Highlights:
* Moonlite Peaks is one of the games like Animal Crossing but with a vampiric twist to its tale.
* Floatopia, an upcoming social life sim, has high-quality visuals similar to Animal Crossing.
Cozy life sim games appeal to both visual and auditory senses. Nintendo’s Animal Crossing and Concerned Ape’s Stardew Valley are prime examples of how games can focus on a socializing aspect rather than being particularly violent. Many indie developers have drawn inspiration from the two games and come up with intriguing genres, an example being the cooking platformer, Magical Delicacy. Other pending titles like Floatopia and inZOI could be a massive hit following their release.
Upcoming Games Like Animal Crossing That Players Can Wishlist
Here are the five best upcoming games like Animal Crossing:-
Bloomtown: A Different Story
Release Date | September 24, 2024 |
Platforms | PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC |
Developers | Lazy Bear Games, Different Sense Games |
Bloomtown: A Different Story is essentially a narrative JRPG. However, it blends turn-based combat and social simulation in a fascinating story about Emily and her friends trying to save their town from demons. The young band of adventures, which includes a shooter, a spear user, and a robust Shiba Inu, venture into unknown lands, both dark and lush.
Bloomtown is one of the games like Animal Crossing due to its aesthetic 1960s Americana world and variety of dynamics. Apart from turn-based fighting, there are fishing, farming, animal taming, and even yoga classes. A demo is currently available on Steam.
inZOI
Release Date | Late 2024 |
Platforms | PC (upon release), PS5 and Xbox Series X|S (later) |
Developer | KRAFTON Inc |
The demo for the casual life sim game, titled inZOI: Character Studio, was available in August. It quickly became a trending subject due to various menus and sub-menus presented in the limited-time character customization mode. The demo captured the essence of inZOI, showcasing the highly-rendered character models and the range of options available in body type, outfit, skin, hair, and more.
One of the best upcoming cozy life sim games, inZOI’s strength lies in its beautifully designed world created with Unreal Engine 5 which draws comparisons with Grand Theft Auto 5. Currently in limited access, inZOI allows players to control every aspect of their virtual avatars called ZOIs, be it their work, hunger, hobby, relationships, and behavior.
Moonlite Peaks
Release Date | 2026 |
Platforms | Switch, PC, MacOS |
Developer | Litte Chicken |
Add vampires in Animal Crossing and we get Moonlite Peaks. The character models seem to be heavily inspired by Nintendo’s cozy life sim. Similar to Magical Delicacy, the main character can grow crops, brew potions, and hone her witchcrafting. There are also other actions like fishing and bartending, making it one of the games like Animal Crossing which fans would want to wishlist.
Although a farming simulation game, there are also plenty of suitors for romance. They aren’t normal either as one could end up with a werewolf, a vampire’s arch-nemesis. Speaking of vampires, the main character can shapeshift into a bat, use their enhanced senses to complete missions, and even design their dream gothic home. Moonlite Peaks is among the eagerly awaited cozy life sim games whose demo is available on Steam.
Amber Isle
Release Date | October 10 |
Platforms | Switch, MacOS, PC |
Developer | Ambertail Games |
Pawn, haggle, and purchase to be the best shopkeeper in the town teeming with Paleofolk. In this social sim like Animal Crossing, players assume the role of a mini-dino and sell different items in their store. They can explore different areas to unlock more quests or orders. At other times, they can simply relax while customizing their shop.
Amber Isle is a fresh take on prehistoric beings, being a non-violent game featuring dinosaurs. The game takes pride in its social aspect as it features 48 Paleofolk, each with a different personality, dialogue, and motivation. They even have different likes and dislikes. Unfortunately, a demo isn’t available, which means one has to wait till October to experience Amber Isle.
Floatopia
Release Date | 2025 |
Platforms | PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC |
Developer | NetEase Games |
When it comes to upcoming games like Animal Crossing, Floatopia is the first title that one is reminded of. It has an incredible art style and models that remind one of Animal Crossing. Yet, it encompasses a completely different experience. Joy, a misfit in society, journeys to the distant land of Floatopia following which he befriends adorable characters like Fluffy, Mistika, Pandy, and Blitz.
Floatopia is a cloudy world that gives a sense of ease in the adventure. Joy can decorate the island, farm, interact with several NPCs, and get accustomed to the new world. Fortunately, Floatopia includes multiplayer and cross-platform compatibility, allowing players to join a world from different services.
This concludes the list of casual life sim games like Animal Crossing. Not all the titles would feature couch-cozy multiplayer so check out some co-op video games to play with your partner.