With Fae Farm releasing early next month, there is still some time to get some solid gaming time in between now and then. As a fan of the farming sim genre myself, I know that once you fall in love with the genre, you’re in too deep and want to play as many as you can. So, I’ve compiled a list of five games that will help scratch that itch whilst waiting to explore the magical world of Azoria in Fae Farm.
What to Play Whilst Waiting for Fae Farm
From watching videos, reading interviews with the development team, and consuming as much information as possible about Fae Farm prior to release, it is clear that the team enjoys the farming sim genre. Due to this, they have taken many common elements from other similar games and implemented them into Fae Farm. Not only does this mean that we should get a game that is every farming sim fan’s dream, but also many other games currently out now are able to tide us over until Fae Farm’s release!
In no particular order, here are five games to lose yourself in whilst waiting for Fae Farm.
5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons may be past the highest point of its popularity, but that doesn’t mean that it is any less enjoyable. For many, the game holds a special place in their heart due to its release during the pandemic. I know, for me personally, having a lighthearted game that I could play together with my now-husband was very important. Especially due to the fact that we were still living on opposite sides of the planet. Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Fae Farm share a lot of similar gameplay elements. Home decoration, crafting, catching fish and bugs, playing with friends, and more. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the perfect game you can pick up for short bursts every so often, which is perfect while waiting for a new game to launch!
4. Temtem
Ok, I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right. Temtem isn’t a farming sim. But Temtem and Fae Farm share an important element. The ability to play the entire game via online co-op. There’s something special about being able to enjoy a game from start to finish with another person. That is not to say that playing the game solo isn’t a solid experience in itself, but there is nothing quite like a shared experience. With the game receiving its newest patch on August 17, 2023, and a loyal player base, there is no time like the present to jump into this creature-collecting MMO.
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3. Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life
Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a remake of fan-favorite Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life. The most traditional farming sim in this list. But despite this, the game still manages to stand out due to the way that it incorporates the passage of time into its narrative. As the seasons change and the year begins once again, your character ages appropriately. Players will find all of the normal Story of Seasons gameplay elements in this title. Farming, fishing, animal care, cooking, NPC friendship and eventual marriage, and more! It’s easy to get lost in the slow-paced life in Forgotten Valley, and before you know it, you’ll be a hybrid crop master.
2. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley. An absolute delight of a game that includes all of the elements that make this genre of games one of my personal favorites. Not only that, but it continues to get updated, and so it’s a game that has really stood the test of time. Many farming sims that I play, I complete, and then move on. Stardew Valley continues to deliver new releases that keep me and its fanbase at large coming back repeatedly over the last seven years. That’s quite the feat that this humble game has achieved.
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1. Palia
There’s been a lot of buzz around Palia and for good reason! With Palia recently becoming open beta, players now have the opportunity to explore this wondrous world for themselves. There are so many activities that one can enjoy, such as but not limited to, fishing, hunting, gardening, foraging, and furniture making. Like Fae Farm, players can play solo or with friends. This is a fun concept as you are able to expand and develop at a faster rate. It is also good to know that all progress made during the open beta will carry over to the full release later this year.
There are plenty of wonderful games in the farming sim genre, and this is only the tip of the iceberg. Regardless of what you choose to play in the time between now and the launch of Fae Farm, I have no doubt that it will be the perfect choice to tide you over until September 8th! Until then, we can expect to see more information released, and with an upcoming developer livestream, fans are sure to get their questions answered.
