Summary
There’s something therapeutic about Farming simulators. These games can transport gamers from their busy life to a serene, isolated valley at the press of a button. Additionally, most Farming sims aren’t just limited to tending the crops; some offer superb multiplayer experiences, too, while others combine other gameplay elements likehack-and-slash combator managing a restaurant.
Farming sims also make a terrific addition to your Steam Deck’s library. Unlike games that require a mouse and a keyboard, farming sims can be enjoyed from the comfort of your couch or a car’s backseat when traveling. Here are some of the best farming games that can be enjoyed on the handheld.
Most farming sims progress slowly. However, that’s not the case withHarvestella, which puts players right in the middle of an unnerving plot at the start. The game, which is equal parts a farming simulator and an action RPG, lets players choose from ahandful of jobs or classes, including Mages who use magic to overwhelm enemies or Shadow Walkers, who can dual-wield blades.
As farmers, players must use varied farming techniques and account for the game’s different seasons to grow a wide range of crops. Speaking of which, the world of Harvestella is governed by four super-sized crystals, which control the game’s seasons. However, a fifth season, namely Quietus, occurs between the four main seasons and causes the crops to wither. The season is also fatal to humans. With the player’s arrival, the super-sized crystals start behaving erratically. Players must wither the seasons and fend off monsters to unravel the island’s mystery.
Farming simulators can be somewhat punishing, especially ones that require players to account for the crops rotting and other variables.Farm Togetherlies on the opposite end of the spectrum. Not only that, but the game also advances time when players are away. This is a stark difference from other farming simulators and ensures players don’t have to wait for their crops to grow or other tasks to complete when they hop back into the game.
The game lets players choose from a couple of different plots to start their farming journey. Players can customize their characters and even get a fluffy companion like a dog or a cat. Notably, the game doesn’t have a story, per se. Instead,Farm Togetherlets players focus on growing their farms, acquiring newer buildings, and working on varied projects. It also has amultiplayer elementto it, and up to four players can work on the same farm together.
Players looking for a farming game with robust RPG elements will find a lot to like aboutFaeFarm. The game kicks off with players creating a detailed yet charming avatar using numerous filters like Hair, Voice, and more. The story takes place in Azoria, a faraway island that is home to a budding community of farmers and - wait for it - magical creatures. These creatures threaten the peace and quiet of the community, so players must take on quests and deliver specific items to befriend these spirits.
The game also lets players fish, mine, and even raise different animals for produce. It offers charming graphics and intuitive controls, including auto-equipping the right tool to mine rock or water your plants. Unsurprisingly,FaeFarmhas amassed many positive reviews on Steam, and it works perfectly on the Steam Deck, too.
Farming Simulator 22is perhaps the most realistic farming game on this list. The game features hundreds of real agricultural tools from brands like Case IH and CLAAS. Additionally, the game doesn’t just propel players to make their own farm but a full-blown agricultural empire with production lines and more.
The game divvies up a player’s day between various farming chores, like taking the weeds out, tilling the soil, or planting seeds with a seeder. Additionally, the player’s home base changes with the seasons. This also affectsthe farm’s economy, as certain items can only be procured under the right conditions. Suffice it to say, players with a knack for detail and farming will find a lot to like here.
Although farming simulators have a charming appeal, players can lose interest owing to their monotonous nature. That’s whereSakuna: Of Rice and Ruincomes into the picture. The game is a cross between a hack-and-slash platformer and a farming simulator. The game’s story revolves around Sakuna, a harvest goddess who is exiled to a demonic island with some humans.
Sakuna must fight monsters and harvest different types of Rice, which, coincidentally, is also the source of her powers. Players must also pay heed to different farming elements, such as using different types of fertilizers or softening the soil. These factors determine the type of harvest, giving Sakuna different boosts during battle.
Story of the Seasons: Friends of Mineral Townis apopular remake of the originalthat was launched for the GameBoy. Much likeStardew Valley, players must take on the task of revamping their grandfather’s plot inSoTS. The game offers cutesy graphics and runs quite well on the Steam Deck.
The game also has some dating sim elements, and players can romanticize eligible bachelors and bachelorettes and eventually put down roots with them. There is plenty of gathering to do, too, and players can go fish, harvest crops, and tend to animals to sell produce, too. All said and done, the game offers plenty to budding e-Farmers and is a good option for new and returning games of the franchise.
Stardew Valleyis unlike most games on this list. While it has a major focus on farming, the game also implores players to invest their time in building relationships with townsfolk. The game also includes a romantic aspect and allows players to find a spouse. In addition to bringing the family farm to its former glory, players must also help scale up operations in the nearby town.
Stardew Valley’soverarching plot can strike a chord with gamers, too. After spending most of their years inside an office cubicle, the protagonist takes a plunge and relocates to Pelican Town. Upon receiving a note from the grandfather, players move to his desolate farm to try and make it profitable once again. The game letsplayers explore dungeonsand mine for minerals, help townsfolk with chores, and even fight monsters.
The crux ofDave the Diverrevolves around exploring the vast depths of the ever-changing Blue Hole biome andprocuring fish for Bancho’s restaurant. However, the game has some farming elements to it, as well, which are introduced as players progress through the story. One such mission, dubbed the Noisy Customer, will introduce players to Otto. Upon completing the quest, Otto will then set up places for players to farm fish and other ingredients.
Without giving away too many spoilers, players can also farm seaweed and other unique items in the game. The farming mechanics are fairly straightforward, though, and the game will have players take out the weeds, water vegetables, and apply fertilizers to grow crops quickly.
