The Best Games Set In Rural Towns

Key Takeaways

  • Games set in rural towns offer diverse and captivating settings that immerse players in unique atmospheres.
  • Rural settings, like those in farming simulators like
    Stardew Valley
    and
    Story of Seasons
    , provide a cozy and engaging experience.
  • The rural environments in games like
    Red Dead Redemption
    2 enrich the narrative, allowing players to explore vast countryside areas.

As a lifelong fan of video games that transport me to the tranquil beauty of rural landscapes, I must say that each of these titles offers a unique and captivating slice of country life.


Games serve as portals to various worlds, presenting an array of intriguing and captivating backdrops. Whether they transport us to mythical realms steeped in medieval lore or whisk us away to far-off futures, each environment contributes significantly to the storyline’s depth and creates distinctive atmospheres that draw players in.

In addition to these grand and imaginative landscapes, there’s also an allure to more modest settings, even those that mirror everyday life a bit more closely, such as small, countryside towns. These localities exude a warm, homely appeal and provide a unique backdrop, enabling exceptional games set in rural towns to narrate deeply moving and extraordinary stories in authentic environments.

10 Story Of Seasons: Friends Of Mineral Town

Farming Games Have Great Rural Settings

A heartwarming farming simulator that stirs up nostalgia for numerous gamers is the title Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town, which serves as a remake of the classic Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town. This game transports players to the idyllic village of Mineral Town, where they’ll find a vibrant community. The town is filled with charming residents and seasonal celebrations, creating a warm and immersive rural experience for the player.

The background music significantly contributes to setting the mood, featuring gentle tunes that adjust based on the passing seasons and hours. These tunes intensify the tranquil ambiance of the game, making rural living feel more captivating and magical for gamers.

9 Far Cry 5

Hope County Is A Rural Town With Many Secrets

Across the Far Cry series, it’s the unique settings that captivate players the most, with each new installment introducing a fresh environment. In Far Cry 5, players find themselves in the picturesque rural area of Hope County, which bears resemblance to various interior U.S. regions, characterized by lush farmland and stunning vistas.

Additionally, it’s important to note that Hope County isn’t just peaceful; it’s also a place marred by conflict. This seemingly tranquil rural area is ruled by the enigmatic Joseph Seed and his devout followers, creating an atmosphere of mystery. Beneath its picturesque surface, there lies a web of danger, with cults and conspiracies lurking in every nook. The region’s natural beauty serves as a stark contrast to the ever-present tension that threatens to erupt into violence at any moment.

8 Fallout 76

One Of Bethesda’s Best Fallout Settings

In contrast to other games set in rural towns, Fallout 76 offers a unique post-apocalyptic experience by depicting a scenario influenced by the interior of West Virginia, an area relatively untouched by nuclear fallout, which allows for the preservation of pre-war landscapes. This intricate and realistic setting fosters a feeling of seclusion for players, mirroring the resilience and isolation often found in small rural communities amidst nuclear catastrophe.

As a fan, I find that the legendary soundtrack, “Country Roads,” deepens my emotional bond with the rustic landscape, playing a pivotal role as the game’s theme. While there are urban areas, they take a backseat, enabling players to immerse themselves in expansive countrysides and truly grasp the heart of games set in rural communities.

7 Days Gone

Rural Settings In The Zombie Apocalypse

Located in rural Oregon, the video game Days Gone unfolds against a backdrop of wilderness and interiors, weaving a tale of survival amidst a zombie apocalypse. The expansive landscape is dotted with dense woods, towering mountains, and deserted highways, fostering an atmosphere of solitude that intensifies the game’s eerie and desolate feel.

In Oregon’s tranquil countryside, the video game offers a backdrop for delving into themes of desolation, optimism, and tenacity amidst a crumbling universe. As Deacon St. John, players traverse deserted hamlets and secluded territories, encountering swarms of zombies and fellow survivors while searching for meaning in the turmoil. The environment underscores the game’s somber mood, juxtaposing breathtaking landscapes with the ever-present dread of an apocalyptic wasteland.

6 Alan Wake 2

The Dark Charm Of Bright Falls

In the heart of the narrative of the Alan Wake series lies the mysterious town of Bright Falls, Washington. Surrounded by dense woods and overlooking the enigmatic Cauldron Lake, this setting is tailor-made for a psychological horror tale where the lines between reality and the supernatural become blurred in a haunting dance of light and darkness.

In the seemingly peaceful town of Bright Falls, ancient mysteries lurk beneath the surface, each nook and cranny playing a vital role in the captivating plot of Alan Wake 2. This remote, secluded setting serves as a breeding ground for potent and ominous forces, compelling the characters to grapple with their deepest fears in a gripping tale about maintaining sanity and fighting for survival.

5 The Sims 4: Cottage Living

A Expansion Pack Focused On Country Life

In each new version of “The Sims” game, players are transported to unique environments. The latest expansion, titled “Cottage Living,” offers a peek into how the game might look if it were set in a peaceful rural town like Henford-on-Bagley. Here, gamers can create families and engage with features tailored for country life, such as tending to animals and cultivating crops.

In Henford-on-Bagley, the serene and relaxing scenery is paired with farm animals and agricultural aspects, offering players a chance to immerse themselves in the tranquility of country living. This environment wraps gamers in a soothing and nostalgic adventure, making Cottage Living an excellent expansion for those seeking a more serene rural experience.

4 Stardew Valley

An Incredible Farming Simulator For Those Who Love The Countryside

In the given context, farming simulation games based in rural settings are excellent choices, but among all the alternatives, Stardew Valley is the one that truly embodies the spirit of the countryside. The setting, Pelican Town, might be small, yet it teems with intriguing characters to encounter and offers a wealth of content to discover.

Additionally, this game incorporates familiar aspects from farming simulators, like inheriting a farm from a late grandfather and trading bustling urban existence for the tranquility found in rural settings. The uncomplicated charm of Pelican Town creates a soothing atmosphere where players can relish the charms of country living.

3 Persona 4 Golden

Inaba Is A Fictional Rural Town In Japan

Instead of immersing players in bustling Shibuya within Tokyo like Persona 5 did, Persona 4 Golden offered an exceptional game experience set in a quaint rural town. Taking on the role of Yu Narukami, players find themselves visiting Inaba for a few months while their parents are away on business trips.

Inaba’s peaceful atmosphere stands in stark contrast to the enigmatic events that unfold once the main character arrives. Players are encouraged to delve into not just the serene neighborhoods and locals, but also to untangle a web of puzzling murders that have cast a shadow over this quaint town. This narrative serves as a reminder that captivating tales can emerge even in seemingly quiet corners of the world.

2 Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Bohemia Is One Of The Best Rural Settings In Gaming

By creating an authentic medieval experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers Henry intriguing destinations to explore throughout his adventure. The game’s environment is meticulously designed by the developers, providing players with visually stunning towns that accurately reflect the era in which the story takes place.

In the game “Kingdom Come: Deliverance,” you can explore smaller hamlets nestled within Bohemia and larger settlements like Rattay. This game, not just a great rural-set title, also skillfully portrays the atmosphere of the time period, drawing players into an immersive experience across medieval Europe.

1 Red Dead Redemption 2

A Journey Of Cowboys In Rural Villages

In contrast to Saint Denis symbolizing a bustling industrial city, Red Dead Redemption 2 skillfully embodies the essence of the American wilderness. The tranquil hamlets, expansive landscapes, and the cowboy culture dominate much of the game, immersing players in an era of American transformation from rural simplicity to modern development.

This tale of redemption and survival is deeply entwined with the tranquil countryside, mirroring the consequences of the characters’ decisions. Each element of the setting draws you in completely, transforming this voyage into an exemplary demonstration of how rustic environments can add layers and complexity to a storyline.

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2024-10-07 08:04