Farming simulation games frequently feature both livestock players can raise in exchange for resources and pets they can adopt, which can help around the farm or simply serve as an adorable companion. Seed Lab’sStarsand Islandis no exception; livestock options include the standard cows, pigs, and sheep as well as the more exotic yaks and bees. In addition,Starsand Islandplayers can choose to befriend not just cats and dogs, but adorable capybaras, which come with their own personalities, quirks, and daily schedules.
Game Rant attended a press event in whichStarsand Islandtechnical director Golton Gao and creative director Richardo Wang, speaking via translator, described the capybaras as the “mascots” ofStarsand Island.Native to South America, the capybara is the world’s largest rodent and is far from a common sight in farming or life simulation games, although it does appear inDisney Dreamlight Valley’s"A Rift in Time" expansion. TheStarsand Islandteam chose the capybaras for their adorable looks, and they quickly became a fan favorite.
Starsand Island’s Capybaras Have Unique Quirks And Personalities
When designing the capybaras and other animals, theStarsand Islandteam quickly decided that they did not want to limit players to a single pet, as somegames likeStardew Valleyinitially did. “We will have some different capybaras,” said Gao. “Some like to ride chickens. Some ride cats… Different capybaras will have different characters.”
Gao and Wang encouraged players to get to know the many different capybaras in the game by following their individualized schedules, learning their likes and dislikes, and raising their affection meter by giving them gifts, baths, and special treatment. Gao specifically noted that players should see capybaras, cats, dogs, and other pets asNPCs they can befriend, rather than simply as pets.
“Think of these pets as your companion NPCs. They also behave like other interactable NPCs. You can put them in baths, give them gifts, there are a lot of interactions. It will give you a sense of fun and companionship.”
Animals Have A Wide Variety Of Functions And Interactions
The capybaras ofStarsand Island—as well as the cats, dogs, and a wide variety of otherfarm animalsand pets—are so much more than simply adorable creatures players can pet. Once befriended, they can help harvest crops, clear bugs from players' farms, patrol the area, and even join in when players race their friends on various mounts, including cows, pigs, and yaks. Of course, the pets will choose mounts more suitable for their size, such as cats or chickens, making for an absolutely adorable sight.
However, unlike many other farming simulators, the pets ofStarsand Islandare not just characterized by what they can do for the player. In a statement on theStarsand IslandKickstarter page, Gao and the team explained that each animal has a distinct personality, with some preferring affection while others are introverts who need their alone time. Groups of animals will also form “social circles,” befriending one another and playing or foraging together when they aren’t hanging out with the player.
Starsand Island’sdevelopment is still ongoing, with the game currently planned to release sometime in late 2025. However, it has already set itself apart from the farming simulator genre with its focus on relaxation, low-stress activities, and heartwarming bonds between the player and their animals, as well as the variousromanceable NPCsliving on the island. The adorable capybaras, a unique animal not appearing often in games of this genre, is a perfect symbol of howStarsand Islandsets itself apart from the crowd.
