This upcoming cosy game looks like a great Animal Crossing alternative, and might be the next obsession of 2026.
There may never be Animal Crossing: New Horizons, but in its wake there have been many decent Animal Crossing alternatives that have cropped up in recent years.
Games like Hello Kitty: Island Adventure, Dinkum, and Hokko Life have proven themselves as decent titles for the average Animal Crossing to check out once they’ve finally completed their island.
And 2026 is also looking pretty decent for these types of games too, with Pokémon Pokopia and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream confirmed for release.
Then there’s also Animula Nook, another cosy life sim game that you may want to keep an eye on. Although it’s coming along rather well, there’s no release date for it yet.
What is Animula Nook?
It’s a game where you play as a character who’s been shrunk down to the size of a toothbrush, and now has a new miniature world to explore.
You explore and live among everyday objects, which have now become giant-sized due to your new stature. It’s here that you collect sunlight and raindrops as resources, using them to build dream homes and befriend other miniaturised characters.
“Venture into vibrant landscapes hidden in plain sight,” reads the official description for Animula Nook. “Explore lush, resource-packed houseplant forests, delve into the mysterious depths of a forgotten well, and navigate other awe-inspiring (and sometimes perilous) corners of your home.
“Every expedition is an adventure filled with surprises, whether you’re unearthing rare materials or meeting a new friend.
“In this tiny world, sunlight, raindrops, gentle breezes – even forgotten scents – become precious materials waiting to be discovered.
“Coins, buttons, and other small wonders are scattered throughout the land – each one not just a resource, but a lost treasure waiting for a new purpose.
“Milk cartons become charming houses, teacups turn into bustling cafés, and spice jars transform into tiny, glowing shops. Use the objects around you to build, decorate, and customize a miniature haven with unique furniture and personal touches. Start on your desk, then expand your creations across windowsills, cabinets, or even inside a vibrant, living vivarium.”
Animula Nook is coming to PC via Steam and Epic Games, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2.
There is no release date yet, though developer LilliLandia Games has said that it is constantly making changes depending on player feedback, so a release date announcement may come once the studio is happy with that pipeline.
