Developer Seed Sparkle Lab has announced that its cozy anime-inspired life sim, Starsand Island, will enter early access on Steam and Xbox on February 11, 2026. The full release is planned for summer 2026 across multiple platforms. This pivot from an initial full launch allows the team to refine content based on player feedback.
Starsand Island, a relaxing farming and life simulation game from Chinese developer Seed Sparkle Lab, was originally slated for a multiplatform release in early February 2026. However, the studio has shifted plans to launch in early access first, aiming to "finalise the comprehensive content and finesse the end-game experience for players," as stated in the announcement.
The early access version will debut on February 11, 2026, via Steam Early Access and Xbox Preview (also available on Xbox Game Pass Preview). Players can expect over 100 hours of gameplay, including core activities like farming, ranching, fishing, exploring, and crafting. The game features an anime-style aesthetic, with options to build and customize homes or villas, form relationships with NPCs and animals such as capybaras, cats, and dogs, and explore diverse environments using vehicles like longboards, scooters, hoverboards, cars, and motorbikes. Mysteries involving ancient ruins and combat against strange creatures add depth, while side activities emphasize open-ended building without strict limitations.
Online multiplayer will not be available at early access launch but is scheduled for the full 1.0 release in summer 2026, which will expand to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam, and macOS. The game was teased at the recent Tokyo Game Show, and the developer has emphasized a strong anti-AI stance, with community discussions on its Discord server reinforcing this position.
This approach allows cozy gamers eager for titles like Stardew Valley to dive in early, providing feedback to shape the end-game. While console players must wait longer, the early access period promises a substantial experience in a serene island paradise focused on tranquil living and creative freedom.
