Starsand Island Adds Four-Player Co-Op at 1.0 Launch

Seed Sparkle Lab has locked in August 18 as the day Starsand Island leaves Early Access. The cozy life sim launches in full on PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC that day, six months after it first entered Early Access on XBOX Series X|S and PC in February. The Zhuhai studio describes the island as a place inspired by the Chinese countryside and built around traditional Eastern philosophy.

Online multiplayer leads the day one additions, supporting up to four players at once. It was not part of the Early Access build. Groups can explore the island’s varied landscapes together, fight monsters in the ancient ruins, fish off the coast, and build side by side. Playing in multiplayer earns an exclusive currency that buys rewards from a dedicated multiplayer shop.

The relationship systems get a substantial expansion at launch, with 19 NPCs receiving new three-heart and five-heart quests that unlock additional content as bonds get stronger. The 14 romanceable characters also pick up more dating activities, including picnics, kite flying, and playing arcade games together.

A new seasonal event called the Autumn Pumpkin Carnival arrives alongside the full release, carrying its own storyline and event-exclusive quests. Activities include catching glowing jellyfish, growing festival pumpkins, and giving animals a special feed that makes them produce candy. Seasonal rewards cover outfits, makeup, emotes, recipes, furniture, and other cosmetics and collectibles.

Physical editions opened for preorder today on PlayStation 5 and Switch 2, with both shipping November 12. The PlayStation 5 version runs $39.99 / €39.99 / £34.99, while the Switch 2 version is $39.99 / €44.99 / £39.99.

Starsand Island | Full Release Date Announcement Trailer