Animal Crossing's Free Spiritual Successor Released, Yours to Keep

Animal Crossing gamers might want to check out this cute spiritual successor that’s yours to keep for free.

The Animal Crossing series made its debut on the GameCube in 2021, and since that time, it’s been one of Nintendo’s most beloved first-party properties. Over the years, this cute life-sim series has been released on multiple platforms, most recently on the Nintendo Switch in 2020.

For many, 2020’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons was a very important game, not just because it was fun, but also helped millions of gamers get through the COVID pandemic.

Players from around the world, some of whom had never played this series before, connected with friends and strangers, visiting their cosy tropical islands and making new buddies in the process.

Sadly, not taking into account the mobile spin-off, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete, or the updated version of New Horizons on Nintendo Switch 2, the last mainline release we’d see in this series is the Happy Home Paradise expansion in 2021.

Now, fans are eagerly awaiting an announcement for a brand new entry as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. While that announcement doesn't look to be happening anytime soon, you can at least check out this free-to-play spiritual successor on Android and iOS devices. It’s also coming soon to the PC platform, Steam.

Animal Crossing Fans Should Check Out This Free Game

The game in question is Heartopia, developed and published by the indie studio XD Entertainment.

“Welcome to Heartopia, a multiplayer life simulation game crafted for creativity, freedom, and peace,” reads the synopsis of the game.

“Build your dream home, explore a wide range of hobbies, and forge warm connections with friends in a town full of endless possibilities.

“Chat with the charming residents of Heartopia Town, hang out with old friends, and meet new friends every time you log in! Hobbies are yours to enjoy, not chores.

"In Heartopia, feel free to develop six major hobbies, including fishing, cooking, gardening, birdwatching, and more.”

It’s perhaps worth keeping in mind that with this being a free-to-play title, it will have microtransactions to generate revenue (which is understandable), but hopefully, the game is fun without the need to spend a penny.

Heartopia is available now on mobile devices, but at the time of writing, it’s not been released on Steam.

Fingers crossed that the Steam release isn't too far away. You can always add it to your Steam wishlist to be notified of its launch.