Best Stardew Valley-Like Games to Watch Out For in 2026

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Stardew Valley is widely considered one of the greatest indie games ever made, inspiring many similar games since its release in 2016. What’s particularly impressive is how the game continues to evolve thanks to its creator, Eric Barone, who regularly releases major, free updates – including features like multiplayer. This ongoing support has been key to the game’s lasting popularity.

Although Stardew Valley is still receiving updates, its creator, Eric Barone, seems to be shifting his attention to his new game, Haunted Chocolatier. Many Stardew fans are frustrated by the lack of information about Haunted Chocolatier. Luckily, the popularity of games like Stardew Valley is growing, and 2026 promises a variety of exciting and unique life simulation games that offer a similar relaxing experience. Whether you’re hoping for a game with magic, a focus on romance, or a direct follow-up to Stardew Valley, 2026 has something for everyone.

Witchbrook

  • Witchbrook release date: TBD 2026 (delayed from a late 2025 launch)
  • Witchbrook confirmed platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

With its enchanting and delightfully quirky atmosphere, Witchbrook is a truly captivating cozy game. You play as a student starting their magical education at Witchbrook Academy, a school similar to Hogwarts, located in a peaceful seaside town. Like Stardew Valley, the game will include seasonal festivals, opportunities to build relationships with other characters, and plenty of ways to personalize your experience.

Witchbrook is being created and will be released by Chucklefish, the same team behind the popular game Stardew Valley.

In Witchbrook, players can go to classes, improve their skills, build relationships with characters, sell crafts, and do a lot more. A key feature is cooperative multiplayer for up to four players, similar to how Stardew Valley added co-op after its release. Because Witchbrook is being built with multiplayer from the start, its co-op features could be even more robust and complete than Stardew Valley‘s, which would be fantastic. It might even be a great game to play while waiting for a sequel to Hogwarts Legacy.

My Time at Evershine

  • My Time at Evershine release date: Spring 2026
  • My Time at Evershine confirmed platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC

My Time at Evershine is a bigger, more visually impressive game than previous entries in the My Time series. It features a beautiful anime-inspired style and puts you in the role of a new mayor in a small town on the edge of the Free Cities. This town is strategically important for defending against the expanding Duvros Empire, and you’ll be responsible for helping to strengthen its defenses and ensure its growth.

While My Time at Evershine has a surprisingly deep and thoughtful story for a relaxing life simulation game, it’s still fundamentally about building a life and community. You’ll attract residents to your town, request upgrades and personalize the environment, and develop your character in various ways. Like Stardew Valley, it includes action-RPG combat, which you’ll encounter frequently. And if it’s similar to other My Time games, the combat in Evershine should be much more robust and engaging than Stardew Valley‘s.

Okay, so from what I’ve heard, My Time at Evershine is really leaning into the romance aspect, even more than a lot of other cozy life sims. It sounds like the main story is going to be pretty intense, which should make the relationships you build with characters a lot deeper and more interesting. I’m excited to see how it all plays out!

Fields of Mistria

  • Fields of Mistria release date: TBD 2026
  • Fields of Mistria confirmed platforms: PC

Fields of Mistria has been available in early access for some time and has received incredibly positive feedback on Steam, currently boasting a 98% positive rating. It’s clearly inspired by Stardew Valley, featuring a charming pixel art style, a close-knit town, and farming gameplay. However, Fields of Mistria leans much more into magical elements and a whimsical atmosphere. If you enjoyed the fantasy side of Stardew Valley, this game could be perfect for you.

The beautiful art style of Mistria, reminiscent of Stardew Valley and 90s anime, is sure to grab players’ attention, but the game offers much more than just appealing visuals. Even in its early access form, Fields of Mistria is packed with content, including character progression, collectibles, side quests, exploration, and even romance options. The game is off to a promising start and has the potential to be a strong alternative to Stardew Valley when it enters alpha next year.

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2025-11-30 22:05