It has been more than a year now since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic. The constant state of uncertainty and anxiety left most of us seeking lighthearted entertainment. The gaming industry experienced a significant shift thanks to the emergence of wholesome games. Video games that are not stressful improve mood and lower stress levels. Indeed, we still need these even though the world is slowly healing from the damage.
Another thing that could be stressful is cybersecurity, especially while gaming. It doesn’t matter if you game on a PC, console, or phone – having a VPN service active is highly recommended. A VPN service delivers privacy and protects your personal information by encrypting the connection. Your data will be safe with a VPN service, and that means a lot nowadays.
If you want to try wholesome games yourself, here are some feel-good titles that will get you started.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing blew up at the beginning of the pandemic, and it is clear why the game has so many fans worldwide. While this title has FarmVille vibes, the gameplay is quite different. You play a human character living on a deserted island. As the game progresses, you create your small world by planting trees, gardening, decorating your home, and so much more. Your neighbors are cute little animals that interact with you daily.
Exclusive to Nintendo Switch, Animal Crossing also lets you customize your character and purchase various outfits from the shop. Not to forget that some of these garments and furniture could be a bit expensive. This game became a phenomenon in such a small amount of time. It is also a great way to communicate and keep in touch with your friends during the lockdown.
Calico
If you ever had a chance to visit a cat café, you know it is a unique and relaxing experience. Calico encaptures this feeling through the gameplay. As you might have guessed by now, the developer of this game is a cat lover, and she set out to create a cozy and wholesome title that will appeal to everyone. Players run a cat café in a small town and fill up space with cats and other adorable creatures.
While it could look a bit like Animal Crossing because players may decorate their cafés as they like, Calico is an entirely different game. It has aspects of magic in it since players can use potions to change the appearance of everything around them, including cats. Moreover, the town is inhabited by adorable witches and helpful residents who help you out every step of the way. Developed by Peachy Keen Games, Calico is available on Steam, Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Stardew Valley
If you love gardening and wish to live on a farm one day, Stardew Valley is the title for you. Players start this game as a former city dweller who arrives at their grandfather’s property in a place called Stardew Valley. The farm needs work and repairs, so you set out to grow crops, mine ores, raise livestock, and many more.
Of course, players can interact with other nearby farmers and create a whole new life away from the city noise. This beloved 16-bit RPG already has a cult status, and players come back to it thanks to the seemingly endless content. There is always something to do in Stardew Valley, so it is one of the best wholesome video games out there right now. Created by Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, you can play Stardew Valley on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and all operating systems, including Android.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
Besides the breathtaking and colorful graphics, Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is a beautiful open-world game for all adventurers out there. The game is set in Gemea, a world that lies on an island filled with natural wonders. However, not everything is idyllic in Gemea, as players will soon learn. The main character is a hero, who wants to help his world and banish the Murk.
Your goal is to explore this wonderful land and find Sprites, creatures who give you the power to eliminate the Murk. During your travels, you pass through settlements and towns, make friends with the local people, learn how to craft, and even gain sweet animal friends. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles was developed by Prideful Sloth and is available on Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Little Witch in The Woods
Longing for a bit of magic in your life? Meet a sweet little witch named Elle, the star of Little Witch in The Woods, who is about to graduate from a witch school. But before she becomes a real witch, Elle needs to be an apprentice. She moves to a town surrounded by the woods but soon discovers that the place is not what she had imagined. Elle is determined, so you need to help her gather materials for her potions.
Quests will lead you to a village, and Elle will meet the mysterious neighbors who might not be human. These residents have fascinating backstories, and you can help them build and expand their village while still working on your magic skills. Little Witch in The Woods hasn’t been released yet. The team of developers from Sunny Side Up is promising an early access launch in 2021. It will be available on Steam first, with plans to release this title on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation.
