Summary
A newStardew Valley-like cozy simulation game,Sugardew Island, has been announced for release in March 2025 on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch. Developed by indie studio Rokaplay,Sugardew Islandshares certain gameplay elements fromStardew Valley, such as farming and relationships with NPCs.
While shooting down aliens may bring satisfaction to some gamers, others may find it more enjoyable to engage in laid-back activities, like fishing, in their games. For the latter group of gamers, the cozy game genre provides a worthwhile escape from the humdrum of life and lets them go about their in-game objectives at their own pace, without any serious challenge. Among such titles,Stardew Valleyis a highly popular one, having attracted millions of players across multiple platforms since its initial release in 2016. Thanks to the success of casual sims, there are currently multiple different options in this category for the players to make their pick, with the latest example beingSugardew Island, an indie game born out of a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Developer Rokaplay recently released a new trailer for itsStardew Valley-like game,Sugardew Island, showcasing its various features along with a March 2025 release window. The farm life sim title, which offers close to 15 hours of gameplay, involves the player looking after their crops, domestic animals, and pets on a regular basis. As shown in the trailer, they can run their farm store and fulfill orders while also building bonds with the town folk. Importantly,Sugardew Islanddoesn’t have an in-game time and uses a turn-based day-night cycle, letting players indulge in the game without any stress in that regard.
Sugardew Island Takes Notes from Another Cozy Game Series
AlthoughSugardew Island’s in-game activities are similar to those available inStardew Valley, its art style is noticeably different in the sense that the former features cartoonish 3D graphics as opposed to the pixelated style of the latter title. That’s down to the fact that Rokaplay devs also took notes from other IPs in the genre, such as the classicHarvest Moongamesfrom the Nintendo DS era.
Interestingly, there is another forthcoming game, in addition toSugardew Island, that is set to feature gameplay elements identical to those found inStardew Valley. Giving the farm sim genre a horror spin,Welcome to Elderfieldplans to take the best partsofStardew Valleyand portray them in a unique dark tone.
Stardew Valley
WHERE TO PLAY
You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!
