Wish You Could Escape? These 10 Games Are the Next Best Thing

ByKristen Wood Updated on

Feeling stuck in the real world? These 10 games are your perfect getaway—no passport needed. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet village, a distant galaxy, or a magical new life, these picks offer pure escapism at its finest.

Stardew Valley

A Stardew Valley farm with trees, crops, sprinklers, scarecrows, and a character standing in the center, shown at 9:00 am on Summer 4 with a visible inventory bar.
Stardew Valley | Gameplay Screenshot

Escape to the countryside, grow your farm, and build a quiet life at your own pace. It’s the kind of game that makes stress melt away.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Colorful scene from "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" showing animal characters and a human character on a beach with tents, a building, and various activities.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Gameplay Screenshot

Live on a tropical island with adorable neighbors and endless decorating possibilities. Every day feels like a mini vacation.

Spiritfarer

A large turtle with trees on its back emerges from the water near a wooden pier at sunset; two characters stand on the pier with a speech bubble that says, "She's here.
Spiritfarer | Gameplay Screenshot

A gentle, emotional journey about guiding spirits to the afterlife. It’s beautiful, bittersweet, and deeply comforting.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

A character holds a glowing tablet over a circular pedestal with blue, illuminated symbols in a dimly lit room.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Gameplay Screenshot

Explore vast mountains, ancient ruins, and dreamy forests. It’s open-world freedom in its purest form.

A Short Hike

Pixel art image of a small boat approaching a dock on a vibrant island with cliffs, trees, and a winding path. A compass in the corner indicates direction.
A Short Hike | Gameplay Screenshot

Take a peaceful trek up a sunny mountain, meeting cute characters and collecting little treasures. It’s simple, sweet, and refreshing.

Slime Rancher

A first-person view of a garden scene in a game with three yellow chickens partially buried and surrounded by pink flowers. The interface shows various items collected.
Slime Rancher | Gameplay Screenshot

Raise squishy, bouncing slimes on a colorful alien planet. It’s silly, satisfying, and strangely soothing.

ABZÛ

ABZÛ game interface showing a grid of eight ocean-themed screenshots and the game's title at the top.
Abzû | Gameplay Screenshot

Dive deep into a surreal underwater world full of life and color. No enemies, no stress—just pure ocean bliss.

Journey

A figure in a red cloak glides through an ancient, crumbling stone structure in a desert landscape. The sky is overcast, and the scene has a warm, sandy color palette.
Journey | Gameplay Screenshot

Wander a golden desert toward a distant mountain, accompanied by wordless companions. It’s poetic, peaceful, and unforgettable.

Lake

Video game title screen with the word "Lake" above a peaceful lakeside view featuring a deer statue. Options for "New Game," "Settings," and "Credits" are displayed at the bottom.
Lake | Gameplay Screenshot

Deliver mail in a quiet lakeside town during the ‘80s and reconnect with your roots. It’s slow, nostalgic, and grounded.

Eastshade

A screenshot of a forest with trees and a river.
Eastshade | Gameplay Screenshot

You’re a traveling painter capturing a world of natural beauty. Think: Skyrim without the swords.

Kristen is a writer, photographer, cookbook author and avid cozy gamer. Her work has been featured in various publications including Forbes, The Associated Press, Elle, Pure Wow, Chicago Sun-Times, and Willow & Sage Magazine.

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