When everything else in our day-to-day lives has been disrupted by the quarantine, we can always rely on video games to help us take our minds off of the panic of it all. There is no shortage of good games out there, but here are some of the more relaxing variety that allow players to fall into a comfortable pattern - the likes of which we all find ourselves missing in these trying times.
1. Minecraft
This is one we all know and love. Minecraft is popular for a number of reasons, and one of those reasons is that it provides an escape from the real world. Dive into the world of blocks, blocks, and more blocks as you build and mine your way through a vast realm that's yours' to explore. There's nothing like some good ole' fashioned Minecraft to take a load off.
2. Stardew Valley
Inspired by farming simulators such as Harvest Moon and Rune Factory, Stardew Valley provides a tranquil country setting as you spend your days working on a farm of your own design. Mingle with the townsfolk, tend to your crops, and live the easy life in a game that's perfect for anyone on the lookout for a pleasant distraction.
3. Rune Factory 4 Special
Sound familiar? The Rune Factory series is one of the renowned farming simulators that inspired Stardew Valley, and its latest release on the Nintendo Switch is the best the series has to offer. It's a farming simulator with an RPG-style plot with fun combat and an endlessly endearing cast of characters, not to mention a farming system that's addictive and relaxing all at once. It's time to roll up your sleeves and get farming!
4. Persona 5 Royal
Okay, so maybe "relaxing" is a strong word for this one, but it's great for establishing a routine. Persona 5 Royal is a recently released remaster of the hit Persona 5. It's stylish, it's classy, and it's oh-so-exhilarating. The game uses a calendar system to keep track of the time that has passed in-game, so adhering to that calendar and doing as much as you can each day is a great way to maintain your own routine during this quarantine. So wake up, get up, get out there - in the game, obviously, not in real life.
5. Animal Crossing New Horizons
This is the game everyone's talking about, and it's hard not to see why. Animal Crossing is a beloved franchise, and this newest installment is nothing to sneeze at. It's charming, it's soothing, and it's just what the world needed in this time of crisis and social distancing. Settle down on your own cozy little island and turn it into a town of your own design. Just try not to be too mean to the villagers. You'll love Hazel once you get to know her, I swear!
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