Nintendo Directs come and go, bringing plenty of exciting announcements, but one fandom has been left waiting in silence: Animal Crossing fans. While other series are getting sequels and updates, life on the island feels abandoned. With no new entry in sight for the Switch or the Switch 2, many players are looking elsewhere to get their fix. The good news is that players don’t need to wait around for their cozy fix. But it’s totally understandable if holding a Switch or a Switch 2 is too painful as you wait for Animal Crossing news.
Meanwhile, PC and Steam Deck players are currently spoiled for options. Steam’s cozy catalog is stacked with alternatives, from Stardew Valley-like farming sims to inventive spins on slow-life gameplay. But if what you’re craving is that familiar mix of charm, community, and calm, one recent Steam gem feels tailor-made for filling the Animal Crossing void. This game, currently on sale, nails the formula in all the right ways, making it the perfect comfort title and Animal Crossing-like for fans who’ve been starved of Animal Crossing news.
Hokko Life Follows the Animal Crossing Formula To A T
Hokko Life is a cozy life simulation produced by Gizmo Garden and published by Team17—known for delivering fan-favorite co-op games, such as Overcooked. And the second that the game boots up, Animal Crossing players will be immediately transported back to the very first Animal Crossing game on GameCube, where you arrive in town via train. After that throwback, you’re thrown into a world of furry critters and pure whimsy.
And the best part? Hokko Life is currently on sale on Steam for a dirt-cheap price. Steam’s Autumn Sale is offering some of its best titles at a fraction of the original cost, and cozy gamers are in for a fun game for the price of a coffee.
Hokko Life and Animal Crossing Are Birds of a Feather
When players step off the train and into the town of Hokko Life, it’s hard not to feel a wave of nostalgia. The charming villagers, laid-back pace, and endless customization echo the familiar rhythms of Animal Crossing. But while Hokko wears its inspiration proudly, it also builds on the formula with deeper design tools and flexible town management. For Animal Crossing fans waiting for Nintendo’s next big announcement, Hokko Life might be the perfect stand-in.
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Features that Hokko Life and Animal Crossing Share |
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Designing & Customization |
One of Hokko Life’s standout features is its design system, which lets players put their personal stamp on nearly every aspect of the game. From crafting furniture to painting wallpaper, flooring, and even clothing, it channels the same creative spirit that makes Animal Crossing so beloved. The joy of turning a blank canvas into something unique for your town feels instantly familiar to players who’ve spent hours decorating in Animal Crossing. |
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Building & Decorating |
Expanding and personalizing the town is at the heart of Hokko Life, much like in Animal Crossing. Players can place houses for incoming villagers, decorate interiors, and even adjust the exterior look of homes. The freedom to move and reshape the town layout mirrors the satisfying process of making a unique island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, making each town feel like a true reflection of the player. |
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Fishing & Bug Collecting |
For cozy gamers, nothing feels more Animal Crossing-like than spending a quiet day fishing or chasing critters. Hokko Life carries on that tradition with a robust fishing system and a wide variety of insects to collect. Much like filling out a museum collection in Animal Crossing, building up these logs becomes a rewarding ritual that adds depth and charm to daily play. |
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Villager Friendships |
Meeting quirky townsfolk and watching their personalities shine is another cozy hallmark Hokko Life shares with Animal Crossing. Hokko’s villagers feel just as warm, with plenty of seasonal events and daily activities to keep the world lively. The balance of forming friendships and keeping the town thriving will feel instantly familiar to fans of Nintendo’s series. |