Think You've Outgrown Your PlayStation? Think Again
Do you ever start playing an action-oriented combat game and think, "I'm too old for this?" It's not you, it's the game. As we mature, we crave more thoughtful experiences in video games over mindless violence. While Halo and Call of Duty may not be your cup of tea anymore, there are tons of narrative-driven or low-stakes sandbox games that might just hit the spot. After all, you're a full-blown adult with enough stress in your life as it is; you don't need a high-level dungeon boss that you can only beat with a variety of complex controls and lightning-fast reflexes to add to it. Here are 20 games perfectly suited for mature gamers who just want to sit back and unwind.
1. The Outer Worlds
The Outer Worlds is an RPG that appeals to older gamers because of its thoughtful storytelling, witty dialogue, and accessible gameplay. It's set in a Fallout-like world that's reminiscent of old sci-fi, adding a layer of nostalgia for those who grew up consuming that kind of media.
NASA, ESA and A. Schaller on Wikimedia
2. The Elder Scrolls
Older gamers typically love The Elder Scrolls because of its vast, imaginative open world. There are no time limits for any task, meaning you can take your time and frolic, and it requires a fair amount of logical thinking, allowing you to exercise your problem-solving skills.
3. Half-Life 2
The immersive storytelling in Half-Life 2 is what draws in a lot of older players. It also has a compelling narrative and is incredibly atmospheric. It was released over 20 years ago, so the graphics have definitely aged, but older gamers might appreciate the old-school feel of it.
4. Last of Us
Last of Us's exceptional narrative with mature and thoughtful themes makes it an appealing choice for older gamers. It's also incredibly cinematic with customizable difficulty.
5. Animal Crossing
For older gamers who like games that help them relax after a full work day, Animal Crossing is pretty much as good as it gets. It's a plotless game where you just get to wander around, furnish your house, catch fish, and shake trees for food and money.
6. Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium is a game for readers. What it lacks in quick combat, it makes up for in thought-provoking, philosophical, and deep lines of text. The other standout feature is the art style, which resembles an oil painting.
7. Shining Force
For older gamers who appreciate classic RPGs, Shining Force is the game for you. You don't need any crazy reflexes for this game, but being a good strategist is a must.
8. Monument Valley
Monument Valley is perfect for older gamers who are new to gaming. There's no way to die or lose, so it's a stress-free gaming experience, and the game is inspired by M.C. Escher paintings, making it a visually stunning and mind-bending masterpiece.
9. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is the perfect game for older gamers who prefer a laid-back, relaxing gaming experience. You're an adult. You don't want to get home from your stressful job to be stressed out by a game.
10. The Sims
The Sims allows you to have a family, manage daily life, and form relationships just like in real life, except in The Sims, you get to control everything and everyone. It's an open-ended life simulation game that allows you to be creative in a low-pressure environment.
11. Minecraft
Minecraft is an incredible world-building game that appeals to all audiences, so you can even play with your kids or grandkids. There's no specific narrative, and you can really make the game whatever you want. It also has a fun pixelated art style that harkens back to the early days of gaming.
12. Flower
Flower offers an exceptionally serene gaming experience. It's centered around a flower petal being carried by the wind. It's an extremely relaxing and artistic game with stunning visuals, practically designed to be therapeutic.
13. Journey
Journey is unique for its visual storytelling, void of any dialogue. In the game, you fly and explore using a magical scarf, encountering mysterious companions along the way, and concluding with an abstract sequence. Many interpret the game as signifying the stages of life culminating with the journey into the afterlife, something that only more mature gamers would understand and appreciate.
14. Hogwarts Legacy
Seeing as Harry Potter is an elder Millennial phenomenon, Hogwarts Legacy is well-suited to more mature gamers who grew up consuming Harry Potter media. It's an action RPG set in the Wizarding World about a century before Harry Potter was born.
Hogwarts Legacy official YouTube channel on Wikimedia
15. Firewatch
Firewatch's categorization as a "walking simulator" doesn't do it justice, as its gorgeous visuals and blend of mystery and rich storytelling are nothing short of captivating. The focus of the game is on the narrative, not on any intense combat sequences or skills, making it suitable for older gamers.
16. Abzû
Abzû, made by the same company that created Journey and Flower, is the perfect game for older folks who appreciate visuals, exploration, and a meditative gaming experience. It follows you, a diver, exploring an underground world and learning about the harms to the ocean.
Abzû game designers on Wikimedia
17. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is set in the Wild West. It's known for its compelling narrative and realistic, detailed art style. It's great for older gamers who enjoy a more cinematic, epic, and story-driven gaming experience.
18. Portal 2
Portal 2 is a first-person puzzle game known for its uniquely hilarious dialogue, character designs, and difficult brain exercises. For mature gamers who like a cognitive challenge, it's the perfect game.
19. Untitled Goose Game
Untitled Goose Game is tailor-made for those dads and granddads after whom "dad humor" was named. While there are some puzzles involved, it's a completely silly game made purely for entertainment, complete with slapstick humor and ridiculous tasks.
20. Two Point Hospital
Two Point Hospital is a management simulation game where you have to build and manage hospitals, right down to the finances. Before you dismiss it as sounding boring, just know that there's a healthy splash of humor involved as you cure quirky, made-up diseases, some interesting characters to contend with, and plenty of stimulating puzzles.
