Upcoming farming sim Starsand Island got a new trailer during PlayStation's Gamescom 2025 presentation, and it's giving off some major Stardew Valley vibes. It's hard for a cozy farming game not to draw comparisons to Stardew at this point, but the influence of ConcernedApe's indie life sim on this new title is clear from the name to the gameplay. Still, Starsand Island has more to offer beyond a popular source of inspiration.
The first trailer for Starsand Island dropped in Spring 2024, showing the player character cooking, farming, and relaxing in a charming seaside village. Since then, developers have also confirmed the game will also let players fish, customize their homes, explore wild areas in the surrounding environment, and interact with over 40 NPCs. A successful Kickstarter campaign followed, and now Starsand Island is gearing up for a console release in addition to coming to Steam.
What to Expect From 'Anime Stardew Valley' Game Starsand Island
With the upcoming launch of the anime and Stardew Valley-inspired game Starsand Island, here's what players looking to play it can look forward to.
Starsand Island Lets Players Farm, Fish, and Ride an Ostrich
PlayStation's Gamescom 2025 trailer for Starsand Island showed off a wider range of gameplay, giving players a new look at its farming mechanics as well as some more unique features, like the ability to ride some unconventional mounts, including an ostrich. The Stardew Valley throughlines are easy to see from the grid-based farming system, home customization options, NPC interactions, and even a playable arcade cabinet within the game. Developer Seed Lab has explicitly said on its Kickstarter that ConcernedApe's title was a big source of inspiration, which shouldn't come as a surprise, given that Stardew Valley helped standardize the farming sim as a genre.
Beyond the Stardew comparisons, Starsand Island has also drawn comparisons to Studio Ghibli films for its watercolor anime art style and setting in a small coastal town. According to the game's Steam page, that town will be inhabited by dozens of NPCs whose stories and relationships evolve with the player's actions. Each NPC has a unique "affection path" that progresses their romantic, professional, and other storylines based on what players do, with each one responding in different ways.
If the Gamescom trailer is anything to go on, it seems Starsand Island's personalization options are similarly extensive. The video shows a range of clothing options, both for the player's characters and their pets, as well as a fish tank-decorating mechanic and what appears to be a customizable houseboat sitting docked at the pier. There's still no specific release date for the game, but Starsand Island is aiming for a Q4 2025 launch, so the wait may not be long.
OpenCritic Reviews
- Released
- February 1, 2026
- Developer(s)
- Seed Lab
- Publisher(s)
- Seed Lab
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
WHERE TO PLAY
Escape the Urban Grind to Starsand Island - Your Island Paradise Awaits! Tired of the hustle and bustle? Return to the tranquil embrace of Starsand Island, a gem hailed as the "Star of the Deep Sea."
Here, immerse yourself in a serene pastoral lifestyle: slow-paced days spent bonding with adorable capybaras, cats, and dogs, savoring the thrill of bountiful fishing, exploring the mystical Moonlit Forest, or simply soaking in the island’s untouched beauty. Leave the mundane behind and rediscover life’s simple joys in this coastal utopia.
Live in Harmony with Nature
Cultivate tropical fruits and vegetables on your own farm, nurture bonds with charming animals, and design a unique countryside villa tailored to the island’s terrain. Decorate cascading terrace gardens and shape the island’s landscape—every corner invites your creativity and stewardship.
Freedom to Roam
Thrills to Claim Glide on a longboard along pristine coastlines, zip through lush forests on a retro scooter, or sail to uncover neighboring islands’ secrets. With a diverse range of vehicles, embrace the joy of speed—or cruise the iconic coastal highway to witness breathtaking vistas at your own pace.
Heartwarming Bonds with Islanders
In this close-knit community, every resident has a story to tell. Forge lasting friendships through daily interactions and special quests. As connections deepen, you might even find that special someone to share your island life with.
Uncover the Island’s Mysteries
Venture into fog-shrouded depths where ancient ruins, rare treasures, and hidden mineral veins await. Master combat skills, and face off against bizarre creatures—each battle promises unexpected surprises and rewards.
- Number of Players
- Single-player
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Playable
- Genre(s)
- Farming, Life Simulation, RPG, Casual
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
