Fae Farm: Everything We Know

We love a good farming simulator as much as the next green-thumbed pioneer. So much, that anything that looks even remotely like Animal Crossing: New Horizons automatically gets a check in our book. Such is the case with Phoenix Labs’ Fae Farm, an upcoming multiplayer crafting sim for Nintendo Switch and PC. Turns out, the cutesy farming game boasts all same hallmark qualities as its inspirations, which means we’re immediately inclined to give it the benefit of the doubt, regardless.

Of course, there is that ever-present question that remains to be answered: how will it compete with the countless other farming simulators on the market? Well, here’s everything we can tell you based on the details provided by Phoenix Labs so far. Fae Farm: what is it, and how will it change the face of virtual farming when it releases later this year? Let’s talk turkey.

What Is Fae Farm?

Fae Farm is a single-player and four-player co-op farming and city-building game by Phoenix Labs. Its premise, much like Wylde Flowers, is centered around the idea of restoring a homestead through the use of a rare power known as Fae Magic. Either alone or with up to three friends, witches and wizards will have the opportunity to embark on a journey to unite the realms and conduct a world-changing restoration symphony.

In the words of Phoenix Labs: “Escape to the fairytale life of your dreams in Fae Farm, a farm sim RPG for 1-4 players. Craft, cultivate, and decorate to grow your shared homestead and use spells to explore the enchanted island of Azoria! You’ll forge new bonds with residents, discover fae magic, and trek across mysterious realms. And as the seasons change, you’ll use all you've learned and discovered together to restore the world around you.”

Story

Story-wise, Fae Farm will take place in the world of Azoria—an enchanted and vibrantly diverse plot of land that’s home to mythical creatures, spell-casting inhabitants, and idyllic crags and crevices. As a magic-wielding innovator, you will embark on an ambitious quest to convert the remains of the fairytale land into a full-fledged fantasy realm.

“As you nurture and grow your homestead, you'll get to meet charming characters, foster deep relationships and discover ways to infuse magic into everything you do,” the description adds. “Customize your character, master the arts of crafting, cooking, potion-making and discover so much more.”

Gameplay

Let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room; Wylde Flowers — we’re getting a lot of its vibes here. And not just from the magic-infused gameplay, but the overall structure and town-building blueprint that it heavily leans towards. Safe to say that, if you found a way to flex your inner farmhand in that, then you’re sure to find a home away from home within the confines of Azoria. That’s more or less what we’re getting from the footage that has been shown to date, anyway.

Of course, it’s a life simulation game at heart, so expect plenty of conversing with the town’s residents, as well as building long-lasting relationships that’ll further benefit the growth of the community. Aside from that, there’ll be more than enough crafting, brewing, and general gallivanting about in various quests and extracurricular activities. You know, textbook farming simulation bits and bobs.

In addition to the usual activities, you’ll also have the chance to adopt and raise your own animals—a task that will lead to one of many benefits, including better resources, upgrades, and potions. All of this will be available to soak up either alone, or with up to three other friends either online or locally. Of course, the more the merrier.

Development

Phoenix Labs has been brewing the concoction that is Fae Farm for a good couple of years or so now. Revealed back in 2022 at the Nintendo Direct event, the studio announced its intentions to bring it to consoles and PC as early as 2023. It was confirmed earlier this week, of course, that it would be shaping up for a Fall 2023 launch. But more on that shortly.

Anyway, Phoenix Labs’ upcoming farming sim will serve as the studio’s second IP, with the first being an action RPG called Dauntless. Quite the contrast, all things considered. Whatever the case, we’re seriously looking forward to seeing what the team pull out of the bag later this year. A farming sim — who’d have thought?

Trailer

Thanks to Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest, we know have a little more of an idea of what Fae Farm is all about. But don’t take our word for it, you can see what’s in store in the world of Azoria for yourself by checking out the latest trailer above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

As it turns out, avid farmhands and governors needn’t wait all that long to get their hands on Phoenix Labs’ upcoming entry to the life simulation network. Matter of fact, Fae Farm will be launching as early as September 8, 2023 on Nintendo Switch and PC — so best get to recruiting your team for what’s to come sooner than later.

We can’t quite tell whether or not there’ll be any special editions of Fae Farm at launch. If Phoenix Labs does have something of the sort up its sleeve, then news is sure to spread a little closer to the time. That said, seeing as we’re drawing awfully close its launch window, chances are it won’t have anything other than the standard digital edition on Switch and PC.

Have the grassy highlands and early morning starts caught your interest? If so, then be sure to get ahead of the project by checking in with the team’s official social feed for additional updates here. Also, don’t forget to add it to your wishlist for immediate access the moment it graces the marketplace. See you on the field, farmers!

So, what’s your take? Will you be getting your hands on a copy of Fae Farm when it hits the Switch later this year? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.