Summary
Games that embrace the familiarcycle of the seasonsprovide players with a dynamic experience, often reflecting the changing environments and activities that come with each seasonal period and adding layers of detail that can bring a bit of extra verve to the table. Whether it’s the vibrant blooms of Spring, the sun-soaked days of Summer, the colorful foliage of Autumn, or the serene snows of Winter, these games allow players to engage with nature and the changing of the seasons in unique ways.
From farming simulators to adventurous quests, the incorporation of seasonal elements in these games enhances gameplay, adding depth and variety. Here are some of the best games that celebrate the Earth’s trek around the sun and the joy it brings throughout the year.
For Every Season Of Life
Animal Crossing
Welcome to town! It’s time to move to Animal Crossing. the real-life game that’s happening every second of every day, whether you’re there or not!- Get to know your town. Meet your neighbors, buy a house, and furnish it however you like.- So much to do! Plant trees, pull weeds, go shopping, run errands - or just go fishing.- Get three friends to move to your town or travel to a friend’s town to see what’s up.
Back in 2002,Animal Crossingrevolutionized the life simulation genre by introducing a real-time clock and changing seasons. In every iteration of the series, seasons are an integral part of the fun. Players can plant flowers, catch fish and insects, and participate in seasonal events that align with the real world, such as the cherry blossom eason in Spring and the Halloween festivities in Autumn.
The latest installment in the series even challenges players to findall the crafting recipesfor particular events or times of year. The charming animal villagers and customizable elements create a delightful atmosphere, making every season feel special and inviting. The game also encourages creativity through home and island decoration, allowing players to showcase their seasonal spirit.
In this gorgeous 90s anime-inspired game, elements from the likes of Sailor Moonand Ghibli films all weave together to create the gorgeous tapestry that isFields of Mistria.The changing seasonsimpact farming, crafting, and social interactions in a picturesque countryside setting.
Players can grow crops, raise animals, and build relationships with townsfolk while enjoying the seasonal transformations of the environment. The outfits of the townsfolk even change to be seasonally appropriate! Each season brings new challenges and events, such as Summer festivals or Winter holidays, enriching the gameplay experience. The art style and music also reflect the beauty of each season, making it a visually and emotionally engaging game.
iOS
Genre
Farming Sim
Japanese Rural Life Adventureimmerses players in the beauty of the countryside in Japan, where they can experience traditional farming and seasonal festivals. Theculture of rural Japanis lovingly reproduced in this game, where players can even learn the culturally correct way to pray at a Shinto shrine. As they repair a neglected town, the villagers gradually warm up to the player as they change slowly from outsiders to trusted neighbors.
Players engage in activities like fishing, farming, and crafting, all while witnessing the seasonal changes that influence their surroundings and daily tasks. Seasonal festivals, like the cherry blossom viewing in Spring and the harvest festival in Autumn, add cultural depth and a sense of community. The serene environment and cultural elements make for a tranquil gaming experience, allowing players to appreciate the rhythm of rural life.
A staple in the world of cozy, seasonal games,Stardew Valleyhas players taking over their grandfather’s old homestead and acquainting themselves with the somewhat quirky denizens of Pelican Town and beyond. This life sim blends farming, crafting, and social simulation, allowing players to witness the individual stories of each NPC in the Valley, eventually allowing players the option to romance, befriend, or even marry them.
Each season brings unique crops, festivals, and events, encouraging players to plan their farming strategies accordingly. The game features a wide variety of seasonal festivals, from the Egg Festival in Spring to the Spirit’s Eve in Autumn, which foster interactions with villagers and deepen the player’s relationships with them. The game’s charming graphics, relaxing soundtrack, and engaging gameplay make it a staple for anyone looking to unwind and connect with nature.
Cozy Groveis a life simulation game set in a haunted, ever-changing forest. Players take on the role of a Spirit Scout, helping ghostly bears with their unfinished business and listening to the bittersweet tales of their lives. Despite its mysteriously non-static nature, players have the agency to place items on the island as they please, adding trees, animals, and decorations.
The game features a day-night cycle and seasons that correspond to real-time, with different tasks and activities available throughout the year. Seasonal decorations and unique quests that correspond with the time of year create a cozy atmosphere, complemented by itsheartwarming stories and art style. This game encourages daily engagement and slow gameplay, as players can only complete certain tasks as the seasons change.
With a name based on an Australian slang term meaning “honest” and set in the outback,Dinkumincorporates seasonal changes that affect the wildlife and environment. Its seasons are based on the weather patterns of the Southern Hemisphere, and there’s slightly less visual distinction between them.
Players can farm, fish, and hunt while adapting to the unique challenges presented by each season and capturing creatures based on uniquely Australian animals like crocs, frilly lizards, and echidnas. The game’s open-world design allows for exploration and creativity, and perfectly captures the laid-back vibe so commonly found in Oz. Additionally, players can build their own towns and communities, fostering a sense of achievement and progress as they develop their environment through the seasons.
Though not a fully-fledged game on its own,The Sims 4: Seasonsexpansion pack adds a layer of realism to the popular life simulation game. Players can experience the changing seasons, complete with weather effects and seasonal holidays, such as Winterfest and Harvestfest.
This expansion enhances gameplay by introducing new activities and interactions that reflect the time of year, enriching the overall experience. With seasonal changes affecting the Sims' moods and behaviors, players must adapt their strategies to help their Sims' thrive, creating a more immersive and relatable experience.
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasonsis a classic action-adventure RPG that allows players to manipulate the seasons to solve puzzles and progress through the story. Each season changes the environment and affects gameplay, adding depth and variety to the adventure.
Players can use the Rod of Seasons to shift between Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, revealing new paths and items in a beautifully crafted world. This unique mechanic makes this game a standout title in theZeldaseries, appealing to fans of both action and puzzle-solving gameplay.
Vintage Story
Vintage Story is an uncompromising wilderness survival sandbox game inspired by eldritch horror themes. Find yourself in a ruined world reclaimed by nature and permeated by unnerving temporal disturbances. Relive the advent of human civilization, or take your own path
Originally aMinecraftmod that has blossomed into a game of its own,Vintage Storyis a survival game that emphasizes crafting and building in a block-based environment. Its world takes inspiration from Eldritch horrors, and the player must rebuild society from scratch as they piece together clues about the past using remnants from the previous civilization. Seasonal changes impact farming and resource availability, encouraging players to adapt their strategies.
The game’s emphasis on exploration and creativity, coupled with its seasonal gameplay, creates an engaging experience focused on the beauty of the natural world. Players can create shelters, gather resources, and experience the challenges that each season presents, from harsh Winters to fertile Springs, adding layers of depth to the survival mechanics.
Harvest Moonis considered to be the first-ever farming sim, andStory of Seasonsis a beloved farming sim series that builds on the legacy of theHarvest Moonfranchise.The creator ofStardew Valley, Eric Barone, has even cited this classic game as one of his inspirations. The game features vibrant graphics and charming characters, allowing players to cultivate crops, raise livestock, and build relationships within a quaint village.
Each season introduces different crops and seasonal festivals, encouraging players to strategize their farming throughout the year. Events like the Spring Blossom Festival and the Autumn Harvest Festival create a sense of belonging and celebration, making each season feel special. The delightful blend of farming, crafting, and relationship-building keeps players engaged as they experience the changing seasons.
