Hay Day is a farming game from Supercell in which you build and run your own farm. You grow crops, raise animals, produce goods and sell them to earn coins that help your farm grow. It has a bright, cheerful style and a relaxed pace, and there is no direct competition, which makes it different from the same studio’s battle games. Many players enjoy the steady, satisfying cycle of planting, harvesting and trading.

*How the farm works**

You start with a small plot of land and a few basic crops, such as wheat and corn. Planting takes a short time to grow, and then you harvest and use the crop to feed animals or make products. Chickens produce eggs, cows give milk and other animals provide goods. Buildings such as a bakery, a dairy and a sugar mill turn raw items into more valuable products. As you level up, you unlock more crops, buildings and animals. Storage limits require you to plan and to expand your barn and silo.

*Orders and the roadside shop**

You earn coins by selling goods in your roadside shop and by completing orders from the town, ships and trucks. Orders give you goals and rewards, and they encourage you to plan production. The shop lets you set prices for items, and other players can buy them. This simple market means that you are trading with real people, so review the chat and neighbourhood settings if children play.

*Neighbourhoods and events**

You can join a neighbourhood with other players, where you share tips and take part in derbies, which are weekly competitions to complete tasks. These activities are optional. You can also visit the town and mine to collect special resources, and seasonal events bring extra goals.

*Tips for success**

Keep your crops growing, even when you are busy, by planting long-growing items before you leave. Expand storage regularly. Use the shop to sell surplus, and fill orders when you have the goods. Focus on the products that earn the most coins for the time spent. Do not spend diamonds on small speed-ups, since they are better used for expansion. Plan your day to take advantage of the timers.

*Diamonds, ads and purchases**

Diamonds are the premium currency and can be used to speed up tasks or unlock extras. They can be earned slowly in the game or bought. The game does not require spending, but it encourages regular play. Decide on a limit and be careful of websites promising free diamonds.

*Age suitability**

The game is family-friendly, with no violence. It includes online interaction in the form of trading and chat. Parents should check the settings.

*Who it suits**

It suits relaxed players, people who like farming and simple management, and those who enjoy a game they can check a few times a day. It is not suited to those who want fast action or direct competition.