7 Anime Series Perfect for Fans of Walking Sim Games

Walking simulators, a type of video game, sometimes get a bad rap. Players who enjoy fast-paced action and complex quests often prefer games with lots of fighting and clear goals. Walking sims are different – they emphasize exploring environments, solving puzzles, and experiencing a story that unfolds as you go, often without any combat or a traditional ‘win’ condition. While they aren’t for everyone, they can be a great, relaxing escape for those feeling stressed or tired. Fans of anime might find similar feelings and experiences in certain series, mirroring the emotional impact of these games.

Walking simulators are a unique type of game, ranging from spooky to peaceful. We’ve picked seven anime series that offer a similar experience – they’re easy to watch and let you enjoy a relaxing adventure without pressure. These shows keep drama to a minimum and rarely feature any fighting. If you’re looking for something to enjoy while waiting for a new walking simulator game, these anime are a great choice.

Series on this list are available to watch on Crunchyroll unless otherwise specified.

Spice and Wolf

Spice and Wolf centers around Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant with simple dreams of owning his own shop and living a peaceful life. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Holo, a 600-year-old wolf deity. Holo has watched over a town’s harvests for centuries, but as people began to forget her, she decided to return to her homeland. She joins Kraft on his travels, assisting him with his business and developing a close relationship with the silver-haired merchant along the way.

The popular series Spice and Wolf returned in 2024 with a new anime, celebrating the 15th anniversary of the original light novels. Another season is already planned! What sets this anime apart is its focus on economics and the developing relationship between the two main characters, Holo and Kraft. Unlike many fantasy stories, it downplays magic and warfare, offering a more grounded and character-driven experience. Their journey unfolds at a deliberate pace, making it a long but rewarding watch.

Encouragement of Climb

The heartwarming anime series Encouragement of Climb follows Aoi, a shy homebody with a fear of heights. When she reconnects with her adventurous childhood friend, Hinata – who loves climbing and the outdoors – Aoi is persuaded to hike a mountain and watch the sunrise with her. This leads to new friendships with other mountain-climbing enthusiasts, and together they set out to conquer peaks all across Japan.

Many people are afraid of heights, but seeing a character conquer their fears can be really satisfying. The anime Encouragement of Climb is full of a joyful spirit of adventure that’s likely to inspire viewers to try new things. It approaches life with a playful attitude, making it feel like a cheerful and uplifting game – almost like a ‘walking simulator’ in the best way. Plus, with 61 episodes, it’s a substantial series to enjoy.

Encouragement of Climb is currently available to watch on HIDIVE.

Barakamon

At 23, Seishu Handa is a skilled calligrapher, but he struggles to control his temper. After assaulting an art exhibit organizer who criticized his work, his father sends him to the remote Goto Island in southern Japan. The goal is for Seishu to focus on his art and connect with the community. There, he befriends Naru, a cheerful young girl who visits him daily to play.

While Barakamon does begin with a trip to a small island, the story isn’t really about the physical journey itself. It’s more focused on the emotional and personal growth of the main character, Seishu. Like many ‘walking simulator’ stories, we see Seishu change from an anxious person into someone more relaxed, largely due to his interactions with a young girl named Naru. It’s a heartwarming series that mixes funny moments with genuinely touching scenes.

Someday’s Dreamers

The 12-episode anime series Someday’s Dreamers is a sweetly told fantasy story about Yume, a high schooler from Iwate Prefecture who moves to Tokyo to learn magic. As she trains under the skilled wizard Masami Oyamada and strives to become a successful witch, Yume encounters challenges, but the show maintains a light and relaxing tone. Coming from a rural area, Yume is captivated by the excitement of Tokyo, and Masami, despite a difficult past, approaches the future with quiet determination.

Finding Someday’s Dreamers might be challenging by 2026, as it’s not widely known, but it’s definitely worth seeking out. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for something relaxing and character-driven, a nice change of pace from fast-moving stories. You can almost imagine enjoying a warm drink while getting lost in its world, which feels both familiar and unique. The music is especially noteworthy, using classic instruments to evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia.

Unfortunately, Someday’s Dreamers is not currently available to stream on any major platform.

Kino’s Journey

If you love travel and exploring new cultures, Kino’s Journey is a must-watch. The series follows Kino as she travels through a fantastical world on her talking motorcycle, Hermes. She visits different countries, spending just three days and two nights in each place – enough time to experience the local culture without getting too attached. Kino believes it’s important to keep moving, as there’s always somewhere new to discover. The settings vary wildly, ranging from futuristic, science fiction landscapes to charming, magical towns.

You can watch the original 2003 series of Kino’s Journey on HIDIVE, and the 2017 remake is available on Crunchyroll.

The director of Kino’s Journey, Ryutaro Nakamura, has described the anime as showcasing a unique kind of beauty. He explains that while the series values kindness and empathy, it also realistically portrays loneliness and hardship as part of life. Thanks to Kino’s travels with Hermes, the show feels more like an exciting road trip than a slow, contemplative walk. Both the original series and the remake are highly recommended for their unparalleled sense of adventure.

Kannagi: Crazy Shrine Maidens

First released in 2008, the anime series Kannagi: Crazy Shrine Maidens is a beloved classic, though it can be hard to find these days. The story centers around Nagi, a playful goddess tasked with purifying the world, whose powers are diminished after her sacred tree is cut down. She has a more serious side, Kannagi, who is dedicated to the mission. When Nagi meets Jin, a student who unknowingly uses wood from the tree for an art project, she moves in with him and he helps her regain her strength and complete her quest.

Despite being full of humor, Kannagi delivers a surprisingly touching message. Nagi’s quest is so engaging it feels like it could be a great video game. The series is visually appealing and blends supernatural themes with romance, but it’s the memorable characters that truly stand out, making you root for Nagi to regain her original form.

I’m really excited about Kannagi, but unfortunately, it’s not streaming anywhere right now. However, a lot of us are crossing our fingers for a Blu-ray release soon – we’re hoping it happens!

Laid-Back Camp

Since its debut in 2018, Laid-Back Camp has become incredibly popular, offering viewers a relaxing and heartwarming escape. The anime follows Rin, a camping lover, and her new friend Nadeshiko as they join their high school’s camping club. Together, they travel around Japan, discovering beautiful places to camp and enjoying everyday life. What makes Laid-Back Camp special is that it features real-life locations and even teaches viewers about camping, making it both entertaining and informative for anyone interested in the outdoors.

Most ‘walking simulator’ games involve exploring environments, looking for hints, or just enjoying the views. Unlike those games, Laid-Back Camp avoids typical storylines about love or conflict. Instead, it centers on the joys of friendship, the challenges of starting a new hobby, and the fun of relaxing adventures with friends.

2026-01-27 19:36