Animal Crossing: New Horizons has taken the world by storm, making it a must-buy for anyone with a Nintendo Switch. But what if someone loves what Animal Crossing has to offer but can't afford to get themselves a console? What if they just prefer playing computer games over console ones?
Well, they would be in luck, because there are many PC games out there that include some or many of the elements that make New Horizons great. From the newest games on the market to some of the old school favorites, here is a list of 10 PC games anyone can play to fill that Animal Crossing void.
10 Minecraft (2011)
The creative elements of Minecraft have always bared a resemblance to Animal Crossing, being able to create a world that is the player's own. But with New Horizons implementing a crafting system, the Switch game is even more like the sandbox hit.
Launched officially in 2011, Minecraft has given players the ability to build what they want, explore vast areas and work their way to having many riches. That is not unlike New Horizons, an island that the player can shape as they're own and work their way to having millions of bells.
9 Stardew Valley (2016)
Picture this: A game where the player travels out on their own for the first time, establishes themselves at a new place and tries to make the best of it while working in the town and talking to villagers. Does it sound familiar, Animal Crossing fans?
In Stardew Valley, the player can grow crops and raise animals on a farm they take over from their deceased grandfather. In the meantime, they can form relationships with people in the town and even get married.
8 Terraria (2011)
Sticking with the theme of building and adventuring, Terraria is a little bit more action-packed than Animal Crossing but still revolves around creating a world that the player wants to live in.
The 2D sandbox adventure game puts the player in a randomly-generated world, similar to Minecraft, where they will have to go caving to gather minerals to use for crafting. All the while, they must defeat enemies that will help them upgrade their gear and build the home that they desire.
7 The Sims 4 (2014)
If someone is just into the simulation aspect of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, then why not try the latest installment in the premier simulation franchise The Sims?
In The Sims 4, players create a single sim to live in a neighborhood filled with pre-determined characters, or create an entire neighborhood that is entirely filled with player-created sims. There are also plenty of worlds to set up neighborhoods in, and EA has been consistently adding to the game ever since it came out.
6 Autonauts: Age Of Enlightenment (2020)
In New Horizons, the player starts from scratch as cleaning up the island, donating creatures and attracting villagers become the first steps to growing the island. Similarly, in Autonauts: Age Of Enlightenment, the player starts with nothing but, with the help of robots that will follow every command, will create a bustling metropolis.
Take care of colonists as they begin to move in. Build factories that will continue to produce goods needed to grow the town. Do what is necessary to create a town that thrives.
5 Staxel (2019)
In Staxel, the player is tasked to regrow an old farm and help a village thrive again. The game provides the ability to explore the terrain and hunt for fish and bugs, similar to Animal Crossing. The player can also build their farmhouse and the surrounding area in whatever way they like.
In the meantime, villagers will be around to ask for help, which can help in further growing the town and forming relationships. There is also online play available, where friends can come over and see all of the hard work the player has done.
4 Garden Paws (2018)
What about a game where the player isn't a human, but rather a creature of their choice that recently moved into their grandparents' farm? Garden Paws gives players just that plus the opportunity to explore the world and collect materials that can be sold to the local residents.
Use that money to help build a home and also help the town thrive like it never has before. Along the way, the player will meet Frank, a local construction shop owner, and Mayor Wilson, who will aid in helping get the town going again.
3 Castaway Paradise (2014)
Castaway Paradise has embraced its similarities to Animal Crossing. Here, players start life on a stranded tropical island where anything can be done. They have the ability to shape the island however they would like by using various decorations from multiple theme packs.
For fun, players can go out fishing or hunt for bugs. They can customize their own outfit. There's even holidays and events that can be taken part in, along with the changing seasons of the island as well. No, it's not New Horizons, but it's close enough!
2 My Time At Portia (2018)
Inspired by the works of Studio Ghibli, My Time At Portia teleports the player to the town of Portia where they will work to restore a workshop by growing crops and raising animals.
All the while, the player is asked to go out and find materials in mines in order to create items that will make the workshop the best around. The player can also interact with nearby villagers and help get town as a whole get on the right track to success. The workshop can also be decorated on the inside.
1 MySims (2007)
Circling back to The Sims, one long forgotten PC game is MySims, a game about rebuilding a once-filled town by creating buildings, asking visitors to move-in and helping them get settled.
The player can customize almost anything in the game, from their character and home all the way to the town hall. This is also helped by the presence of essences: personalized items that can extra flair to the furniture the player creates in their workshop. There are also plenty of characters to get to know as well, and the player gets to choose who they want as permanent residents.