Farming games are about the quiet joy of watching something grow. But not every farming game is worth your evenings. Here are ten things to look for, and how Harvest Tycoon does each of them.
1. You can play it anywhere
A good farming game goes where you go. Harvest Tycoon runs in any browser on a phone, tablet or computer, with no download, and the same farm is on every device. See Play a farming game in your browser.
2. It respects your time
Crops should grow while you are away, so a few minutes now and then are enough. In Harvest Tycoon your fields and buildings keep working when you close the game, and quick crops reward you for playing longer.
3. The start is clear
The first minutes decide whether a game clicks. Harvest Tycoon starts with a guide of 10 short steps and a head start for new farms. See Your first hour.
4. There is always a next goal
Quests, levels and medals give you something to work towards at every moment, from your first field to level 300.
5. Crops become something
Growing is only half of it. In a good farming game your harvest becomes feed, eggs, bread and many more goods in your own buildings, each a little more valuable than the last. See Buildings and goods.
6. Trading has a little thrill
Market prices in Harvest Tycoon change every day, so selling at the right moment pays. The shipping bin and delivery orders give you more ways to sell. See How to earn coins fast.
7. You play together
Farming is better with friends: Farm families with a weekly chest and tournament, a worldwide chat and a new event every hour. See Farming with friends.
8. Free means free
A fair free-to-play game lets you play the whole game without paying. In Harvest Tycoon diamonds come from the daily gift, quests, levels and events; buying them is a choice, never a wall.
9. The world grows with you
A farm that never changes gets old. In Harvest Tycoon your farm becomes an estate, a village opens at level 100 and a harbour at level 200, each with its own places, goods and goals.
10. It feels calm and cheerful
Soft colours, animals that move, music to pick and gentle sounds: a farming game should be a nice place to come back to. You can also move your buildings and fields and decorate your farm the way you like it.
Try it
Harvest Tycoon is free and runs in your browser. Start your farm, or read the wiki first.