Before the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, there was Pocket Camp, a mobile simulation in which you build a campsite hosting adorable anthropomorphic animals. You can craft amenities, build friendships, and enjoy nature in the game, but the best part is persuading characters to visit your camp. As silly as it sounds, Pocket Camp took up most of my mobile-gaming time in 2017.
After falling down the Pocket Camp rabbit hole for months, I eventually wanted a change. As much as I loved it, I craved diversity in my simulation mobile games. The hunt for the best mobile games like Pocket Camp and New Horizons was difficult, given the extensive list of similar titles, but I finally found 10 that are guaranteed to pique your interest.
Best Mobile Games Like Animal Crossing
Cozy Grove on iOS (with purchase of Apple Arcade for $4.99 a month)
Cozy Grove’s relaxed vibes are like Animal Crossing’s chill atmosphere, but spirits make the former title a unique alternative to the Nintendo franchise. In this casual life simulation, your job is to assist the wandering souls of Cozy Grove. Use your Spirit Scout skills to help the ghosts and bring color back to the desolate campsite. All this talk about death may make Cozy Grove seem morbid, but I promise it’s just as cute and relaxing as Animal Crossing. Learn about each character’s past, decorate the island, go fishing, and more in this beautifully handcrafted adventure by Spry Fox.
Stardew Valley on iOS and Android ($4.99)
Stardew Valley took the world by storm upon its first release in 2016 and became a favorite amongst simulation lovers. The sky’s the limit in this ConcernedApe game, as you may do whatever you’d like with the farm you inherited from your grandfather. Make it extravagant or modest. The choice is up to you! Like Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley brings joy to the mundanity of everyday tasks, such as sowing seeds and taking a stroll around town. On the other hand, Stardew Valley boasts an array of activities, from growing crops and raising livestock to fighting monsters in dungeons. Check out Stardew Valley if you’re into the countryside lifestyle.
Happy Street on iOS and Android (free)
Happy Street checks almost every box for Animal Crossing fans. This free-to-play mobile game invites you to expand your village so that cute critters will move in. Meet countless animals like Billy, the aspiring fox pilot, and Pepin, the kind wolf that helps you along the way. Build a town filled with shops and major landmarks, play mini games, and dress up your citizens in Happy Street! You’re basically building a city for cute humanoid animals that speak gibberish. It doesn’t get any closer to Animal Crossing than that!
Animal Restaurant on iOS and Android (free)
Animal Restaurant contains the same level of cuteness as Animal Crossing, but adds a delicious twist. You play as Chef Gumi, the owner of an up-and-coming restaurant called — you guessed it — Animal Restaurant. Hire incredible staff members, learn tons of recipes, expand your restaurant, and more to become the most renowned eatery in the area. You’ll never tire of the quirky comments coming from a diverse array of animal customers, such as huge brown bears and tiny chihuahuas!
Idle Life Simulator on iOS and Android (free)
If you want a mobile game with the charm of Animal Crossing and a focus on adulting, Idle Life Simulator is the way to go. Build your career and create your dream home in this wonderful title by Digital Things. You’ll start off with a basic job, but if you sharpen your skills, you’ll be eligible for promotions and salary increases! Likewise, your house starts small, but you can eventually own a mansion. It’s all about grinding and working hard to reach your fullest potential in Idle Life Simulator.
My Dear Farm on iOS and Android (free)
Similar to Stardew Valley, My Dear Farm is a game about recreating a farm passed down by your grandfather. This game by Hyperbeard is more like Animal Crossing in the sense that it’s less complex with the sole purpose of embellishing your land! An abundance of furniture awaits in this kawaii-themed simulation. Not only that, but you’ll also raise farm animals, adopt pets, and sell crops at the local market. Give your crops and animals proper care so they’ll grow healthily. And, of course, have fun developing your farm!
Pocket Love on iOS and Android (free)
Another Hyperbeard game makes it to the list, and it’ll lure Animal Crossing players who can’t resist kawaii graphics! Although Pocket Love is a much smaller game compared to the others on this list, its aesthetic is much higher on the cuteness scale. In this simulation, you and your partner just moved into your new home. Spend time with your loved one as you go out on dates, play mini games, adopt pets, and level up your house in this bite-sized adventure. Everything is so tiny, yet so adorable!
Tsuki’s Odyssey on iOS and Android (free)
In the last HyperBeard game on the list, Tsuki, the rabbit, heads back to his tree house in Mushroom Village, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Unfortunately, all of his belongings get stolen, which makes the perfect reason to buy new furniture. Choose from plenty of decorations to make Tsuki’s house the talk of the town, invest in friendships by socializing with the locals, and spend time fishing. Although you cannot control Tsuki, exciting events can trigger themselves upon logging in. Tsuki’s Odyssey is a passive adventure made for Animal Crossing players who want an interesting mobile gaming experience that’s both delightful and idle.
Cats and Soup on iOS and Android (free)
If you thoroughly enjoy the cooking elements of New Horizons and adore cat villagers most of all, you’ll definitely want to give Cats and Soup a shot. As the name suggests, you’re in charge of a forest where cats spend their time peacefully boiling delectable soups. You’ll see your favorite breeds scurrying around to gather resources; and you’ll get to dress the felines up without them throwing a fit. Honestly, I didn’t realize I needed a tycoon game about cats making soup until I stumbled across this gem.
Tiny Pixel Farm on iOS and Android (free)
Game Start LLC didn’t exaggerate when they called this game Tiny Pixel Farm. The entire farm only consists of two columns where you can place your animals. Regardless, there’s plenty to do on your little stock farm. You can own different livestock, like sheep, cows, and pigs, sell animal products to consumers, allow guests to stay overnight, and even hire helpers! If you got a kick out of the farming aspect in Animal Crossing, there’s no doubt you’ll fall in love with Tiny Pixel Farm.
That concludes our picks for the best mobile games like Animal Crossing! If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in these couch co-op games coming in 2023.
