Highlights
- Starsand Island launches Feb 11 on PC and Xbox with 100+ hours of Ghibli-inspired gameplay.
- The RPG features deep farming, ranching, and DIY construction across a sprawling anime-style island.
- Starsand Island version 1.0 arrives this summer with multiplayer and PS5/Switch 2 releases.
The wait is almost over for fans of cozy life simulations, as the anime-inspired RPG Starsand Island has officially confirmed its release date. Developer Seed Sparkle Lab announced that the title will enter early access next week on Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026. The game will be available immediately for PC players via Steam and console players on Xbox Series X/S through the Xbox Game Preview program. This early launch marks a strategic move for the Zhuhai, China-based studio, allowing them to gather community feedback and "finesse the end-game experience for players" before the full version 1.0 rollout. The official launch is slated for summer 2026 on additional platforms, including PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2.
Despite the "Early Access" label, players can expect a massive amount of content right out of the gate. The initial build offers over 100 hours of core gameplay set on a sprawling, pastoral island rendered in a lush anime aesthetic reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films. The story follows a classic and heartwarming premise where the protagonist returns to their childhood home on a journey of personal healing, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
To facilitate this new life, the game features a comprehensive farming system with nearly 100 types of crops to cultivate and hybridize, alongside a ranching mechanic that lets players raise over 10 distinct animal species, such as cows and alpacas, with various color variants to discover.
Farming, Ranching, and DIY Home Construction
Beyond simple agriculture, the gameplay loop is designed to be deeply immersive and varied. Players will be able to engage with over 40 unique NPCs, building relationships and making friends with the islanders. For those who love creativity, the game boasts an intricate DIY and construction system that allows for building a dream home down to the very last photo frame.
Whether your vision is a grand manor, a mid-century bungalow, or a quaint cottage, you can decorate both the interior and exterior to your exact specifications. Exploration is also a key pillar of the experience; players can traverse the massive map using over 40 different mounts and vehicles. The selection ranges from magical animal companions and retro scooters to more modern options like cars, hoverboards, and even a motorbike with a sidecar, as reported by VGC.
Steam
For the adventurous, the island isn't just about relaxation; it also holds secrets in its ancient ruins. The game includes combat elements where players must craft weapons like bows to fend off bizarre creatures inhabiting fog-shrouded areas. While the Early Access period will be a single-player experience focused on this emotional narrative loop, Seed Sparkle Lab has confirmed that a multiplayer mode will be added when the full game launches this summer, allowing friends to craft their paradise together.
Seed Sparkle Lab has also detailed two specific purchase options for early adopters. The Standard Edition one includes the base game along with a limited-time Chinese New Year bonus, featuring festive outfits and furniture rooted in traditional designs.
For players looking for more immediate cosmetic options, the Deluxe Edition has "Romanticism-inspired" customization items, including classical outfits and fantasy-themed furniture. While PlayStation and Nintendo fans will need to wait a few more months, Xbox and PC players can start their island life next Wednesday.
