Starsand Island

Starsand Island
DeveloperSeed Lab
PublisherSeed Lab
Platforms
Release1 February 2026
GenreLife simulation

Starsand Island (Chinese: 星砂岛) is an upcoming life simulation game developed and published by Seed Lab. It is developed for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It is planned to be released on 1 February 2026.

Gameplay

Starsand Island is a life simulation game where the customizable player character begins a life in Starsand, their childhood place. Solara, the player character's childhood friend, gives a guide of how to make progress in the beginning of the game. The player can choose different careers, including an angler, crafter, explorer, farmer, or rancher.[1]

The game has romance and friendship system with which the player can nurture relationships with NPC inhabitants.[2]

Development and release

Starsand Island was developed by Chinese studio Seed Lab and produced by Golton Gao.[3][4] The game was first announced on 6 May 2024. The game was originally announced to be released for Microsoft Windows in Q4 2025.[5] Other considered platforms were PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.[4] A crowdfunding campaign was launched at Kickstarter to fund the game's development. The Kickstarter campaign ended on 31 May 2025, earning over $300,000.[3][6]

The game is planned to be released for Windows, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on 1 February 2026.[7][8] It will have a collaboration event with Pathea Games' My Time at Portia, featuring two characters from that game.[9]

References

  1. ^ Lada, Jenni (18 October 2025). "Preview: Starsand Island Feels Like More of a Life Sim Than Farming Game". Siliconera. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  2. ^ Romano, Sal (23 June 2025). "Starsand Island details romance and friendship system". Gematsu. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  3. ^ a b Wood, Austin (18 October 2025). "Some Chinese devs played Stardew Valley and loved it, but wanted something more "carefree" – now their anime life sim RPG is tearing up Steam Next Fest, and it's hard to put down". GamesRadar+. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  4. ^ a b Romano, Sal (17 April 2025). "Starsand Island adds PS5, Xbox Series, and Switch versions, launches this winter". Gematsu. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  5. ^ Romano, Sal (6 May 2024). "Tranquil island farming simulation game Starsand Island announced for PC". Gematsu. Archived from the original on 28 August 2025. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  6. ^ Rose, Danielle (22 May 2025). "Starsand Island "fills the gap" left behind by The Sims and Stardew Valley". PCGamesN. Archived from the original on 24 May 2025. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  7. ^ Romano, Sal (25 September 2025). "Starsand Island for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC launches February 1, 2026". Gematsu. Archived from the original on 26 September 2025. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  8. ^ Romano, Sal (3 December 2025). "Starsand Island adds Switch 2 version". Gematsu. Retrieved 4 December 2025.
  9. ^ Romano, Sal (16 October 2025). "Starsand Island x My Time at Portia collaboration announced". Gematsu. Retrieved 20 November 2025.