Best Games Better Played Slowly

When you find yourself hurrying through a game, it’s usually for one of two reasons. Either you’re feeling tired and just want to finish it, skipping optional activities – this often happens in large, open-world games that feel never-ending and can lead to burnout. Or, the game is so engaging that you can’t stop playing, eager to see what happens next.

I don’t have a direct answer, but the r/patientgamers subreddit might give you some good ideas. These days, we’re all about speed, but actually, taking your time and enjoying things can be much more rewarding. This is particularly true with games, since they’re a bigger investment now. You wouldn’t want to rush through a game you’ve paid for and miss out on all it has to offer! If you’re looking to play more deliberately, or if you already prefer a relaxed pace, here are some games that really shine when you slow down and savor the experience.

Whisper Of The House

The Game’s Main Story Is Short, So Don’t Waste It

I’ve been playing Whisper of the House, and it’s a really relaxing game where you can take your time and enjoy the beautiful pixel art. It’s ideal for anyone who loves decorating and organizing! You play as a newcomer to town, helping residents tidy up and arrange their homes. As you do, you’ll learn about their stories and uncover the town’s secrets, so it pays to explore each house thoroughly and solve all the puzzles.

Honestly, there’s a ton of stuff to sort through, and because there’s no time limit, I ended up spending way too long on each level! It’s a really charming and quick game, so learn from my mistake – don’t get completely lost admiring everything, it’s all just so adorable. The good news is, you can replay it and keep building! You can unlock new rooms and decorations by finding stuff around town and decorating the houses you get. But right now, the main story doesn’t last super long.

Outer Wilds

The Temptation To Google The Solution Must Be Resisted

Many gamers love Outer Wilds because it’s a truly original experience. You’re caught in a time loop, and each day you have a limited time to explore a solar system full of mysteries. The game doesn’t tell you what to do, which can be confusing and frustrating at first. But it’s best to avoid looking for hints and just explore on your own!

This game offers a really satisfying puzzle, and discovering the solution yourself is a big part of the fun. Knowing the answer beforehand would ruin that experience, as it’s a unique puzzle you won’t find in many other games. It might take a little getting used to, but if you stick with it, you’ll be glad you did.

Stardew Valley

Min-Maxing And Speedrunning Can Be Real Killjoys

Despite being known as a relaxing game, Stardew Valley actually makes me feel pressured to optimize everything and become rich as quickly as possible. It’s a strange contrast, because the game isn’t really designed to be fast-paced – there are very few actual deadlines, aside from grandpa’s evaluation and occasional special orders. Most of the time, you can play at your own speed.

The best part of this game is that you can play at your own speed. You can easily spend a little time on it here and there, and then pick it up again whenever you feel like it. While it’s possible to rush and try to achieve everything quickly, it’s actually quite tiring and takes away from the fun. You left the corporate world to escape the grind, so why would you want to do the same thing on your grandfather’s farm? The real enjoyment comes from a more relaxed approach.

Starfield

Skipping Major Side Quests Makes The Ending Less Interesting

Look, I get it. Huge open-world RPGs like Starfield can be overwhelming with all the stuff they throw at you. And with how people felt about the randomly generated planets all looking the same, it’s easy to just barrel through the main story. I’ve even heard some players say rushing is the way to play, so they can jump into New Game Plus faster. But trust me, don’t do that! You’ll miss out on a lot if you just rush through everything.

To get the most out of the game and see all the possible endings, it’s important to complete the major side quests and those tied to the different factions. Doing so also gives you a good starting point for New Game Plus. I won’t give away any secrets, but definitely don’t ignore the side content, and be sure to explore all the locations discovered through the Constellation. Also, the game’s skill system prevents you from reaching certain areas until you’ve leveled up enough, so you’ll naturally need to improve your skills before you can access the final quest locations.

Red Dead Redemption 2

A World That Invites You To Live In It

Look, playing Red Dead Redemption 2 and rushing absolutely do not mix. The game starts slow, I’ll admit, and it really makes you take your time. But once you get past the beginning, it opens up and is incredible. It’s tempting to just barrel through stuff to unlock things, but trust me, slow down! Seriously, just enjoy the world at its own pace. You’ll have a much better time if you do.

Rockstar created a remarkably detailed world for this game, and it’s a real loss if you rush through it without taking time to explore. The side missions and the characters you meet along the way are what truly make RDR2 special and memorable. Even if you enjoy the main story, I highly recommend doing all your exploring while you’re playing through it – you won’t regret it. I won’t say more, to avoid any spoilers!

Disco Elysium

The More You Explore And Interact, The Better It Gets

When it first came out, Disco Elysium really impressed players with its unique take on role-playing games. You play as Harrier Du Bois, a detective who’s lost his memory, essentially starting as a blank slate. The way you play, the thoughts you focus on, and the skills you improve all determine the kind of person he becomes, and watching that transformation happen gradually is more satisfying than simply completing the main story.

I wasn’t lucky enough to succeed in a few quests due to the dice rolls, which was frustrating, but I made a point of exploring the entire game world before finishing the story. I especially appreciated the summary of my character’s personality at the end – it really reflected all the choices I’d made. Overall, it’s best to just relax and enjoy the experience, and if you get overwhelmed, feel free to take a break and return later. This isn’t a game to be rushed.

Death Stranding

Appreciate The Sights, The Sounds, The Journey

Death Stranding isn’t like most open-world games. Instead of fast-paced action and endless quests, it’s a slow, atmospheric experience. You play as Sam, a delivery person, traveling through a ruined, futuristic world with a small number of survivors. The game encourages you to take your time and enjoy the scenery.

What makes Death Stranding unique is that it intentionally slows you down. The game features lengthy cutscenes that blur the line between playing and watching a movie. Once you’re actually in the game world, you can’t just rush around; Sam has to carefully plan his routes and maintain his balance, or he’ll risk losing his cargo. All of this deliberate pacing is designed to help convey Hideo Kojima’s core message about the importance of human connection.

Baldur’s Gate 3

The Game Is Full Of Secrets And Side Quests

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a massive game with an incredible amount of content. Its three acts are packed with quests and secrets, and I strongly encourage players to explore everything it has to offer. Don’t rush through the main story; the side quests are often rewarding, providing useful items, new companions, and even choices that can impact your progress. There’s a rich backstory to discover, and most of the side adventures feel well-developed and worthwhile.

Okay, so this game is long. Like, really long. Juggling four characters, managing their gear, and leveling them up can get exhausting, honestly. It’s totally fine to take a break and play something more relaxing for a while. Just play it at your own speed! It’s super rewarding to see how all your choices – in quests and when talking to your companions – shape the ending you get for each character. It really feels like a proper D&D campaign, and those take time, you know?

No Man’s Sky

There Is No End Goal, Only A Journey

No Man’s Sky is the perfect game for relaxing and enjoying the experience. While it’s tempting to rush through the survival mode and unlock everything quickly, I recommend taking your time. The main quest serves as a helpful tutorial, but it’s more rewarding to savor the journey rather than speed through it to get to the next feature.

The core of No Man’s Sky is all about enjoying the incredible freedom it gives you. You start the game with a whole universe to explore, and it’s up to you to decide what kind of experience you want. It’s more about wandering and discovering new things than simply completing objectives. Embrace that freedom, and you’ll have a much more enjoyable time exploring space.

2026-01-20 11:36