Cosy Games To Try Other Than Pokopia, If You Don’t Have A Switch 2

Everyone’s yapping about it – Pokemon Pokopia is the latest ‘it’ game on our watch. The catch? This relaxing simulation game is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, which means those who only own older models of the video game device have two options: 1) Splurge on new gear, or 2) Drown in FOMO.

If you’re not one to buy a whole new console just for the sake of one specific game, but still wish to experience a similar ‘slow life’ bliss in the virtual world – or simply wish to expand your farming sim game repertoire after falling in love with Pokopia – we’ve got you covered. Here are some cosy games to try other than Pokopia, which can be played on video gaming consoles as well as on PCs.

P.S.: Check out our compilation of best Pokopia house designs by actual players of the game to get inspiration for your builds

COSY GAMES THAT ARE GREAT POKOPIA ALTERNATIVES

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

What it’s about: You’ve heard the endless comparisons by now – Animal Crossing is probably the closest you’ll get to Pokopia. Instead of a Ditto, you’ll play as a human living among animal villagers, and work on building your dream island from scratch. What makes it extra fun is that you’ll be able to visit your friends’ islands to ‘hang out’ (a popular form of socialisation during Circuit Breaker times), trade items, or forage for house-building materials together. Plus, it follows real-time seasons, so your island paradise transforms throughout the year.

Unlike many other video games, there’s no ‘winning’ or ‘losing’ with ACNH; Everything can be done at your own pace and you narrate your own story arc. Basically, it’s pressure-free, which is one of many reasons why it’s so popular.

Play it on: Nintendo Switch

2. Hello Kitty Island Adventure

What it’s about: Animal Crossing, but for Sanrio girlies – that’s essentially what Hello Kitty Island Adventure is, with an added element of exploration. Also set on an island that you’re tasked to fix up, this cutesy simulation game involves traversing the beach, mountains, and underwater realm as you solve puzzles to complete quests and befriend characters like Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, and Hangydon. In short? There are soft-girl elements of home-designing, baking, and taking selfies with other characters in scenic spots, but this is well-balanced with light adventure and story missions, so it’s a lot more than just decorating.

Play it on: Apple Arcade, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Steam

3. Harvest Moon

What it’s about: Before there was Animal Crossing, there was Harvest Moon, the OG 90s-era farming game. First launched for the old-school Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and later on, the Game Boy and PlayStation, this solo sim game has come a long way since its pixelated 32-bit past, and can now be played on multiple platforms, with much more advanced graphics.

Other than growing crops, rearing farm animals, and mining, Harvest Moon also comes with the added element of carrying out various quests for your fellow villagers, and falling in love. Earlier versions of the game had players being confined to using a male avatar, but gamer gals can now choose to play as a female, and pursue male love interests in the game.

Play it on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Steam, Xbox 

Just a note: The Harvest Moon of today is not under the same group of developers as the original versions. It’s now owned by Natsume. This brings us to the next point…

4. Story of Seasons

What it’s about: Many would say that Story of Seasons is the true evolved version of Harvest Moon from the 90s and early 2000s. This one’s by Marvelous Games, the original creators of the Harvest Moon franchise who broke away from Natsume and set out to do their own thing. This would explain why the illustrations in Story of Seasons are more reminiscent of the old Harvest Moon, compared to the Harvest Moon that we know of today.

Gameplay-wise, the two are largely similar, though many reviewers have said that Story of Seasons feels a little more polished, with more in-depth farming systems and game relationships – but with smaller towns that are more focused. You be the judge.

Play it on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Steam, Xbox

5. Disney Dreamlight Valley

What it’s about: Disney Dreamlight Valley is a whimsical take on the usual farming-and-building game, featuring your favourite Disney and Pixar characters: The Princesses, the Toy Story gang, Mickey & Friends, and so on. The premise? To restore a fairytale village after an evil curse makes everyone lose their memories. This one will be a ball of fun for those who enjoy the creative elements of the other games in the list, but crave a much stronger storyline with tasks and missions to complete.

Play it on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Steam, Xbox

6. Stardew Valley

What it’s about: Here’s one for those who have a penchant for that nostalgic ‘pixel’ RPG vibe, and don’t want to play as a loner. Stardew Valley is very much like Story of Seasons and Harvest Moon (yes, event down to the dating component), except you can also choose to play in an online co-op mode and team up with your real-life friends to create a flourishing joint farm together. It’s a lot more open-ended than the games it presumably took inspiration from, and there’s also a small combat aspect where you’ll be fighting monsters using magic and weapons to grab special loot that’ll help your farm level-up.

Play it on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, smartphones (iOs and Android), Steam, Xbox