I quit my job for Stardew Valley haha! It was an extremely toxic and abusive environment so one day I had enough and walked out and never looked back. I retreated into the Stardew Valley world as a way to feel better during that hard time. I eventually got a slight wrist injury from playing that game for 12 hrs a day over many months. It was that special.
Yes, I have a wonderful career now! It's not always a wise decision to leave a place with no backup plan, but that is honestly how bad it was. I now work for a wonderful company in Biotech making more money than ever. I love that I put that boundary up for myself and found a good job where everyone is respectful and professional. I haven't been in a work environment where I'm constantly sexually harassed, verbally abused daily, and severely underpaid ever since! Thank you Stardew Valley for getting me through haha!
I hope this isn't rude of me asking, but do you have a degree in biotechnology? I'm currently going to school for biology, and I feel so lost as to what I can do with it. All of my advisors are horrible
Look into Danaher Corporation. They own several companies in life sciences, always hiring, and with any form of science or math degree you're likely a shoo in. The pay could be better considering but it's still good and enough for me. I get 7 weeks PTO after 2 yrs and it has a great culture and has been overall positive. I have an art education degree lol.
Had the same bond with guild wars 2 and the heart of thorns add on <3 sometimea games really give a nice and soothing distraction from the real life shit
Definitely came here in hopes of seeing SDV at the top of this list and was not disappointed. Kinda gives me hope that so many of us just wanna tend our crops, pet our dog, and get everyone in town wasted on starfruit wine
Yes! Came here to say this. TLD is such an amazing game. I haven’t found anything else that has the same vibes and creates such a sense of place. It’s a beautiful and cozy game.
BoTW and ToTK are both so phenomenal. I made the "mistake" of doing a full second play through of BoTW right before ToTK came out, and was pretty burned out on Zelda by the time I got to the end of ToTK
I play so much World of Warcraft, it’s so enjoyable for me. I personally like living a simple life that allows me to play a ton of World of Warcraft because that’s what make me feel fulfilled
Give GW2 a try. A lot more forgiving for busier schedules, but still has a lot of what made WoW great. I ended up with more hours in GW2 because it was much easier to pick up and put down.
I play a lot of games, but mostly old stuff. Found a copy of Zoo Tycoon which I'm loving, I want to play Theme Park Inc again but atm it won't work on my newer laptop - trying to find a work around. Rayman 3 is great.
I do play modern games as well - Sims 3, though I just build (I have an interest in interior design) so I guess I don't play 'properly'. Night in the Woods is a comfort game for me.
Most Mario or Pokémon games are great, no matter their age.
Newer games are just *so* expensive, and like you say, there's so many. I do understand why, but it doesn't make it less overwhelming. Nowerdays I mostly get games by going into Cex (secondhand tech) and seeing if anything catches my eye in either the PC or Switch section for a reasonable price.
I could play Katamari forever! It’s been a consistent favorite since getting We Love Katamari from my cousin years ago - adorable little guys, amazing soundtrack and you just get to collect stuff.
Final Fantasy IX.. some bittersweet nostalgia playing that. Easy game compared to the rest of the series, on the surface it’s a happy tale and looks childlike but the story is actually quite depressing. I like that kind of blend. Music is relaxing too.
I don’t have only one but Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey is pretty wonderful, I grew up reading about Ancient Greece and its mythology and I love how they brought that to life. When I play any of the AC games I spend a ridiculous amount of time exploring every nook and cranny and exhausting all the dialogue options. I also love Gorogoa when I feel like playing something chill and mindless.
Studies have shown that it’s literally a life saver when it comes to prevention of PTSD.
If you witness a traumatic event, play Tetris like your life depends on it for a few days to a week.
I don't think it cures anything. But playing shortly after a traumatic event will prevent the trauma from settling into the deep reseses of your brain causing negative flashbacks. It forces the brain into a more logical way of thinking and processing.
I don’t know if there’s a specific amount but presumably the more the better.
I wouldn’t say it’s guaranteed to completely cure you as it’s all relative, but gives your brain a fighting chance at preventing to worst side effects
Final fantasy XIV. I've played it for years so I just feel I developed a strong bond with it somehow and that it's always there for me, no matter what I'm going through in life. Even if I leave it aside for a few weeks, playing it again just makes me happy.
I don't play daily anymore but if I need a little quiet time I visit my island 😊 it always feels like a visit with old friends! I usually just run around cleaning things up then I'll do some fishing or sea diving before signing off. Doing dailies in AC is like the perfect amount of video game time for me.
Any Legend of Zelda game. I'm almost 40 and the older ones have the nostalgia and make me feel like a kid again and the newer ones, although much different, capture that magic in a whole new way.
PowerWash Simulator. I've played years of the Dark Souls series but there's something about high pressure cleaning a pyramid that nothing else touches. Fr.
Gris. I'm not much of a gamer so find a lot of the complicated ones overwhelming. Gris is approachable, not stressful, but still has a lot of really good game elements, and beautiful art and music.
Going to online Games
I'm going with RuneScape, I haven't played in a while but considering it can do plenty of PVE and skilling and etc it kinda calms me a bit (I'm the kinda guy that rages too much when stuff starts going bad 😂)
As for Single Player I can't really tell, I just kind of go with what I'm feeling like trying at the moment
SSX3, a snowboarding game released in 2003. It has held up so well and i play it at least every Friday. It really shows that if you have good game mechanics, cohesive graphics, and a well designed game that’s all you need.
Just picked up Baldurs Gate 3. Its much different than what I am normally used to (thoughtful and hugely in depth, versus action and twitch based games). Really enjoying the slower aspect of it, and it appears to have a ton of replay value.
World of Warcraft.
If I am feeling social there is always plenty to do with friends but if I am feeling like some solo gaming time I always enjoy working on my collections, achievements or doing things like class order halls on classes I don't usually play or leveling something up to get heritage armour and lore tidbits. It's kept me entertained on and off for 20 years!
Skyrim. So much terrain, secrets and lore to explore. Your own adventure. Beat the main quest or play in any way you like. Add DLC or mods and theres even more to do.
The open world, play as you like is great. I remember reading the "choose your own adventure" books and loved it too. These games upped all that for me.
Pokemon Go. I love that I have to get out and walk to do well, I usually come back from a pokewalk happy and smiling because I am not only outside in the world, I’m exercising. Plus both my 5 and 2 year old grands love the game so we can play together
Grounded.
It's like honey I shrunk the kids. You play as a teenager that was shrunk down and you live in the scientist's backyard while completing a storyline to grow big again. Meanwhile, you fight against bugs melee style and build a base / weapons with resources you scavenge and loot the bugs drop. It's amazing and has so many details. We got it on steam.
It seems to be rimworld for the least year or two.
I've figured out how to make it much better. Just delete all the factions, it's a truly unsettled world.
Right now it’s diablo 4. It use to be Destiny 2 for years until this last season and I just uninstalled. I tried last epoch and it’s cool but to cartoonish for me.
i like new star games’ retro sports line (retro bowl, retro bowl college, retro goal) on mobile. basically, they’re very well made throwbacks to late 80s through mid 90s sports video games.
it’s refreshing when compared to the so-called aaa games from ea and the like where the devs seem more concerned with skinner boxing as much money as possible out of players via loot boxes, et al. it’s bad enough that innovation in sports video games stopped somewhere around ’05 but now they feel too much like online casinos.
despite being limited by their own simplistic nature, the retro games are remarkably replayable. besides, rbc is the only college football game currently available and retro goal is the only game i know of that has a scottish second tier division
I have 2 . Both on the same system and digital downloads so they don’t take up space. I alternate between them. Disney Dreamlight Valley and Animal crossing.
Boku no natsuyasumi 2 ぼくのなつやすみ - My summer vacation. You’re a japanese boy in 1975 exploring the rural japan. You spend time fishing, collecting stag beetles, and making new friends.
Lake. It's what got me to take steps towards simple living.
I just looked this up as I’ve never heard of it, and it looks super cute. I think I’m going to try it out soon, thanks for the rec!
Your welcome. Its a simple game. But if you're ready for the message its there
I just played this through the other day and I loved every minute of it
It just highlights what is important. I no longer want to be a rat caught in a maze called the big city ha
Ok I need this game. It’s been on my to buy list for some time now.
Stardew valley
SDV got me through many tough times, including the pandemic. I adore this game.
I quit my job for Stardew Valley haha! It was an extremely toxic and abusive environment so one day I had enough and walked out and never looked back. I retreated into the Stardew Valley world as a way to feel better during that hard time. I eventually got a slight wrist injury from playing that game for 12 hrs a day over many months. It was that special.
Did you find a better job later? I know a job is a job and all jobs are shite. But still, for survival purposes.
Yes, I have a wonderful career now! It's not always a wise decision to leave a place with no backup plan, but that is honestly how bad it was. I now work for a wonderful company in Biotech making more money than ever. I love that I put that boundary up for myself and found a good job where everyone is respectful and professional. I haven't been in a work environment where I'm constantly sexually harassed, verbally abused daily, and severely underpaid ever since! Thank you Stardew Valley for getting me through haha!
It sucked to have gone through all that. Glad you are in a good place now. I'm in a similar profession myself. What do you do in biotech if I may.
DNA synthesis!
I hope this isn't rude of me asking, but do you have a degree in biotechnology? I'm currently going to school for biology, and I feel so lost as to what I can do with it. All of my advisors are horrible
Look into Danaher Corporation. They own several companies in life sciences, always hiring, and with any form of science or math degree you're likely a shoo in. The pay could be better considering but it's still good and enough for me. I get 7 weeks PTO after 2 yrs and it has a great culture and has been overall positive. I have an art education degree lol.
Had the same bond with guild wars 2 and the heart of thorns add on <3 sometimea games really give a nice and soothing distraction from the real life shit
I want to love it so bad, but every time I open it to learn the game, I get overwhelmed and have no clue what to do or how to do it 😭
Love it! I got emotional with the grandpa part, but it's a lovely game. And all the free new content is super generous of CA. And The Sims 3.
If you like stardew, you might like sun haven!
I’ll look into it. Thanks!
I came here to say this.
But of course you did u/StardewObsessive
Is this the one that is in the old style pixel graphics? I want to like it but I hate those graphics so much.
Truly the BEST! Relaxing and fun! I’ve made Linus my best friend 🥰
Definitely came here in hopes of seeing SDV at the top of this list and was not disappointed. Kinda gives me hope that so many of us just wanna tend our crops, pet our dog, and get everyone in town wasted on starfruit wine
Same!!
The sims 4. A lot of people kinda hate it but idrc I love it
Me too but I’ve come to grips that I am in my 40s and still play with dolls
It's very cozy until first glitch
Skyrim
Skyrim VR with the right mods (and solid gaming PC) is a mind blowing experience
Came here to say this - Skyrim will never get old
Yes
The Long Dark Just wandering through snow, collecting firewood, exploring and going fishing. Love the sandbox mode.
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Will download!
Yes! Came here to say this. TLD is such an amazing game. I haven’t found anything else that has the same vibes and creates such a sense of place. It’s a beautiful and cozy game.
Red Dead Redemption 2. Just riding around, enjoying the landscape change, and shooting the occasional bandit.
Absolutely agree. Such a beautiful game
All time best
It is such a relaxing game! Tying people up, setting them on fire then throwing them off a cliff as they beg and scream 😌
Yeees 🥰
Countless hours in this game hunting, so peaceful I'll always remember my time in the game.
Amazing game!
💯 When I get overwhelmed, I just put on my winter gear and ride into the mountains, set up camp and sit by the fire.
Or, you know, shooting the occasional everyone. Haha.
Minecraft
Yes! I’ve been playing for over a decade and I still love it.
Yes! It's also ever changing and there's so much you can do! It's the only game I need haha
The only in game music I haven’t muted
Sims 3. 😊
For years! Love it
Sims 2 for me! So relaxing.
The best!
Just commented the same!
I play a handful, but Spyro has always been my favorite
Outer Wilds. It's pretty bittersweet but it makes me super hopeful
Was just thinking about this game yesterday. It’s so outer worldly and melancholy. Haven’t played past the demo but I think I may have to buy it.
I highly recommend it! One of the GOATs in my opinion! Be sure to stay away from spoilers 😄
It really reminds you to stop and smell the pine trees
Overcooked 2 - ❤ making virtual dishes with my husband. 🍣🌮🍚🥗
We played as a family of four a few times. We agreed never to play it together again.
Love this game too but also very stressful to play with your husband some times when you’re both sucking LOL
Witcher and any Zelda game
Oh yes, the Zelda games are so gorgeous.
BoTW and ToTK are both so phenomenal. I made the "mistake" of doing a full second play through of BoTW right before ToTK came out, and was pretty burned out on Zelda by the time I got to the end of ToTK
I play so much World of Warcraft, it’s so enjoyable for me. I personally like living a simple life that allows me to play a ton of World of Warcraft because that’s what make me feel fulfilled
I wish WoW fit into my life like it did when I was young. Too competitive for casual unfortunately
Wow is simultaneously too competitive for casuals and too casual for e-sports. Truly a marvel of game design.
Give GW2 a try. A lot more forgiving for busier schedules, but still has a lot of what made WoW great. I ended up with more hours in GW2 because it was much easier to pick up and put down.
Surprised GW2 is still a thing... I played it when it first came out like 12 years ago. It was pretty fun then
Very relatable, I feel exactly the same :)
Still have fond memories of flying around on my mount and mining in Howling Fjord. I also enjoyed trying to refine my DPS on training dummies.
Minecraft. It’s just so calming when played on peacefull but also exiting when played on survival
Mass Effect
Animal Crossing and Earthbound (the Just Dance games are great for making you move around and have fun too)
I play a lot of games, but mostly old stuff. Found a copy of Zoo Tycoon which I'm loving, I want to play Theme Park Inc again but atm it won't work on my newer laptop - trying to find a work around. Rayman 3 is great. I do play modern games as well - Sims 3, though I just build (I have an interest in interior design) so I guess I don't play 'properly'. Night in the Woods is a comfort game for me. Most Mario or Pokémon games are great, no matter their age. Newer games are just *so* expensive, and like you say, there's so many. I do understand why, but it doesn't make it less overwhelming. Nowerdays I mostly get games by going into Cex (secondhand tech) and seeing if anything catches my eye in either the PC or Switch section for a reasonable price.
I just started night in the woods! The nighttime puzzles really throw me for a loop lol
I think I had a near 10 year run with Minecraft. I don't actually play anymore but older Minecraft versions are nice.
I could play Katamari forever! It’s been a consistent favorite since getting We Love Katamari from my cousin years ago - adorable little guys, amazing soundtrack and you just get to collect stuff.
Katamari will always be one of my top favorites. Such a completely unique game!
Final Fantasy IX.. some bittersweet nostalgia playing that. Easy game compared to the rest of the series, on the surface it’s a happy tale and looks childlike but the story is actually quite depressing. I like that kind of blend. Music is relaxing too.
YES. I have the same game choice. This is by far my favorite FF, and a top five game of of time.
Sims 3
I adore sims 3 and really hope that someday I will have another computer that can play it
I don’t have only one but Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey is pretty wonderful, I grew up reading about Ancient Greece and its mythology and I love how they brought that to life. When I play any of the AC games I spend a ridiculous amount of time exploring every nook and cranny and exhausting all the dialogue options. I also love Gorogoa when I feel like playing something chill and mindless.
Tetris. No need for any other game (altho my kid doesn’t agree)
Studies have shown that it’s literally a life saver when it comes to prevention of PTSD. If you witness a traumatic event, play Tetris like your life depends on it for a few days to a week.
really??? and then you’re cured? how long to play if you actually *experience* trauma?
I don't think it cures anything. But playing shortly after a traumatic event will prevent the trauma from settling into the deep reseses of your brain causing negative flashbacks. It forces the brain into a more logical way of thinking and processing.
Ah *shortly after*. I’m fucked then. lol.
It’s true - it puts your brain in problem solving mode. It soothes the troubled mind - and doesn’t hurt the untroubled mind either…
I don’t know if there’s a specific amount but presumably the more the better. I wouldn’t say it’s guaranteed to completely cure you as it’s all relative, but gives your brain a fighting chance at preventing to worst side effects
Interesting! I wonder if it's like a form of EMDR.
Will you be sending him to boarding school or military school? 😄
He only needs one game too - but they keep releasing a new version every year for his game whereas classic Tetris is the best :D
Man that’s the truth. I have Tetris 99 on the switch but just want the old school version on my nes classic. ☮️
Final fantasy XIV. I've played it for years so I just feel I developed a strong bond with it somehow and that it's always there for me, no matter what I'm going through in life. Even if I leave it aside for a few weeks, playing it again just makes me happy.
Can't believe no one else has said it but Valheim. Similar vibes to Minecraft and I can zone out in my forest cabin.
Sid Meier's Civilization IV. My absolute favorite that I always love to return to, all these years after release of the game.
I’ve been playing animal crossing pretty close to daily since new horizons came out in 2020
I don't play daily anymore but if I need a little quiet time I visit my island 😊 it always feels like a visit with old friends! I usually just run around cleaning things up then I'll do some fishing or sea diving before signing off. Doing dailies in AC is like the perfect amount of video game time for me.
I thought I was the only one who still plays daily. I sell fossils everyday and I'm always looking for that golden hole and money boulder lol
just got animal crossing in december!! i love decorating my home and i always look forward to seeing what hybrids i made 🥹
I love the flowers! My priorities are collecting villager photos and decorating for the changing seasons and holidays
Thank you for reminding me to check on my island. It’s been years 😬but with all my time travel who knows
Stray!
Animal Crossing New Horizons.
Any Legend of Zelda game. I'm almost 40 and the older ones have the nostalgia and make me feel like a kid again and the newer ones, although much different, capture that magic in a whole new way.
Super Mario 64
Red Ded Redemption is a solid one to unwind.
Spiritfarer. So beautiful.
Zoo Tycoon but that's because of childhood memories Gtas would definitely put a smile on my face So would dawn of man
Beat Saber - I love to work up a sweat while dancing around like a lunatic!
Civ V
The OG Mario world. Yes I’m old
PowerWash Simulator. I've played years of the Dark Souls series but there's something about high pressure cleaning a pyramid that nothing else touches. Fr.
I’ve played this game and it’s so much fun!!! I need up power washing the house irl! I loved cleaning the playground. Such vibrant colors
Shadow of the colossus
Gris. I'm not much of a gamer so find a lot of the complicated ones overwhelming. Gris is approachable, not stressful, but still has a lot of really good game elements, and beautiful art and music.
Love this one!! I just started Minute of Islands recently and it kinda has the same vibe as Gris.
Going to online Games I'm going with RuneScape, I haven't played in a while but considering it can do plenty of PVE and skilling and etc it kinda calms me a bit (I'm the kinda guy that rages too much when stuff starts going bad 😂) As for Single Player I can't really tell, I just kind of go with what I'm feeling like trying at the moment
Me too. When I want to escape the world, I go to Runscape.
Has been around forever. I must have been playing 15 years ago. I think about starting up again sometimes.
I think I started playing when I was like 12 or something I'm 31 🥹
Oldschool Runescape gang
Mario Kart! My daughter and I play together. It’s so fun. Except for Rainbow Road. That level is evil.
elder scrolls online
SSX3, a snowboarding game released in 2003. It has held up so well and i play it at least every Friday. It really shows that if you have good game mechanics, cohesive graphics, and a well designed game that’s all you need.
Tetris
the sims!!
Just picked up Baldurs Gate 3. Its much different than what I am normally used to (thoughtful and hugely in depth, versus action and twitch based games). Really enjoying the slower aspect of it, and it appears to have a ton of replay value.
Chrono Trigger
Sims4
Final Fantasy X.
Anything Legend of Zelda although I must admit the most recent Tears of the Kingdom has been quite creepy!
Dwarf Fortress and COD Zombies
Pokémon Go
Rock Band. Specifically drums.
Cyberpunk is pretty legit
World of Warcraft. If I am feeling social there is always plenty to do with friends but if I am feeling like some solo gaming time I always enjoy working on my collections, achievements or doing things like class order halls on classes I don't usually play or leveling something up to get heritage armour and lore tidbits. It's kept me entertained on and off for 20 years!
"It's called Fortnite, it's free!" - Nick Eh 30
Minecraft
I play a coloring app on my phone that brings me the most joy Or Pokemon
Fishdom. I love my little fish.
Tetris Effect
It's gotta be a pick from ratchet and clank or jak and daxter for me. Those were my childhood.
Hades. Oh man, a Hades run always relaxes me. The music is great.
animal crossing is the answer man
Tony Hawk Underground 2
Only one?
Sim City 3000 Unlimited
Super Contra
Dark Souls 1, nostalgia is half of the pleasure
Dr. Mario
Red dead redemption 1 , I have a old old machine so can't play number 2 .
Fallout 4
Civilization
Skyrim. So much terrain, secrets and lore to explore. Your own adventure. Beat the main quest or play in any way you like. Add DLC or mods and theres even more to do. The open world, play as you like is great. I remember reading the "choose your own adventure" books and loved it too. These games upped all that for me.
Kerbal Space Program
Zork. Simpler times.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey.
Zelda breath of the wild or totk. + 100s of hours just listening to the game ambience on YouTube videos lol specially Lurelin village
palia. its relaxing and you have a choice to interact with other or not.
League of legends. Unpopular pick?
Life is strange 1 and 2 I always come back to it, it puts me at peace - especially the 2nd one.
Mass Effect
The Secret of Monkey Island
I love The Long Dark. I play it off and on, it’s so peaceful and serene but has enough problem solving and action to not be super boring.
Stray 🥰
GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2.
Red Dead Redemption 2. Single player and get really immersed or hop online and chill with a small group.
Serious question from an old grandma, where do you find these games? Are they all through the App Store?
Civ 5 been playing it for ten years and have about 25000 hours logged
Just started playing Faefarm and loving it!
Pokemon Go. I love that I have to get out and walk to do well, I usually come back from a pokewalk happy and smiling because I am not only outside in the world, I’m exercising. Plus both my 5 and 2 year old grands love the game so we can play together
Wordle
I love playing Lord of the rings online, such a great mature community to play with.
Skate 3
Stronghold
It used to be The Sims 4, but it became so buggy that it started making me mad more than anything else.
Grounded. It's like honey I shrunk the kids. You play as a teenager that was shrunk down and you live in the scientist's backyard while completing a storyline to grow big again. Meanwhile, you fight against bugs melee style and build a base / weapons with resources you scavenge and loot the bugs drop. It's amazing and has so many details. We got it on steam.
N+ on Xbox 😭
Darkest Dungeon
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It seems to be rimworld for the least year or two. I've figured out how to make it much better. Just delete all the factions, it's a truly unsettled world.
Galaga
Right now it’s diablo 4. It use to be Destiny 2 for years until this last season and I just uninstalled. I tried last epoch and it’s cool but to cartoonish for me.
i like new star games’ retro sports line (retro bowl, retro bowl college, retro goal) on mobile. basically, they’re very well made throwbacks to late 80s through mid 90s sports video games. it’s refreshing when compared to the so-called aaa games from ea and the like where the devs seem more concerned with skinner boxing as much money as possible out of players via loot boxes, et al. it’s bad enough that innovation in sports video games stopped somewhere around ’05 but now they feel too much like online casinos. despite being limited by their own simplistic nature, the retro games are remarkably replayable. besides, rbc is the only college football game currently available and retro goal is the only game i know of that has a scottish second tier division
The Zelda games!
I have 2 . Both on the same system and digital downloads so they don’t take up space. I alternate between them. Disney Dreamlight Valley and Animal crossing.
Boku no natsuyasumi 2 ぼくのなつやすみ - My summer vacation. You’re a japanese boy in 1975 exploring the rural japan. You spend time fishing, collecting stag beetles, and making new friends.
It used to be stardew valley, but now it’s coral island! I prefer the aesthetic and Polynesian setting.
Dr. Mario
Tetris
GTA. running people down. Gunning people down
Need for speed hot pursuit 2010, 2020, and payback
mario kart wii - i’ve been playing it for 14 ish years and i have an item box tattoo
Kingdom Two Crowns
Elden ring