Dinkum: The Ultimate Animal Crossing Alternative You've Been Waiting For

Dinkum, released for early access in July 2022, quickly gained popularity in the cozy game community due to its wholesome vibes and farming elements. This indie title benefits from the success of beloved games like Stardew Valley, Disney Dreamlight Valley, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which have shown the potential for life simulation games.

While there are certain aspects that Animal Crossing could learn from Dinkum, it's important to note that Nintendo has confirmed there will be no further updates for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This was disappointing news for dedicated players of the 2020 title. However, fortunately for them, Dinkum offers the perfect alternative to satisfy their Animal Crossing cravings in 2023.

Dinkum is Animal Crossing in the Australian Outback

Dinkum, a game created by James Bendon, a single developer from Queensland, Australia, surpassed expectations and received a positive response upon its release last year. Currently, the game boasts over 15,000 "Very Positive" reviews on Steam. While Dinkum draws inspiration from Animal Crossing, it expands upon Nintendo's game by offering more extensive multiplayer options and activities such as hang gliding, combat, spelunking, and jet skiing. Additionally, players can engage in familiar pursuits like bug catching, fishing, planting crops, and discovering fossils. Initially, players begin their journey with a simple tent and a sleeping bag, gradually transforming it into a comfortable home through their efforts.

One intriguing aspect of Dinkum is the vastness of the island players receive, reminiscent of Minecraft. The island features four distinct biomes: a cold biome in the southwest, bushland in the east, desert in the center, and a tropical biome in the north. Although these biomes are typically located in these areas, it is possible for them to spawn elsewhere, ensuring unique experiences each time. While Animal Crossing offers different environments with its mystery islands and seasonal changes, it does not offer the same level of diversity found in Dinkum.

Additionally, Nintendo's life simulation game has faced criticism in the past due to its limited multiplayer options. While players cannot initially begin with Dinkum in multiplayer mode, they have more freedom to interact with items and non-playable characters (NPCs) compared to Animal Crossing. In Dinkum, players can engage in activities such as fishing together, racing on tracks, and battling Australian wildlife. However, similar to Animal Crossing, visitors are unable to relocate buildings or sell the host's animals.

One of the major appeals of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is its charming animal villagers. In Dinkum, the residents are entirely human, although they have their own unique qualities and communicate through gibberish speech. While they may not be as cuddly as the 488 animal villagers available in the Animal Crossing series, forming relationships with the NPCs in Dinkum can be advantageous as they can provide players with valuable items, similar to Stardew Valley.

Similar to other games of its genre, Dinkum provides a leisurely pace that allows players to unwind while nurturing their very own idyllic Australian paradise. However, gamers who find enjoyment in grinding away in cozy games will also find satisfaction in the combat and resource collection options available when venturing into the Deep Mine in Dinkum. Despite being in its early access phase, Dinkum unquestionably serves as a fulfilling alternative to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. PC users can now access Dinkum through its early access version.