Taylor Bauer
Taylor BauerCall me old-fashioned, but if you give me some pixel graphics and a fun adventure farming sim, I will probably be interested. That’s why Cattle Country caught my eye immediately when word spread that a new western-focused adventure starring a determined pioneer traveling west to start a new life. Players will make a home in the mountains, take on bandits, build a farm, develop their town, and make friends with fellow residents. Just in time for Steam Next Fest, a game demo is out and ready for players to try out this fun new entry in the ever-popular farming sim genre. Here’s what to expect in the new demo.
Cattle Country is being developed by Castle Pixel and published by Playtonic Friends. The game has been in open beta, but a new demo offers players an expanded look at what to expect from this upcoming release. In the demo, players will get to hear new voice acting and enjoy the ability to ride a horse and get new prairie pets. You’re also introduced to Mayor Archibald, as well as other key characters you’ll get to know in the full experience. From mining and fishing to crafting, decorating, and more, the game offers familiar features to other pixel farming sims but seems to really embrace the western cowboy theme, making it stand out among many cozy games fighting for attention in 2025.
I think the expanding interest in pixel games is helping a lot of studios that want to exist in a unique time and place carve out an audience for themselves. The pioneer western theme in Cattle Country is a great pivot from other farming sims. I have a feeling we’ll see a lot of folks love this adventure. It’s low-hanging fruit to compare games like this to Stardew Valley, but there’s space for variations on the formula. Where Fields of Mistria leans into fantasy and Graveyard Keeper leans into, well, graveyards, there’s a space I see emerging for the gorgeous vision on display here in Cattle Country.
The Steam Next Fest PC demo for Cattle Country is out now. Cattle Country will be released digitally for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch and as a physical retail edition for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch in 2025. Let us know in the comments if you’re interested in this cozy pixel farming sim!
Phenixx Gaming is everywhere you are. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Also, if you’d like to join the Phenixx Gaming team, check out our recruitment article for details on working with us.
Phenixx Gaming is proud to be a Humble Partner! Purchases made through our affiliate links support our writers and charity!
36
