Seed Sparkle Lab has announced that Starsand Island will leave Early Access and fully release on August 18, on PC, PlayStation, Switch 2, and Xbox. The 1.0 update unlocks online multiplayer, expands NPC relationships, and adds a new seasonal event just in time for Fall.
A physical edition is also launching for PlayStation 5 and Switch 2 in November.
With online multiplayer, up to four players can hang out in the idyllic island paradise, including building and crafting together, or battling in the ancient ruins. Players can also earn exclusive currency and unique rewards by playing in the multiplayer mode.
The update also adds new relationship quests. A total of 19 NPCs will get new three-heart, and five-heart quests that advance players to the next level, unlocking new content. The 14 romanceable NPCs will also get more activities you can do together, such as picnics, flying kites, and playing arcade games.
The island is also getting a new seasonal event, the Autumn Pumpkin Carnival. The carnival features event-exclusive quests and activities, including pumpkin growing. And somehow, you can feed animals special feed to produce candy? By completing quests, players can earn exclusive rewards, including cosmetics, furniture, recipes, and collectibles.
Starsand Island is a 3D life sim set around an island inspired by the Chinese countryside. Players can craft, farm, fish, and care for animals as they expand their farm, ranch, and home while interacting with the many NPC residents of the town.
In our Early Access review, we enjoyed the game’s art style and ease of building and crafting, but bemoaned the lack of story, and the lackluster monster-battling.
Starsand Island is currently available via Early Access on Steam and Xbox. It’s rated E10+ with Fantasy Violence, Language, and Mild Suggestive Themes.
