Developer Seed Sparkle Lab has officially set August 18, 2026, as the 1.0 release date for its 3D cozy farming simulator, Starsand Island. Arriving five and a half months after its initial early access debut, the full launch brings a major feature that fans have been waiting for: a dedicated four-player cooperative multiplayer mode.
The upcoming co-op update allows groups of up to four players to share the rural island lifestyle together. Teams can build structures, farm crops, fish along the shorelines, and explore ancient ruins to fight monsters. Cooperative play will also feature its own dedicated currency earned through group activities, which can be spent on exclusive cosmetics and items at a new multiplayer-specific shop.
Beyond multiplayer functionality, the 1.0 update introduces substantial single-player content expansions. Romance and social systems are receiving a notable upgrade, adding new milestone quests at three and five hearts for 19 different NPCs. Additionally, the game’s 14 romanceable characters gain new dating activities like picnics, arcade visits, and kite flying. Players will also get to experience the new Autumn Pumpkin Carnival, a seasonal event featuring exclusive questlines, glowing jellyfish to catch, and special festival rewards ranging from outfits to furniture recipes.
When Starsand Island leaves Early Access on August 18, it will expand beyond PC and Xbox Series X/S to launch digitally on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 for $39.99. Physical console editions for PS5 and Switch 2 are set to follow on November 12, with pre-orders opening today.
