Level-5’s latest release, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, has taken the gaming world by storm, surpassing 800,000 units sold worldwide within just 10 days of its launch on May 21, 2025. The slow-life RPG, available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, has resonated with players globally, with publisher Level-5 confidently projecting the title will exceed 1 million units sold by the end of June.
The game, a sequel to the beloved 2014 Nintendo 3DS title Fantasy Life, builds on its predecessor’s charming blend of role-playing and life simulation. Set on the fictional continent of Ginormosia, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time introduces a time-travel mechanic, allowing players to explore a ruined island’s past and present to uncover its mysteries. With 14 unique “Lives” (jobs) such as Paladin, Farmer, and Artist, players can freely switch between professions, engaging in activities like crafting, fishing, or battling monsters. The game’s open-world exploration, city-building elements, and multiplayer features, including cross-play and local co-op, have been praised for creating a cozy yet engaging experience.
The title’s rapid success follows an impressive debut, with 500,000 units sold within its first two days, securing top spots on digital platforms like the Nintendo eShop. Level-5 attributes this momentum to the game’s strong performance in both Japan and international markets, noting that it ranked #1 on several platforms for multiple days. “Since launch, [Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time] has received an overwhelming response far beyond expectations,” Level-5 stated, expressing gratitude to players and highlighting the game’s robust digital sales.
Critics and players alike have lauded the game’s polished mechanics and vibrant world. IGN described it as “an excellent blend of cozy life sim and action-adventure RPG,” praising its surprising depth and bingeable gameplay. On Steam, the game boasts a “Very Positive” rating with 92% of over 6,000 user reviews recommending it, with fans calling it “pure joy” and a refined successor to the original. Famitsu awarded the game a 36/40, a point higher than its 3DS predecessor, while OpenCritic gave it a “Mighty” rating with a 86/100 Top Critic Average.
To celebrate the 500,000-unit milestone, Level-5 released free in-game items, including a Diamond Ring and Courtship Fireworks, redeemable via a gift code (A5C9X7VR). The developer has also rolled out updates to address minor issues, particularly for the Nintendo Switch and Xbox versions, with a Version 1.2.1 patch planned for late May to enhance gameplay stability. Additionally, free DLC has been announced, signaling ongoing support for the title.
Despite its digital-only release in the West, which disappointed some fans hoping for a physical edition, the game’s accessibility across multiple platforms and its cross-save functionality have broadened its appeal. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is slated for release on June 5, 2025, as a launch title for the new console, further fueling anticipation.
Level-5’s optimism about reaching 1 million sales reflects the game’s strong momentum and its ability to capture both longtime fans and newcomers. Social media posts on X echo this excitement, with outlets like @RPGSite
and @Genki_JPN celebrating the 800,000-unit milestone and players praising the game’s cozy yet ambitious design. As Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time continues to climb sales charts, it solidifies Level-5’s reputation for delivering captivating RPG experiences.
With its vibrant world, engaging mechanics, and widespread acclaim, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is poised to become a standout title of 2025, proving that this slow-life RPG is anything but slow in stealing players’ hearts—and time.
