Most of us don't have the time or space to open up a full-blown farm, which is why farming games exist. Farming simulators let us create our dream farm in the span of a few hours, and most importantly, it doesn't require any physical labor.
Want to escape reality and head to the countryside? These awesome farming games let you experience a simple country lifestyle.
7. Kynseed
Kynseed is a beautiful indie farming game that some compare to Stardew Valley. It's created by a group of developers who previously worked on Fable, so you can expect only the best from this game.
Not only do you run a farm, but you can also take charge of a business, such as a tavern, apothecary, or blacksmith. While you explore the world around you, you'll encounter dark faery creatures and find proverbs to uncover secrets.
6. Doraemon: Story of Seasons
For a more recent game in the Story of Seasons series, check out Doraemon: Story of Seasons. Like the game title implies, this game is a farming simulator that takes place in the world of Doraemon.
If you don't know already, Doraemon is a classic anime and manga series that follows a robot cat and his companion, Nobita Nobi.
This Doraemon and Story of Seasons crossover lets you build a farm, raise animals, catch bugs, explore Natura, and chat with other characters. As a plus, you even get to use Doraemon's gadgets!
5. Slime Rancher
Slime Rancher isn't your typical farming game. Instead of farming vegetables, you farm adorable slimes. You take on the role of Beatrix LeBeau, a farmer who moves to a planet filled with slimes.
As you catch slimes with your handy vacuum, you'll place them on your farm, and feed them to produce the main source of your income: plorts.
The planet has several different types of slimes that you can breed—just keep in mind that combining too many slimes will create dangerous Tarr.
4. Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns
Remember when I mentioned that the Harvest Moon team split up? While the localization team got to keep the Harvest Moon name, the actual developers had to come up with a different title for their games: Story of Seasons.
You can expect Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns to have all the features of your typical Harvest Moon game. However, it also gives you the ability to travel between different towns.
3. My Time at Portia
My Time at Portia transports you to a quiet town where you'll take over your father's old workshop. This game has all the elements of a classic farming game—you can grow crops, care for animals, socialize with residents, and craft goods.
Unlike some farming games, My Time at Portia has a skill system that allows you to level up your social, crafting, and combat skills. To make your farming routine easier, you can even use an irrigation system.
2. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley takes a ton of inspiration from the Harvest Moon series. In this farming sim, you'll play as a character who decides to revitalize their grandfather's old, run-down farm.
You'll start out by cleaning up your farm, growing simple crops, and exploring Pelican Town. As you progress, you can begin to craft items, chat with other residents, and complete quests.
Each day zips by, so you'll have to try to get everything done by nightfall, while also keeping an eye on your energy level.
1. Harvest Moon: A New Beginning
After the Harvest Moon localization and developer teams split up in 2014, Harvest Moon was never really the same. Harvest Moon: A New Beginning came out in 2012, before the unfortunate breakup that left newer Harvest Moon games painful to play.
Harvest Moon: A New Beginning stays true to its roots—you'll have to revive Echo Town by raising livestock and planting crops. During your downtime, you can eye up a potential spouse, customize your town, and go fishing.