Stardew Valley meets No Man's Sky in charming Steam free download

Trying to steal the cosy games crown from Stardew Valley is no easy feat; many have tried and failed. That said, a new free Steam download might just be in with a chance.

This new experience doesn’t just take familiar elements from Stardew Valley and make them its own, there are also aspects of No Man’s Sky that feature heavily, too.

It’s such a beautiful pairing of concepts, we’re shocked it hasn’t been done sooner.

Imperial Playgrounds is the publisher behind Steam’s Project Solar.

A big adventure awaits in Project Solar

Although the game isn’t scheduled to launch until early 2025, players interested in checking it out can play its demo, aka that free download we referenced.

We know, we know – you'd prefer the full game.

However, unless you have a time machine, this is the best way to experience the game while you wait for its full release.

Besides, when it’s free of charge, it’s not like you can grumble.

“Project Solar is an open-world puzzle adventure game where you play as R.A.Y, a robot with a damaged memory core.

“Set in a vibrant solar punk world, you'll navigate through lush, green environments filled with remnants of advanced technology that harmonise with nature.”

Doesn’t that sound like a breath of fresh air for the cosy genre, while also adhering to the familiar tropes we know and love?

If the description doesn’t grab your attention, R.A.Y should because that little guy is one adorable robot.

Given the similarities to No Man’s Sky, we anticipate a title that’ll receive regular updates once it’s launched. After all, it has that “expansive” feel to it.

Next year doesn’t seem that far away now that we’re in September, so we hopefully don’t have long to wait before we can journey alongside R.A.Y, helping him solve puzzles as he explores.