Top Five Video Games for Farmers This Year

The best farming games of 2021

Farming takes up a huge amount of time, often requiring you to be working outside for long and tiring periods. With this intense workload, farmers need some time to relax, and we are on hand to give you some ideas on exactly how to do that. Our article ‘Top 5 Books for Farmers This Summer’ suggested some excellent reading material for you to enjoy once the tractor has been parked and the sun is setting.

If reading is not your thing, however, you might prefer to stretch out on the sofa and play a farming-related video game. They are not uncommon: in fact, farming has permeated the video game industry in quite a major way in recent years. Many mobile games take their imagery and themes from farming, with Zynga Games Farmville an obvious example, although The Verge explains it shut down its servers earlier in the year.

However, some other types of mobile games also draw inspiration from the farming world: there are several games on Foxy Bingo based around farming, including Farm Yard Favourites and Farmyard Frenzy. Blocky Farm is another great example of a farming game you can play, maybe even on a break whilst out in the field. However, when the night finally arrives and you are back at home, you may wish to put the mobile device down and turn to the big TV. If that sounds like you, there are some great farm-related titles on consoles and home computers, too.

Farming Simulator

Farming Simulator is great for Australian farmers because the locations used are primarily European and American. Ever wondered what it might be like to farm in another country? Well, wonder no more. Farming Simulator is arguably the most popular and comprehensive simulator on the market, and allows the player to breed livestock, grow crops and sell the assets created from their farming adventure.

My Time at Portia

My Time at Portia is not a simulation of real-world farming, but instead takes place in a fictional reality where humans have emerged from underground and are trying to rebuild the world. Using farming skills and resource collecting, the protagonist must rebuild the city of Portia, from the title. There are elements of farming contained within, as well as dungeons with enemies to fight which distracts a little from the core concept, should you get tired of the combine!

Farm Together

Farm Together is a game in that you play it on your home console, but, as Game Informer explains, it does not have a predefined goal or endgame. You are allowed to build your farm at your own pace, but without the fear of ruined crops, dying animals or financial ruin. It is not a test as much as a chance to live your farming dreams without worry, fear or underachievement. It’s the perfect tonic to real life.

Farmer’s Dynasty

Farmer’s Dynasty is more mission-led than the last game on the list, but certainly every bit as enjoyable. Whilst Farming Simulator focuses on the business side of farming, this title plays on the nostalgia of being on the farm. You take over your grandfather’s farm and run it in between doing tasks for locals and building too. It is as close to an RPG farming game as you can get on console today.

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley can be found across a range of consoles and handheld devices and has become very popular through its ‘pick up and play’ style. It is a 2D simulation that, like Farmer’s Dynasty, puts you in control of your grandfather’s farm. You can run it how you choose, and you can mine for resources, interact with other people and even get married should you so desire.