Summer is here, and it’s time to dive into the best summer games that capture the fun and excitement of the season. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat, relax, or crave some zombie action, we’ve got you covered!
Table of Contents
Echoes of the Plum Grove
Let’s start with a cozy farming and life sim that we think is a great game if you want to relax and unwind after a long day. The 2024 release Echoes of the Plum Grove lets you escape into an enchanting world, where a new life in Honeywood awaits. Immerse yourself in farming, socializing, cooking, crafting, and foraging as you uncover the secrets of the island.
The game’s standout features are its aesthetics and unique lineage system, which allows you to start with a character, grow their family tree, and continue the adventure with their descendants after they die. Every decision you make has an impact on the game, and the survival aspects make it more challenging than other games in the genre, while still making it satisfying and incredibly addictive.
Synergy
If you’re looking for a new city builder to play this summer that has all the relaxing vibes, you should try Synergy. Set in a strange new environment that is both fascinating and unforgiving, the well-being of your citizens depends on your strategic skills. As the architect of the city, you must explore, analyze, and experiment with the unique elements around you to understand your environment.
One aspect we enjoyed about Synergy is the variety of biomes, each with different characteristics such as temperature, humidity, and minerals. This diversity challenges you to develop strategic resource production and transportation plans, minimizing overhead and maximizing efficiency. The art style is stunning, and unlike many dystopian sci-fi worlds, the game offers a hopeful and engaging narrative. It is also uniquely paced and moves slower than other games in the genre, making it great for a summer gaming session!
Snow Plowing Simulator
If you’re not a fan of hot summer temperatures and want to escape the heat (at least in the virtual world), we recommend the Early Access title Snow Plowing Simulator! The game will plunge you into the heart of winter, where you’ll drive powerful plows, clear roads, and keep your town safe. With a surprising storyline, survival challenges, and advanced weather systems, this game is about more than just the serene joy of plowing snow.
Your journey begins humbly, armed with a simple shovel to clear sidewalks and driveways, but as you earn more money, you’ll be able to upgrade to more serious machines and vehicles. The Yeti mystery that unfolds as you progress is very engaging, but overall the game is just incredibly relaxing. The early access progress bar and calorie system add an extra layer of realism and we can’t wait for more future updates!
SunnySide
Spending your summer in the Japanese countryside sounds like a dream come true? The cozy farming and life sim SunnySide lets you do just that! Offering a modern twist on the genre, the game has you uncovering mysteries and building a life that’s truly your own. You start with a modest plot of land, and it’s up to you to turn it into a thriving homestead. Master the art of farming, discover and utilize local resources, and build your dream home from the ground up.
Use modern technology to balance your time between managing your farm and immersing yourself in the local community. Meet new people, learn their stories, support their businesses, and even explore romantic possibilities. What sets SunnySide apart is its innovative gameplay. You’ll have to strategize and solve problems, adding a layer of complexity that keeps you engaged. Yet the game never loses its cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Republic of Pirates
There’s no better time than summer to set sail for the heart of the Caribbean during the legendary Golden Age of Piracy! In Republic of Pirates, you’ll carve out your own pirate utopia in a world teeming with opportunity. As an ambitious buccaneer, you’ll prey on Spanish treasure ships and claim the riches of the New World. Forge your own destiny in this exciting real-time strategy game where every decision you make will shape your pirate paradise.
If you’re looking for a game that’s less intense than Anno, but still packed with pirate-themed excitement, Republic of Pirates is your perfect match. It offers a more casual experience reminiscent of Sid Meier’s Pirates, but without the overwhelming complexity. This game is straightforward and engaging, offering an easy-to-understand RTS experience with a nostalgic old-school flair. Its well-designed mechanics and immersive pirate theme make it a treasure worth discovering.
Little Kitty, Big City
Another cozy and relaxing game you must try this summer – especially if you’re a cat lover – is Little Kitty, Big City. The game puts you in the paws of a curious black cat and sends you on a mission to find your way back home. You’ll dive into the heart of a bustling metropolis, full of surprises and delightful discoveries at every turn. The city is your playground, and it’s up to you to decide how you want to spend your day.
The world of Little Kitty, Big City is an open-world paradise that invites you to explore at your own pace. The cat’s movement is fluid and intuitive, making it a joy to hop from rooftop to rooftop. The real stars of the game are the colorful animal friends you’ll help and the birds you’ll capture (and release unharmed). Will you stay focused on finding your way home, or will the lure of the city’s secrets keep you exploring a little longer?
Summer Catchers
If you want to go on a virtual adventure this summer, check out the indie side-scroller Summer Catchers. The game sends you on the epic road trip of a lifetime and combines the thrill of an endless runner with the strategy of inventory management. You play as Chu, an inhabitant of the frozen north who wants to experience summer for the first time in her life!
Faraway lands filled with mysteries, bizarre creatures, and exciting races await you. Each new environment presents unique challenges, and every moment feels fresh and exciting. The story unfolds with unexpected twists – sometimes lighthearted, sometimes dark – that keep us hooked. Each level is richly detailed, and combined with the charming pixel art style, the game is a visual treat.
Summer of ‘58
The complete opposite of wholesome and cozy is our next recommendation, ideal for fans of psychological horror and thrillers. In Summer of ’58, you step into the shoes of Alex Morton, a daring video blogger. In the summer of 2008, Alex heads to Russia at the behest of his followers to uncover the eerie secrets of the abandoned camp “Yunost”. This Soviet-era camp, once a summer retreat for children, hides a dark past.
One summer in 1958, a horrific event led to the brutal deaths of residents and counselors, sealing the camp’s fate forever. With an average playtime of 90 minutes, the game packs a chilling punch and delivers an intensely immersive experience. The game masterfully uses atmospheric sound effects to keep you on edge, and the narrative builds suspense with every step you take. Get ready for plenty of jumpscares as you uncover the truth behind the camp’s haunted history!
Little-Known Galaxy
Let’s return from intense horror to a cozy RPG that lets you spend your summer on a space adventure. Become a captain-in-training in Little-Known Galaxy and embark on a quest to uncover the secrets of an ancient relic found on the mysterious Grey Planet. Customize your ship’s space to your liking, whether it’s with high-tech machines or lush, vibrant crops.
Crafting, farming, and cooking take center stage aboard your ship. Ever wondered what grows in the vacuum of space? You’re about to find out! This gem of a game shines with its unique planet mechanic, offering an intriguing twist on the typical farming and life-sim formula. It offers a perfect blend of adventure and charm, and each play session brings new surprises and endless possibilities.
Dead Island 2
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting LA for the summer and mowing down hordes of zombies in the process, Dead Island 2 is the game for you. A deadly virus is wreaking havoc in Los Angeles, turning its once vibrant population into hordes of relentless zombies. You’ve been bitten and infected, but unlike others, you’re more than just immune, so it’s up to you to uncover the truth behind the outbreak.
The game boasts amazing graphics and the best gore system you’ll ever see. Every corner of its highly detailed world oozes creativity and gore. The opening scenes of dreamy Los Angeles, set to Karen O’s “Drown,” immediately immerse you in the game’s vibrant yet deadly atmosphere. Dead Island 2 doesn’t take itself too seriously, focusing instead on delivering what you crave: glorious, epic zombie-slaying action.
Go-Go Town!
After Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles and Grow: Song of the Evertree, developer Prideful Sloth does what they do best and brings us another amazing and colorful simulation. In Go-Go Town, it’s your job as mayor to transform a forgotten place into a bustling paradise. Start by building your dream city from the ground up, turning tourists into loyal residents.
Customize every detail, from street lights to intricate shop layouts. Early Access promises hours of entertainment with endless possibilities on the horizon. Its chibi-style art and relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for both casual players and seasoned city planners. Personally, we think it’s an underrated gem that should definitely be on your radar if you’re a fan of the genre!
Raft
We couldn’t make this list without recommending a survival game, and we immediately thought of Raft. The game combines survival and crafting mechanics with summer vibes thanks to its oceanic setting. Armed with nothing but a makeshift hook made from old plastic, you wake up to find yourself completely alone, with the endless blue stretching in every direction. Beware the relentless threat of man-eating sharks that circle your tiny refuge, waiting for any misstep to turn you into their next meal.
Raft’s immersive narrative drives your progress through a compelling story that unfolds as you navigate the challenges of the open sea. Yet its compact design ensures that every playthrough is unique and offers endless replayability. With an evocative soundtrack, charming visuals, and distinctive art style, the game delivers relaxed fun with a gripping edge.
Call of the Wild: The Angler
Summer means it’s time to go fishing! But we prefer to do it in front of our PCs, and what game makes it feel more immersive than Call of the Wild: The Angler? Explore vast, meticulously crafted environments inspired by the beauty of the real world, where every ripple in the water hints at the diverse species of fish waiting below. From the common to the legendary, each fish behaves uniquely, responding to factors such as time of day and your strategic choices.
Equip yourself with a variety of gear and immerse yourself in missions that challenge your fishing skills. Whether you explore the base map or venture into the DLCs, there’s always something new to discover and conquer. Special fish lurk in the depths, waiting for the skilled angler who dares to seek them out. For those who’ve longed for a fishing game that goes beyond the ordinary, Call of the Wild: The Angler delivers with its unparalleled attention to detail and gameplay depth.
High On Life
This next game doesn’t necessarily have summer vibes to it, but the incredibly hilarious sci-fi shooter High On Life is still one we’d recommend if you’re looking for a fun and action-packed gaming experience. When an alien cartel invades Earth, hell-bent on using humanity as their next big drug fix, it’s up to you to stop them. If you like Rick & Morty, this game will be right up your alley!
The platforming, puzzles, and comedy gold make this game an absolute blast! Need a break from the mayhem? Head back to your house and chill out with some movies. The game’s mix of high-stakes action and relaxing interludes makes for a unique experience. And the stellar landscapes and hilarious talking weapons are just the icing on the cake.
Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator
Our final recommendation is one that even has the word “cozy” in its name. Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator lets you create the garden of your dreams in a serene, colorful world where you call the shots. Whether you’re meticulously planting seeds and making sure they have the space to thrive, or carefully watering, fertilizing, and pruning your plants, every detail matters.
The decorations are adorable, and the seasonal changes add a charming touch. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day, especially if you don’t have a garden of your own. With a little love and patience, Garden Life becomes a delightful escape that will make you fall in love with every moment you spend tending to your virtual sanctuary. It’s a game that promises relaxation and joy, with the hope of even more flowers and possibilities in future updates.
Honorable mentions
When we thought of games with a summer feel, two of the first that came to mind were Dave the Diver and Summer in Mara. We’ve already featured them in our blogs on casual games and relaxing games, respectively, so head over there and check them out, as well as all the other games on these lists that would also be excellent for a summer gaming session.
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Happy Gaming!
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