in the town. The game has evolved with updated graphics and new features while staying true to its roots, making it an ideal choice for Harvest Moon fans seeking more of the same.
- Developer: Marvelous
- Available on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC (Windows)
3. My Time at Portia
In My Time at Portia, players are tasked with rebuilding a workshop rather than a farm, but the game still shares many elements with Harvest Moon. You gather resources, craft items, and interact with a vibrant town full of quirky characters. The game also features farming mechanics, where you can grow crops and raise animals on your property. The beautiful open world, engaging storylines, and sense of progression make My Time at Portia a great alternative for fans of Harvest Moon.
- Developer: Pathea Games
- Available on: PC (Windows, macOS), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
While not strictly a farming game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a similar vibe with its relaxing gameplay and emphasis on community. In this game, you move to a deserted island and create your own paradise by decorating, fishing, catching bugs, and, of course, growing plants. The focus on interacting with friendly animal villagers and customizing your environment makes it an enjoyable alternative for fans of Harvest Moon’s laid-back, life-simulation aspects.
- Developer: Nintendo
- Available on: Nintendo Switch
5. Rune Factory 4
Rune Factory 4 blends farming simulation with fantasy role-playing elements, making it a unique twist on the Harvest Moon formula. Like Harvest Moon, you can plant crops and raise animals, but the game also adds dungeons, combat, and magic. You play as a prince or princess who must navigate the challenges of both farming and exploring a dangerous world. The deep storylines, rich character interactions, and exciting gameplay mechanics make Rune Factory 4 an excellent choice for those seeking a more adventurous take on Harvest Moon.
- Developer: Hakama, Inc.
- Available on: Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 (via Special Edition)
Conclusion
If you loved the farming, socializing, and relaxing gameplay of Harvest Moon, there are games that provide similar experiences with their own unique twists. Each of these games offers a rich, immersive world for players to enjoy.