Animal Crossing new-gen rival drops free taster on PC, and it's already a huge success

If you’re mourning the absence of a new Animal Crossing entry, then you may want to turn your attention towards Loftia.

It’s a shame that Nintendo hasn’t yet followed up on the six-year-old Animal Crossing: New Horizons with the franchise’s next instalment.

Instead, it tried to relaunch the game earlier this year with the release of a 3.0 update, but it essentially felt like people forgot about the update almost overnight.

Admittedly, I don’t think it was the wisest decision to follow up New Horizons’ 3.0 update with the launch of Pokémon Pokopia, as it was that title that commanded the attention of cozy gamers.

Even the noise surrounding Pokémon Pokopia has now quelled, so you may find yourself looking for your next cozy fix.

Well, PC users may want to turn their attention towards Loftia, which has launched a free demo for Steam Next Fest that’s already gone down exceptionally well.

In fact, developer Qloud Games recently celebrated Loftia’s demo having the highest concurrent users of the entire Steam Next Fest line-up.

As it stands, Loftia boasts an approval score of 83%, although this may change as Steam Next Fest remains ongoing until Monday, October 26.

Qloud Games

“If you are a big fan of Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Dreamlight Valley or Animal Crossing, and want to share that sort of adventure online with a group of people, this game is perfect for you,” wrote one player.

“A phenomenal effort from a humble-sized team. You can tell this game was handcrafted in every detail with passion, care, consistent development and attentiveness to its community, and has clear plans for its future,” added another.

All progress from the demo carries over into Loftia’s November 3 launch

Loftia should feel very familiar to Animal Crossing: New Horizons players, as it sees you decorate a humble abode, craft, cook, fish, garden, and more.

It’s definitely a new-gen evolution of the formula though, acting as a full-scale MMO - a definite development of New Horizons’ somewhat limited multiplayer offering.

Of course, Loftia’s MMO makeup isn’t going to appeal to everyone. Some cozy gamers prefer to just play alone, but you’re not particularly forced to engage with the masses.

The idea behind Loftia is that the game takes place across a series of islands in the sky.

“Whether you’re hanging out after a long day or teaming up for a bigger adventure, Loftia is a place to slow down, connect, and create something meaningful together,” devs note.

That greater sense of adventure is what really sets Loftia apart. In between your usual cozy activities, you can scavenge abandoned factories, solve puzzles, take on group quests, and more.

Loftia is set to launch in early access on November 3 with all progress made in the current demo carrying over to those who pick up the full release.

The demo essentially walks you through the opening of the game.

“You’ll play through the opening Loftia City questline, meet its NPCs, salvage resources, grow crops, and decorate your home in a shared neighborhood. The demo questline will end just before you reach the next district, the Hanging Gardens,” it’s teased.

You’ll also be able to sample some of those aforementioned group puzzles and adventures.

There’s a World Project underway too which sees players work together to reach a certain goal; this project concerns preparing a birthday party for Pebble.

READ MORE: 13 upcoming 2026 cozy games to wishlist if you're sick of farming

All those who play the demo will get an exclusive banner. You simply need to enter the Player Nerighbourhood which happens within the first 10 minutes of the demo.

If you invite friends to try Loftia, you can also unlock the Pebble Chair and Pebble Couch.

The cozy gaming space is very competitive, but I don’t see why Loftia shouldn’t be able to make its mark.