Starsand Island will be released in February 2026 on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Developed by Seed Lab, Starsand Island has been on many cozy game enthusiasts' wishlists thanks to its unique take on Stardew Valley's tried-and-true formula.
In recent years, many farming simulator games have tried to replicate Stardew Valley's success. Starsand Island, however, has stood out since its announcement with visuals that look straight out of a Studio Ghibli movie. And it's currently the 190th most-wishlisted game on Steam (via SteamDB), showing the excitement surrounding its release. The good news for cozy game fans is that the wait won't be long, as the newly revealed release date is only a few months away.
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Starsand Island Release Date Revealed
During Xbox's livestream at this year's Tokyo Game Show, it was revealed that Starsand Island will officially launch on February 1, 2026. A playable demo will also go live on October 12, 2025, giving fans a chance to try the cozy life simulator before committing to a purchase. The game is coming to current-gen Xbox and PlayStation consoles, and it will also be available on Steam and the Xbox PC app. It's also worth noting that Starsand Island was originally planned for release in Q4 2025, so the new date might disappoint hardcore fans who were hoping to play it this year.
Along with the release date, the new trailer in Xbox's livestream showcased more of Starsand Island's anime-like world, as well as a brief look at its crafting and building mechanics. Visitors to the game's booth at the 2025 Tokyo Game Show will get to play the demo early and receive limited-edition gifts, including a collectible card, a pin, and an item called Cartoon Fan.
For those unfamiliar, Starsand Island features most genre-standard mechanics such as farming, fishing, crafting, bonding, and combat. One aspect that sets it apart from many Stardew Valley-like games is its "diverse range of vehicles," which players can use to explore the map. Its 3D anime-inspired visuals are also a major selling point, as few life sims offer this level of polish in the art style.
While pre-release stats look promising for Starsand Island, it remains to be seen whether the game will be a hit at launch. Fans eager to try it should mark October 12 for the demo, while those planning to buy it should keep an eye on February 1, 2026, the official release date. For the record, Starsand Island's price hasn't been revealed yet, but since it's an indie title, it's expected to be fairly affordable.
OpenCritic Reviews
- Released
- February 1, 2026
- Developer(s)
- Seed Lab
- Publisher(s)
- Seed Lab
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
WHERE TO PLAY
Escape the Urban Grind to Starsand Island - Your Island Paradise Awaits! Tired of the hustle and bustle? Return to the tranquil embrace of Starsand Island, a gem hailed as the "Star of the Deep Sea."
Here, immerse yourself in a serene pastoral lifestyle: slow-paced days spent bonding with adorable capybaras, cats, and dogs, savoring the thrill of bountiful fishing, exploring the mystical Moonlit Forest, or simply soaking in the island’s untouched beauty. Leave the mundane behind and rediscover life’s simple joys in this coastal utopia.
Live in Harmony with Nature
Cultivate tropical fruits and vegetables on your own farm, nurture bonds with charming animals, and design a unique countryside villa tailored to the island’s terrain. Decorate cascading terrace gardens and shape the island’s landscape—every corner invites your creativity and stewardship.
Freedom to Roam
Thrills to Claim Glide on a longboard along pristine coastlines, zip through lush forests on a retro scooter, or sail to uncover neighboring islands’ secrets. With a diverse range of vehicles, embrace the joy of speed—or cruise the iconic coastal highway to witness breathtaking vistas at your own pace.
Heartwarming Bonds with Islanders
In this close-knit community, every resident has a story to tell. Forge lasting friendships through daily interactions and special quests. As connections deepen, you might even find that special someone to share your island life with.
Uncover the Island’s Mysteries
Venture into fog-shrouded depths where ancient ruins, rare treasures, and hidden mineral veins await. Master combat skills, and face off against bizarre creatures—each battle promises unexpected surprises and rewards.
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes
- Number of Players
- Single-player
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Playable
- Genre(s)
- Farming, Life Simulation, RPG, Casual
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
