Top 10 Cozy Farming Sims On Switch That Arent Stardew Valley

While Stardew Valley remains a beloved staple in the world of cozy gaming, it’s far from the only title offering peaceful rural escapism on the Nintendo Switch. A growing number of farming simulators deliver equally rich experiences—complete with crop cultivation, animal care, community building, and heartwarming storytelling—but with their own distinct flavor. These games often blend whimsy, nostalgia, and creative mechanics to craft immersive worlds where players can unwind, grow, and connect at their own pace.

This list highlights ten standout farming simulations available on the Switch that capture the same comforting essence as Stardew Valley but offer fresh perspectives, unique gameplay systems, and varied aesthetics. Whether you're drawn to island life, magical elements, or retro-inspired pixel art, there's something here for every fan of slow-paced, meaningful play.

1. Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town

A faithful remake of the classic 2003 Game Boy Advance title, *Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town* revives one of the original blueprints for modern farming sims. Players inherit a rundown farm in a quiet village, cultivating crops, raising livestock, and forming relationships with townsfolk. The pacing is gentle, the seasons flow naturally, and the sense of progression feels deeply personal.

What sets this game apart is its adherence to tradition. Unlike some newer entries in the series, this version preserves the charm of early 2000s design—no fast travel, limited automation, and a focus on daily routines. It’s ideal for players who appreciate simplicity and routine over complex mechanics.

Tip: Visit the hot springs regularly to restore stamina without consuming items—perfect for conserving resources during busy harvest days.

2. Rune Factory 4 Special

If you enjoy farming but crave more adventure, *Rune Factory 4 Special* delivers an exceptional fusion of agriculture and action RPG elements. Set in the floating city of Selphia, the game tasks you with managing a farm, courting bachelors or bachelorettes, and venturing into dungeons to battle monsters and gather rare materials.

The magic system, weapon crafting, and real-time combat elevate the experience beyond traditional farming titles. Yet, the core loop remains grounded in seasonal cycles, weather patterns, and relationship-building. The “Special” edition includes enhanced graphics, quality-of-life updates, and post-game content that extends playtime significantly.

“Rune Factory strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and excitement. You can spend hours tending your turnips, then suddenly find yourself fighting a dragon before dinner.” — Kyle H., Indie RPG Reviewer

3. Pioneers of Olive Branch

In *Pioneers of Olive Branch*, cooperation takes center stage. Designed specifically for local co-op play, this hidden gem lets two players build a life together on a shared farm. One handles farming duties while the other manages town errands—or both can work side by side planting, fishing, and decorating their home.

The game features a rotating cast of NPCs who arrive seasonally, each with unique quests and dialogue. Its hand-drawn aesthetic gives it a storybook quality, and the lack of time pressure makes it ideal for stress-free evenings. Though smaller in scope than others on this list, its emphasis on partnership adds emotional depth rarely seen in the genre.

4. Harvestella

Blending sci-fi themes with pastoral living, *Harvestella* presents a narrative-driven farming experience set on a planet recovering from environmental collapse. As an outsider arriving in Lethe, you help rebuild society through farming, diplomacy, and dungeon exploration aimed at stabilizing dangerous energy fluctuations known as “Quietus.”

The game’s calendar system ties crop growth directly to global events, making agricultural planning part of a larger ecological effort. Combat uses a turn-based ATB (Active Time Battle) system reminiscent of Final Fantasy, adding strategic depth. With fully voiced characters and cinematic cutscenes, *Harvestella* offers one of the most polished single-player stories in the genre.

Why It Stands Out

• Narrative integrates farming into world-saving efforts
• Strong character development and voice acting
• Dungeons provide meaningful resource-gathering opportunities

5. Shio no Michi: Road of Salt

*Shio no Michi* carves a niche with its cultural specificity and historical grounding. Set in feudal Japan, the game follows a young salt maker rebuilding her family’s coastal operation after tragedy. Instead of typical crops, you harvest seawater using traditional evaporation techniques, manage tidal schedules, and trade goods across regional villages.

The gameplay emphasizes realism and respect for nature. Weather affects salinity levels, and interactions with locals reflect period-appropriate customs. While less customizable than Western-style sims, its meditative rhythm and attention to detail create a uniquely tranquil experience.

Tip: Monitor wind direction—it influences how quickly salt pans dry and impacts daily productivity.

6. Ooblets

*Ooblets* merges farming with dance battles and creature collecting, creating a quirky, colorful universe unlike any other. On the island of Badgetown, players grow crops, upgrade their plot, and collect adorable creatures called Ooblets, which compete in rhythmic showdowns instead of combat.

The game’s art style leans into absurdity—think pastel fashion, sentient coffee cups, and bureaucratic quests involving permits and dance-offs. Despite its silliness, the farming mechanics are robust, featuring soil types, heirloom seeds, and cooperative multiplayer modes. Its lighthearted tone and inventive structure make it especially appealing to fans of offbeat indie titles.

Mini Case Study: Finding Joy in Absurdity

Sophie, a longtime Stardew Valley player, found herself burnt out on routine harvesting and marriage quests. She tried *Ooblets* on a whim and was immediately hooked by the dance battles. “I never thought I’d get excited about winning a contest where my team of tiny mushrooms twerked in sync,” she says. “But it made farming feel fun again—not like a chore.” Within weeks, she had decorated her plot with neon sprinklers and joined an online guild for competitive dancing. For Sophie, *Ooblets* wasn’t just a replacement; it was a reinvention of what a farming sim could be.

7. Coral Island

Though still in active development, *Coral Island* is already available in early access on Switch and shows immense promise. This eco-conscious sim tasks players with revitalizing a dying tropical island by restoring coral reefs, cleaning polluted beaches, and regenerating farmland. Land and sea are equally important—players alternate between planting crops and diving to nurture marine ecosystems.

The game promotes sustainability, featuring renewable energy systems, recycling, and NPC education quests about conservation. Character creation is deep, with diverse gender options and relationship paths. With regular updates expanding content, *Coral Island* is evolving into a major contender in the genre.

Checklist: Getting Started on Coral Island

1. Complete the initial tutorial dive to unlock underwater tools
2. Plant fast-growing vegetables to establish early income
3. Donate to the community center to unlock new areas
4. Visit the research lab weekly to track environmental progress
5. Build solar panels once funds allow to reduce reliance on generators

8. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

No list of cozy Switch games would be complete without mentioning *Animal Crossing: New Horizons*. While not a traditional farming sim, it incorporates key elements: gardening, landscaping, resource gathering, and seasonal crop cultivation. Players shape deserted islands into thriving communities, trading fruit, breeding hybrid flowers, and hosting seasonal festivals.

Its asynchronous multiplayer allows friends to visit and contribute, fostering long-term engagement. The absence of fail states and rigid goals creates a truly judgment-free zone—ideal for decompression. Though lighter on mechanical depth, its emotional resonance and creative freedom keep millions returning year after year.

Table: Cozy Farming Sims Compared

Title	Farming Depth	Multiplayer	Unique Feature	Best For
Story of Seasons: FoMT	High	No	Loyal remake of a classic	Purists & nostalgia seekers
Rune Factory 4 Special	High	No	Dungeon crawling + romance	Action-RPG fans
Pioneers of Olive Branch	Medium	Local Co-op	Couples-focused design	Partners playing together
Harvestella	Medium	No	Sci-fi narrative integration	Story-driven players
Shio no Michi	Medium	No	Traditional Japanese salt-making	Cultural immersion
Ooblets	Medium	Online Multiplayer	Dance battles with creatures	Quirky indie lovers
Coral Island	High (growing)	Online Multiplayer	Marine ecosystem restoration	Eco-conscious gamers
Animal Crossing: NH	Low-Medium	Online Visits	Total creative freedom	Relaxation & socialization

9. Littlewood

After saving the world as a hero, you retire to rebuild a forgotten town in *Littlewood*. This charming sim blends town reconstruction with farming, shop management, and relationship-building. You plant orchards, run a bakery, fish, and even host festivals to attract new residents.

The game’s warmth lies in its writing—characters have layered backstories, and choices affect how the town evolves. Unlike many farming games, *Littlewood* focuses on legacy and renewal, giving players a strong sense of purpose beyond personal gain.

10. My Time at Portia

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where craftsmanship powers society, *My Time at Portia* combines farming with factory management and quest-driven exploration. You inherit a workshop and gradually expand your operations by gathering materials, completing commissions, and improving your land.

The farming aspect is integrated rather than central—you grow ingredients for cooking and crafting, raise chickens, and maintain a small garden. But the world feels alive, with dynamic weather, festivals, and NPC routines. The sequel, *My Time at Sandrock*, expands on these ideas but isn’t yet optimized for Switch, making Portia the better current choice.

FAQ

Are these games suitable for younger players?

Yes, nearly all the titles listed are rated E or E10+ by the ESRB. Games like *Animal Crossing*, *Story of Seasons*, and *Ooblets* are particularly family-friendly, with no violent content and positive social messages.

Do any of these support split-screen or online co-op?

Only *Pioneers of Olive Branch* supports local co-op, and *Coral Island* and *Ooblets* offer online multiplayer. Most farming sims on Switch remain single-player experiences due to technical limitations and design focus.

Which game has the longest playtime?

*Rune Factory 4 Special* and *Harvestella* offer the most content, with main story completion taking 40–60 hours and 100+ hours for full completion including post-game. *Coral Island* is still expanding but already exceeds 50 hours of gameplay in early access.

Conclusion

The world of cozy farming games on the Nintendo Switch extends far beyond Stardew Valley. From the serene traditions of *Shio no Michi* to the exuberant dance-offs of *Ooblets*, each title offers a different lens through which to experience growth, connection, and renewal. These games don’t just simulate farming—they invite players into slower, more intentional ways of living, even if just for an hour a day.

Whether you’re seeking narrative depth, creative expression, or shared moments with a friend, there’s a peaceful corner of the Switch library waiting for you. Explore them not as alternatives, but as companions to the joy you already know. Pick one that calls to you, plant your first seed, and let the rhythm of the seasons guide your way.

💬 Which cozy farming sim resonates most with your playstyle? Share your favorite under-the-radar title or tell us what you look for in a relaxing game—we’d love to hear from you!