Game overview
The Ranchers is a country-life simulation game for 1-4 players, set in an open-world sandbox. The game is currently in early access. Players start a new life on a rural lot of land, developing it into a working ranch.
Gameplay
Core mechanics include:
- Farming, including growing crops and taking care of animals such as chickens, bunnies, goats, and cows
- Resource gathering and crafting items such as fences, sprinklers, and greenhouses at a workbench
- Ranch management, including water and electricity contracts, wells, wind turbines, and solar panels
- Selling surplus resources and crops to the village and fulfilling daily orders
- Purchasing additional land to expand the ranch
- House construction and interior decoration
- Open-world exploration on foot, by bike, pickup truck, or car
- Shifting seasons and a day-night cycle affecting store hours and planning
- Locations to visit, including markets, boutiques, car dealerships, parks, and a casino
- A consequence system in which actions such as destruction, theft, or reckless driving can attract police attention
Co-op
Multiplayer options include:
- Cooperative play with up to 3 additional players on the same ranch