With the Wait For a New Animal Crossing Unlikely to End Soon, This Cozy Game Could Be a Needed Alternative

Recently, Nintendo fans were treated to announcements that catered to different parts of its community. From a new Fire Emblem game with hints of Three Houses magic to a cozy Pokemon spinoff, the reveal of these new games will surely keep Nintendo Switch 2 owners entertained for hours. But amid all the excitement and fun that spread through various types of Nintendo fans, one group is still left waiting on the sidelines. Animal Crossing players are again left wondering when their time to shine will arrive.

Animal Crossing fans have experienced a true rollercoaster. From New Horizon’s spectacular launch, which lifted the franchise to new heights, to the lulling silence that afflicts the series’ current status, it’s not easy to be an Animal Crossing fan nowadays, especially given the attention and hype surrounding so many other Nintendo titles.

Luckily for AC players, the cozy gaming space is thriving. Thanks to New Horizons and many other cornerstone titles, the life-sim genre has breathed new life into a type of title that encourages a slower-paced life. The wait for a new Animal Crossing title may feel aggravating, but there’s a title that beckons the attention of those fans who long to hear the charming ring of Animalese once again.

Cozy Grove is the Perfect Title for Animal Crossing Fans to Try

Cozy games come in all shapes and sizes. From time management games to proper RPGs, the genre can hold something for everyone. Yet, it’s hard to find one game that resonates after forming a connection with a specific title; if a player longs for the emotional depth of Spiritfarer, for example, they will likely not seek out Stardew Valley, and vice versa for a player who wants a straightforward farming sim. But if a gamer aches for an island getaway, starting from scratch, and life-simming as seen on Animal Crossing, then Cozy Grove may be just the thing they’re looking for.

Cozy Grove shares a similar premise with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The player assumes the role of a Spirit Scout, exploring an island full of secrets. By exploring, conversing with the spirits on the island, and engaging in routine gameplay, the once desolate location transforms into a beautiful setting—echoing the mechanics that Animal Crossing: New Horizons players will recognize easily.

Cozy Grove Scratches the Same Itch as Animal Crossing

Part of what made Animal Crossing: New Horizons so special was its ability to turn small, daily interactions into something you looked forward to. Logging in wasn’t about rushing to the end; it was about checking in, seeing what had changed, and slowly shaping a space that felt like one’s own. Cozy Grove leans into that exact same rhythm, offering familiar comforts in a new package. Here are a few reasons why fans of Animal Crossing will feel right at home in Cozy Grove:

• Daily routines that encourage short play sessions: Much like checking turnip prices or talking to your favorite villagers, Cozy Grove structures its gameplay around manageable chunks that make sense to revisit every day.
• A charming cast of spirits: Instead of animal villagers, players meet ghostly spirits. Each spirit bear in Cozy Grove comes with its own backstory, personality, and quest for the player to complete. Building relationships with them allows the player to experience the communal aspect that makes titles like Animal Crossing so memorable.
• Island growth that mirrors progress: As players spend time on the island, it shifts from gray and desolate to colorful and lively, echoing the way a New Horizons island slowly blossoms over time.
• Decorating and personalization: Players can collect items, craft, and upgrade a campsite in Cozy Grove as they please, which can impact the ambiance. Decorating can also affect pets, flowers, fruit trees, and more, which is reminiscent of how decor and upkeep affect the island rating in New Horizons.

Animal Crossing Fans Have a Title to Make The Wait Tolerable

It’s not a one-to-one replacement, but Cozy Grove captures the same mix of calm, curiosity, and creativity that keeps Animal Crossing fans coming back year after year. And considering that Animal Crossing is usually a mid-to-late cycle release for Nintendo consoles, a quick glance at the gaps between past games suggests the wait for a new entry could be a long one.

In the meantime, Cozy Grove offers a thoughtful alternative. It is something to play that reminds players of Animal Crossing while also carving out its own space in the cozy genre. For players who don’t want to wait years to revisit that familiar loop of tending, befriending, and slowly shaping a world into something personal, this haunted island is more than worth exploring.

Released

April 8, 2021

ESRB

e

Developer(s)

Spry Fox

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