If you’re a fan of Stardew Valley, odds are, you’re always looking for more games like it. Nearly a decade since Stardew released, there have been countless imitators, but there are still plenty of cozy games and life sims that put their unique stamp on the genre. And if you also happen to be a fan of Studio Ghibli movies, then there’s a perfect game for you right now — and you can play it for free.
Releasing in 2026, Starsand Island on Steam is a fun blend of Stardew Valley-like gameplay with a really nice Studio Ghibli aesthetic. Even its cover art is reminiscent of 2014’s When Marnie Was There, which was released in the U.S. in 2015. “Befriend adorable animals, enjoy a relaxing fishing trip, and explore the enchanting Moonlit Forest. Find your quiet seaside retreat and rediscover life’s simple joys,” reads the game’s description.
Starsand Island Is Free To Try Now
Starsand Island currently has a demo available on Steam, which means you can check it out for free while we wait for the full launch. Upon reaching the island, you can enjoy “slow-paced days spent bonding with adorable capybaras, cats, and dogs” while also exploring the mystical forest nearby or fishing from the beach or seaside docks.
There’s also farming and building mechanics, so if you’re a fan of Stardew Valley’s farming or Animal Crossing‘s island already, then you should love it. And if the gameplay alone isn’t enticing enough, the art style should be.
Starsand Island Looks Completely Adorable
From Shiness: The Lightning Kingdom to Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, there have been plenty of Studio Ghibli-looking games over the years (NNK even had the actual studio working on cutscenes). And while a lot of those games have admittedly skewed toward the RPG side, a few in the cozy genre have appeared as well.
Starsand Island doesn’t look like an exact copycat of Ghibli’s style, but the inspirations feel apparent. And it’s hard not to love the beach setting, with its pristine waters and beautiful skies. It’s an ideal setting that should keep plenty of people wanting to stay there. The anime-inspired character designs and cartoonish animals only add to its endearing vibe.
If you’re looking for a game like Stardew Valley, then Starsand Island should absolutely scratch that itch. While we’re waiting for it to fully release in 2026, be sure to check out the demo, which is available to play for free on Steam right now.
- Released
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February 26, 2016
- ESRB
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E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)
- Developer(s)
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ConcernedApe
- Publisher(s)
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ConcernedApe
- Engine
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Proprietary
- Multiplayer
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Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
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Stardew Valley does not currently support crossplay between different consoles and PC
- Cross Save
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cross-progression is only available between the PC and mobile versions of the game
- Number of Players
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1-4