Animal Crossing is a classic with its charming village life, adorable characters, and endlessly customizable spaces. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why I bought a Nintendo Switch. The combination of a portable console and a cozy game takes you on a peaceful adventure, but can you also do that on PC with games like Animal Crossing?
Several alternatives manage to capture Animal Crossing magic, so there are plenty of choices, most of which have modest system requirements. In this article, I’ve listed my favourite Animal Crossing alternatives on PC, and here are all of them.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a must-have for those craving that Animal Crossing experience on PC. The indie title can be considered the father of the cozy gaming genre on PC, as it reached unimaginable popularity after its 2016 release.
In Stardew Valley, you plant crops, raise animals, and integrate yourself into a small town full of memorable characters. You can decorate your farmhouse to your heart’s content, befriend (and even romance) villagers, participate in seasonal festivals, and explore caves for resources.
I love how Stardew Valley respects your time, too, since there’s no rush in the game. You can optimize your farm layout or enjoy the peaceful routine of watering crops and chatting with neighbors.
Where to download Stardew Valley on PC: Available on Steam and GOG.
Cozy Grove
Cozy Grove puts a supernatural spin on the Animal Crossing formula. The game places you on a haunted island inhabited by adorable ghost bears. You’re essentially a Spirit Scout, and you get to help these spirits resolve their unfinished business while bringing joy back to the island.
Cozy Grove syncs to real-world time, so you get around 30-60 minutes of fresh content each day. I like how this design encourages you to check in regularly without demanding an entire evening. Time investment is often one of the biggest pros or cons of gaming, depending on your preference, so many players can also appreciate this aspect.
Overall, you get to collect shells, flowers, and critters to donate, and decorate your campsite while uncovering each bear’s backstory in Cozy Grove. I’d personally say this game is worth a try for its beautiful hand-drawn art style and emotional storytelling.
Where to download Cozy Grove on PC: Available on Steam and Epic Games Store.
Dinkum
Dinkum is frequently described as “Australian Animal Crossing,” and that comparison is spot-on. You arrive on a vast island in the outback and gradually transform it into a thriving town by completing tasks, inviting NPCs to move in, and unlocking new abilities.
I enjoy how Dinkum nails the exploration and collection aspects on par with Animal Crossing. You can catch bugs, fish in different spots, mine for resources, and even tame wild animals, which are all engaging experiences.
Dinkum also mixes in some survival elements to its cozy vibes. You’ll need to manage your energy and deal with occasional predators.
Where to download Dinkum on PC: Available on Steam.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
From my point of view, Disney Dreamlight Valley is the perfect combination of Animal Crossing with some The Sims in the mix as well. The farming sim formula feels even more cozy with Disney and Pixar characters around. It’s definitely worth a try.
You get to team up with characters like Mickey Mouse, Merlin, and Wall-E to restore the once-beautiful valley by clearing the Night Torns in Disney Dreamlight Valley.
Dreamlight Valley’s gameplay loop consists of farming, fishing, cooking, and decorating your home while building relationships with characters across the valley. Each character has unique storylines that unlock as you deepen your friendship, and you can explore more realms in the process.
Dreamlight Valley looks like it leans on nostalgia, but the game stands on its own merits with regular content updates and a genuinely fun gameplay loop that doesn’t feel like it’s just recycling memorable video game quotes.
Where to download Disney Dreamlight Valley on PC: Available on Steam and Epic Games Store.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
Hear me out on this one: Hello Kitty Island Adventure is one of the most fun Animal Crossing alternatives on PC. It executes Nintendo’s formulas perfectly with all the charm and polish.
In Hello Kitty Island Adventure, you arrive on an island with Sanrio characters and help restore various cabins, solve environmental puzzles, and collect critters for the Nature Reserve. You can catch bugs and fish, grow and breed flowers to create new colors, customize cabins for different characters, and give gifts.
The game originally released on iOS, but it eventually arrived on PC in Jan. 2025. Overall, there’s genuine depth here, with dozens of characters to befriend and plenty of collectibles to hunt down, and you may enjoy the game even more if you have watched any of the Hello Kitty animated movies or series.
Where to download Hello Kitty Island Adventure on PC: Available on Steam.
FAQs
Can I get Animal Crossing on PC?
No, you can’t get Animal Crossing on PC because it’s not available on the platform. The franchise is a Nintendo exclusive.
Why is Animal Crossing not on PC?
Animal Crossing isn’t on PC because it’s a Nintendo exclusive, which helps drive up console sales.
Is there a way to play Switch games on PC?
Yes, but not quite legally. Nintendo has shut down quite a few emulators throughout the years, but also admitted that emulators were technically legal, too, according to AndroidAuthority. So there’s a bit of a dilemma there, a bit similar to the legislation of betting apps in various countries.
