Summary
Open-world games are gifts that keep on giving. Being able to dive into a character’s story as well as their environment brings the gameplay to another level and many have found beauty in immersing themselves in a variety of different worlds.
Finding a good comfort video game to be able to return to over and over again is also one of the best feelings. While playing a heart-racing and intense game is fun, sometimes an easy and relaxing game is just as enjoyable. Here are some open-world games that are on the cozier side to combine these two feelings.
Animal Crossing: New Horizonsis set on a deserted island with only the resources you gather to aid your efforts. Upon your arrival, you are quickly recognized and designated the Resident Representative. While it sounds a little overwhelming at first, the game is very informative and has hints and directions available.
While on your island, you are free to explore and interact with your new home. There is plenty to do to stay occupied, as the game is in real-time. You can catch bugs, fish, craft items, and more, all while adorable animals start to slowly inhabit your island.
Slime Rancheris an adorable game where you farm slimes for their poop, or plorts, as they call it in the game. You will play the character Beatrix, who must take charge and begin her slime ranch where she will raise, feed, and breed slimes to make money.
Slime Rancher does not limit you to just ranching, you may also explore the beautiful planet of Far, Far, Range.
Stardew Valleyis a farming simulator that has charmed many with its simplistic and cute style. After learning your grandfather has a property in a small town named Pelican Town waiting for you, you leave your office job to start a farm.
The townies are quick to welcome you while you settle in. There are quite a fewpeople to meet and get to knowduring your time in Pelican Town, perhaps you will even find love. Besides farming, there are many other things to do as well, such as restoring the community center, mining, fishing, and several community events to attend.
Some people find escape in going out into the woods, and withFirewatch, you can do just that. Taking on the role of Henry, you are stationed in a lookout tower in the forests of Wyoming to watch for fires. Delilah, your coworker, is the only person who you will be in contact with consistently.
Firewatch brings a sense of peace as you hike through the vast woods. The graphics are stunning and graciously grant the time to explore the forests thoroughly. There is a mystery to be revealed within the woods.
Coral Islandis a farming simulator with quite the world to explore. After customizing your character, you are returning to Coral Island after quite a long time away. The villagers excitedly welcome you back into the community and are eager to get to know you again.
Coral Island is still a work in progress as multiple storylines are currently unfinished.
Aside from starting up your farm,there is a lot to do on Coral Island. The local museum is trying to expand its collection, the ocean is in desperate need of cleanup, and Giants are all in need of your help. One unique feature that stands out is once you advance far enough in cleaning the ocean, you will have the option to become a mermaid.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildis a breath-taking open-world game that continues Link and Zelda’s story. After Link wakes up with much of his memory missing, he must endeavor to restore his memory as well as Hyrule.
It’s a stunning game with quite an interactive environment. You are able to stray from the main plot with little consequence and are encouraged to explore the beautiful world. While there will be interference with someenemies, there’s nothing your trusty sword and shield can’t do.
If space and the galaxy is your comfort zone,Astroneerwill allow you to explore it. Whether you prefer to play alone or with friends, there are multiple planets as well as moons available to travel between. The planets are colorful and stunning and are all diversely different from each other.
Astroneer is a sandbox game which allows you to reshape the very planet itself and build on them, and you are not limited to the surface of the planets either. There are missions to complete, blueprints to learn, and a solar system for you to explore!
After somehow falling through a cave on Mount Ebott, you are now in The Underground which monsters have inhabited.Undertaleis a story of how you, a human child, must make your way through The Underground to try and return to the surface.
There are multiple endings to Undertale, all depending on your choices throughout the game, so there is a lot of replayability.
While being Underground with a bunch of monsters does sound quite frightening, there are monsters you will meet along the way who are kind, and you will have the choice to return the favor. The music and the atmosphere can be quite homey and comforting at times and it all adds to the gameplay.
Tchiais an open-world adventure game set on a tropical archipelago, which is inspired by New Caledonia, and is ready for you to explore. You will take on the role of Tchia, a little girl with powers which enable her to soul jump, or to take on the appearance of, into animals and even objects.
Tchia, along with her trusty ukulele, is on an adventure to rescue her father. Music has also been deeply incorporated into the game and is part of the story. She will have to face several enemies, whom are made out of wood and fabric, but the game is quite cozy and cute.
Minecraftholds a special place in many people’s hearts, both young and old. It’s a sandbox game with seemingly endless things to do by yourself or with friends. There areplenty of things to doand several modes to play, depending on what you are feeling.
Minecraft on survival mode can be a little overwhelming and frustrating at times. Like the name, it is focused on surviving by crafting, mining, fishing, building bases, and farming, but it can be very fun and rewarding. Alternatively, creative mode is also available, and it’s more about building and creating without the threat of mobs.
