There are so many games these days that give off wholesome vibes. Most are colorful and vibrant with the mission of providing a good message, even if moments in the story aren't always so peaceful. But when people think about wholesome games, they mostly think about farming simulators.
Farming simulators tend to be a dominant form of "wholesome game," as they tend to be calming for people who like to organize and grow a ton of crops. But while they are always a nice option, not all wholesome games are farming simulators and there are plenty of other games in other genres that fit into that category.
10 Bug Fables
One of the more delightful RPG franchises out there is Paper Mario, which released its first game on the N64 and has had a new entry land on almost every Nintendo console since. However, some fans feel like Paper Mario has moved away from its original formula, which is why one developer decided to make Bug Fables.
The turn-based RPG takes place in the colorful world of Bugaria. Players take control of a party of characters named Vi, Kabbu, and Leif as they traverse the world attempting to find the Everlasting Sapling. Despite having combat in it, it is a wholesome experience for those who like silly characters and a solid story.
9 Lost In Play
There was an era of point-and-click adventure games that kids grew up with and became an entry point into the world of video games. Lost in Play is a modern version of that, a colorful adventure about two kids who are getting lost in their own imagination.
Toto and Gal are siblings who decide to play one day when the world around them begins to turn into a world of their own creation. They must solve puzzles and interact with a variety of characters of all shapes and sizes to get back home. Lost in Play is a great choice when thinking about a cozy game for a young kid to try out.
8 Donut County
As satisfying as it is to take good care of a farm, it is equally satisfying to see it all fall down a hole that is player-controlled. That is the general premise of Donut County, a game where players are the hole and the goal is to suck up everything in a level.
As BK, a raccoon who is controlling the hole, the player will go a little too far and slowly devour every one of BK's friends and all of their property. While these actions may not be seen as very wholesome, it is the way Donut County is presented and how it tackles the silly premise that makes it such a delight to experience.
7 A Little To The Left
Organizing seems to be a popular mechanic for those looking for something that is a lot more chill in nature. That's why A Little To The Left is such a perfect premise for a puzzle game. It is all about putting the player in situations where they attempt to organize items in a specific way.
A Little To The Left has a main story that presents scenarios to organize over the course of five chapters. However, those who want just short bursts of the game can participate in the "Daily Tidy," which gives the player one puzzle to solve for the day. These tend to be variations on puzzles presented in the main mode.
6 Lil Gator Game
It is hard not to find little kids playing games together super wholesome. Lil Gator Game is about a kid named Lil Gator trying to get their older sister to play games with them like she did when the two of them were younger. To do that, Lil Gator must try to make a game of their own.
The 3D-platforming, open-world adventure has Lil Gator set off to find a bunch of kids to help in building up the local playground into their own gaming haven that can be used to convince Big Sis to stop working on college work to play. The world itself can be a playground as the player can climb, glide, and slide around the map.
5 Astro's Playroom
A lot of the games on this list are indie darlings, but one wholesome experience that is perfect for those who enjoy PlayStation is the game that comes with the PlayStation 5 for free, Astro's Playroom. Developed by Team ASOBI, the experience is meant to showcase many of the PlayStation 5's features.
A bite-sized 3D platformer, Astro's Playroom takes place across four worlds that are themed after the different mechanical parts of the PlayStation. Along the way, other robots will reference many of the franchises that have been on PlayStation over the years. There are also many PlayStation collectibles that reference the history of its hardware.
4 TOEM
Photography games can be nice and peaceful in theory, but there are times in those games when photographs are judged harshly or players must snap the photo as fast as they can because they are on rails. TOEM is a photography game where the goal is to wander around and take photos with no time limit or judgment awaiting.
The game is about a little photographer who is attempting to reach Toem, a natural phenomenon that is not spoiled until the player gets there. Along the way, the character will help others with various tasks or challenges involving photography. Players can even take photos of the various wildlife that live in each region.
3 Untitled Goose Game
Messing with people may not be the most wholesome thing, but it's hard to not laugh at a normal goose going around making humans miserable in the most simple of ways. Untitled Goose Game is all about waddling around and solving puzzles presented in a notepad that is a checklist of things to annoy people with.
The game is known for having an endless amount of shenanigans to experiment with, including four areas that are rich with individuals and objects that can be toyed with. While Untitled Goose Game is very simple in its premise, there are a lot of ways that players can replay the game, including a speed-run mode that is highlighted once the game is beaten once.
2 Monument Valley
Speaking of simplicity, there is something delightful about manipulating a small world to achieve a goal in a game. Monument Valley is a puzzle game that is about navigating individuals through a series of dioramas that play with the player's perspective.
Many platforms in the game can be moved or twisted to connect paths that let the character on the screen reach the necessary door. This all happens along beautifully designed stages and gorgeous visuals. There is even a sequel to Monument Valley that expands on the ideas of the first while also standing on its own.
1 A Short Hike
One of the best indie games to come out that screams wholesome from start to finish is A Short Hike. The game centers around Claire, a young woman who is visiting her aunt's camp in Hawk Peak Provincial Park. Unfortunately, there is no cell service unless she climbs up to the top of the mountain.
The game focuses on the player exploring every nook of the island, finding secrets, and ultimately collecting enough golden feathers needed to reach the top. There are characters along the journey that Claire can interact with and learn about their stories while also helping them with their issues. Plus, there is a boat to drive and a sport to play if the player can find them.