When the most recent Xbox Game Pass roundup was revealed by Microsoft earlier in the month, it was said that Starsand Island would be a February 12th addition — but actually, we're getting it a day earlier on February 11th instead!

It should be available from 9am PST / 12pm EST / 5pm GMT / 6pm CET on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC, and it'll be available as part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass tiers. Alternatively, you can pick up the Standard Edition for $39.99 or the Deluxe Edition for $59.99 when the game goes live.

But what exactly is it? Well, Starsand Island is a slow-paced, cozy game in which you'll manage your own farm, build a unique countryside villa, explore multiple islands, forge friendships, engage in combat with an arsenal of weapons, learn how to fish, and a whole lot more! It sounds like the perfect kind of game for Stardew Valley and Sims fans.

Here's what the first reviews are saying about Starsand Island so far:

DualShockers (Recommend)

"I can't stop playing Starsand Island, and I'm more than happy to jump back in and keep experiencing the cozy vibe of this game world. I'm hooked, and for what it might lack in some current polish and optimization, it more than makes up for in options, charm, and a gameplay loop that is simply just working for me right now."

Loot Level Chill (8/10)

"Minor gripes aside, I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Starsand Island. It really feels like an “everything” life sim, with enough in there to keep you invested all the way through the early access period as they no doubt refine existing systems and add more. What sets it apart though is the presentation, and the island itself really is the star of the show. Whether you want to get stuck into farm life or just strap your skates on for a little jaunt around the city, it’s a game that all fans of the genre will love."

ScreenHype (8/10)

Starsand Island isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t need to be to be worth your time. It offers a gentle, romanticised take on the farming sim genre that feels welcoming without being stale. The affection system avoids forcing romance, the exploration feels rewarding, and the Moonlit Forest is one of the least stressful combat zones I’ve ever played in a game.

Nook Gaming (Mixed)

"This review does come with a number of provisos as explained, and so does the verdict: Starsand Island would be a great game if it wasn’t for all the technical issues. It improves on the life simulation genre in several ways, has a really satisfying gameplay loop, and has had me playing for hours at a time despite the issues. Unfortunately, it lies in that unusual area where it’s very difficult to give it a recommendation, even as an Early Access title, until it fixes the most serious bugs, yet it’s too good to recommend completely against it."

There are also a lot of outlets that don't want to "review" Starsand Island right now as it's still in an early access state (until it releases in full for multiple platforms in Summer 2026), with the likes of GamesRadar and PC Gamer having generally positive things to say about it as well.

In fact, the only real negatives we're coming across is that it's a bit "janky" and has technical issues at the moment, which we can forgive for an early access title. Everything else sounds great, and it's definitely one we're going to be checking out on Xbox Game Pass today!

Escape the Urban Grind to Starsand Island - Your Island Paradise Awaits! Tired of the hustle and bustle? Return to the tranquil embrace of Starsand Island, a gem hailed as the "Star of the Deep Sea." Here, immerse yourself in a serene pastoral lifestyle: slow-paced days spent bonding with adorable capybaras, cats, and dogs, savoring the thrill of bountiful fishing, exploring the mystical Moonlit Forest, or simply soaking in the island’s untouched beauty. Leave the mundane behind and rediscover life’s simple joys in this coastal utopia.

Intrigued by Starsand Island? Let us know down in the comments section below.