The chaotic pre-order period for the Switch 2 has just begun, and players are overflowing with excitement about the console’s launch. Moreover, players find themselves ardently debating what games Nintendo has up its sleeve for the Switch 2’s lineup. One game many players are eagerly anticipating is the next installment of the belovedAnimal Crossingseries. Pivotal to the post-pandemic cozy gaming identity,Animal Crossingdemarcated a new standard with the release ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizonson the Switch. Now,Animal Crossing: New Horizonsis five years old, and it’s been four years since the game received major content updates, leaving many long-time fans hoping that the life-simulator gains new life with the Switch 2.
A newAnimal Crossingcould be closer than most people think, but players don’t need to twiddle their thumbs until news graces their ears. Players can explore a variety of charming titles that capture similar aspects of community-building and creative expression in the meantime. Many of these titles will allow players to engage in peaceful simulation experiences that feature gardening, designing, and interacting with quirky characters, all while enjoying a laid-back atmosphere. These alternatives offer a wonderful opportunity to fill the waiting period with joy and creativity, keeping the spirit of community alive until the next big announcement arrives.
Games that Feature Cozy and Cute Adventures
Animal Crossingplayers who favor gameplay that involves fetch quests and fulfilling villagers' needs will find no shortage of charming adventures outside their desertedNew Horizonsisland. These games shine as some of thebest cozy games forAnimal Crossingplayers to try, since they lean heavily into relationship-building, casual exploration, and small joys that keep the cozy energy alive.
MySims: Cozy Bundle
IfThe SimsandAnimal Crossingcame together to make a lovechild,MySimswould undoubtedly be the result. The dormant IP from Maxis gained new life with a remaster of its first two games, resulting in the release ofMySims: Cozy Bundlein 2024 for the Switch and eventually PC.MySimstakes the beloved life-sim formula and condenses it into a bite-sized, ultra-adorable package. Featuring semi-customizable environments, quirky residents, and a playful art style,Cozy Bundleoffers a nostalgic, low-stress alternative for fans who miss the early days of simple, whimsical objectives in life-sims. After its release, there have beenrumors of moreMySimstitles getting remasters, highlighting the fandom’s longing for these off-beat titles.
Hello Kitty: Island Adventure
Hello Kitty: Island Adventure turns the serotonin dial up to maximum. Players team up with Sanrio characters to restore a vibrant island paradise, completing charming tasks, decorating spaces, and soaking in unfiltered cuteness. It’s a slow-paced, heartwarming game that feels like a warm mug of cocoa with extra marshmallows. And with so many unique features that make the game stand out,Animal Crossingcould learn a lot fromHello Kitty: Island Adventure’s offerings.
For the Animal Crossing Fans Who Are Interior Decor Afficionados
Home decoration isn’t just a hobby for fans ofAnimal Crossing; it’s a way of life. Players' obsession with home decoration was taken to a new level with theHappy Home ParadiseDLC. TheHappy Home ParadiseDLC enabled more realistic home decorationfor players seeking just a bit more control of their villagers’ homes. For those who spent more time curating room layouts inAnimal Crossingthan fishing or catching bugs, these games take interior (and exterior) design obsession to a whole new level.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
When it comes to recognizable IPs, gamers have to look no further thanDisney Dreamlight Valley. A colorful life-sim where Disney stars like Moana and WALL-E move into a fully customizable town,Disney Dreamlight Valleymarries fondness, fandom, and life-simming to create something truly unique.Dreamlight Valleyis dangerously good at feeding the endless cycle of gathering, crafting, decorating, and re-decorating thatAnimal Crossingfans know too well.Dreamlight Valleymight addStar Warscharactersin the future too, soAnimal Crossingplayers looking to jump into the game have something to look forward to.
Hokko Life
Hokko LifeandAnimal Crossingshare similar vibes, soAnimal Crossingfans will feel right at home when they pick up this game. For anyone who dreams about even more furniture options,Hokko Lifeplaces a strong emphasis on design freedom, from furniture creation to full town layouts. It also offers an addictive, creative sandbox that’s perfect for anyone still rearranging imaginary sofas in their mind.
The Animal Crossing Builder’s Paradise
Animal Crossing: New Horizonsintroduced a building system into the franchise that quickly became a fan-favorite mechanism for customization. Whilethe nextAnimal Crossingshould consider expanding buildingoptions and has big shoes to fill, the following games give players plenty to do while they wait for the new installment. Whether it’s smoothing out glades, laying down foundation tiles, or demolishing and rebuilding entire castles out of spite, the following titles deliver a serious fix for anyone who can’t stop thinking about ideal layouts at 2 AM.
Tiny Glade
Tiny Gladeis the perfect game for players whose bread and butter in life-sims is exterior decorating and building. The key to engagement, however, is thatTiny Gladechallenges beginnersand experts equally in building masterpieces. The game transforms freeform building into an art form, allowing players to create idyllic castles and villages without the stress of resource management. It’s a meditative experience, encouraging creativity over efficiency, and offering the pure joy of watching winding paths and ivy-covered towers come to life.
InZOI
InZOItakes the simulation genre to new heights, blending detailed world-building with stunning visuals. With a focus on customizing every aspect of a neighborhood down to the tiniest detail, it’s an aesthetic playground for players who live for perfect layouts and pixel-perfect design.InZOIis still in Early Access, and is already generating a lot of buzz from life-simmers wanting an alternative to games likeThe Sims. With more upcoming updates,InZOIis only bound to offer players more content and freedom.
Cozy Games For the Farmers at Heart
Not every day has to be spent on a beach like inNew Horizons.Sometimes, the dream is living off the land in a quiet village.The farming sim genre keeps growing in popularity, and it’s for a reason. Farming sim games tap into the slow, satisfying rhythms of farming, mining, and village life, offering the perfect escape for those missing theirAnimal Crossingroutines.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valleyremains the undisputed champion of cozy farming sims. Whether it’s growing crops, raising animals, or befriending the townsfolk, every aspect of life inStardew Valleyfeels intentional and rewarding. It’s a quiet kind of magic that turns small tasks into addictive rituals. Whetherachievement hunting inStardew Valleyor romancing a favorite townsperson, the game has something for every life-simmer.
Fae Farm
Fae Farm adds a touch of magic to the farming formula, blending traditional crop-growing mechanics with whimsical spells, fantastical creatures, and cooperative multiplayer in a world called Azoria. It’s an enchanting twist on a beloved genre, perfect for those who think farming could use just a little more fairy dust.Fae Farmreceived a DLC expansionin 2024, giving more content to see magic in.
For Animal Crossing Players Wanting Cute, but Unhinged
A cozy game can keep players hooked for hours. What can really have them on the edge of their seat, however, is a cozy game that introduces some truly unhinged or cursed content, causing their heart rates to go up.For players wanting over-the-top action in their gameswhile they wait for the nextAnimal Crossing, there are plenty of options that combine charm with absolute chaos.
Cult of the Lamb
It seems like there’s nothing players can’t do inCult of the Lamb: start a cult, build a village, and preach to adorable followers— that is, before deciding whether to shower them with gifts or sacrifice them for power.Cult of the Lambdelivers the satisfaction of town-building and villager management, wrapped in a chaotic, darkly cute package that scratches theAnimal Crossingitch. (That is, ifAnimal Crossingoccasionally indulged in light ritual sacrifice.) Somefans ofAnimal CrossingandCult of the Lambdream of a collab, unsurprisingly, even if Nintendo probably won’t jump at the chance.
The Sims 4
When the very firstThe Simsgame dropped in 2000, the life-simulation genre took off. Since then,The Simshas set the standard for what makes a life-sim tick. The Sims really shines for its unhinged and chaotic gameplay, which forces a player to pivot when their dream home catches fire or their Sim gets fired from their dream job.The Sims 4is no different.MakingThe Sims 4gameplay more interestingis an easy task, especially considering that the game has a plethora of mods, DLC, and developer support that make this long-lived game one that will keep players coming back for more.
