At any given time, Steam is a great place to get inspiration from if you’re figuring out what to play next. But when those games are free, the experience becomes even easier to navigate.
Over on Steam, there’s a new release that’s one part Animal Crossing, one part Stardew Valley. So far, it’s had a positive reception, making it a viable option for fans of either series.
Heartopia Has Finally Hit Steam
It’s Really Easy To Get Into
Cozy gamers are always on the lookout for a new entry into the genre. It’s a great category to be a fan of, as cozy games are often cheap, and indie studios consistently put out good work. Heartopia is from the larger studio of XD International, but the game’s free-to-play nature and stark comparisons to Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley are turning heads.
The tagline pretty much describes what Heartopia is all about: “Welcome to Heartopia, a multiplayer life simulation game crafted for creativity, freedom, and peace. Build your dream home, explore a wide range of hobbies, and forge warm connections with friends in a town full of endless possibilities.”
The Steam version of the game (which operates alongside the mobile edition) just recently launched, and even without a ton of optimizations, user reviews are squarely in the “mostly positive range.” XD is also keen on updating the Steam edition in the future: “As for the Steam version, we’re hard at work polishing every detail to ensure it meets your expectations. The team is fully focused on optimizing the PC experience, and we’ll keep you updated with the latest progress right here in the Steam community.”
It’s A Completely Free-To-Play Experience
You Can Jump In Now
So how does the free-to-play mechanic fare in Heartopia? According to reviews, it holds up because microtransactions are limited to cosmetics. One reviewer explains: “I’m an avid spender when it comes to games with micro transactions… I truly don’t ever hold back. With that being said, I surprisingly haven’t felt compelled with Heartopia yet, and there’s really not much to spend on anyway! The game supplies you with a tonnnnn of cosmetic options for free by earning in-game currencies.”
Another user reiterates that statement, noting: “Game play is 100% free. Nothing about the games core mechanics have been paywall blocked. What is paylocked is all cosmetic. If you have to pay money its just for show.” Yet another player says the UI isn’t pushy, and that microtransactions aren’t shoved in your face constantly. “It reminds me of Animal Crossing without the looming debt over your head,” they write.
If you’re searching for another Steam game, check the free charts to get an idea of what to download next. Positive user reviews can send you in the right direction, and so far, Heartopia seems to be getting along well with its community.
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
