Video games offer endless ways to explore new worlds, test your skills, and immerse yourself in different challenges. Whether it’s surviving against the odds, managing a thriving community, or stepping into the shoes of a powerful hero, there’s something captivating about each experience. My current favorites span multiple genres, from open-world survival and RPGs to management sims and tactical shooters, so a mix of chill and intense games. The all-nighters I pulled after discovering a new open-world survival game are countless. I also try a lot of early-access games, hoping to see them evolve into a new gem. Each game has its own unique charm, and I’ve spent countless hours discovering what makes them special.
Chill Games
Parkitect
‘Parkitect’ is a gem for those who love management simulations, drawing you into the colorful world of theme park creation. It’s all about the thrill of designing the perfect park. Players have the tools to create any ride they can imagine, complete with intricate design elements and operational challenges.
Parkitect excels with its blend of creativity and strategic depth. Players appreciate its vibrant graphics and the satisfaction of fine-tuning every aspect of park-goers’ experiences. This game draws inspiration from my all-time favorite management game, ‘RollerCoaster Tycoon,’ created by Chris Sawyer.
Baldur's Gate 3
‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ takes you on an epic journey through a world filled with magic, mysteries, and moral dilemmas. More than just another role-playing game, it is a narrative-driven adventure where your decisions shape the outcome. Characters feel authentic, with intricate backstories and personal growth arcs that keep you invested.
The depth of choice in Baldur’s Gate 3 is remarkable. You guide your character while influencing entire storylines, impacting the game world itself. The intricate dialogue system and strategic combat provide multiple ways to approach challenges. Critics have applauded its storytelling, but some players express concerns over optimization and occasional bugs. This has to be one of my all-time favorite RPGs, as you can really feel the passion and creativity that went into making this game.
Medieval Dynasty
‘Medieval Dynasty’ is a blend of survival and simulation set in a meticulously crafted medieval world. The game invites you to build, manage, and grow your own settlement, slowly transforming from a lone wanderer into a community leader. It’s about more than survival; it’s about economic strategy, resource management, and social dynamics.
Medieval Dynasty shines in its realistic rendering of medieval life. From farming to engaging with townsfolk, every action contributes to the overall growth of your realm. Players commend the game for its rich atmosphere and detailed development system. However, navigating the game’s complexities can be overwhelming for beginners. But I gave it some time and I fell absolutely in love with it!
The Isle
‘The Isle’ offers a unique take by letting you play as dinosaurs. The game captures the prehistoric battle for survival with its fascinating ecosystem where players themselves are part of a living, breathing environment. It’s all about survival of the fittest, requiring strategy and teamwork.
‘The Isle’ is praised for its detailed creature models and the feeling of being part of a true wildlife survival experience. On the downside, new players might find the game’s survival aspects and controls challenging to master without patience. If you have the patience to learn this game, it’s truly a beauty. But it’s still in early access.
Conan Exiles
‘Conan Exiles’ throws you into the gritty, brutal world of Conan the Barbarian. Here, you’re not just surviving; you’re fighting for dominance in a savage universe. The game’s narrative is rooted in the rich lore of Hyboria, with players beginning as exiles cast off into a harsh wilderness, battling both the elements and other survivors.
The game stands out for its extensive building and crafting systems. You can construct anything from modest huts to sprawling citadels. Combat is another thrilling aspect; whether skirmishing with AI enemies or engaging in PvP battles, the adrenaline never lets up. Players love the freedom to mold the world around them, making each server unique with its own history and conflicts. It’s the perfect game to mix in some chill RP with your PvP.
Spicy Games
Project Zomboid
‘Project Zomboid’ places you right in the chaos of a zombie apocalypse, leaning heavily into the survival aspect. The game offers a sandbox environment where lasting is an achievement of its own. Players need to think on their feet, balancing immediate needs with long-term survival strategies. From scavenging supplies to building fortifications, every decision can mean life or death.
Fans love the game’s attention to detail in survival mechanics and the relentless, unforgiving world. While some feel the graphics could be improved, I find that the depth of the game mechanics makes up for it. I also highly recommend mods, as they offer some crazy new gameplay possibilities.
Ready or Not
‘Ready or Not’ shifts the focus to tactical gameplay, stepping into the boots of elite law enforcement. Here, teamwork and precision are your best friends as you tackle intense scenarios situated in realistic environments. The game offers high-pressure missions requiring coordination and quick thinking.
While still in early access, it has already gained a strong following for its realism and strategic depth. If you love intense co-op multiplayer sessions, this one is worth keeping an eye on.
ARK: Survival Evolved
‘ARK: Survival Evolved’ tosses you into a prehistoric world filled with dinosaurs and mysteries waiting to be unraveled. You start with nothing and work your way up by crafting tools, building shelters, and taming wild creatures. The game’s vast expanses and the thrill of discovering new species make every adventure unpredictable. You could stumble upon rival tribes or form alliances, adding layers of complexity and strategy.
Players often praise ‘ARK’ for its breathtaking environments and beautifully rendered landscapes. The wide range of creatures and the satisfaction of taming them add to the experience. Some critiques involve performance issues and occasional bugs. Still, I am eagerly awaiting the release date of ARK 2 which I am hoping will be announced soon.
7 Days to Die
‘7 Days to Die’ is the ultimate zombie apocalypse survival game. It combines crafting, looting, and building with nail-biting horror. Each in-game week brings a terrifying horde night, where creativity and strategy are key to surviving relentless zombie waves. What sets ‘7 Days to Die’ apart is its unique mix of survival horror and sandbox freedom. Players often find themselves constructing creative defenses, making each game session a gripping experience.
Fans of ‘7 Days to Die’ appreciate its constant updates, deep crafting system, and the thrill of surviving another week. However, some feel that the graphics could use a polish and that the learning curve is steep for newcomers. Personally, I loved the open-world, do-what-you-want freedom it used to have before the updates encouraged quest completion for traders. Even so, with 900 hours played, I still go back to it every now and then.
Each of these games – from the prehistoric thrills of The Isle and the tactical intensity of Ready or Not – captivates a different aspect of multiplayer gaming. Whether you’re in it for the chill or strategic cooperation, these games are bound to offer compelling communal experiences that has kept me engaged for countless hours.
If you have any questions or thoughts don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! Happy gaming!
Cheers, Erika 🙂
This was such a great read! Love the variety in your game choices—some solid survival picks in there. Curious, with all the early access games you try, which one do you think has the most potential to become a masterpiece? Also, any underrated survival or RPG gems you’d recommend that don’t get enough love?
Hi Genie! That’s a tough question to answer. We’re in an era where so many games start out with the potential to be masterpieces but fizzle out due to the challenge of monetizing their investment.
As for underrated or overlooked survival games, I’d recommend RimWorld and Starbound (especially with mods).
I’m also keeping an eye on a game called VEIN, which is like Project Zomboid in first-person but with the same depth of mechanics. Hopefully, they stay on track! The developers aren’t well-known, but in this case, no track record might actually be a good thing. 🙂