Harvest Moon games are available on a wide range of gaming platforms. You can find various titles across Nintendo systems (including Switch, 3DS, and older consoles), PlayStation devices, and some Xbox consoles. Several games have also been released for PC through platforms like Steam. Mobile gamers can enjoy Harvest Moon titles on iOS and Android devices. Older games in the series can sometimes be found on virtual console services or through official re-releases. Keep in mind that the series has split into "Story of Seasons" (the continuation of the original series) and a new "Harvest Moon" series, both of which are available on modern platforms. For the most current options, it's best to check online gaming stores or the official websites of the publishers.

Harvest Moon games typically do not include combat as a core gameplay element. The series focuses primarily on peaceful farming activities, relationship-building, and community interactions. Players spend their time planting crops, caring for animals, foraging, mining, fishing, and socializing with villagers. While some games in the series may include light adventuring elements or mini-games that involve mild peril (such as exploring caves or avoiding obstacles), traditional combat or fighting mechanics are not part of the Harvest Moon experience. This non-violent approach is one of the defining characteristics of the series, setting it apart from many other role-playing games and contributing to its reputation as a relaxing and family-friendly franchise.

The change from "Harvest Moon" to "Story of Seasons" occurred due to a split between the series' developer and its Western publisher. Marvelous, the Japanese company that creates the games, ended their partnership with Natsume, who had been localizing and publishing the series in North America under the name "Harvest Moon" since 1997. When Marvelous decided to publish their games in the West themselves through XSEED Games (their subsidiary), they couldn't use the "Harvest Moon" name as Natsume owned the rights to it in Western markets. As a result, Marvelous rebranded their series as "Story of Seasons" for Western releases from 2014 onward, while Natsume began developing their own separate farming games under the "Harvest Moon" title. This change caused some confusion among fans, as the "Story of Seasons" games are the true continuation of the original Harvest Moon series.

The best Harvest Moon-style game on Nintendo Switch is generally considered to be "Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town," released in 2021. It offers updated graphics, new farming mechanics, and an expansive world to explore. However, it's important to note that this is part of the rebranded "Story of Seasons" series, which is the true successor to the original Harvest Moon games. For games actually titled "Harvest Moon" on Switch, "Harvest Moon: One World" (2021) is the most recent, but it has received mixed reviews. Many fans and critics agree that "Stardew Valley," while not officially a Harvest Moon game, captures the spirit of the classic Harvest Moon titles and is considered one of the best farming sims available on the Switch.

For newcomers to the Harvest Moon series, "Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town" (or its remake "Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town" on newer systems) is often recommended as an excellent starting point. It offers a perfect balance of classic gameplay elements, charming characters, and intuitive mechanics without being overly complex. Another great option is "Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life," which provides a unique life-spanning experience. If you're open to newer titles, "Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns" is a modern entry that captures the essence of the series while introducing quality-of-life improvements. For those with access to older systems, the original "Harvest Moon" for SNES or "Harvest Moon 64" are beloved classics that showcase the series' roots. Ultimately, the best game to start with often depends on which gaming systems you have available and whether you prefer classic or more modern gameplay styles.