The first Animal Crossing title was released all the way back in 2001, and the social simulation series now counts a total of five main titles as well as several spin-offs. Many gamers will, however, first have discovered Animal Crossing in 2020, when Animal Crossing: New Horizons came out.
No matter what game from the Animal Crossing you jump into, you’ll be a human in a wholesome world dominated by cute anthropomorphic animal NPCs. Animal Crossing is characterized by non-linear gameplay that’s easy to get lost in on those days where you just want to relax and have fun. Primarily designed for game consoles, you can play Animal Crossing with your friends as well.
You might be looking for games like Animal Crossing because you’re ready to branch out and discover a brand new game universe, or you might simply have watched Animal Crossing playthroughs online and think the game looks like fun — but you don’t have the right console.
Either way, you’ll find at least one game like Animal Crossing that’ll be just right for you on this list. Because there are so many great options, deciding which game to try first might be a little tricky!
Animal Crossing Game Features
 Release Date: | April 14, 2001 |
 Developer: | Nintendo |
 Publisher: | Nintendo |
 Platforms: | Nintendo 64, iQue Player, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch |
 Genre: | Social simulation, Iyashikei |
 Setting: | Fantasy World |
 Game Modes: | Multiplayer, Single Player |
1. The Sims 4
Nobody who’s looking for a well-designed social simulation game with a truly expansive world can ignore The Sims 4. First released in 2014, it’s a singleplayer game that can never feel like a singleplayer game.
Think of yourself, the player, as something of a God — you’ll be watching your Sims’ lives play out, intervening where you feel like it, and helping the characters live out their best lives. As well as having the option of placing pre-made Sims into your world, you can design your own. Not all of them are human, and you can, for instance, add vampires and aliens into your world, too.
Gamers who enjoy home decoration and design can enter Build Mode to make dream houses for their Sims, as your characters will form neighborhoods in which they interact and trade with one another.
The Sims 4 is a wholesome game at heart, but make no mistake — players who enjoy the darker side of life can definitely have some fun in this game, too.
Are you a fan of the Animal Crossing series? There’s no doubt that you have to at least try The Sims 4! There’s no way you won’t enjoy it, and PC gamers really don’t have any better options.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z00mK3Pxc8w
- Developer: Maxis
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Release Date: September 2014
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
2. Disney Dreamlight Valley
Gamers on the lookout for another fun, wholesome, and family-friendly game like Animal Crossing should also check out Disney Dreamlight Valley, which just released in September 2022. This relaxing and adventurous sim game is set in a world where all your favorite Disney heroes come to life.
All is not well in Dreamlight Valley, though — the world has been afflicted by an unknown evil, and you’ll have to move into the neighborhood and help the Valley’s inhabitants figure out how to restore their neighborhood.
Animal Crossing fans will recognize many of the relaxing grinding features (fishing, cooking, and mining, to name just a few) in Disney Dreamlight Valley, and discover that this game is just as hard to pry yourself away from.
- Developer: Gameloft
- Publisher: Gameloft
- Release Date: September 2022
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch
3. Cities: Skylines
Gamers who think they’d enjoy a simulation game that focuses on city management and urban planning, rather than on the virtual people who inhabit the world, will have endless hours of fun with Cities: Skylines.
First released in 2015, Cities: Skylines seems simple enough, but requires a surprising amount of strategy. Never lose sight of the direction you want your city to develop in as you expand and decide where to build roads and amenities, and keep a constant eye on your urban population’s many needs (including education, crime prevention, sewage, and even hearses for sims who have passed away).
The fact that Cities: Skylines doesn’t pay all that much attention to the individual sims who live in your world may put some gamers off, but this city-building game is surprisingly immersive, and Animal Crossing players who are ready for a new challenge are almost certain to have fun with this exciting cross-platform game.
- Developer: Colossal Order
- Publisher: Paradox Interactive
- Release Date: March 2015
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Stadia
4. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is another delightfully wholesome simulation RPG in which players take on the role of a highly-customizable protagonist who’s just inherited their grandfather’s decrepit farm, nearly completely reclaimed by nature. Do you have what it takes to build something beautiful?
Your play style depends on you, but Stardew Valley allows you to grow crops, raise animals, go fishing, cook elaborate meals, and even get married to one of the game’s many NPCs and raise a family. Stardew Valley even supports a multiplayer mode where you can enjoy the challenge with up to four of your friends.
Stardew Valley feels very much like Animal Crossing in that it’s a relaxing and wholesome social simulation game with an open-ended play style. There’s always more work to do on upgrading your farm, so Stardew Valley won’t get boring any time soon.
- Developer: ConcernedApe
- Publisher: ConcernedApe
- Release Date: February 2016
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
5. Farthest Frontier
Do you think Animal Crossing is fun (and did you especially like Animal Crossing: New Horizons), but do you crave a simulation game with more realistic graphics and challenges? The brand new medieval settlement game Farthest Frontier, which is still in early access but already incredibly promising, is just what you’re looking for.
You’ll be guiding a small group of weary settlers on their quest of building a better future for themselves and their descendants, with a choice of four different biomes all set in medieval Europe. To get started, you’ll have to work to collect much-needed resources, start building your early settlement, and keep dangerous wildlife at bay.
Farming is a real challenge in Farthest Frontier, but your settlers can also fall victim to plagues and bandits, among many other terrifying dangers that could spell the end for your new colony.
Farthest Frontier isn’t the innocent fun you’re used to from Animal Crossing — it’s what Animal Crossing would be if it was set in the middle ages and as historically accurate as possible. It is, in short, Animal Crossing for history buffs who don’t mind a hefty dose of doom and gloom, but who are ready to lead their people to overcome all the setbacks they face.
A fair word of warning, though: You’ll definitely need a beefy computer to make it work.
- Developer: Crate Entertainment
- Publisher: Crate Entertainment
- Release Date: August 2022 (early access)
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
6. My Time at Portia
My Time at Portia is an adventure and simulation game with a twist. Set in a post-post-apocalyptic world, where people have survived the crumbling Earth in underground settlements long enough to begin venturing out again, players take on the role of a master builder.
You’ll have to collect resources and learn new crafting recipes to expand your settlement, build your reputation, and become known as the best builder in town.
You’ll have no trouble milking this game for hours of fun, but you might also like to know that a sequel, My Time at Sandrock, is already available in early access — and this time, your mission is to build a thriving desert community.
- Developer: Pathea Games
- Publisher: Team17, Nuverse
- Release Date: January 2019
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Android, iOS
7. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI
Yes, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is the latest installment in the famous turn-based strategy game franchise — where you players lead their chosen civilization from prehistory all the way to the future, through war, strife, diplomacy, religious wars, and cultural conquests.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is nothing at all like Animal Crossing at first sight, we’ll admit that, but hear us out. Civ has the same timeless appeal, and the same opportunity to get so lost in the game that you started playing for breakfast, and suddenly realize the sun is coming up again.
Like in Animal Crossing, you can look forward to plenty of NPC interactions, plenty of brand new goals to work toward, and a wonderful multiplayer experience if you want one.
Sid Meier’s Civilization is one of those franchises you just have to try, and we have no doubt that it will appeal to a good number of Animal Crossing players.
- Developer: Firaxis Games
- Publisher: 2K Games, Aspyr Media
- Release Date: October 2016
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Android, iOS
8. Raft
Raft is an exciting survival adventure game released in 2022, where players spawn into an ocean-covered world on a tiny raft and begin to explore and collect resources from there. The game is played from a first-person PoV, and offers both singleplayer and cooperative multiplayer modes — equally satisfying, by the way, depending on the kind of experience you’re after.
You’ll start with nothing but your raft and a hook that allows you to “fish up” new items that allow you to expand your raft and upgrade your gear. Because you’re on the ocean, the raft is always dragged away by the current, and you’ll never stay in place too long. Sooner or later, though, you’ll get the chance to explore small islands you come across and access rare items.
The grinding and exploration elements of Raft will likely appeal to Animal Crossing players, but Raft isn’t free from danger. For one, your raft is always circled by hungry sharks.
- Developer: Redbeet Interactive
- Publisher: Axolot Games
- Release Date: June 2022
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
9. Minecraft
Animal Crossing players who are looking for another wholesome survival and grinding game with plenty of NPC interaction might not enjoy crystal PvP servers or even singleplayer hardcore survival worlds in Minecraft.
If you just want to potter around, exploring the world, collecting new resources, crafting new items, building beautiful bases, and having fun, though, you might well enjoy a Minecraft survival world with some friends, or you could jump into one of the many Skyblock servers, some of which have amazingly well-designed NPC quests and interactions.
Minecraft’s beauty lies in its open-ended nature, and if you want to turn it into a version of Animal Crossing, that’s certainly something this famous sandbox game allows you to do.
- Developer: Mojang
- Publisher: Mojang
- Release Date: November 2011
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Android, iOS
10. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is a relaxing open-world adventure game that Animal Crossing players are bound to appreciate. You’ll play as a protagonist who is shipwrecked on a magical island, and soon find out that a strange fog is threatening the island’s native population.
On a quest to restore harmony to the world, you set out to collect magical creatures called Sprites, rumored to have the ability to get rid of the fog. As you try to complete your main mission, you’ll farm, fish, craft items, try out jobs, and explore the beautiful world which features distinct biomes.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is a singleplayer adventure, making the game great for lazy afternoons. The artwork is gorgeous and although there’s a threat, the gameplay is wonderfully wholesome.
- Developer: Prideful Sloth
- Publisher: Prideful Sloth, Merge Games
- Release Date: July 2018
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox X/S
11. No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky is an absolutely stunning open-world survival game with adventure and survival elements. Based on vintage sci fi novels, No Man’s Sky features a massive world with distinct biomes. Players decide exactly what direction they want to take with this game as they can explore, collect resources, craft new items, and interact with the aliens they encounter (with both trading and combat being options).
No Man’s Sky is a challenging game in which players will have to take all the threats they come up against into account, but at the same time, it’s wonderfully relaxing, and if you want to play with your friends, you can jump right into the multiplayer mode.
- Developer: Hello Games
- Publisher: Hello Games
- Release Date: August 2016
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, iPad
12. Castaway Paradise
Castaway Paradise is very much like Animal Crossing, and especially Animal Crossing: New Horizons, in that you’ll be taking on the role of a newcomer in a seaside paradise populated by animal characters. These animals need plenty of help with all sorts of repairs and improvements, as well as everyday tasks like gardening — and you’re free to interact with the collection of NPCs however you want.
At the same time, you can farm, mine, go fishing, and essentially do everything Animal Crossing also allows you to do. Originally released as a Facebook game in 2014, Castaway Paradise has simplistic graphics and an impressive number of customization options.
Frankly, the only reason Castaway Paradise isn’t higher on the list is that we’re sure Animals Crossing fans in search of games like Animal Crossing are, in fact, looking for games that are different enough to be exciting.
Castaway Paradise is, however, the perfect Animal Crossing alternative for players who don’t have a Nintendo Switch.
- Developer: Stolen Couch Games
- Publisher: Stolen Couch Games, rokaplay GmbH
- Release Date: August 2016
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Android, iOS
13. Ooblets
Ooblets is a fun life simulation game where you arrive in Badgetown, in Oob, and get set up with a starter farm. From there, you can complete NPC quests, buy new items and decorations for your farm, start gardening, and join clubs as you try to become friends with the villagers.
Ooblets is a little silly, and not everyone will appreciate its simplistic artwork, but it’s easy to get sucked in — because, once you start playing, there’s always something else to do.
- Developer: Glumberland
- Publisher: Glumberland
- Release Date: September 2022
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One,
14. Harvest Moon 3D: The Lost Valley
Harvest Moon 3D: The Lost Valley is a farm simulation RPG in which players are given a farm. From thereon out, they can work to upgrade and customize their new home, as well as adapting the village they live in and completing NPC quests. Players can acquire pets, and even get married to an NPC and raise a family.
- Developer: Tabot, Inc.
- Publisher: Natsume
- Release Date: November 2014
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
15. Slime Rancher 2
Slime Rancher 2 is an exciting new life simulation game in which players take on the role of Beatrix LeBeau, an adventurer who moves to a far-away alien planet to become a successful slime rancher. Despite its quirky sci-fi setting and cutesy artwork, Slime Rancher 2 is a farming simulation game through and through.
You’ll be exploring the world, building your farm up, and breeding all sorts of different slimes. If you’re successful, you’ll be able to sell the proceeds of your labor to upgrade your slime farm and expand your venture.
Slime Rancher 2 is a singleplayer adventure that will appeal to players who value the wholesome gameplay in Animal Crossing — so long, that is, as the colors you’ll encounter in Rainbow Island aren’t too much for you.
- Developer: Monomi Park
- Publisher: Monomi Park
- Release Date: September 2022
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, Xbox X/S
16. Rune Factory 4
Rune Factory 4 is an immersive adventure Japanese, anime-style, RPG in which players can do — essentially — whatever they want. Whether you like spending hours farming and perfecting your garden, you want to go dungeoneering, or you want to focus on progressing your skills and crafting new items, Rune Factory 4 has it all. In this sense, the game has a lot in common with Animal Crossing. The world is your oyster, and you just have to decide what you want to do next.
As a singleplayer game, Rune Factory 4 will be especially appealing to anime fans who can’t wait to decide how they want to shape their world, and who live the kind of open-ended gameplay you can easily get lost in.
- Developer: Neverland
- Publisher: Xseed Games, Marvelous AQL
- Release Date: July 2012
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
17. A Short Hike
A Short Hike is a beautiful adventure game in which players take on the role of Claire — a young bird. Claire is stuck in a remote provincial park with her aunt for the summer. There’s no cell reception, so she’s got no choice but to begin exploring the world around her.
Your character is able to walk, jog, climb, slide, and swim, and tries to reach the summit of the mountain in the game. Animal Crossing fans will enjoy the quests the animal NPCs offer, as well as the many fun minigames they will encounter in A Short Hike.
A Short Hike is a wholesome game with a wonderful narrative about the value of family and adventure, and most Animal Crossing players won’t have any trouble falling in love.
- Developer: Adam Robinson-Yu
- Publisher: Adam Robinson-Yu
- Release Date: July 2019
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
18. House Flipper
House Flipper is a fun simulation game in which you flip old houses that have seen better days, and transform them into dream homes that buyers will be happy to buy. The relaxing gameplay in House Flipper focuses on clearing away the old and decrepit elements in the homes you’re trying to flip, and renovating them completely — think paint jobs, new kitchens, new tiles, or even demolition — to get them ready to sell.
The homes you have to renovate are in such terrible shape that it’s not hard to feel like you’ve accomplished something when they’re finally ready for the market, and House Flipper is surprisingly fun.
- Developer: Frozen District
- Publisher: PlayWay S.A.
- Release Date: May 2018
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
Games Like Animal Crossing: The Verdict
We’ll admit that there’s no game quite like the Animal Crossing series. If you’re after other wholesome games with wonderfully open-ended gameplay and satisfying NPC quests, though, you do have plenty of other options.
Start with The Sims 4, Stardew Valley, or My Time at Portia if you’re after well-designed simulation games that give you endless hours of fun.
If you’d like to move beyond Animal Crossing and try more realistic games, go for Farthest Frontier or Sid Meier’s Civilization VI.
Unlucky gamers who really want to play Animal Crossing but can’t should, meanwhile, go for Castaway Paradise, which is available for Windows as well as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One and could easily be called a clone of Animal Crossing: New Horizons if it hadn’t come out first.
