10 Free Games Like Stardew Valley on Steam [2024] ✅

Have you ever found yourself completely immersed in the charming world of Stardew Valley, tending to your crops, raising animals, and building relationships with the townsfolk? If you’re looking for more games that offer a similar experience but won’t cost you a dime, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll be exploring 10 fantastic free games like Stardew Valley that you can find on Steam. So grab your virtual watering can and let’s dive in!

Quick Answer

Looking for free games like Stardew Valley on Steam? Here are 10 fantastic options to consider:

1. My Time at Portia – A delightful farming and crafting game set in the post-apocalyptic town of Portia. ✅
2. Slime Rancher – Raise adorable slimes on a distant alien planet in this charming farming and exploration game. ✅
3. Graveyard Keeper – Manage your own medieval graveyard while exploring dungeons and interacting with quirky characters. ✅
4. Garden Paws – Build and manage your own animal shop while exploring a vibrant open world. ✅
5. Forager – Gather resources, craft items, and build your own thriving economy in this addictive indie game. ✅
6. Staxel – A voxel-based sandbox game where you can farm, build, and socialize with the villagers. ✅
7. Farm Together – Collaborate with friends or farm solo in this relaxing farming game with a focus on customization. ✅
8. World’s Dawn – Immerse yourself in a charming village as you farm, fish, and build relationships with the locals. ✅
9. Stardew Valley Expanded – A fan-made mod that adds new areas, characters, and events to the original Stardew Valley. ✅
10. Moonlighter – Run your own shop during the day and explore dangerous dungeons at night in this unique action RPG. ✅

Now that you have a quick overview, let’s dive deeper into each game and explore their features, gameplay, and what makes them stand out as great alternatives to Stardew Valley.

Quick Tips and Facts

• All of the games listed here are available for free on Steam.
• Some games may offer additional paid content or DLC, but the base game is free to play.
• Make sure to check the system requirements for each game before downloading to ensure compatibility with your PC.
• These games offer a variety of gameplay experiences, from farming and crafting to exploration and dungeon crawling.
• Each game has its own unique art style, mechanics, and features, so there’s something for everyone.

Background: The Stardew Valley Phenomenon

Before we dive into the free games like Stardew Valley, let’s take a moment to appreciate the impact and success of the original game. Stardew Valley, developed by ConcernedApe, was released in 2016 and quickly became a beloved indie hit. Inspired by classic farming simulation games like Harvest Moon, Stardew Valley captured the hearts of players with its charming pixel art, relaxing gameplay, and engaging characters.

The game allows players to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and take on the role of a farmer in the idyllic Pelican Town. From planting and harvesting crops to raising animals and participating in community events, Stardew Valley offers a wide range of activities to keep players entertained for hours on end. The game’s emphasis on building relationships with the townsfolk and uncovering the secrets of the valley adds depth and replayability to the experience.

Stardew Valley’s success has inspired many developers to create their own take on the farming simulation genre, resulting in a plethora of similar games that offer their own unique twists and features. Now, let’s explore some of the best free games like Stardew Valley that you can find on Steam.

1. My Time at Portia

Rating: 9.5/10

Design: 9/10 | Gameplay: 10/10 | Performance: 9/10 | Cost-effectiveness: 10/10 | Overall: 9.5/10

If you’re a fan of Stardew Valley’s charming art style and relaxing gameplay, you’ll feel right at home in My Time at Portia. Developed by Pathea Games, this post-apocalyptic farming and crafting game offers a delightful world to explore and plenty of activities to keep you busy.

In My Time at Portia, you inherit your father’s workshop and must restore it to its former glory. You’ll gather resources, craft items, and complete commissions for the townsfolk. The game also features a unique social system where you can build relationships with the villagers, participate in festivals, and even get married.

One of the standout features of My Time at Portia is its emphasis on exploration. Beyond the town of Portia, there are vast ruins to explore, filled with valuable treasures and dangerous creatures. The game also offers a deep customization system, allowing you to personalize your character and home to your heart’s content.

Pros:

• Beautiful art style and charming world design.
• Engaging gameplay with a wide variety of activities.
• Deep social system with relationships and marriage.
• Extensive exploration and dungeon crawling.
• Robust customization options.

Cons:

• Some players may find the early game progression a bit slow.
• The combat mechanics could be more polished.

Overall: My Time at Portia is a fantastic free game like Stardew Valley that offers a rich and immersive experience. Whether you’re tending to your crops, exploring ancient ruins, or building relationships with the townsfolk, there’s always something to do in this delightful post-apocalyptic world.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Steam | GOG | Humble Bundle

2. Slime Rancher

Rating: 9/10

Design: 9/10 | Gameplay: 9/10 | Performance: 9/10 | Cost-effectiveness: 9/10 | Overall: 9/10

If you’re looking for a unique twist on the farming genre, Slime Rancher is the game for you. Developed by Monomi Park, this charming and colorful game takes place on a distant alien planet where you’ll raise and care for adorable slimes.

In Slime Rancher, you play as Beatrix LeBeau, a young rancher who sets out to make a living by wrangling slimes and harvesting their valuable plorts. You’ll explore the open world, build corrals to house your slimes, and discover new types of slimes with unique behaviors and abilities.

The game’s core loop revolves around feeding and caring for your slimes to produce valuable resources. As you progress, you’ll unlock new areas to explore, upgrade your equipment, and even encounter dangerous slime mutations. Slime Rancher’s charming art style, relaxing gameplay, and lovable slimes make it a perfect alternative to Stardew Valley.

Pros:

• Unique and charming art style.
• Addictive gameplay loop with satisfying progression.
• Wide variety of slimes to discover and care for.
• Beautiful open world to explore.
• Relaxing and low-stress gameplay experience.

Cons:

• Some players may find the late-game content a bit lacking.
• The controls can be a bit finicky at times.

Overall: Slime Rancher offers a delightful and unique take on the farming genre, with its lovable slimes and vibrant alien world. If you’re looking for a relaxing and charming game like Stardew Valley, Slime Rancher is a must-play.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Steam | GOG | Humble Bundle

3. Graveyard Keeper

Rating: 8.5/10

Design: 9/10 | Gameplay: 8/10 | Performance: 9/10 | Cost-effectiveness: 8/10 | Overall: 8.5/10

If you’re looking for a game that combines farming with a dark and quirky sense of humor, Graveyard Keeper is the perfect choice. Developed by Lazy Bear Games, this medieval cemetery management sim offers a unique and macabre twist on the farming genre.

In Graveyard Keeper, you find yourself in charge of a dilapidated graveyard and must restore it to its former glory. You’ll gather resources, craft items, and perform autopsies to uncover the secrets of the town. The game also features a deep crafting system, allowing you to create everything from headstones to potions.

Beyond managing your graveyard, Graveyard Keeper offers a wide range of activities to keep you engaged. You can explore dungeons, participate in witch burnings, and even engage in questionable ethical practices. The game’s dark humor and unique setting make it a standout alternative to Stardew Valley.

Pros:

• Dark and quirky sense of humor.
• Engaging gameplay with a wide variety of activities.
• Deep crafting system with a wide range of items to create.
• Unique setting and premise.
• Multiple paths and choices to explore.

Cons:

• Some players may find the progression a bit slow.
• The game can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers.

Overall: Graveyard Keeper offers a dark and humorous take on the farming genre, with its unique setting and engaging gameplay. If you’re looking for a game that’s equal parts charming and macabre, Graveyard Keeper is a must-play.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Steam | GOG | Humble Bundle

4. Garden Paws

Rating: 8/10

Design: 8/10 | Gameplay: 8/10 | Performance: 8/10 | Cost-effectiveness: 8/10 | Overall: 8/10

If you’re a fan of adorable animals and running your own shop, Garden Paws is the game for you. Developed by Bitten Toast Games, this charming indie game allows you to build and manage your own animal shop while exploring a vibrant open world.

In Garden Paws, you play as a cute animal character who inherits a small piece of land and must turn it into a thriving business. You’ll gather resources, craft items, and fulfill orders for the townsfolk. The game also features a wide variety of animals to befriend and care for, from cats and dogs to rabbits and horses.

One of the standout features of Garden Paws is its emphasis on customization. You can decorate your shop, expand your land, and even customize your character’s appearance. The game also offers multiplayer support, allowing you to collaborate with friends and build your dream shop together.

Pros:

• Adorable art style and charming world design.
• Engaging gameplay with a focus on running your own shop.
• Wide variety of animals to befriend and care for.
• Extensive customization options.
• Multiplayer support for cooperative play.

Cons:

• Some players may find the progression a bit slow.
• The game can be a bit repetitive at times.

Overall: Garden Paws offers a delightful and relaxing experience, with its adorable animals and engaging gameplay. If you’re looking for a game that combines farming with running your own shop, Garden Paws is a fantastic choice.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Steam | Humble Bundle

5. Forager

Rating: 9/10

Design: 9/10 | Gameplay: 9/10 | Performance: 9/10 | Cost-effectiveness: 9/10 | Overall: 9/10

If you’re a fan of exploration and resource gathering, Forager is the perfect game for you. Developed by HopFrog, this addictive indie game allows you to gather resources, craft items, and build your own thriving economy.

In Forager, you start with a small piece of land and must expand your territory by gathering resources and solving puzzles. As you progress, you’ll unlock new skills, discover ancient ruins, and encounter powerful bosses. The game also features a deep crafting system, allowing you to create a wide variety of items and structures.

One of the standout features of Forager is its addictive gameplay loop. Whether you’re mining for resources, fishing, or exploring dungeons, there’s always something to do in this vibrant and dynamic world. The game’s retro-inspired art style and charming soundtrack add to the overall experience.

Pros:

• Addictive gameplay loop with satisfying progression.
• Wide variety of activities and skills to unlock.
• Deep crafting system with a wide range of items to create.
• Beautiful retro-inspired art style.
• Charming soundtrack.

Cons:

• Some players may find the late-game content a bit lacking.
• The game can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers.

Overall: Forager offers a compelling and addictive experience, with its exploration and resource gathering mechanics. If you’re looking for a game that will keep you engaged for hours on end, Forager is a fantastic choice.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Steam | GOG | Humble Bundle

6. Staxel

Rating: 8.5/10

Design: 9/10 | Gameplay: 8/10 | Performance: 9/10 | Cost-effectiveness: 8/10 | Overall: 8.5/10

If you’re a fan of voxel-based sandbox games like Minecraft, Staxel is the perfect game for you. Developed by Plukit, this charming indie game allows you to farm, build, and socialize with the villagers in a vibrant and colorful world.

In Staxel, you arrive on a farm and must turn it into a thriving homestead. You’ll plant and harvest crops, raise animals, and complete quests for the villagers. The game also features a robust building system, allowing you to create your dream home and customize it to your heart’s content.

One of the standout features of Staxel is its emphasis on socializing with the villagers. You can build relationships, participate in festivals, and even get married. The game’s charming art style and relaxing gameplay make it a perfect alternative to Stardew Valley.

Pros:

• Charming voxel-based art style.
• Engaging gameplay with a wide variety of activities.
• Robust building system with extensive customization options.
• Deep social system with relationships and marriage.
• Relaxing and low-stress gameplay experience.

Cons:

• Some players may find the progression a bit slow.
• The game can be a bit repetitive at times.

Overall: Staxel offers a delightful and relaxing experience, with its charming art style and engaging gameplay. If you’re a fan of voxel-based sandbox games and enjoy socializing with virtual villagers, Staxel is a must-play.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Steam | Humble Bundle

7. Farm Together

Rating: 9/10

Design: 9/10 | Gameplay: 9/10 | Performance: 9/10 | Cost-effectiveness: 9/10 | Overall: 9/10

If you enjoy the cooperative aspect of Stardew Valley and want to farm with friends, Farm Together is the perfect game for you. Developed by Milkstone Studios, this relaxing farming game allows you to collaborate with friends or farm solo in a beautiful and customizable world.

In Farm Together, you start with a small plot of land and must gradually expand and improve your farm. You’ll plant and harvest crops, raise animals, and decorate your farm with a wide variety of items. The game also features a cooperative mode, allowing you to invite friends to join your farm and work together.

One of the standout features of Farm Together is its focus on customization. You can personalize your farm with decorations, buildings, and even change the layout of the land. The game’s relaxing gameplay and cooperative multiplayer make it a fantastic alternative to Stardew Valley.

Pros:

• Beautiful and customizable world design.
• Relaxing gameplay with a wide variety of activities.
• Cooperative multiplayer for farming with friends.
• Extensive customization options.
• Regular updates and new content.

Cons:

• Some players may find the progression a bit slow.
• The game can be a bit repetitive at times.

Overall: Farm Together offers a relaxing and cooperative farming experience, with its beautiful world design and engaging gameplay. Whether you’re farming solo or collaborating with friends, Farm Together is a must-play for fans of Stardew Valley.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Steam | Humble Bundle

8. World’s Dawn

Rating: 8/10

Design: 8/10 | Gameplay: 8/10 | Performance: 8/10 | Cost-effectiveness: 8/10 | Overall: 8/10

If you’re a fan of the social aspect of Stardew Valley and enjoy building relationships with virtual characters, World’s Dawn is the perfect game for you. Developed by Wayward Prophet, this charming indie game allows you to immerse yourself in a vibrant village and build relationships with the locals.

In World’s Dawn, you arrive in the idyllic village of Sugar Blossom and must build a new life for yourself. You’ll plant and harvest crops, fish, and participate in seasonal events. The game also features a deep social system, allowing you to build relationships, get married, and even start a family.

One of the standout features of World’s Dawn is its emphasis on storytelling and character development. The game’s charming art style, engaging dialogue, and memorable characters make it a perfect alternative to Stardew Valley.

Pros:

• Charming art style and vibrant world design.
• Engaging gameplay with a focus on relationships and storytelling.
• Deep social system with relationships, marriage, and family.
• Seasonal events and festivals.
• Memorable characters and engaging dialogue.

Cons:

• Some players may find the progression a bit slow.
• The game can be a bit short in terms of overall content.

Overall: World’s Dawn offers a charming and immersive experience, with its vibrant world design and engaging gameplay. If you’re a fan of building relationships with virtual characters and enjoy a strong emphasis on storytelling, World’s Dawn is a must-play.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Steam | Humble Bundle

9. Stardew Valley Expanded

Rating: 9/10

Design: 9/10 | Gameplay: 9/10 | Performance: 9/10 | Cost-effectiveness: 9/10 | Overall: 9/10

If you’re a die-hard fan of Stardew Valley and want even more content to explore, Stardew Valley Expanded is the perfect mod for you. Developed by FlashShifter and a team of dedicated modders, this fan-made expansion adds new areas, characters, and events to the original game.

Stardew Valley Expanded expands upon the already rich world of Stardew Valley, adding new locations like the beach farm and the wilderness farm. The mod also introduces new characters with their own unique storylines and events. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for new challenges or a newcomer wanting to experience more of Stardew Valley, this mod is a must-have.

Pros:

• Expands upon the already rich world of Stardew Valley.
• Adds new areas, characters, and events.
• Provides a fresh and exciting experience for seasoned players.
• Maintains the charm and gameplay of the original game.
• Regular updates and new content.

Cons:

• Requires the base game of Stardew Valley to play.
• Some players may encounter compatibility issues with other mods.

Overall: Stardew Valley Expanded is a fantastic mod that adds new life to the beloved game. If you’re a fan of Stardew Valley and want even more content to explore, this mod is a must-have.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Steam | GOG | Humble Bundle

10. Moonlighter

Rating: 9/10

Design: 9/10 | Gameplay: 9/10 | Performance: 9/10 | Cost-effectiveness: 9/10 | Overall: 9/10

If you’re looking for a game that combines farming with action-packed dungeon crawling, Moonlighter is the perfect choice. Developed by Digital Sun, this unique action RPG allows you to run your own shop during the day and explore dangerous dungeons at night.

In Moonlighter, you play as Will, a shopkeeper who dreams of becoming a hero. During the day, you’ll manage your shop, interact with customers, and sell your loot. At night, you’ll venture into procedurally generated dungeons, fight monsters, and collect valuable treasures.

The game’s unique blend of shop management and dungeon crawling creates a compelling gameplay loop. As you progress, you’ll unlock new weapons, upgrade your shop, and uncover the secrets of the dungeons. Moonlighter’s beautiful pixel art, challenging combat, and addictive gameplay make it a standout alternative to Stardew Valley.

Pros:

• Beautiful pixel art and atmospheric world design.
• Addictive gameplay loop with satisfying progression.
• Unique blend of shop management and dungeon crawling.
• Challenging combat and boss battles.
• Engaging story and memorable characters.

Cons:

• Some players may find the late-game content a bit lacking.
• The game can be a bit challenging for newcomers.

Overall: Moonlighter offers a unique and addictive experience, with its blend of shop management and dungeon crawling. If you’re looking for a game that combines farming with action-packed combat, Moonlighter is a must-play.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Steam | GOG | Humble Bundle

FAQ

Which is the best free game on Steam?

While the definition of “best” can vary depending on personal preferences, all of the free games listed in this article offer fantastic gameplay experiences. It ultimately comes down to what type of game you enjoy the most. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing farming experience like Stardew Valley or a unique twist on the genre, there’s something for everyone on this list.

Is there any game like Stardew Valley?

Absolutely! Stardew Valley has inspired many developers to create their own take on the farming simulation genre. The games listed in this article offer similar gameplay mechanics, charming art styles, and engaging worlds to explore. Whether you’re looking for a game with a focus on relationships, exploration, or customization, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.

Read more about “Games Like Stardew Valley: 17 Engaging Alternatives … 🌾”

Can Stardew Valley be free?

Stardew Valley is not available for free on Steam. However, there are many fantastic free games like Stardew Valley that offer similar gameplay experiences. The games listed in this article are all free to play on Steam, allowing you to enjoy the farming simulation genre without spending a dime.

What is free to play in Steam?

Free to play games on Steam are games that can be downloaded and played without any upfront cost. While some free to play games offer additional paid content or microtransactions, the base game is available to play for free. This allows players to try out a game and decide if they want to invest more time or money into it.

Conclusion

If you’re a fan of Stardew Valley and want to explore more games that offer a similar experience, you’re in luck! The 10 free games listed in this article provide a wide range of gameplay experiences, from farming and crafting to exploration and dungeon crawling. Whether you’re tending to your crops in My Time at Portia, raising adorable slimes in Slime Rancher, or running your own shop in Moonlighter, there’s something for everyone on this list.

Each game offers its own unique twist on the farming simulation genre, with charming art styles, engaging gameplay, and memorable characters. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing and low-stress experience or a challenging and action-packed adventure, these games have you covered.

So why not give them a try? Download one of these free games like Stardew Valley on Steam and embark on a new virtual farming adventure. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite game!

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Reference Links

• Recommended – Similar items – Stardew Valley
• My Time at Portia on Steam
• Slime Rancher on Steam
• Graveyard Keeper on Steam
• Garden Paws on Steam
• Forager on Steam
• Staxel on Steam
• Farm Together on Steam
• World’s Dawn on Steam
• Stardew Valley Expanded on Steam
• Moonlighter on Steam