Sitting down at the end of a busy day to play some video games is the perfect way to spend an evening, especially when it's an incredibly cozy game within the Farming Sim genre. Video games don't have to be intense and fast-paced all the time, sometimes all that's needed is a relaxing game that provides a wholesome experience for the players. Farmings Sims are known to be the ideal choice for those wanting to snuggle up with a warm drink.
What could be better than tending to crops, taking care of farm animals, and gathering materials throughout the environment with a range of amazing characters to talk to? Stardew Valley is a strong contender for one of the most popular and well-known farming sim games, with a brilliant roster of characters that players can marry and get to know, as well as in-depth gameplay that can provide hours of entertainment.
7 Goals
No matter which farming sim game it is, there are always small goals to reach that provide a wonderful amount of satisfaction once they're completed. Having something to work towards in any game is an enjoyable way to keep the gameplay interesting, but with farming sim games it feels even more rewarding when players get to see their farm thriving.
These goals can be tiny ones such as gathering enough materials to build the first farm building or even reaching a money milestone. Having goals to work towards ensures that players will keep coming back to the game to continue with their progression.
6 The Characters
Farming sim games such as Stardew Valley, Sun Haven, or Rune Factory each have an amazing array of characters for players to get to know. It's common for farming sim games to also allow players to marry one of the residents, adding an extra layer of character-building to the game.
Successful farming sim games have in-depth character profiles, giving players the chance to learn more about each character within the game and choose their favorites. The range of personalities makes the entire game experience a delight, as the players feel like they're truly part of the town as they build friendships with their neighbors.
5 The Freedom
One of the main reasons why farming sim games are so successful is because they offer a ton of freedom within the game itself. A key aspect of a farming sim game is that players can do whatever they want, when they want. They can make their own goals, whether big or small and work towards them in their own time.
Players can spend the day gathering materials for a building, and then spend the next day fishing. While there may be an optimal way to play the game, it's not necessary to play it that way. A major selling point is the fact that players can play the game at their own pace.
4 The Cute Factor
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Wholesome games often have an adorable art style, whether it includes pixel art such as Stardew Valley, a unique anime style like Rune Factory, or simple a colorful, and adorable look similar to Slime Rancher. While Slime Rancher may work a little bit differently than the previous two titles mentioned, it's still an excellent farming sim game. Not only are the slimes adorable, but the entire game is vibrant and saturated in cuteness.
It's incredibly gratifying to see the ranch expand and flourish as players sell the Plorts dropped by the loveable bouncing slimes. If a game is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes of the player, then it's instantly going to be a pleasant experience for them. A wholesome art style amplifies the cozy vibes and will quickly grab the attention of potential players. There's also the endearing pixelated farm animals in Stardew Valley. What could be cuter than pixel-art cows and chickens?
3 The Slow Pacing
Many farming sim games are designed to be slow-paced, and while this may not be appealing to some, it's an awesome way to make video games more accessible. There are many gamers who don't want to play intense first-person shooter (FPS) titles or combat-heavy games. Sometimes players just want to sit down and relax with a cozy game.
Having the ability to be pretty laidback with a video game can seem rare these days, and the notion of being able to take a game at a slow pace with no incentive to rush through it can be amazingly rewarding. Taking the time to explore the environments while picking up every material in sight may seem boring to some people, but this kind of playstyle is adored by many.
2 Stress Relief
If someone's had a stressful day, playing an intense game might not be the best way to unwind. Those who simply want to take it easy while they play a video game will be drawn to the farming sim genre. Many players have stated that games such as Stardew Valley, Slime Rancher, and Rune Factory, have been incredibly helpful with stress relief.
These games provide players with hours of fun and allow them to focus on something other than the worries of daily life. The combination of a charming soundtrack, friendly characters, and an excellent sense of progression can be the perfect concoction to relieve stress.
1 The Environment
It's no secret that environments in video games are one of the most important parts of the overall product. If players aren't happy with what surrounds them within the game, it may make the experience less enjoyable. Players want to feel like they're part of their surroundings, and being able to spot little details here and there throughout can be a wonderful addition to the game.
Stardew Valley and Sun Haven do a fantastic job of building up a vibrant setting, with captivating outdoor areas and charming interiors within the town. Tiny details sprinkled around the inside of buildings such as the bulletin board in Pierre's shop, or the bottles on the shelf in the cozy Stardrop Saloon. When it comes to farming games, an essential element to include is making the exterior and interior environments look populated and homely.