Games Like Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX

The Digital World has run rampant with Machinedramon and is now in a state of utter chaos. As a Digidestined, it’s up to you to restore order to the world in Digimon World: Next Order, a monster collecting RPG.

Why similar: Creature Collector 51.2%, RPG 16.6%, Simulation 11.8%, JRPG 9%, Anime 7%

Why You'll Like It: This game is the closest modern experience to Monster Rancher, focusing heavily on the daily routine of feeding, training, and managing the lifespan of your digital companions.

Princess Maker 2 Refine is a life simulation game which you play as a father of a girl, who had descended from the star. You have 8 years to raise your daughter from age 10 to 18 – your daughter will grow into her adulthood through various experiences.

Why similar: Simulation 43.6%, Classic 16.7% ★, RPG 14.7%, Anime 11%, Cute 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: As the gold standard for raising simulations, this game shares the core loop of scheduling activities to build specific stats for your ward over a set period.

A new adventure awaits you in this second installment of the turn-based RPG series set in the world of Monster Hunter! Become a Rider and form bonds with friendly monsters known as Monsties to fight alongside them as you take part in an epic story.

Why similar: Creature Collector 54.8%, RPG 22.4%, JRPG 14%, Fantasy 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a deep system for hatching and raising monsters, focusing on the bond between the rider and their creature through exploration and combat.

Journey to the vibrant world of Rune Factory and experience the legendary fantasy farming adventure like never before!

Why similar: Creature Collector 49.5%, RPG 20.8%, Anime 11.8%, Fantasy 11.5%, Cute 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly balances life-simulation and farming with the ability to tame and train monsters to help you on your farm and in battle.

Slime Rancher is the tale of Beatrix LeBeau, a plucky, young rancher who sets out for a life a thousand light years away from Earth on the ‘Far, Far Range’ where she tries her hand at making a living wrangling slimes.

Why similar: Simulation 35.9%, Cute 35.7%, Fantasy 20.3%, Singleplayer 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the management aspect of creature care, requiring you to build habitats and maintain the needs of various exotic creatures.

Ooblets is a relaxing and offbeat farming, town life, and creature collection game. Manage your farm, grow and train your ooblets, explore strange lands, and have dance-offs!

Why similar: Creature Collector 71.6%, RPG 20.6%, Cute 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: This title blends creature collection with farming and management, offering a lighthearted take on raising and training unique critters.

Monster taming meets metroidvania. Collect, train and battle monsters in a lovely side-scroller pixel world.

Why similar: Creature Collector 69.4%, RPG 11.6%, JRPG 8.6%, Fantasy 8.6%, Singleplayer 1.8%

Why You'll Like It: It combines creature collection with tactical turn-based combat, requiring careful team building and stat management to succeed.

Collect awesome monsters to use during turn-based battles in this open-world RPG, now with online multiplayer mode. Combine any two monster forms using Cassette Beasts’ Fusion System to create unique and powerful new ones!

Why similar: Creature Collector 54.4%, RPG 15.4%, Anime 12.3%, JRPG 11.3%, Retro 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: The unique fusion system and focus on creature traits provide a strategic depth that appeals to players who enjoy optimizing their monster's capabilities.

Start your own cult in a land of false prophets, venturing out into diverse and mysterious regions to build a loyal community of woodland Followers and spread your Word to become the one true cult.

Why similar: Cute 43.7%, Fantasy 43.6%, Singleplayer 12.7%

Why You'll Like It: The management simulation elements of running your cult and tending to your followers provide a similar sense of responsibility found in raising monsters.

Humans live alongside creatures, each with different personalities, abilities, and moral codes. The invention of the DiscKid has changed life for everyone. Humans can copy creatures and use their power to help others and solve mysteries around the world.

Why similar: Creature Collector 52.3%, RPG 13.9%, JRPG 8.8%, Anime 8%, Fantasy 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-inspired creature collector that focuses on team composition and diverse monster abilities, reminiscent of classic monster-raising games.

Nexomon: Extinction is a return to classic monster catching games, with a brand new story, eccentric characters and over 300 unique Nexomon to trap, tame and evolve.

Why similar: Creature Collector 65.7%, RPG 15.3%, Simulation 9.9%, Anime 4.4%, Cute 2%

Why You'll Like It: A polished creature collector that offers a wide variety of monsters to train, focusing on the journey and team development.

Little Dragons Café opens with a twin brother and sister learning to cook and manage a small café with their mother. All was routine until one morning when the twins discover that their mother won’t wake up. Suddenly a strange old man appears and tells them that they must raise a dragon to save her.

Why similar: Cute 100%

Why You'll Like It: You are tasked with raising a dragon from an egg while managing a restaurant, emphasizing the daily care and growth of a single, central creature.

With engaging storylines, classic turn-based battles, and tons of Digimon to collect, Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition delivers everything fans loved about Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth and Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory.

Why similar: Creature Collector 58.8%, RPG 11.7%, JRPG 11.2%, Anime 11%, Fantasy 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: While more of a traditional JRPG, the evolution and stat-training systems are robust enough to satisfy fans of monster development.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince comes to Steam®! Recruit monsters from the DQ series, synthesize new creatures and compose your ideal team.

Why similar: Creature Collector 49.4%, RPG 16.1%, JRPG 10.2%, Anime 10.1%, Fantasy 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: The synthesis system allows for deep experimentation in creating new, more powerful monsters, which is a core pillar of the genre.

Dive into a dark world where monsters rule and make pacts with them to defeat an evil young woman seeking power. Hunt, battle, tame and breed monsters to create your own legacy. Together with your monsters, you can restore the balance to Crown Island.

Why similar: Creature Collector 56.2%, RPG 15.7%, JRPG 12.2%, Fantasy 10%, Retro 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: The breeding mechanics are central to the experience, allowing you to create unique monsters with specific traits and appearances.

Temtem is an online creature-collection adventure. Tame 165 unique creatures across 7 vibrant islands, battle other tamers, tackle mythical Lairs, chase Luma & Umbra variants, and breed your favorite Tems - with friends by your side! Dive into a colorful monster catching adventure, so Temtem up!

Why similar: Creature Collector 66%, RPG 13.2%, Anime 8.9%, JRPG 7.9%, Cute 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: This multiplayer creature collector emphasizes competitive battling and stat optimization, appealing to those who enjoy the tournament aspect of Monster Rancher.

Travel to the desert community of Sandrock and take on the role of a fledgling Builder. Use your trusty toolset to gather resources, construct machines, and turn your run-down workshop into a well-oiled production facility to save the town from the jaws of economic ruin!

Why similar: RPG 57.9%, Simulation 37.7%, Singleplayer 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: This life-simulation game features deep management mechanics and creature interaction that mirror the daily routine of a dedicated trainer.

The renowned Mega Man Battle Network series is back! Vol. 1 contains Mega Man Battle Network 1-3, including both versions of Mega Man Battle Network 3 for a total of four titles, plus additional features like a gallery of illustrations and music! In addition, online play is supported!

Why similar: RPG 70.1%, Retro 12.6%, JRPG 11.1%, Singleplayer 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: The grid-based combat and focus on customizing your character's loadout provide a strategic challenge similar to Monster Rancher's battle system.

You've inherited your grandfather's old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home?

Why similar: RPG 47.3%, Simulation 41%, Cute 8.4%, Singleplayer 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: While primarily a farming sim, the animal husbandry and care mechanics offer the same satisfying loop of daily maintenance and growth.

Adventure with friends in a beautiful world of wonder and fantastic creatures. Build, craft, farm and fish, as you raise and breed amazing pet companions!

Why similar: Creature Collector 40.7%, RPG 15.2%, Simulation 15%, Anime 8.2%, Fantasy 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game allows you to raise and evolve monsters that assist you in farming and combat, directly tying creature care to your progression.

As the newest ranger of a peacekeeping organization known as SEED, protect your community by rounding up rowdy monsters and going on special missions. Cultivate your farm and friendships alike while unravelling rune-related mysteries!

Why similar: Creature Collector 42%, RPG 17.5%, Simulation 15%, Anime 10.8%, Fantasy 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: It continues the series' tradition of blending life-sim elements with monster taming, offering a cozy environment for creature management.

Build and manage a medieval graveyard while facing ethical dilemmas and making questionable decisions. Welcome to Graveyard Keeper, the most inaccurate medieval cemetery sim of the year.

Why similar: RPG 45.2%, Simulation 40.4%, Fantasy 10.5%, Singleplayer 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: The complex management systems and resource planning required to run your graveyard provide a similar sense of 'work' found in Monster Rancher's training cycles.

Monster Hunter Stories is an RPG that takes the world of Monster Hunter and expands upon it in new and exciting ways! No longer are you hunting monsters, but raising them! In this deep story featuring heroes known as Monster Riders, you will live alongside monsters and form lifelong bonds with them.

Why similar: Creature Collector 32.4%, RPG 23.9%, JRPG 15.2%, Fantasy 13.4%, Anime 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: The original entry in the series establishes the core mechanics of monster bonding and turn-based combat that define the spin-off series.

GRANDIA HD Remaster brings enhanced visuals to both gameplay and cinematic videos.

Why similar: RPG 42.1%, Classic 33.3% ★, JRPG 16.6%, Anime 7.1%, Singleplayer 0.8%

Why You'll Like It: The classic adventure feel and focus on character growth provide a nostalgic experience for fans of retro-era RPGs.

Summon, consult, and train procedurally generated monster girls in this dungeon roguelite. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different monster types as you prepare the ultimate team to defeat dangerous enemies and collect powerful artifacts. (Game is SFW)

Why similar: Creature Collector 59.8%, RPG 16.2%, Anime 11.1%, Fantasy 5.8%, Cute 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game leans heavily into the management simulation aspect, tasking you with overseeing the training and well-being of your monster girls.

The latest in the Digimon Story series is finally here! In this RPG, unravel a mystery that spans across the human world and the Digital World, collecting and raising a wide variety of Digimon to save the world.

Why similar: Creature Collector 51.4%, RPG 16.3%, JRPG 11.1%, Anime 10.3%, Fantasy 6.3%

Tactics Ogre, crown jewel of the tactical role-playing genre, is reborn! Based on the 2010 release, the game features improved graphics and sound, as well as updated game design, bringing to life a new Tactics Ogre that remains true to its roots.

Why similar: RPG 42.3%, Simulation 25.4%, JRPG 13.9%, Fantasy 11%, Anime 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: The deep tactical management of your army and unit stats provides a high-level strategic experience for those who enjoy the planning phase of Monster Rancher.

Coromon is a modern take on the classic monster-taming genre. Tame Coromon and explore a vast world filled with thrilling turn-based battles, brain-twisting puzzles, and a mysterious threat to the world awaiting defeat. Nobody said being a Battle Researcher was easy!

Why similar: Creature Collector 63.3%, RPG 11.5%, JRPG 9.7%, Anime 7%, Cute 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a modern take on the classic creature-collection formula with a focus on puzzle-solving and strategic combat.

Dive into the enchanting worlds of LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete! Tag along on Alex and Hiro's quests and challenge enemies like the Magic Emperor and God of Destruction to save the world from dire peril in two adventures set 1000 years apart from each other!

Why similar: RPG 32.7%, Anime 26.6%, JRPG 25.8%, Fantasy 11.2%, Retro 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: A beloved classic that emphasizes story and character development, appealing to the retro-anime aesthetic found in Monster Rancher.

Welcome to the wonderful *New* world of Nuumonsters! Play as Yana or Yasaka in a short and sweet adventure to become the strongest trainer in the Hana region!

Why similar: Creature Collector 60.9%, RPG 17.7%, JRPG 10.6%, Retro 6.9%, Cute 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: This retro-styled RPG features creature collection and turn-based strategy, fitting well into the niche of classic monster-raising titles.

The third entry in the Monster Hunter Stories RPG series is here! Twin Rathalos, born in a twist of fate. Monster Hunter Stories is an RPG series set in the Monster Hunter world, where you can become a Rider, raising and bonding with your favorite monsters.

Why similar: Creature Collector 59.3%, RPG 22.9%, JRPG 11.2%, Anime 3.9%, Fantasy 1.9%

DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake is a stunning reimagination of the first two legendary adventures in The Erdrick Trilogy, brought together in one package.

Why similar: RPG 53.6%, Fantasy 26.4%, Cute 8.8%, JRPG 7.2%, Singleplayer 3.9%

Catch, evolve and collect over 300 unique Nexomon! Assemble the ultimate Nexomon team to save your friends and save the world! Clash against legendary champions and become a hero in this epic journey!

Why similar: Creature Collector 70.9%, RPG 15.7%, Simulation 9.5%, Anime 3.1%, Singleplayer 0.8%

Bridge the divide of an ancient schism between humans and monsters in Rune Factory 3 Special as half-human, half-wooly protagonist Micah. Farm, fight and fall in love as you revisit a classic in the series that perfected the blend of RPG & Life-sim genres.

Why similar: Creature Collector 47.7%, RPG 18.4%, Fantasy 11%, Simulation 8.5%, JRPG 7.1%

DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake is a stunning reimagining of the beloved masterpiece and narrative beginning to The Erdrick Trilogy.

Why similar: RPG 36.8%, JRPG 27%, Fantasy 20.8%, Cute 11%, Singleplayer 4.4%

Grandia II is back and better than ever! The classic Japanese RPG returns with enhanced visuals, new difficulty level, and features both keyboard and gamepad support!

Why similar: Classic 34.8% ★, RPG 26.6%, JRPG 20.7%, Anime 7.4%, Fantasy 7%

Yu-Gi-Oh! EARLY DAYS COLLECTION is packed with classic Yu-Gi-Oh! games from the very early days of Dueling — bursting with retro RPGs and strategic card games with beloved anime characters!

Why similar: RPG 36.7%, Simulation 32.7%, Anime 14.9%, Retro 13.6%, Singleplayer 2.1%

Monster Lab Simulator is a creature collector where you create, raise, and battle monsters in your own lab. Synthesize essences, hatch eggs, expand your collection, and build the ultimate team!

Why similar: Creature Collector 59.1%, Simulation 26.6%, RPG 11.4%, Cute 2.9%

Journey back to the other world in Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch™ Remastered. LEVEL-5’s classic tale returns better than ever, with improved graphics and performance.

Why similar: Creature Collector 46%, RPG 19.6%, JRPG 13.9%, Anime 10.4%, Fantasy 6.2%

Capture over 170 unique Creo, explore diverse regions, and battle your way through a story-rich, offline-friendly monster-catching RPG. Start your adventure in the world of Zenith as you search for your missing father and uncover the plot of a nefarious group, Shadow Hive.

Why similar: Creature Collector 55.2%, RPG 14.5%, Anime 9.3%, JRPG 8.6%, Fantasy 7%

A lovable and sensible simulation game to raise a girl who has visited you to make her dreams come true. An upgraded version of the classic simulation game has come back with many updates!

Why similar: Simulation 62.9%, Classic 24.6% ★, Anime 10.4%, Singleplayer 2%

Evomon Is a creature collector in tamagotchi version. Take care of your evomon since its infancy and discover its new evolutions, have fun playing the mini-games, adventure in mysterious expeditions, battle intensely against different monsters to reach the title of Evomon Champion.

Why similar: Creature Collector 59.9%, Simulation 17.8%, Fantasy 7.8%, Cute 6.5%, Retro 6.2%

Moonstone Island is a creature-collecting life-sim set in an open world with 100 islands to explore. Make friends, brew potions, collect Spirits, and test your strength in card-based encounters to complete your Alchemy training!

Why similar: Creature Collector 58.7%, Simulation 13.8%, RPG 12.9%, Fantasy 8.9%, Cute 5.7%

A hero's destiny is written in the Stars. The legendary KONAMI JRPGs Suikoden I and Suikoden II have now been remastered in HD!

Why similar: RPG 46.2%, JRPG 31.5%, Fantasy 18.5%, Singleplayer 3.8%

Develop a deserted island and collect rare monsters!

Why similar: Simulation 37.9%, RPG 36.2%, Fantasy 11%, Cute 8.3%, Retro 5.8%

The Mega Man Star Force series, which expanded into an anime, is back in the Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection! This collection includes seven games and additional features like a gallery of illustrations and music! Online play is also supported!

Why similar: RPG 77.4%, JRPG 20.2%, Singleplayer 2.4%

The beloved 1998 RPG Classic, SaGa Frontier, is reborn with improved graphics, additional features, and a new main character!

Why similar: RPG 56.6%, JRPG 34.6%, Anime 4.5%, Singleplayer 4.3%

Continue the adventures of Beatrix LeBeau as she journeys across the Slime Sea to Rainbow Island, a land brimming with ancient mysteries, and bursting with wiggly, new slimes to wrangle in this sequel to the smash-hit, Slime Rancher.

Why similar: Creature Collector 62.5%, Simulation 16.4%, Fantasy 9.2%, Cute 9.2%, Singleplayer 2.7%

Yaoling: Mythical Journey is a creature collecting Eastern fantasy RPG featuring an world filled with rich stories and unique Yaolings. Tasked to uncover a mysterious evil, you embark on a journey with your Yaolings, forming new friendships, engage in intense battles, and face countless challenges!

Why similar: Creature Collector 55.4%, RPG 15.4%, Simulation 13.1%, Fantasy 8.1%, Cute 6.1%

The original FINAL FANTASY II comes to life with completely new graphics and audio! A remodeled 2D take on the second game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.

Why similar: RPG 40.4%, JRPG 27.8%, Fantasy 19.4%, Retro 9.7%, Singleplayer 2.7%

Command an army of monsters in this all-new action game featuring character designs by famed manga artist Hiro Mashima. Take a stand to free the people of Felicidad as a Farmagia named Ten when monster farming, adventure, and hectic battles come together in an epic tale of rebellion and friendship.

Why similar: Creature Collector 55%, RPG 13.9%, Anime 12.9%, JRPG 11.5%, Fantasy 5%

Experience the joys of life on the farm in this reimagining of a timeless STORY OF SEASONS classic!

Why similar: Simulation 45.2%, RPG 31.8%, Anime 12.4%, Cute 8%, Singleplayer 2.6%

Beastmancer is a monster tamer tactical RPG. Play as an adventurer in a fantasy world, capture monsters and make them fight in turn based battles.

Why similar: Creature Collector 64.3%, RPG 26.9%, Fantasy 7.2%, Singleplayer 1.5%

Trials of Mana is a modern revival of the 3rd game in the seminal Mana series. The game, originally released in Japan as Seiken Densetsu 3, has been fully rebuilt from the ground up in 3D.

Why similar: RPG 57.3%, JRPG 13%, Anime 12%, Classic 9.2% ★, Fantasy 6.3%

Manage a care center for adorable monsters in Monster Care Simulator! Treat clients' creatures, hatch eggs, raise your own companions, and keep them happy with fun activities. Hire staff, expand your facilities, and customize your space to build the ultimate monster sanctuary!

Why similar: Creature Collector 70.5%, Simulation 23.8%, Cute 3.6%, Singleplayer 2.1%

The memorable adventure of Randi, Primm and Popoi is reborn as Secret of Mana! Originally released in 1993, Secret of Mana is by far the most popular title in the “Mana” series and has now undergone a much-awaited full 3D remake!

Why similar: Classic 26% ★, RPG 25%, JRPG 19.5%, Anime 12%, Fantasy 7.5%

Reawaken your inner demon in a modernized version of the acclaimed ATLUS classic, Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster.

Why similar: Creature Collector 55.4%, RPG 15.9%, JRPG 13.8%, Anime 9.1%, Fantasy 5.9%

A semi-open world, monster tamer RPG, set in a digital, futuristic environment, with fast-paced combat, a card minigame and focus on exploration.

Why similar: Creature Collector 60.4%, RPG 17%, JRPG 11.6%, Retro 4.9%, Cute 4.8%

Stardew Valley meets Pokémon! Experience a content-rich JRPG game inspired by the classics! Raise cute blob creatures, take care of your farm and make friends with the people of Clover Town.

Why similar: Creature Collector 44.6%, RPG 12.2%, Simulation 12.1%, Fantasy 11.4%, JRPG 9.3%

Collect over 100 stylish little pets on your desktop! They can freely move along the bottom of your screen, or live in the little houses you've carefully decorated for them. Hmm... or perhaps send them on adventures to earn treats?

Why similar: Creature Collector 61.3%, Simulation 14.2%, Anime 10.6%, Cute 6.9%, Retro 5.4%