There are lots of reasons for wanting to get back to nature. Increasingly, few of us have our own gardens to tend, more and more of us are stuck at the office all day, and worse than that, a good handful of us don’t even live within walking distance of a green space. Whilst it might all sound a little doom and gloom, there are so many great games out there that can give you that nature kick that you’ve been after. You might be creating a wild jungle habitat for some animals, tending to some uncared-for farmland, or trekking through the mountains on your trusty steed. If any of this sounds like fun to you, then keep reading to find out about the games that can transport you on those adventures.
Planet Zoo
We’re starting off the list with a game that doesn’t just let you get close to the beautiful flora of nature, but to the fauna as well. Planet Zoo is a PC game that puts you in charge of creating the ultimate zoo. You can choose from dozens of different styles, hundreds of different plants and trees, as well as sculpting the landscape, slotting in rocks, and even building rivers and waterfalls. You can create all of the different biomes that you’d find in the natural world and fill them with spectacular animals. There’s a real focus, too, on conservation and ecology, so whilst you’re educating your guests, you can learn about some of the issues that the natural world is facing. This game will really suit those with a creative flair, a love of animals, and an interest in learning about what they can do to help protect Planet Earth.
Amazonia 3D
Amazonia in 3D is a good option for those who enjoy playing slots online but fancy something a little bit different from the usual experience. As well as offering cool 3D graphics, this game has brilliantly themed features, including an egg hunt, inspired by the cute green parrot on the reels. The soundtrack has the trilling of birds and the howling of monkeys combining to make a cacophony of jungle sounds. Behind the reels, you’ll find brightly colored birds and their chicks sitting high in the branches, watching carefully as you play. This game is perfect if you want a game that you can learn to play quickly and enjoy for as long as you like.
Stardew Valley
Imagine being left a whole parcel of land in somebody’s will and being told to do whatever you please with it. Some would build a sky scraper and be done with it, but some of us would give anything to be able to tend the land and create the homestead of our dreams. Stardew Valley is one of a growing number of ‘slow’ games – that is, games that encourage us to work for some time on meaningful projects. In this game, you’ll need to till the land, plant seeds, remember to keep watering them until harvest time, and then sell them to the local shopkeeper. Although progress is slow, the sense of satisfaction is enormous. Plus, as you explore the rest of the world, you’ll get to meet neighbors who’ll teach you all about foraging, fishing, and mining, all skills that will take you out into the wilderness.
Red Dead Redemption II
If you’re after a game that truly immerses you in the closest thing to the real natural world, then this one might be it. Red Dead Redemption II puts you in the shoes of Arthur Morgan, a bit of an outlaw and one hell of a cowboy. You’ll ride around on your trusty steed, collecting bounties, trudging through the swamp, hunting for food and foraging for wild plants. You can even take on quests to find legendary animals, catch incredible fish and prove yourself the ultimate hunter by shooting tiny animals for a taxidermist. There’s a whole lot to this game and all of it is set in the Wild West, so saddle up – there’s exploring to do.
