Summary
Some games thrust players into the role of hero, but what if they just want to play it casually, or live a new domestic life instead? This topic aims to look at some of the best games out there thatlet players roleplay as themselves, without worrying about their heroic tendencies or not.
There is no need to save the world in these games. Instead, players can focus on other choices they might have to make that allow them to have a good gameplay experience. Whether that is domestic life or something a little more adventurous, there will be something for everyone.
Harvest Moon’s long-running franchise proves to players that having a farm life can be just as enjoyable and exciting as something more adventurous.In this particular installment, players can createthemselves in the likeness of a farmer whose life revolved around farming, friendship, and family.
The only world players are saving is the little one they have on their farm, with low stakes such as crops being in season, and finding the right person to spend their time with. The game encourages routing and emotional bonds with players, perfect if they are looking to have something more casual in their gaming time.
Story of Seasonsis much likeHarvest Moonin its lifestyle it can offer. Players are not the hero of the story. Instead, they are just a local looking to contribute in their own way, which is a powerful story in itself. Players can romance many characters so that they can become part of their lives, including the game offering same-gender companionship too.
Story of Seasonslets players find fulfillment in the everyday, and with the chance of season being one of the biggest parts of the game, life can be tranquil and cozy for players.
Calicoallows players to be a magical café owner with whimsy. Roleplaying as themselves, players can focus on their daily tasks and creativity in-game, knowing there is no big bad out there. Decorate the café and cuddle the cats, and if players need a little hero but not too much, they can run an errand or two for other villagers.
This game is one of those that offers zero pressure on gameplay, with no need to worry about fighting monsters. Players can put their focus on self-expression in this magical world and just explore their environment.
Minecraftis one of the ultimate sandbox games out there, that allows players to just have a cozy life and not fight monsters at all. With the choices of a peaceful or semi-peaceful playthrough, players may never have to even see an enemy in the game, andcan focus on other animals instead.
With the option to play as themselves with any skin they can find or make, players can be the person they would like to be, focusing on builds, mechanics, farming, and so much more. There are no guidelines on what players need to do, and they can instead follow their hearts.
Hello Kitty Island Adventuredoes allow players to roleplay as themselves, but in animal form. This allows players to blend in with the world around them. While there are quests to do for the characters or to unlock new spaces, there is no time limit or pressure, and instead some quests take several IRL days to complete, keeping the pace slow.
Players will appreciate the ability to be the kind of character they want to on the island, whether they choose to help characters out, or focus on having the best house on the island.
Animal Crossing: New Horizonsis one of the best storyless games out there, with players being able to focus on just about anything with no pressure to progress. Players can choose to live outside a tent for the entirety of their time in the game and never give Tom Nook any of their hard-earned money.
Because the villagers all have different personalities, players can choose what kind of characters they want for their neighbors. While the player is the mayor of the town, they can choose not to live by that label and insteadfocus on meeting new people.
4Tiny Life
Domesticated Life In Pixel Form
Tiny Lifeis a pixel-style game that allows players to live out a domesticated life in their own way. Characters can be customized and tailored to be a mini-player lookalike, and their life is a very simple and casual one, perfect for times when fans want to escape reality but in a cozy way.
Players can choose to help their mini-me build new relationships or skills or instead choose to cathartically make their lives something more like a misery, with surprises waiting around every corner.
Stardew Valleystarts with a big change for players as their grandpa’s farm has been left for them to run. But once they get there, players get to choose exactly what they want to do with their time. While turning a profit is recommended to keep the farm running, they can spend more time romancing the localsor even exploring caves to find treasure.
Players can roleplay themselves in the game and make choices that they would in their real lives. Choosing whether to help villagers or not, or even who to talk to and hang around with. There is so much to do every day in the valley, and no need to play the hero.
InZOIis a newer title on the list and is a sandbox game with so many possibilities. Players can choose to be a version of themselves and have a new life. There are no high-stakes or hero playing. Instead,players can choose to work on their careeror relationships and build something they can always come back to.
The character customization is very well detailed and realistic, making sure that players can match their digital avatar as closely as they would like.
The Sims 4has to be one of the ultimate choices for players looking to explore a new life as a digital self in a game.The Sims 4, like IRL, does not have clear goals or expectations, and instead lets the players choose what to do with their lifeand what skills to build on.
Players can choose to be the hero of their own story rather than fighting a monster or villain. Maybe they might even choose to be the villain instead, and terrorize their neighbors as they live their new digital life.
