Games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Journey can help you destress and provide an escape from reality. (Amber Juarez / Daily Titan)
Sometimes life can get so stressful that an escape from reality is needed. Video games can be that outlet, and they can help people destress. Gaming allows the brain to release dopamine, which makes you feel happy; this happiness can help you cope with stress. So kick back, relax and escape reality by enjoying these relaxing video games.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Nintendo Switch
This game will take you away from all of life’s problems by creating your own little paradise. In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, users make their own community from the ground up and customize their own characters to look just like themselves. Players can destress from a long day by fishing, digging up fossils, talking to villagers and decorating their home. This game also allows users to visit other players’ islands by connecting online or over local wireless. The game corresponds with real time so the seasons change as they do in real life. This is a cute, easy-going game where you can play at your own pace and are in control of the entire game.
Firewatch
Windows, MAC, Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
This game is set in the wilderness of Wyoming in the year 1989. You play from the perspective of a man named Henry whose job is to keep the wilderness safe from fires. While looking out for fires from a watchtower, something out of the ordinary grabs Henry’s attention, which leads the player through a series of mysterious events. Firewatch takes you on a journey to explore the wilderness and enjoy the beautiful graphics.
A Short Hike
Nintendo Switch
Soar the beautiful mountainside as a bird in this game. Players can hike and climb mountains, and meet new friends along the way. You can follow the trails or you can explore the game on your own route. If you like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you’ll enjoy this game because the pace of playing is completely up to you — the only difference is that you can’t design your own island.
ABZU
Playstation 4, Steam, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Explore the deep sea and come across new sea creatures on this underwater journey. This game has beautiful, colorful graphics of the sea as you swim into the heart of the ocean. As you continue to swim deeper into the ocean, dangers emerge from the depths of the water. The insane graphics and calming music in ABZU can help destress anyone.
Journey
Playstation 3, Playstation 4, PC, iOS
All alone in a mysterious, desert world, your main goal is to get to the looming mountaintop. On your journey, you’ll get a chance to connect with companions, discover who you are and what your purpose in the game is. This trek will not be easy, but the amazing visuals and music help make the entire game fun and unique.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, PC
This is an open-world adventure game that is set on a colorful island. Yonder has eight different environments for you to explore as you venture through the island. The environments include sunny tropical beaches or snow-piled summits. Every location has changing seasons, along with day and night cycles similar to Animal Crossing. Players can enjoy the game by cooking, fishing, crafting, farming and meeting other locals.
Eastshade
PC
This is a first-person open-world exploration game where your character is a traveling painter on the island of Eastshade. You can make friends, talk to inhabitants and help people in need as you’re exploring the island. On your exploration, you can visit summits, cities and discover mysteries along the way. During your journey, players can paint their surroundings and can offer their painting to other characters in exchange for items.
