There is no doubt thatStardew Valleyis one of the best games to be released in recent years. And what’s not to love? Stardew Valley is unique in its approach to the RPG genre with its country-life theme. However, a new contender for the world’s coziest farming game entered the world in February 2023, quickly becoming a sensation among gamers.Sun Havenis an outstanding achievement that mirrors the premise of Stardew Valley.
Related:Things To Know Before Starting Sun Haven
Because of this, it’s easy to compare the two games. Sun Haven borrows elements that make Stardew so beloved, turning it into something more magical.
9Sun Haven Unleashes MagicInto Its World
Have you ever looked at your garden on a hot day and thought, “I wish I could summon a small rain cloud to water all these crops.” Sun Haven has your back. The game provides a mechanic that allows your character to use spells for battles, and tending to your farms. This is especially great during the cruel, cruel summer since crops have the potential to catch on fire. Rain to the rescue!
Though Stardew Valley may feel like magic, the added fun of casting spells is unfortunately not part of the game unless you use mods.
8Enemies Designs Are More Unique In Sun Haven
The whimsical world of Sun Haven doesn’t limit its unique character design to just the friendlies. Most of the monsters resemble Pokemon, or what they could be if they crossbred. Pig bats, umbrella crabs, frost wasps, and flame imps are just a handful of the cute creatures who will try to kill you. Upon defeat, a lot of them will drop interesting items for loot. Hot sauce, anyone? How about a squashed banana?
Stardew Valley has a comparable set of villains. No shortage of slime, ghosts, and mummies there. But, the range of potential loot dropped in Sun Haven is much more diverse.
7Leveling Up Differs Across Both Games
Probably the most similar aspects of Stardew Valley and Sun Haven are the skill categories. In Sun Haven there is fishing, mining, combat, exploration, and farming. For Stardew Valley, the categories are farming, mining, foraging, fishing, and combat.
Related:Best Weapons In Sun Haven
Sun Haven’s skill trees are arguably more complex than Stardew Valley’s, with several tiers that branch into five subcategories. If you’re someone who wants more control over skills learned, then this system is perfect for you. Stardew’s skill trees are a bit easier to follow, with ten skill levels in each category.
6Sun Haven Allows You To Have Multiple Homes
Stardew Valley boasts beautiful environments, and a cozy farm and home for the player. In co-op mode, there is an option to house the other player in a cute cottage. But, if you’re not in multiplayer, the cabin doesn’t exist.
In Sun Haven, you’re not bound solely to Home Sweet Home. You can upgrade your current home as you progress, but when continuing the main plot, you will eventually be introduced to new areas, and earn two more homes. Reach Withergate and claim a demon-themed apartment. Travel to the village of Nel’Vari to be gifted a home among Elven trees. No matter which aesthetic you vibe with, there is a home (and farm) for you.
5Sun Haven Has No Stamina Bar
Cooking food is an essential part of Stardew Valley, as food is required to keep your character going throughout the day. If you don’t want to take the time to cook, Sun Haven does not use a stamina bar.
Now you can mine all day without running out of energy. However, there is a 12:00 curfew, so keep an eye on the time and be in bed by midnight. In addition to Stardew Valley’s case, the more you upgrade your tools, the less energy you’ll use in the long run.
4Control The Length Of Your Day In Sun Haven
Though Sun Haven and Stardew Valley are both fabulous, one game has this major perk over the other. As part of Sun Haven’s customization options, you now control the length of the day.
Days can be as short as 15 minutes. It’s not complete freedom over the length of the day as you can only adjust it to increments of 15, 20, 30, or 40 minutes, but it’s still nice to have options. Also, it’s possible to go back and adjust this setting at any time.
3The Mount Options Are Wide-Ranging In Sun Haven
When you gotta go fast, mounts (a rideable object or animal) will increase your travel speed. Stardew Valley provides horses your character can purchase, but Sun Haven’s mount options are varied with noble steeds, like an adorable fox.
Related:Sun Haven Complete Mount Guide
Or if you’d rather have an inanimate object, you can try a skateboard or a cardboard box. Sun Haven also comes with seasonal mount offers, including a magic sleigh, a surfboard, an owlbear (better than a ManBearPig!), and the cutest bumblebee you’ll ever see.
2Pets Aren’t Restricted To Cats and Dogs In Sun Haven
Stardew Valley allows your character to keep a dog or cat as a pet. In Sun Haven, the list of pets is almost as long as how many dogs are named Bella. Not only are dog and cat companions an option, but there are also unconventional, elemental, and fantastical creatures ready to be your friend. Bubbles, the starry-eyed shark, is a fan favorite. Maybe a cloud named Nimbus is more your style. Pets can also be earned by defeating bosses!
Also, you don’t have to choose just one pet, why not have a few?
1Sun Haven Offers Nearly Endless Character Customization
If you’re someone who spends hours creating a character for your games, you’ll do a backflip when see how much you can customize your character in Sun Haven. Seriously, it’s off the charts. There is quite a bit of customization in Stardew Valley too, especially when it comes to the 70+ hairstyles, but Sun Haven pushes the envelope further by introducingsevendifferent races. The options are amari (humans with animal features), demon, angel, elemental (a being made of a pure element, like water) human, elf, and naga (mermaid-like features).
Another awesome thing: if you decide you want to change anything, including your race, you totally can. We won’t judge if you always choose to be a mermaid.
Next:Games To Play If You Like Sun Haven
