I’m excited to share with you all my favorite self care games that are coming out in 2023! As the world continues to change and grow smaller and smaller each day with the evolution of technology, stressors in our lives keep growing. In order to deal with the stress created by our fast-paced lives, self-care games are becoming an increasingly popular way to de-stress and relax. As we continue to move forward in 2023, there are some exciting new self care games that I think we all should keep an eye out for. No matter the style or platform, these games can help you take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So if you’re looking for ways to change up your self care daily routine in 2023, here are my top 4 self care games that you should look out for!
How I Define a Self Care Game
Before we get started talking about the games themselves, I think it’s important to first define what I mean by “self care game.” To me, a self care game is something that can be played using minimal brain power and energy. These games might have puzzles or problems to solve, but they are never too difficult. To me, self care games have a simple and cozy sense about them; the art style, play style, and even music can be relaxing. Typically in these games, there will be no pressure: no score, no winner, just relaxation and fun. My opinions on what qualifies as a self care game could be very different from your own! Everyone is different and as such, self care can mean different things to each of us. If you disagree with my choices, I would love to hear your input in the comments!
The Games
Without further ado, here are my top 4 self care games that are coming out this year:
Fae Farm
Fae Farm is a fantasy RPG farm simulator that you can play solo or with friends! In your magical new home, you’ll craft tools, cultivate crops, and decorate your home to make it yours. You’ll also use spells to help you explore the enchanted island you inhabit! I love the addition of magic to the popular farm-sim game type. With so much to do and even character customization available, this game has a lot more to offer than its adorable art style!
Available on: Nintendo Switch
Gourdlets
The store page on Steam describes this as a “city-building sandbox” which personally I don’t think does it justice. This is a cute little game where you place various types of structures, ranging from houses and fences to trees and farms, to build your own tiny little city! As you build, the titular “gourdlets” arrive to interact with what you’ve built! This is a perfect chill game for anyone who enjoys other building simulators.
Available on: PC, Mac, and Linux via Steam
Puffpals: Island Skies
Puffpals is an adorable-looking life simulator game that is currently in pre-order via Kickstarter! This looks like a cute and cozy combination of Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, where you can grow your own farm, customize your house, and walk around to visit adorable little creatures throughout the island!
Disclaimer here: you can sign up to (hopefully) receive access to the Alpha testing period for this game this year, 2023, but early access will likely not begin until 2024! With either purchase, they do promise access to the full game when it launches.
Available on: PC and Mac at launch, Mobile and Switch later
Way to the Woods
Way to the Woods is an adventure game featuring puzzles to help you navigate the world and help a precious deer and fawn make their way home! This game features a beautiful soundtrack and art style that complement the journey well. While playing the game, you’ll solve various puzzles to help your characters find food, shelter, and safety on their way home.
Available on: PC via Steam
Wrap Up
With the growing popularity of self care games, it’s no surprise we are seeing so many being created for us each year! I am excited to see all the amazing games 2023 has to offer and I cannot wait to get my hands on these 4 games (I think Fae Farm may be first on my list!)
Are you looking forward to any of the self care games I mentioned, or any others for that matter? I’d love to hear all about it, so please feel free to share in the comments! Until next time, y’all!