Ranch Simulator

Ranch Simulator is a FREE-to-play open-world sandbox game that takes inspiration from many popular life simulation titles such as Stardew Valley, Farming Simulator, and even Sims and adapts it into the incredible, lifelike, engaging, and appealing simulation of the life of the true rancher. Farm, Harvest, Hunt & Build Now!

Realized in full 3 dimensions and with an incredible variety of important jobs and daily tasks on a large farm, gamers of all proficiency and interest levels can become engrossed with the gameplay loop of building a brand-new ranch, expanding it with new buildings, equipment, and animals, optimizing it into an efficient farm that produces profit, and most of all, enjoy the life on your virtual ranch.

As of the time, this review is written the game is available only in its early access form, but that does not stop it from being feature-rich and engaging to play. Even this early version of the game can be played both solo and with the help of three friends who can all pitch in and help build a large and prosperous ranch. The sandbox gameplay is presented from 1st person perspective, with highly detailed objects and environments making it very appealing to a modern gaming audience that expects high presentation value from simulator titles.

The main story of Ranch Simulator follows the life of a young rancher who has just received a call from his grandfather who needs help on his family farm. Hit with recession and struggling through tough times, the player has the job of revitalizing the place and turning the almost ruined home into the pride of the area. Players can purchase equipment and supplies, manage livestock, build pens and barns, and explore the large environment teeming with life.

Object construction mod is very impressive since it allows players to craft buildings piece by piece, thus ensuring that they can create the farm of their dreams. The game even supports a rudimentary mode for hunting, with animals such as deer and bears roaming the area around the farm.

All in all, Ranch Simulator is a competent title that has incredible potential for growth in the future. Even in the first months after its arrival on the Early Access program on Steam, developers have managed to expand the game with free updates that include Meat and Dairy production add-ons, new houses, and much more. The game is optimized only for the 64-bit version of Windows 10/Windows 11 and can run great on any modern PC.

Features

Vast Open World: Explore a sprawling, beautifully rendered open world, complete with diverse landscapes, from rolling plains to dense forests, and encounter various wildlife species.

Realistic Farming: Manage every aspect of your ranch, including raising livestock, growing crops, and tending to daily chores. Breed cattle, goats, and other animals, and ensure their well-being.

Crafting and Building: Construct and customize your ranch with a wide range of buildings and structures. Gather resources and craft tools and equipment to aid in your daily tasks.

Multiplayer Mode: Team up with friends in co-op multiplayer mode to tackle ranching challenges together. Share the workload and build your dream ranch as a team.

Hunting and Survival: Venture into the wilderness to hunt game and gather resources. Survive harsh weather conditions and dangerous encounters with predators.

Realistic Physics: It features realistic physics, which adds depth and authenticity to gameplay. Physics-based interactions with objects and animals make the experience more immersive.

Vehicle and Equipment: Utilize a variety of vehicles and farming equipment to manage your ranch efficiently. From tractors to chainsaws, the game offers a comprehensive selection.

User Interface

The user interface in the game is intuitive and well-designed. The HUD provides essential information about your character's health, stamina, and inventory. Menus for crafting, building, and managing your ranch are easy to navigate, making it accessible to both newcomers and experienced players.

Installation and Setup

Installing the game is a straightforward process. The game is available on popular gaming platforms such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. Simply purchase and download the game from your preferred platform, then follow the on-screen instructions to install it. The game's system requirements are moderate, ensuring that it runs smoothly on a wide range of gaming PCs.

How to Play

It offers a comprehensive tutorial to help new players get started. It covers the basics of ranch management, crafting, hunting, and more. Once you've completed the tutorial, you can dive into the open world and start building your ranch. The controls are responsive, and the game provides on-screen prompts to guide you through various activities.

FAQ

How can I make money on my ranch?
Answer: You can earn money in Ranch Simulator by selling livestock, crops, and hunting trophies. Completing missions for NPCs and selling valuable resources also generates income.

Can I play Ranch Simulator solo, or is it best enjoyed in multiplayer?
Answer: It offers both single-player and multiplayer modes. You can enjoy the game solo, but multiplayer adds a cooperative element, allowing you to share the ranching experience with friends.

Is there a day-night cycle and dynamic weather in the game?
Answer: Yes, the Ranch Simulator features a realistic day-night cycle and dynamic weather patterns that impact gameplay. Prepare for different challenges and opportunities depending on the time of day and weather conditions.

Can I customize my ranch and buildings?
Answer: Absolutely! It provides extensive customization options for your ranch. You can build, upgrade, and decorate structures to create a unique and personalized ranch.

Are there dangerous animals in the game?
Answer: Yes, you'll encounter various wildlife, some of which can be dangerous. Be prepared to defend your ranch from predators like wolves and bears, adding an element of survival to the gameplay.

Alternatives

Farming Simulator 22: Offers a realistic farming experience with a wide range of licensed vehicles and equipment for players who enjoy managing agricultural operations.

Stardew Valley: A charming farming simulation game focusing on crop cultivation, animal husbandry, and building relationships with townspeople.

My Time at Portia: An open-world crafting and farming game that combines farming, exploration, and quest-solving in a post-apocalyptic setting.

Pricing

It was available for purchase on various gaming platforms, typically priced around $19.99 to USD 24.99. Prices may vary depending on the platform and any ongoing promotions or discounts.

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i5-3570K or equivalent
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 760 or equivalent
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 15 GB available space

PROS

• Immersive open world with stunning visuals.
• Realistic ranching and survival elements.
• Multiplayer mode for cooperative play.
• Extensive customization options.
• Regular updates and developer support.

CONS

• Some players may find the learning curve steep.
• Occasional bugs and performance issues.
• Limited variety in missions and objectives.

Conclusion

It delivers an engaging and immersive ranching experience set in the untamed Wild West. With its vast open world, realistic mechanics, and cooperative multiplayer mode, the game offers hours of entertainment for players who enjoy simulation and survival gameplay. While it may have a few rough edges, regular updates and a dedicated developer team continue to refine the experience.

Whether you're a seasoned rancher or a city slicker looking for a taste of the frontier, Ranch Simulator is worth saddling up for. Just be prepared for the challenges and adventures that await in this wild and captivating world.