While many associate me with competitive multiplayer games like League of Legends or story-driven RPGs such as Dragon Age, I also deeply enjoy the tranquility of games like Disney Dreamlight Valley. There’s a profound serenity in gathering resources, nurturing plants, and simply exploring. HoYoverse has mastered exploration with Genshin Impact, but their latest project, Petit Planet, takes a different path, drawing inspiration from Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, and it looks absolutely captivating.
Don’t let the name fool you – HoYoverse’s first dive into the life simulation genre with Petit Planet is anything but small. You’ll begin your journey on your very own planet, then freely explore the vast Starsea in an adorable, classic-style car. The developers invite you to ‘decorate the sky, coast, and land as you wish,’ transforming your planet into a personal canvas. This promises boundless creative freedom.
The debut trailer for Petit Planet showcased the player character establishing their home, tending to a vibrant farm, and sharing a meal with the delightful Yunguo, a botanist character resembling a red panda. We also glimpsed a luminous, ethereal blue tree, housing glowing orbs that reveal different landscapes. This suggests it might serve as your gateway to the Starsea, with new areas unlocking as your current planet flourishes.
Soon, you’ll be able to buckle up and journey through the cosmos in your trusty brown car, where a diverse cast of ‘Neighbors’ awaits. Meet Isaki, the charming battle beetle trainer; Meadowlyn, the imaginative plushie crafter; and Frostia, the enigmatic mystic scholar. Isaki’s home planet features rugged rocks and sweeping emerald plains, while Meadowlyn enjoys a pink beach paradise, and Frostia resides in a more traditional coastal environment. The trailer also hinted at a character from a desert planet and two other intriguing figures yet to be named.
This game appears to support cooperative play, allowing you and your friends to explore the cosmos together, shop, and even host lively dance parties. While its aesthetic clearly echoes Animal Crossing, Petit Planet distinguishes itself with a significantly grander scale and cosmic scope.
An in-game screenshot depicts a vibrant scene with various characters and elements, highlighting the game’s charming art style and life simulation aspects.
Excitingly, HoYoverse has already opened applications for an early playtest. The Petit Planet Coziness test is a ‘small-scale beta test with a data wipe’ where players can get a first taste of the game. Keep an eye out for how to join!
While a definitive Petit Planet release date has not been announced, the fact that it’s already in beta suggests a launch could be anticipated sometime next year.
If you’re eager for similar experiences while you wait, consider exploring other engaging life simulation and farming titles. There are many fantastic games akin to Stardew Valley and other excellent farming adventures to enjoy.
Are you looking forward to HoYoverse’s unique Animal Crossing-inspired cosmic journey? Share your thoughts and tell us about your favorite homesteads from games like Disney Dreamlight Valley or Stardew Valley!