Xbox Game Pass New Free Game Is Stardew Valley Meets Studio Ghibli

Xbox Game Pass has a number of new games arriving in February 2026. If you're looking to check out a cozy life sim like Stardew Valley, then one of the new additions is definitely for you. And if you're a fan of Studio Ghibli movies, then even better.

Over on the official Xbox news page, a number of new free games for February 2026 have been revealed. The latest offerings include newer games like Madden NFL 26 and High On Life 2, as well as classics like Final Fantasy 2 (albeit the remastered version). One of the games arriving in February is called Starsand Island, and fans of Stardew Valley and Studio Ghibli will definitely want to check it out.

Starsand Island Is Coming To Xbox Game Pass

Starsand Island arrives on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on February 12, 2026. It's for Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. In the game, players will return to an island known as the "Star of the Deep Sea" and immerse themselves in bonding with animals, fishing, gathering, crafting, and exploring.

It looks a lot like Studio Ghibli's When Marnie Was There, especially considering its island setting. But the anime-style of Starsand Island's character designs, as well as the designs of its animals, also all feel distinctly like a Studio Ghibli movie. The atmosphere and music also feels Ghibli-esque.

This Could Be Our Next Gaming Obsession

If aesthetics alone isn't enough to tempt you, then the gameplay should be. There's a ton of stuff you can do in Starsand Island, including befriending a capybara, going on dates, and fishing. You can also explore the Moonlit Forest to find what mysteries dwell there, or you can just chill on the beach and soak up the sun.

Romance options abound in Starsand Island, and that might be the secret to its longevity. Cozy games make or break when it comes to including romance or not, so this should keep players invested. Beyond that, the world looks gorgeous, and like a place you'd actually want to visit, which certainly helps.

If you're looking for a new cozy game to invest in, then Starsand Island should do the trick. It may look and feel like a Studio Ghibli movie, but fans of Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing: New Horizons will definitely want to give it a try. This could easily be our next gaming obsession, and it thankfully arrives on Xbox Game Pass on February 12, so if you have an Ultimate or PC subscription, you can play it at no additional cost.