Stardew Valley fans should check out this free Xbox Game Pass title

Xbox Game Pass boasts a seemingly endless array of titles. When you’re scrolling through, it can be hard to know what to play next but allow me to make that task a tad easier. If you’re a fan of Stardew Valley, you’re most definitely going to want to check out the delightful Coral Island.

Developed by Stairway Games and published by Humble Games, Coral Island launched last November to positive reviews. Coral Island isn’t your classic farm sim. In this game, you’ll swap a cosy cottage and open fields for a tropical island getaway. “Coral Island is a vibrant and laid-back reimagining of farm sim games,” reads the synopsis. “Be who you want and experience enchanting island living at your own pace - live off the land, nurture animals, build relationships with a diverse cast of townsfolk, and make the world around you a more vital and harmonious place.”

Fae Farm is another cosy sim. You can enjoy a free demo on Nintendo Switch.

Over on Metacritic, Coral Island has a very respectable score of 82. Screen Rant awarded the game a nine, writing, “Coral Island checks every box for a farming simulator and more. As it leaves Early Access and launches as a full game, the near-flawless execution of so many moving parts is impressive. With a full road map of more to come in 2024, Coral Island is worth a try by anyone who enjoys cosy farming simulation games,” while Noisy Pixel added, “Coral Island may take inspiration from many other whimsical sim adventures, but it’s presented in such a neatly packaged and polished manner that it feels oddly fresh, invoking nostalgia in a way that lingers in my memory.”

In addition to maintaining your island’s farm, you’ll need to nurture its animal inhabitants, help revitalise the nearby town and coral reefs, and connect with over 70 of your fellow islanders. I can attest that it is a relaxing, lovely game.

If you’re after more ‘cosy’ recommendations on Xbox Game Pass, Disney Dreamlight Valley and Unpacking are also well worth checking out.

Topics: Stardew Valley, Xbox, Xbox Game Pass