Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar taught me that farming simulators don't have to follow the same routine to be just as fun as Stardew Valley this year

Personal Pick

(Image credit: Future)

In addition to our main Game of the Year Awards 2025, each member of the PC Gamer team is shining a spotlight on a game they loved this year. We'll post new personal picks each day throughout the rest of the month. You can find them all here.

It takes a lot for a farming simulator to really impress me these days—I'm sure most avid cozy gamers will sympathise with me when I say that. Stardew Valley has had a lasting impact on me, let alone the cozy gaming space in general...