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Starsand Island recently picked up some traction after the Gamescom appreance, followed by a recent trailer at Xbox’s Tokyo Game Show showcase and confirmation that it's set to launch on consoles in addition to PC. It was one of the games that I remember seeing and thinking, "That looks kinda nice" - even though life sims with anime characters are definitely not my thing. But since I play all kinds of games during Steam Next Fest, I decided to accept a preview invite from the publisher, and I'm glad I did.
Right from the get-go, it's obvious that Starsand Island simply radiates positive energy just by looking at a single screenshot or trailer frame: Studio Ghibli-inspired art style, friendly faces, and the kind of wholesome atmosphere that makes you want to go there and chill in this stunning world.
Even the game's UI and menus have pretty pastel colours and eye-pleasing design, which tells you a lot about the idea behind Starsand Island's tone and visual style.
At first glance, Starsand Island looks like a 3D, third-person take on Stardew Valley. You return to your hometown after years away, greeted by cheerful townsfolk who all seem to remember you as the nicest person alive. It’s a warm welcome, even if you, as a player, don't know any of them. Your late grandfather has left behind a cosy cabin and an overgrown plot of land, which becomes your new home and playground.
Farming, crafting, and building make up the backbone of Starsand Island. You’ll start small - chopping wood, clearing stones, tilling soil - before learning to plant, water, and nurture crops the proper way. There’s no instant farming here - first you need to tile, then water the soil, and only then can you sow. Some vegetables like cucumbers even require supports like trellises, and you can use fertilisers to speed up growth realistically. Even caring for animals isn’t a “set and forget” affair. Rabbits, for instance, have to eat and keeping them happy is a must if you want them to thrive and breed.
The building system is extensive, featuring over a hundred items for decorating your home and farm, from furniture and lighting to landscaping pieces. As you progress, you’ll unlock new materials and even buy extra land to expand your dream estate - perfect for those who always end up building sprawling mansions “just because they can.”
What really stands out, though, is the life-sim depth. You’ll learn new skills by talking to locals - farmers, fishers, and craftsmen - turning everyday interactions into meaningful quests. Completing tasks earns you currency and proficiency, keeping progression engaging without ever feeling grindy. You can also romance townsfolk, adopt pets (yes, including strays), and take part in a variety of relaxing activities like bug catching, fishing and even video games in the town's arcade game store.
It’s all wrapped in a bright, hand-painted art style and backed by gentle, soothing music. There’s a real sense of heart here - Starsand Island doesn’t just copy other farming sims, it adds its own rhythm and charm. Between its warmth, its surprisingly detailed systems, and that irresistibly cosy vibe, Starsand Island could easily become the next big thing for fans of games like Stardew Valley.
Starsand Island is out sometime in Q1 2026 for PC. It will also be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch.
