Stardew Valley is a fantastic RPG for the Nintendo Switch that will keep you engrossed for days. Of course, you might’ve already put in hundreds of hours in the title and could be looking for a new challenge too. This begs the question — are there any other games like Stardew Valley for the Nintendo Switch?
Well, if you’ve had your fill of Stardew Valley and are looking for another farming, RPG simulator for your Switch, then you’re at the right place.
Here in this post, you’ll find a list of seven incredible farming games for the Nintendo Switch that will transport you to a scenic, rustic realm.
But, before we talk about that, you might also want to check out-
- The most sought-after Nintendo Switch Exclusives that you must play!
- The best Nintendo Switch titles under $20 for gamers on a budget.
- These unique Joy-Con replacements that will undoubtedly level up your game!
Additionally, if you were trying to search for Switch games like Stardew Valley but were coming up short, then you might be interested in knowing a bit more about the game’s genre.
What Genre Is Stardew Valley?
Stardew Valley can be clubbed under a variety of genres, including management games, etc. Nevertheless, the game is a simulation RPG or Role Playing Game. For the uninitiated, a simulation RPG is derived when you mix mechanics from a simulation-type game and an RPG. The former comprises games that ‘simulate’ everyday activities like farming, crafting, driving, etc.
The latter puts you in the shoes of a fictional character within a virtual world. Gaming jargon aside, here are some fantastic games like Stardew Valley that you can play on your Switch.
1. Harvest Moon: Light of Hope Special Edition
The Harvest Moon series dates back decades and the first game in the collection was launched way back in 1996. Understandably, the studio has a penchant for making excellent farming simulator games, and the latest addition is no different. In Harvest Moon: Light of Hope, your character intends to journey toward new and exciting adventures. However, as luck would have it, their ship gets caught in a storm. As such, your character ends up in a harbored town that is in dire need of some care.
Unsurprisingly, you take it upon yourself to restore the town to its former glory. As such, you will be tasked with restoring the town’s lighthouse. At the same time, you will also have to lend a helping hand to the townsfolk. In doing so, you will be able to explore newer areas with more resources.
To get the ball rolling, you will have to grow crops and farm cattle, which will give you the requisite funds to give the town a makeover. Do note that you will have to adhere to your own ‘happiness meter’ while completing these tasks. In fact, there will be times when your character becomes too drained or exhausted.
So, you will have to plan your quests and farm the land in the most efficient way possible. You can even form romantic relationships with some of the NPCs in the town. And, if all goes well, you might be able to start a family there too! All said and done, Harvest Moon: Light of Hope Special Edition is a great game for anyone who enjoyed Stardew Valley on the Switch.
2. Moonlighter
In all your years of playing RPGs, you must’ve come across countless vendors selling elixirs, ammunition, and heals. Well, unlike most games, Moonlighter wants you to step into the shoes of the shopkeeper that sells you the aforementioned wares. To wit, you take on the role of Will, a shopkeeper in the Rynoka region in the game.
Interestingly, folks around Rynoka discovered massive archways and gates that could transport them to a different realm and dimension. These realms are chock-a-block with treasures and – you guessed it – monsters.
During the day, you have to cater to customers and fellow shop owners, while also tending to your shop. However, at night, you can explore the mystical realms, and gather resources and treasures to sell in your shop and keep your business afloat. The duality of Will’s life will undoubtedly keep you hooked for hours on end. To that end, you will have to manage your gold reserves, hire recruits and even upgrade your shop from time to time.
What’s more, the game offers deeply-satisfying combat mechanics too. In fact, you will have to assess a monster’s environment and time your attacks to get a big, fat payout. You can even befriend nine companions to assist you on your adventures. All said and done, if you’re looking for games like Stardew Valley for the Switch, then Moonlighter will be right up your alley.
3. Animal Crossings: New Horizons
Animal Crossings: New Horizons lets your imagination run wild as you go about decorating an entire island the way you deem fit. You start out on a deserted island that is teeming with resources. Once you’re given the keys to the kingdom, you have to complete various tasks that will transform the island and make it more habitable and attractive.
To do so, you will have to craft various tools, which you can then employ to mine, farm, fish, hunt for fossils, and do much, much more. You can decorate your house with furniture that you craft and completely transform the layout of the land by adding gardens, walkways, shops, trees, and more. As you start to populate the island with more and more residents, you will have to carefully plan where to position different houses, shops, and other buildings too.
That’s not all, as you can catch different bugs and fishes and fill up your critterpedia too. While you can sell them at shops for in-game currency, you can even display them in an aquarium of sorts down the line. The game also allows you to visit your friend’s islands. Or, they can visit yours and you can spoil them with gifts upon their arrival.
All said and done, Animal Crossings: New Horizons is quite possibly, the most feature-rich simulation RPG and the game is a must-have on the Nintendo Switch.
4. Harvestella
Harvestella is a one-of-a-kind, JRPG-cum-farming simulator for the Nintendo Switch. The game was recently launched by Square Enix and it has a unique story, to say the least. To wit, the game puts players in the midst of ‘Quietus’, a devastating calamity that comes in between the four seasons. If you’ve watched the movie Interstellar, you’ll know what we’re referring to here.
In the wake of the calamity, all the crops wither and humans have to contend with dust storms that prevent them from stepping outside. Understandably, the game implores players to seek the truth behind the seasonal disasters. To do so, you will have to investigate Seaslight, four magical crystals that control the world’s seasons.
Of course, that entails battling monsters and exploring mysterious dungeons. Interestingly, the game offers different classes of warriors or ‘jobs’, for short. These include ‘Fighter’, who is proficient in sword combat, as well as a mage, who utilizes magic to get an edge over enemies. Players can level up the different classes and can even switch between them instantaneously during the heat of the battle.
At the same time, you will have to grow vegetables and farm various products to ensure you are well-equipped for your thrilling adventures. The game even lets you befriend NPCs with riveting storylines of their own. All things considered, Harvestella is a unique JRPG with great farming elements.
5. Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town
Story of Seasons is revered as one of the best farming simulators, and for good reason. The series was coined by the developers of the Harvest Moon franchise, and it builds up on the formula that made the original game extremely popular. Friends of Mineral Town is the latest entrant in the range and it brings a variety of entertaining elements for all budding virtual farmers.
The game is set in Mineral town, which is the home to a charming and vibrant community. The protagonist’s grandfather has a plot in Mineral town which is in need of a makeover. The player returns to Mineral town after some years to take up the project. As such, the game lets you cultivate a wide range of crops and vegetables. You’ll be also tasked with tending to the livestock and raising them.
Understandably, you will be able to harvest, cook and sell a plethora of products. At the same time, you can relax and let loose at the town’s hot springs or even go fishing – the possibilities are endless. You can even befriend and date a number of NPCs and celebrate milestones in your relationship, including getting gifts on Valentine’s day, etc. Needless to say, Story of Seasons is a fabulous game for the Switch that draws parallels to Stardew Valley.
6. Kitaria Fables
Kitaria Fables is an adorable RPG with excellent farming mechanics. To that end, you will play as a feline called Nyanza Von Whiskers, who has been dispatched by the empire to Paw Village to keep the increasingly aggressive wildlife at bay. As Nyanza, you will take over your late grandfather’s farm, which will act as your home base in the game.
Needless to say, you will be able to use the farm to craft a bunch of resources, including growing crops and trading food for cash. You can also gather ores to better your armor and weaponry, which will come in handy when you’re slaying monsters.
Speaking of which, the game offers a fun and engaging battle system that allows you to use different types of weapons, including melee weapons and bows. Soon enough, your character will stumble upon a spellbook, which will let you use magic when fighting monsters.
That’s not all, as you will be able to undertake a multitude of quests, including requests from your neighbors in Paw village. You can even play the game with a friend, as the title supports a local co-op mode. All said and done, Kitaria Fables is a great Stardew Valley-esque title for the Nintendo Switch.
7. Forager
Does spending hours scavenging for loot to build up your inventory sound fun? Then you’ll find Forager right up your alley. The game doesn’t have an overarching plot, per se. However, the enjoyable gameplay elements will keep you coming back for more. To that end, the game lets you scavenge for materials and loot on your island.
You can even buy newer plots, which in turn will give you access to more resources and other crafting materials. At the same time, these added plots will let you explore dungeons to beat monsters and even battle mini-bosses. You will be able to level up your character and teach them new skills as well as abilities. At the same time, you will revel in solving various puzzles and exploring the 2D open-world realm of the game.
You can also take care of animals in the game. As a bonus, the title lets you interact with animals and even pet them – what more could you ask for? Suffice it to say, Forager is an addictive, open-world crafting sim for the Nintendo Switch.
Time to Put On Your Farmer’s Hat
Stardew Valley will go down as one of the best simulation RPGs for the Nintendo Switch. Owing to the game’s popularity, a lot of other game studios are trying to emulate a similar experience in their bespoke titles. As such, you will find no shortage of compelling games like Stardew Valley for the Nintendo Switch.
Last updated on 08 February, 2023
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