Animal Crossing: New Horizons took the Nintendo Switch community by storm. Sadly, not all own the console and so others look for similar gameplay.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons became a popular hit garnering more than five million sales in just a month. It made a lot of people interested in the game including those without a Switch. Now, the hunt is on for the several Animal Crossing Android alternatives.
The core mechanics of Animal Crossing that made this simulation game popular is crafting, exploration, and cute graphics. Those mechanics are not exclusive to this game though. There are a few Animal Crossing Android alternatives that share the same social and life genre.
1. Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
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What’s the best way to kick off an Animal Crossing Android game list? With Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp of course.
This game is not a fully-fledged Animal Crossing game as it is missing some key features that make the console version better. But the core mechanics such as crafting, hunting, fishing, and many more remain.
There is also the ability to visit other recreation spots and meet other people to gain more points.
So for someone who does not have a Nintendo Switch, this is a great game to pass time. For those who already have a Switch but are hesitant about buying Animal Crossing: New Horizons, this game is a must-try in order to decide whether the Switch game is worth buying.
2. Castaway Paradise
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When talking about Animal Crossing alternatives, Castaway Paradise is one of the notable titles.
It has the same exact mechanics as Animal Crossing such as hunting bugs, decorating, crafting, and other features. The only difference is that New Horizons has a more polished look compared to this boxy-looking clone.
The UI is one of its major drawback. It looks and feels cluttered with occasional stutters when loading several elements at the same time.
Either way, this game is for free, so there’s no harm in trying to see if it fits one’s taste.
3. Don’t Starve: Shipwrecked
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This game shares the same core mechanics as the other simulation games. However, Don’t Starve: Shipwrecked added a feature that makes it stand out from the rest.
The player starts alone on a deserted island. Picking up resources and searching for loot is the first thing to do. However, the player needs to survive elements that may kill the player.
It is a decent survival game for Android with a price tag of US$4.99[AU$7.65]. However, the PC version Don’t Starve and Don’t Starve: Together provides a better overall experience.
4. Stardew Valley
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If there is a simulation game that can rival Animal Crossing then this may be it. Stardew Valley has been around for quite some time on the Nintendo Switch and other platforms.
Its longevity is not just about luck though. This game has excellent features that make it a great simulation game.
Stardew Valley might not have the cutesy animal look that attracts a lot of fans, but all the core components are present to keep the game fun.
Just like other simulation games, crafting, planting crops, tending livestock, are all part of the game.
For $6.99, there are no in-app purchases. The game continues to be developed until now making it a better buy among other options. This ensures that there are fewer bugs encountered inside the game.
5. Use emulators
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Animal Crossing did not start with the Nintendo Switch. Several versions were available for other Nintendo consoles back then. Now, there are a lot of console emulators available to play old Nintendo games.
DraStic DS Emulator is the top choice for previous Animal Crossing versions. Animal Crossing: New Leaf is a great first game to start with. It carries over crafting mechanics, planting, hunting, and fishing features.
Playing through emulators usually connotes piracy. But it is strongly advised to purchase the game legally. These developers need support for them to create more fun games.
M64Plus FZ and Dolphine Emulator are the other options if DraStic is not available.
Animal Crossing Android alternatives are available on Google Play. But if older Animal Crossing titles float your boat, then emulators are the way to go.
Featured image courtesy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons