If you're a fan of life-sim games with a twist, The Ranchers should be firmly on your radar. This upcoming open-world country-life simulation combines the cosy charm of Stardew Valley with the scale and ambition of The Sims and Grand Theft Auto. Yes, you heard that right – driveable vehicles, monster-infested mines, and online multiplayer co-op meet the idyllic country lifestyle in this highly ambitious title.
Originally kickstarted with resounding success, The Ranchers on Kickstarter has been one of the most anticipated indie farming sims to date. As we approach its Early Access release in 2024, here's everything you need to know about what makes this game stand out in the crowded farming sim genre.
Forget about tiny farms and limited spaces. The Ranchers features a massive open world brimming with variety. From lush farmlands to bustling city centres, hidden wild islands, and even treacherous mines, this game encourages exploration on a whole new scale.
Need to get around? There are plenty of ways to traverse the open world of The Ranchers:
Each area feels alive, with NPCs following their own routines, weather systems affecting gameplay, and wildlife adding a sprinkle of unpredictability. The inclusion of driveable vehicles and a traffic system makes The Ranchers feel more dynamic and expansive compared to your average farming simulator.
You start off as a newcomer escaping the stresses of living in the metropolis, armed with nothing but a small plot of land and big dreams. Whether you want to raise animals, grow crops, or develop machinery, The Ranchers offers near-limitless opportunities to design the perfect farm.
The game encourages players to think like both a farmer and manager. You'll need to optimise your ranch's resource consumption and production if you want your ranch to thrive financially.
One of The Ranchers' most exciting features is its focus on multiplayer co-op and player-driven markets. You don’t have to embark on this country-life adventure alone. Invite up to 1 to 3 players to join you in your ranch online, help you build, or explore the vast open world together.
The Auction Market is another standout addition. Here, you can:
This online economy ensures that The Ranchers keeps running even when you're not in-game, with new opportunities always on the horizon.
Adding to the expansive gameplay, The Ranchers features Sunvale City – a lively urban hub filled with opportunities. You can visit shops, meet many colorful characters, and unlock new gameplay features.
The inclusion of these city features adds an urban layer to the game, blending the peacefulness of ranch life with a bustling city dynamic.
NPCs in The Ranchers are far from lifeless placeholders. Each character has their own personality, daily routines, and backstories to uncover. Whether they’re working in shops, exploring the city, or relaxing at the beach, these NPCs make Sunvale feel truly alive.
For those who enjoy the social aspects of games like Stardew Valley, romance is a big part of The Ranchers. Players can make friendships, move in together, and maybe find love and start a family.
Romanceable characters include:
Everyone in The Ranchers has fascinating stories, offering players a chance to meet many colorful characters and discover their atypical personalities.
While farming is central to The Ranchers, the game also offers exciting opportunities for combat and exploration. Venture into mines and dungeons to fight off dangerous monsters abound and recover rare resources like minerals and gems. These treasures can be sold, donated to the village museum, or used to upgrade your tools and machinery.
Additionally, players can hone their hunting skills, collect insects, and even try fishing for a relaxing afternoon.
The developers of The Ranchers, led by Ethan, have made it clear that this game is continuously developing. New updates and expansions will add fresh in-game content, keeping the game engaging for years to come.
With its ambitious mix of farming, crafting, combat, and online multiplayer, The Ranchers is shaping up to be one of the most exciting open world country-life sims to date. Whether you want to relax with farming tasks, dive into monster-filled dungeons, or build a sprawling ranching empire with friends, this game offers something for everyone.
While its release date has been pushed to 2024, it’s clear that Ethan and the team working on The Ranchers are focused on delivering a polished and feature-rich experience. If you’re as excited as we are, be sure to keep an eye on The Ranchers – the ultimate open-world country-life sim.
