10 Games that Trigger ASMR - Investment Policy

By this point, you’ve probably come across ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, a tranquil experience focusing on calming sounds. Essentially, it’s known for inducing pleasurable sensations that travel up the back of your neck, often described as tingles.

Despite seeming unconventional, it’s true for me – I have a condition called ASMR sensitivity. In fact, part of my nightly ritual involves listening to soothing sounds from GentleWhispering, which helps me unwind and feel relaxed due to the tingles I experience.

The great thing about ASMR, too, is that it blends wonderfully in a video game setting.

Instead of hearing sounds like tapping or crinkling from a video, it could be the soft footsteps of your character or whispers in a horror game that might evoke those same tingles for you. The sources of what sets off these sensations aren’t always predictable, so yes, it is possible to experience ASMR even during tense gaming scenarios such as action or horror genres.

Regardless, you can expect to experience delightful sensations akin to a deep, satisfying relaxation by engaging with specific video games. Notably, these particular games often contain elements that trigger the Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR).

10. Dark Souls

The Power of Little Sounds

Sound design plays an indispensable role in video games, and this applies equally to ASMR videos where every sound takes center stage. At first, one might not associate ASMR with a game like Dark Souls, but surprisingly, it does so by leveraging its impressive sound design capabilities.

Without the challenging bosses and adversaries factored in, wandering through the world feels rather serene. It’s even more tranquil since there’s no background music to be heard; instead, you hear soft sounds like footsteps, the clink of armor, and faint noises.

The cracks and pops of a bonfire offer a calming sensation, tempting players to linger near the flickering flames for extended periods. In other words, the sound effects play a key role in the game design for Dark Souls, making it stand out favorably.

Absolutely, these peaceful moments get disrupted as soon as you find yourself in a state of panic-rolling, but I must admit, those serene intervals are unforgettable.

Sure enough, the tranquility vanishes when we’re struck by panic-rolling, yet the calm instances remain etched vividly in memory.

9. Ghost of Tsushima

Looting Scratches Your Brain Just Right

When it comes to acquiring items in video games like “Ghost of Tsushima”, there’s a unique sense of satisfaction that comes from the way each item picked up produces a distinctive, pleasing sound. This sound effect applies whether the item is used for upgrading armor, weapons, or other purposes.

Whenever I interact with objects in-game, like picking up flowers or fabrics, each action produces a unique sound – crisp for flowers, almost fabric-like for linen, and a soft, hollow clink for bamboo. These sounds give me such a satisfying sense of immersion that it often sends shivers down my spine!

It’s clear that the ASMR in this game is primarily derived from its looting system, and this feature significantly contributes to the overall gameplay experience. In fact, you may find yourself yearning for those specific sounds, experiencing a mental itch that only Ghost of Tsushima can alleviate.

One potential rephrasing could be: While it’s great when everything is upgraded, there isn’t much reason left for looting other than reaching maximum capacity. However, achieving this can be incredibly rewarding.

8. Unpacking

Sort and Declutter for Fun

Revamping and organizing a space might initially seem tedious, but within the context of “Unpacking“, it transforms into a remarkably calming and soothing journey, enriched with various Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) triggers as you unwrap your possessions.

This is a charming puzzle game that’s earned indie fame for its pixelated tranquility. As you progress, you reveal a small narrative, and the sense of zen only deepens. By the end of your cleaning session, you find yourself in an immaculate, well-organized room, which enhances the sense of accomplishment players feel.

The primary goal of this game is for you to settle into your fresh abode, arrange your belongings from the boxes, and eventually style each space. This setting offers a tranquil, low-pressure atmosphere with soothing sounds and calming melodies – a perfect match for what ASMR enthusiasts appreciate.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that cleaning can positively impact your mental well-being, which aligns perfectly with the objectives of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR).

7. Solitaire

A Classic Across All Ages

Workers across various offices worldwide have spent countless hours immersed in the mental puzzle of Solitaire, a timeless card game often associated with gambling. More notably, Microsoft Solitaire, which is pre-installed on almost every computer, has made it one of the most popular games ever played.

In 2019, it gained such notoriety that it was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame, ensuring its place in history far beyond Las Vegas.

Beyond this, the game offers an exceptionally gratifying experience, serving as an ideal escape from the tasks you’re undoubtedly avoiding. The rhythmic rustle of shuffled cards and absence of music creates a sensation that is downright invigorating.

This game isn’t typically seen as a relaxation tool by most, but once you give it a try, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised at its tranquil qualities. It’s during gameplay that one truly discovers its soothing effects.

6. Flower

A Relaxing and Stunning Game Experience

Flower,” a beautiful game from the same developers behind “Journey,” lets you play as delicate petals guided by soft breezes. First released on PlayStation 3, this brief yet impactful experience can be finished within just two hours, with a platinum trophy achievable in five.

Without a doubt, “Flower” is one of the most captivating games you’ll encounter. As you advance, you journey through a series of breathtakingly beautiful stages. It’s a visual spectacle that leaves you in awe, with moments of pure tranquility. The soothing sounds further immerse you in the gentle ambiance of nature.

In the game, the vistas are stunningly beautiful, and you’ll find yourself drifting among the various blades of grass. Along your journey, you collect other petals, leaving you spellbound by the enchanting scenery around you. The visual appeal is equally important in ASMR as the sound, although neither quite overshadows the other in Flower.

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that this game has a unique charm to it – it doesn’t merely provide a sense of relaxation, but it’s soothing effect is potent enough to lull me into a peaceful slumber.

5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The Best Chore Simulator

Performing everyday tasks might not appear enjoyable, but strangely enough, in the game of Animal Crossing, these tasks don’t seem like chores at all. It’s more like experiencing a peaceful, easy-going lifestyle filled with companionship and tranquil landscapes.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is undeniably the most beloved game within the series, masterfully encapsulating fun and tranquility onto the Nintendo Switch. It centers around you relocating to a fresh island (or town, as in previous installments), where you’re tasked with creating and shaping it according to your preferences.

The unique sights and audio elements of this game stand out from others, with New Horizon’s user interface (UI) being especially pleasing to the eye. The NookPhone, in particular, is brimming with exclusive sounds and graphics that Nintendo has come to appreciate in their contemporary systems – a UI that sends shivers down my spine, I might add.

As a gamer, I must say, every tiny sound in this game feels soft yet authentic, almost eerily real. It’s so immersive that it sends shivers down my spine, not just at the back of my head, but right through my whole skull.

4. Coffee Talk

Be a Barista in a Fantasy World

As a devoted admirer, I’ve found that visual novels are a bit of a polarizing subject – people either adore them or can’t stand them. However, when it comes to Coffee Talk, the atmosphere is undeniably filled with affection (and the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed espresso).

In Coffee Talk, you assume the role of a barista in a contemporary, magical realm, where you sympathize with your customers’ troubles as you serve them comforting lattes. The enchanting atmosphere and tranquil, comfortable environment make for an almost irresistible sense of serenity – and I can confirm that it was incredibly soothing.

The tale, surprisingly relevant in today’s context, explores topics like racial prejudice (even among mythical creatures, including elves), societal constraints, and the significance of human connection. Remarkably, just offering consolation via your brewed beverage seems sufficient.

As a gamer myself, I find that the experience of playing this game is significantly improved when I turn down or even mute the background café music. Instead, I crank up the volume on the ambient sounds and sound effects. Trust me, you won’t regret following my lead.

3. Skyrim

An Incredible World of Sound

What hasn’t been said about Skyrim at this point?

Indeed, this game holds such a timeless appeal that it captivates gamers worldwide, spanning cultures and generations. Lately, there’s been a growing sense of nostalgia among players, particularly as they revisit the classic tunes composed by Jeremy Soule.

In games, strolling through Skyrim when not engaged in battle offers an exceptionally scenic and delightful experience. Additionally, its sound effects are well-grounded and true-to-life, making stealthy encounters even more intense and immersive.

In tense situations, I find myself unwinding as the groan of old floorboards beneath me and the surrounding atmosphere envelop me, offering a soothing balance that calms my nerves.

I can’t help but ponder if perhaps there’s a mod available that transforms the shouts into soft whispers, making the ASMR experience all the more immersive.

2. Minecraft

A Perfect Visual With Sound

Apart from being incredibly soothing to engage with, Minecraft also offers a one-of-a-kind and exhilarating adventure in each fresh universe you construct.

Players who are sensitive to Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) will find themselves immersed in an enjoyable experience, ranging from soothing sounds derived from different ecosystems to settings designed for tranquility.

To put it simply, it’s hard not to notice that, for many people in Generation Z, watching certain types of videos often feels like a form of mental stagnation, akin to picture-in-picture mode, which has unfortunately earned Gen Z a somewhat negative reputation. Now, as a member of Generation Z (born in 1999), I apologize if this observation seems to be directed at myself, and secondly, it’s common to find Minecraft serving as the soothing background visuals to the audio in these videos.

Playing Minecraft while engaging with other media such as podcasts, videos, radio broadcasts, or ASMR experiences is just as much a part of the gameplay experience as playing it in its original form.

The audio effects within the game might seem quite crisp or harsh to those who prefer softer sounds, especially for individuals enjoying Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), yet there exists a group of players who appreciate such sharp tones.

Regardless of whether you choose to play the game with sound or in silence, the visual aspect is ASMR-inducing enough to give you those pleasant tingles either way.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

A Pure Ghibli Film Experience

Among all video games that are exceptional at inducing Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), none surpasses my favorite quite like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

This game exudes a sense of tranquility and coziness, featuring enjoyable culinary dynamics (accompanied by delightful sounds), soothing melodies, stunning graphics, and much more. It transforms into a game that provokes a pleasant tingling sensation, minus the character “Tingle” stirring up any chaos.

Essentially, playing this Zelda game is like experiencing a Studio Ghibli movie in a game format, as the atmosphere perfectly captures that feeling. The entire open world is visually stunning, and Nintendo excels once again with the game’s user interface and sound design. It’s simply unparalleled.

Absolutely, what sets one person’s ASMR triggers apart from another can be quite varied, with some finding certain sounds appealing while others find them unbearable. Fortunately, the sound design in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is both simple and authentic, allowing it to be enjoyed by a wide range of people.

2025-02-21 18:40