I have been playing the Animal Crossing game series since Animal Crossing: Wild World came out on the Nintendo DS in 2005. Although it’s been almost 20 years, I absolutely love this series to this day and will continue to buy future Animal Crossing games. I don’t remember for sure, but it was either this game or Nintendogs that was my very first cozy game EVER. Side note: if you didn’t like Nintendogs, there is something severely wrong lol. ANYWAYS, due to that, it comes as no surprise that Animal Crossing is actually pretty precious to me. Plus, I have really fond memories of playing this game with my older brother and my friends throughout the years (:
My new standard for cozy games
Since Animal Crossing was my very first cozy game, it definitely set the standard for me. I truly thought that Animal Crossing was the cream of the crop, but then.. I discovered Garden Paws!
Garden Paws reminds me of the beloved Animal Crossing game series for many reasons. However, there are several reasons why I think Garden Paws is surprisingly better. I’ll specifically focus on Animal Crossing: New Horizons since that is the most recent addition to the series.
Features ACNH doesn’t have
In my Cozy Game Spotlight post for Garden Paws, I touch upon some of the features that I really enjoy and probably spend a good majority of my time doing while playing (aside from quests.) In Garden Paws, you’re able to take care of animals, breed animals, and explore the Dungeon; all things that ACNH doesn’t offer. If you’d like to know more, you can read my post here!
Speaking of quests, something I didn’t mention in my Cozy Game Spotlight post that I love most about Garden Paws is that it has sooo many quests! My blog name isn’t just a name that I felt would tie into my whole idea for this blog well; I absolutely LOVE quests. Main quests, side quests – I must have them all! Along with the main quests that this game has to progress in the story, you also have side quests that you can get from the bulletin board that is located in the town.
Garden Paws does it better
Both games have a lot of similarities, but ACNH is definitely lacking in comparison:
| ACNH | Garden Paws | |
|---|---|---|
| Cute animals: | Your neighbors | You, your neighbors, the ones you own, and wild ones |
| Resource gathering: | Stone, wood, shells, clay, iron nuggets, gold nuggets, mystery island flowers, bamboo, fruit, shooting stars | Stone, wood, sand, gems, ore, geodes, wild flowers, wild plants, items that animals drop, treasure chests, treasure maps, shooting stars |
| Fishing: | Fishing pole | Fishing pole, fishing traps |
| Transportation: | Plane and boat that you can’t control | Gliders and certain animals that you can control |
| Crafting: | Workbench and cooking station | 17 different craft stations in total |
| Your house: | Expansions are available | Expansions are available AND you’re able to create your own freeform buildings as a house (or anything you want) |
| Buildings: | 7 island buildings in total (including Harv’s Island) | 16 town buildings in total |
| Co-op: | 4 players | 10 players while playing Story Mode, 32 players while playing Creative Mode |
Gaming on a budget?
While ACNH is a whopping $59.99, do not fret! Garden Paws is only $24.99 on the Nintendo Switch. If you prefer playing on a PC, Garden Paws is also available on Steam for only $19.99.
Which game reigns supreme?
Since Animal Crossing is such a beloved game series, I know my opinion that Garden Paws is better is very controversial. So if you’ve ever played both games, what are your thoughts? Comment below!
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