5 Most Comforting Open-World Games

Sometimes, life can just be too much for gamers, and when that happens, it can be beneficial to turn to video games that bring comfort and joy to players. These games can either be major successes with relaxing elements or just games that people have mentioned being comforting for one reason or another.

Looking at the open-world genre, there are actually quite a lot of games that players find to fall into the category of comforting and relaxing to play. Here are some of the best ones that fit into this comforting open-world category.

5 Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Can Anything Beat Swinging Through NYC?

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

can be a pretty comforting game for a lot of players. It plays just like any other Spider-Man or superhero game in general does, with Spider-Man roaming around his hometown, keeping people safe from the bad guys. Players can complete a bunch of different quests, side missions, or just explore the city, looking for the many easter eggs that the game holds for players. This steady gameplay creates an inviting atmosphere for players to return to the game.

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However, what makes the game most comforting is that it is Spider-Man, one of the most beloved Marvel superheroes of all time (and probably in general, not just Marvel). Nothing beats taking a step back from the hustle and bustle of life and just swinging around New York City, imagining being in a different place entirely. Plus, a lot of kids have always wanted the opportunity to be Spider-Man, and this game allows players to pick between Peter Parker and Miles Morales, making it even better.

4 Hogwarts Legacy

Everyone’s Dream Is To Fly Around Hogwarts

Hogwarts Legacy was one of the biggest game releases in 2023, and the game saw some pretty major success. It follows the story of a Hogwarts student who is entering the school in their 5th year of school. During their time there, the student unearths an ancient secret that very well could spell the end of The Wizarding World as they know it. The gameplay itself isn’t too difficult to master, which makes it a pretty great game for players of all skill levels, not just those who play all the time.

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When released, this game quickly became a comfort game for Harry Potter fans and non-fans alike. The ability to fly around Hogwarts and the surrounding areas on various mounts truly makes the game not only comforting but relaxing as well. The graphics look amazing, and it truly is breathtaking to see the world that the developers have created around the franchise. Instead of worrying about fighting evil all the time, players can take a nice stroll around the school that they dreamed about as kids.

3 Stardew Valley

The Simple Life

Stardew Valley is probably one of the first games that many players think of when they think about comforting open-world games. This amazing farming simulator features an open world and some RPG elements, which makes it a unique and fun game to dive into. It follows the story of the player character who has inherited “Stardew Valley,” a broken-down, old farm, from their deceased grandfather. They will need to do various tasks to build it up while the game’s seasons change and NPCs visit.

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The game is similar to the Harvest Moon franchise in that players will be able to explore their farm and the surrounding area, working to create the best version of their homestead that they can. This simple gameplay style, mixed with the music and the interesting NPCs, marks this game as an amazing and comforting game for any player to dive into or return to, depending on their relationship with the game

2 Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles

A Beautiful Journey Filled With Relaxing Activities

Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles

is another game that players probably think of when they think of a comforting game. This game follows the player character as they explore some beautiful biomes in search of magical creatures (AKA Sprites) to save and collect. Players are also tasked with destroying the Murk, which is a dark shroud in the game that acts as a pollutant and threatens to take over the biomes and destroy life as the player knows it.

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The game’s graphical design is one of the most comforting things about the game. It has a beautiful art style that mixes bright and fun colors with some darker tones when the Murk is present. Additionally, the game allows players to participate in things such as fishing, farming, exploration, and crafting. These mechanics can truly help players relax and unwind without fear of anything coming between them and their game.

1 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Hyrule In The Sky Is Relaxing

One of the most comforting open-world games to date is The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This game follows after the events of Breath of the Wild and sees Link explore new areas of Hyrule, including The Depths and The Sky Islands, two areas that mirror Hyrule’s past and future perfectly, especially if Ganondorf gets his way. Just like last time, Link must work together with different Sages, which represent the different races that have lived within Hyrule, to banish Ganondorf once and for all.

While the game being one of the best-selling The Legend of Zelda games makes this one a good contender for the top spot, the gameplay is what makes this such a comforting game. Players can spend their time building different contraptions (like a giant tank), exploring everything that these new areas of Hyrule have to offer, or just learning more about Hyrule and its secrets. There is nothing more comforting than returning to the land of Hyrule just to explore and look for landmarks from the best games in the series.

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