There is something satisfying about looking after your own garden. Or field. Or the whole farm! Best of all, you don’t even have to leave your home to engage in your favorite hobby.

The farm simulators are popping up like mushrooms. New titles meet the needs of more and more players. Some gamers focus only on growing plants, while others make new friends in their country community. Some people buy new agricultural machinery, while others go on quests. The possibilities are endless.

Do you want to explore the rich world of activities offered by farm simulators? Be sure to check out our list of the best farming games ever.

GameReleaseGenreDeveloper
Farming Simulator 19 2018-11-20 Simulation Giants Software GmbH
Farming Simulator 25 2024-11-12 Giants Software GmbH
Farming Simulator 22 Platinum Edition 2022-11-15 Simulator Giants Software GmbH
Graveyard Keeper 2018-08-15 Adventure Lazy Bear Games
Stardew Valley 2016-02-26 Adventure ConcernedApe
Slime Rancher 2017-08-01 Adventure Monomi Games
STORY OF SEASONS: A Wonderful Life 2023-06-27 Marvelous
Slime Rancher 2 2022-09-22 Monomi Park
Minecraft Java Edition 2013-11-19 Action Mojang Studios
My Time At Portia 2018-01-23 Indie Pathea Games
Farm Together 2018-02-22 Indie Milkstone Studios
Farmers Dynasty 2019-11-21 RPG Toplitz Productions
Sakuna Of Rice And Ruin 2020-11-10 Simulation Edelweiss Medienwerkstatt GmbH
Dont Starve Together 2016-04-21 Economy Klei Entertainment
Staxel 2018-01-23 Indie Plukit
Grow Song Of The Evertree 2021-11-16 Action Prideful Sloth
Garden Paws 2018-12-18 Adventure Bitten Toast Games

Graveyard Keeper

Release date:2018-08-15
Genre:Adventure
Developer:Lazy Bear Games

Despite its title, Graveyard Keeper isn’t really all that focused on keeping a graveyard.

You do it, sure, but you also have a church sermon to perform, solve NPCs’ problem, and, indeed, tend to your crops, because being more or less self-sufficient is important to your long-term survival in this fantasy land you fell into. Farming is also a decent source of experience and money, so it’s a win-win scenario.

GK is a little bit reminiscent of Stardew Valley, with its pixel-art, top-down perspective and light-hearted tone, and while the range of crops and produce isn’t as impressive, you will have plenty of uses for all the carrots, wheat, cabbages and the rest. Carrots are especially important, because it’s the price you agree to pay the donkey who delivers you all the bodies for preparation and interment.

Key features
  • Lighthearted game about running a funerary business in a medieval-esque fantasy world
  • You can dabble in mild necromancy, it’s not easy, but it’s very rewarding
  • Time and Energy management are important, but more forgiving than in SDV, if you have food
  • Running a farm producing top-tier crops is quite satisfying

My Time at Portia/Sandrock

Release date:2018-01-23
Genre:Indie
Developer:Pathea Games

Much like Graveyard Keeper, farming is just one slice of all you in the My Time in… series, but it’s as developed and satisfying as the others, so it merits an appearance on this list.

As an engineer arriving in a remote town in a gently post-apocalyptic town you’ll provide the shining light of science and technology, which includes advanced farming techniques and solutions.

You’ll be designing irrigation systems, setting up fertilizer distribution, and caring for the farm animals of stable and coop alike. In time, your farm will run will minimal oversight, freeing up your time for crafting in other areas of expertise, and exploration of the world. If you’re daring, there are even dungeons to delve, as a special treat after all that hard work.

Key features
  • Two games with similar premise, set in different regions
  • Friendly, welcoming tone and aesthetic
  • Satisfying range of activities
  • Engaging farming mechanics

Slime Rancher

Release date:2017-08-01
Genre:Adventure
Developer:Monomi Games

Slime Rancher is a game about farming on an alien planet.

You can grow fruits and veggies, sure, and they are an important part of your farm’s output, but it’s not really what the game is about. It’s the cute bouncy blobs of goo called Slimes that are the true stars of your ranch, and their plots the produce you’ll be most interested in harvesting. Just don’t think too hard on what they are.

Slimes come in many varieties and so do their plorts, a potent and valuable crafting resource. Some require more work than others to acquire, however, and the web of interactions and relations between slimes is quite fun to untangle. Slime Rancher, as well as its sequel SR2, is a pretty cozy game with a friendly aesthetic and engaging mechanics, even if what you’re farming is a bit weird.

Key features
  • The Slimes are very cute
  • Make a living on an alien planet
  • Robust crafting options
  • Herd slimes, farm fruits and vegetables

Minecraft

Release date:2013-11-19
Genre:Action
Developer:Mojang Studios

Minecraft has so many systems in it that it’s completely unsurprising that it also has room for some good, honest farmwork in it.

From wheat and cows, through pumpkins and trees, to more… unusual plants and fungi, you’ll have your hands full if you want to make your home base completely self-sufficient and ready to provide you with as many resources as your ambitions require.

Since it’s Minecraft we’re talking about, you can also optimize the heck out of farming with redstone-powered systems and some creativity, producing ridiculous amounts of plant-based resources incredibly quickly. But doing it the old-fashioned way, with a hoe, a water source, and manual harvesting is very much welcome, and the game’s aesthetic can make it very relaxing indeed.

Key features
  • A ton of plants to put on your farm
  • You can engineer interesting automation of growing and harvesting many resources
  • Voxel-based graphics hide an expansive and powerful crafting and construction system
  • Excellent, family-friendly game for fans of both survival games and creative sandboxes

Story of Seasons (series)

Release date:2023-06-27
Genre:Indie
Developer:Marvelous

The Story of Seasons, formerly known as Harvest Moon (but different from the other Harvest Moon, it’s complicated), is a long-running, farming sim franchise dating all the way back to 1996.

It’s one of the key influences which led to the creation of Stardew Valley, which is a remarkable achievement in its own right, but the games themselves are very good, and some classics keep getting modern remakes.

The most recent one, Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a remake of 2003’s game, released for PC, XBox, PlayStation, and Switch, featuring new graphics, more NPC relationship options, and a wealth of content which makes the game worth playing even if you happen to remember the original. The series even has an entry themed after the Doraemon anime, which certainly is an interesting choice.

Key features
  • A long-running series of farming sims
  • Extremely cozy
  • Spiritual ancestor of Stardew Valley
  • Several entries are available outside of Nintendo platforms

Farming Simulator 19

Release date:2018-11-20
Genre:Simulation
Developer:Giants Software

A 3D video game that most faithfully captures every detail of a modern farmer’s work. If you are looking for an authentic experience and realistic graphics then Farming Simulator 19 does the job.

This farming simulator not only gives you a rich, open world that you can manage as you like. It also allows you to customize the appearance of your character so you can feel more at home. Take care of crops and animals, trade harvests, buy new lands and powerful agricultural machines. And if you want some company, you can invite your friends, because Farming Simulator 19 allows you to play in multiplayer up to 16 players.

Key features
  • Play the most realistic farm simulator
  • Trade land and crops to make your hard work pay off
  • Take care of the crops and look after animals
  • Manage the farm alone or in the company

Stardew Valley

Release date:2016-02-26
Genre:Simulation, role-playing
Developer:ConcernedApe

A sandbox role-playing game in which you not only take care of your farm but can also engage in many other activities. It is a fantastic proposition for players who like to combine developing their property and role-play.

Play the role of a corporate employee who decides to change his life! You get a small farm in the countryside. So you move outside the city, where it turns out that the farm needs to be restored to its former glory. There is a lot of work ahead of you, but also a lot of fun! Meet the locals and become an important part of the community. Explore and get valuable resources. Go fishing or fight monsters. In Stardew Valley, you can do whatever you want!

Key features
  • Engage in economic gameplay in which you will make your farm as good as new
  • Make friends, do business, become part of the community, and get married
  • Explore the area, get resources and fight monsters
  • Play solo or in multiplayer with friends up to 4 players

Kynseed

Release date:2018-11-08
Genre:Role-playing, farming simulation
Developer:PixelCount Studios

One thing’s for sure – it is a game you will instantly fall in love with. Kynseed is cute, pretty, and incredibly addictive. If you like British folklore and a fairy-tale atmosphere, then this game will be the one.

Play the role of a farmer and start your new life. There are as many options as you can think of. You can farm the field and take care of the land. You can go on a journey and experience fantastic adventures. Or you can make friends with other citizens and work with them for the better life of the entire community. And that is not all, because Kynseed is not only about pretty pixels and great gameplay. In this game time flies! So there is no repetition here for sure.

Key features
  • Farm the land, take care of the animals, and make yourself at home
  • Go on a journey, gather resources and artifacts, and experience great adventures
  • Open your own business
  • Become an important part of the community and start a family

Farm Together

Release date:2018-02-22
Genre:Indie
Developer:Milkstone Studios

A farm simulator for fans of fun multiplayer gameplay. Farm Together is a simple but also very addictive game for anyone who is looking for relaxation after a tough day.

The goal is simple – you get a piece of land, and you can do with it whatever you want. Of course, it would be best if you try to expand your farm as best as you can, but nothing prevents you from playing the way you like best. Although your funds are rather modest at first, you will earn more and more as the gameplay progress. As a result, you will be able to afford better and better equipment and other things needed to run a smoothly prospering farm. Although the game is focused on multiplayer, you can also play solo. Your game, your playstyle.

Key features
  • Build your farm and shine in front of your neighbors
  • Crop your harvests and earn more and more money
  • Buy new agricultural machinery and decorations
  • Play solo or in multiplayer

Farmer’s Dynasty

Release date:2019-11-21
Genre:Simulation
Developer:Toplitz Productions

This game is not only a 3D farm simulator but also a realistic simulation of life. A unique and vivid experience beyond the definition of a standard RPG. Do you want to live a truly double life? Buy Farmer’s Dynasty and let yourself be carried away by your own story.

A familiar script, but a completely different performance. You inherit a farm and come to the countryside to conjure up a prosperous property from the ruins. In the beginning, keep your hand busy because there are many repairs to be done. You also need to earn money to be able to continue your work. But you will soon find out that the effort will pay off! That is not all, as Farmer’s Dynasty’s open-world offers many other activities. Complete quests from NPCs, start a family and continue the family legacy.

Key features
  • Renovate your farm and make it run like clockwork
  • Explore the map, discover the area and get to know your neighbors
  • Earn money to buy better and better farming machines
  • Start a family so that your farm will be passed from generation to generation

Voodoo Garden

Release date:2016-08-04
Genre:Indie, simulation
Developer:M. Hanka

A slightly different take on the farm simulator genre. There are no idyllic villages and friendly neighbors here. There is a hut in the swamp because it is voodoo-style gameplay!

Welcome to the magical world of Voodoo Garden. You are as close to nature and magic as never before. You have a lot of work to do in the most relaxing atmosphere imaginable. Plant trees and weeds, collect fruits and create useful items. Catch animals, raise them, and sacrifice to summon helpful spirits. Voodoo Garden is a simple clicker set in a spectral atmosphere. So it is best for players who are looking for some good rest or kids age 7 and up.

Key features
  • Live in a hut in the swamp and become part of the magical world of voodoo
  • Plant the weeds and harvest the crops
  • Earn money and buy new items
  • Take care of cute pets and summon helpful spirits

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin

Release date:2020-11-10
Genre:Action role-playing, simulation
Developer:Edelweiss

It is a beautiful platform game with elements of a farm simulator. If farm management alone is not enough for you and you want to have access to a variety of activities, then Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin will meet your expectations.

Welcome to Medieval Japan! You have a very important role to play here as you are the goddess of the harvest. Your people end up on an island where they have to start their lives from scratch and to help them is your most important job. Solve puzzles, explore the map and fight demons. Defeat your enemies with farming tools, craft new weapons, harvest rice, and cook food. This is the best opportunity to experience the life of a goddess in the Land of the Rising Sun!

Key features
  • Play the most beautiful game where you play as the goddess of crops
  • Construct your weapons, learn new fighting techniques and defeat demons
  • Plant rice, harvest it and cook the food
  • Take care of your people so that they have the best possible life

Don’t Starve Together

Release date:2016-04-21
Genre:Economy
Developer:Klei Entertainment

A bit dark and very mysterious gameplay with a gentle hint of horror. If you like Halloween-like games and want to keep your hands and mind busy, Don’t Starve Together will not disappoint you.

Play as one of several characters with a rich history and personality and enter the bizarre world of Don’t Starve! It is a nicely drawn game that combines several genres. The main goal, however, is survival. To achieve this, you have to gather resources, build your base, get food, plant crops, cook meals and create better and better inventions. As if that was not enough, everything around wants to kill you, so you also have to fight various monsters. And watch out, the worst always comes when it gets dark.

Key features
  • Create a safe base where you can place all your inventions
  • Explore, get resources and food
  • Grow crops to have access to food all year round
  • Fight monsters to get valuable items

Staxel

Release date:2018-01-23
Genre:Indie
Developer:Plukit

A sandbox RPG in which you can do whatever you want! You are a citizen of a quiet town where time has almost stood still. It is up to you what to do next.

Become part of a friendly community and create your dream home. Plant crops, harvest them and trade with your neighbors. Improve your farm to make your life as pleasant as possible. Make friends to unlock new quests and items. Accept quests, explore and even fight monsters in the dungeons. You decide what you want to do! Staxel is a fantastic proposition for anyone who does not like or does not have the energy to devote themselves too much to the game but just wants to chill.

Key features
  • Play a game to relax after a hard day
  • Farm the field, harvest your crops, and sell them at the market
  • Explore the area, go underground and kill monsters to get treasures
  • Become part of the local community

Harvest Moon: Light of Hope

Release date:2017-11-14
Genre:Adventure
Developer:Natsume Inc.

One of the parts of the hit series of agricultural games combining adventure and RPG elements. Become a local hero and restore the ruined village to its former glory!

You crash on the shore of the island and are luckily found by the nice lady doctor. You discover that the village you are in is not in the best condition and that its citizens desperately need your help. So you happily get started with renovating buildings, improving the land, and raising animals. You also meet many friendly locals and can even start a family!

Key features
  • Play part of the famous Harvest Moon series
  • Help citizens improve their lives
  • Renovate, build, farm and make everything run like clockwork
  • Become a part of the community and create the history of the island together with your neighbors

Don’t you wonder why farm simulators are so popular? Year after year, these video games collect very positive ratings on Steam. After all, it’s just planting 3d plants and taking care of cattle. One might even be tempted to say that this is a mere waste of time, and many say so. Colossal mistake!

We live in times when, sooner or later, each of us experiences stress. The World Health Organization defined stress not only as a disease of civilization but even as a disorder of the century. What does a stressed-out person want? It’s simple – peace of mind. And while farm simulators may seem like a trivial solution, they work. It is widely known that video games significantly reduce stress and mental tension. And a game where you can just wander around and drive John Deere tractors is a fantastic way to forget about everyday dilemmas. For a while, you can have fun without even paying much attention to the gameplay. Even more, you can play the farm simulator and have a conversation on the phone at the same time. Or invite friends to play together on PS4. Farm simulators are also usually a rather simple entertainment, which makes them popular also among seniors and perfect for kids. Gameplay for all generations!

As you can see, you don’t always have to put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Sometimes the easiest way to achieve peace of mind is to simply click on some pixelated flowers. Is there more to say? Just chill and farm.