Cozy farming sim Starsand Island is getting four-player co-op. The Stardew Valley-like game’s multiplayer mode was officially confirmed via a new trailer, which also revealed Starsand Island‘s 1.0 release date.
Developed by China-based studio Seed Sparkle Lab, Starsand Island entered early access on PC and the Xbox Series X/S in February 2026. It combines a 3D anime aesthetic with a gameplay loop reminiscent of Stardew Valley, featuring a mix of farming, fishing, ranching, crafting, relationship-building, and exploration.
Starsand Island Launches August 18 with Co-Op Multiplayer
Five and a half months following its early access debut, the cozy farming sim has received a 1.0 release date: August 18, 2026. The date was confirmed via a 96-second trailer, which also revealed some new details about Starsand Island‘s features. Among other things, the promo video confirms that the previously promised co-op multiplayer will be available at launch, with support for up to four players. Co-op will allow groups to explore the titular island, fish along the coastline, construct buildings, and battle monsters in ancient ruins. Cooperative activities also award a mode-specific currency that can be spent on exclusive items at a dedicated multiplayer shop.
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Seed Sparkle Lab -
Seed Sparkle Lab -
Seed Sparkle Lab
Starsand Island 1.0 Update Expanding Romance Features
Beyond cooperative play, the 1.0 update will expand Starsand Island‘s relationship system. Nineteen NPCs will receive new quests at the three-heart and five-heart milestones, while the game’s 14 romanceable characters will gain additional dating activities, including picnics, kite flying, and arcade visits. The full release will also introduce the Autumn Pumpkin Carnival, a seasonal event with its own storyline and exclusive quests. The charming carnival will offer players a chance to catch glowing jellyfish, grow festival pumpkins, and feed animals special treats that make them produce candy. Rewards will include outfits, makeup, emotes, recipes, furniture, and a variety of collectibles.
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While the early access version of Starsand Island was limited to PC and Xbox Series X/S, the 1.0 release will also arrive on the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. Physical editions for the PS5 and Switch 2 are scheduled for November 12, with preorders opening July 31. The Xbox Series X/S is not currently set to receive a physical edition, continuing a years-long trend of indie games launching exclusively in digital form on Microsoft’s current-generation consoles. Seed Sparkle Lab has already confirmed it does not plan to raise the game’s price after the 1.0 release, meaning Starsand Island will retail for $39.99 across all platforms and formats.
Starsand Island is poised to add to the ever-growing library of modern Stardew Valley-esque titles on PC and consoles. Looking ahead, its 1.0 launch may only be the start of things to come, not least because the game’s Kickstarter page mentions even more seasonal events in the form of the aforementioned Autumn Pumpkin Carnival being in the works. However, an official post-launch roadmap has not yet been shared. Assuming it exists, it will most likely remain under wraps until after Starsand Island officially launches on August 18.
- Released
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February 11, 2026
- Developer(s)
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Seed Lab
- Publisher(s)
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Seed Lab
