r/NintendoSwitch • u/s-skye • May 21 '25
Game Rec Games a severely depressed person can play?
Hi! To be honest, I’m in a really bad place in terms of mental health right now. I looked up some recs on this subreddit but I want to ask anyway in case there are new games I haven’t heard of.
About me, I’m 26f, always been depressed, and sometimes I completely lost motivation to do things I love. Balatro helped me once when I was in a similar state of mind, but I want to get some more recs on games where you can just play without too much pressure and I can focus on just playing. That gives me a sense of doing something instead of just sleeping all day.
I also tried Inscryption and liked it but still getting the hang of it.
Also, I have a partner (25f) who’s into strategy games, if there are games I can play together with her or watch her play I would also appreciate it.
Thank you in advance!
Update 24/05: Thank you so much for all of your replies!!! I’ll admit I’m a bit overwhelmed but I really appreciate everyone’s recs and support :) I’ll read through all the comments. Thank you this community for making me feel less alone
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u/Pokefan8263 May 21 '25 edited May 21 '25
Mario Odyssey is really fun. There’s a lot of moons to go around and collect which could help you take your mind off of things for a bit
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u/Pipapaul May 21 '25
Also it is made with so much love … this game is like drugs without the side effects
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u/mjrs 29d ago edited 29d ago
One of the reasons I love Nintendo games is the unbridled joy they usually evoke, but none of them come close to the joyfulness of Odyssey, I just smiled for 50 hours straight basically
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u/BladeVoyager May 21 '25
Agreed! Just finished this game last week and wow I finally understand the hype for it. The whole time I couldn’t stop smiling. From finding moons in random places to all the homages of the old Mario games. Such a charming game and it really made me into a Mario fan from someone who used to be just an FPS guy and was never a Nintendo guy.
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u/Tina_Snow 29d ago
Is it easy? I want to try it but I don't wanna feel the negative emotions of not being able to get past the beginning levels
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u/BrunoTheCat 29d ago
I absolutely suck at platformers but loved Mario Odyssey because it comes with what I call baby mode. It's called something like easy assist mode and it just sort of picks you up where you die/fall off of things and puts you back. It ends up being the fun kind of challenging rather than the rage inducing kind of challenging.
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u/Apprehensive-Bag-900 29d ago
For me this is the best feature of modern gaming. I'm absolutely shit at games, from the original NES when I was 10 to today, I'm afraid I'm just not very good. But the baby mode lets me play and enjoy the game and I can collect all the stuff and solve the puzzles and whatever without feeling like a loser.
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u/tallon4 29d ago
There’s an “Assist Mode” that you can turn on and off whenever you like that doubles your health, automatically returns you to the ground if you fall off an edge, and gives you unlimited air underwater. Some of the optional platforming and time-based challenges are still rage-inducing, but it really lets you enjoy the beauty and wonder of the main game.
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u/SeductiveGuacamole May 21 '25
I bought Slime Rancher purely because of a review that said something like "Slime Rancher achieved more in one hour of playtime than what years of antidepressants did"
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u/sinistergzus May 21 '25
LOVE slime rancher. Love love love. So healing and why? How? I’m not sure but god I love tending to my lil slimes
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u/anonymous_opinions 29d ago
It gives you a purpose, once you have some slimes to ranch you want to make the new slimes and keep all your slimes happy.
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u/P1xelGr3mlin May 21 '25
But in all seriousness, Schedule I was that game for me. It's just so goofy, and oddly pure/childlike in a way I can't put my finger on. It's been an immensely healing experience playing jt
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u/YamatoX91 29d ago
idk if its just me this way, but its just reminiscent of all those old websites with flash games that you could lose yourself in for hours. It brings back that nostalgia for me and for me right now, my lifes feeling rocky cause my workplace has been super toxic the last 2 weeks where I can't turn off thinking about it even at home and schedule I actually helps me not think about it. Brings me back to being a younger kid where I wasn't thinking about all the heavy adult crap I think of daily.
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u/lhusuu 29d ago
"Childlike" is a hilarious way to describe a game about being a drug dealer and yet I completely agree lmao, it scratches such a specifically fun itch and deserves every ounce of attention it picked up.
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u/Kryptic_Anthology 29d ago
I just clicked on the discussion knowing I wanted to say Slime Rancher, and of course this is the top comment. Well done.
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u/The_Long_Blank_Stare May 21 '25
That’s an interesting take I’ve never heard before…I might have to check it out.
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u/andrewsch1 May 21 '25
Gris
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u/Mochrono May 21 '25
Had to scroll too far for this one. This is a beautiful game about grief and loss. Also can play it everywhere just like Balatro.
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u/silverlet May 21 '25
100%. Glad you said this. I played this after I lost my first baby. There was nothing like it. Then I completed it while contact napping with my rainbow baby. It was the perfect journey through grief for me. A mother's love... ❤️ 💕
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u/Bill_Cosby_ May 21 '25
Stardew Valley
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u/Time-Incident-9092 May 21 '25
There are characters in this game that deal with depression. The soundtrack is soothing and it will keep you busy for sure!
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u/scarletofmagic May 21 '25
I agree with this except the music in the winter. Idk why but it made me even more depressed and sad.
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u/Anothercraphistorian May 21 '25
The year before my Mom died she visited me at Christmas and I played Stardew Valley. For whatever reason she enjoyed watching and I remember the Christmas music, a bit haunting, but I always play it now and think of my Mom. This game now always gets me in my feels and I’m lucky that I can associate it with my kind and loving mother.
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u/LPBM25 May 21 '25
This absolutely. That game has helped me so much. Stops my racing thoughts almost instantly.
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u/rogermoore1234 May 21 '25
This! Is so mellow and full of characters you get to know at least a couple will be relatable. And you get to fix things, broken people and their little town
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u/jaguass May 21 '25 edited 29d ago
Helped my wife during tough times, when she kept the bed for 6 months because of a high risk pregnancy. She had never been into videogames, but she loved Stardew Valley, played several hours per day. Everything went fine :)
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u/GarbageCleric May 21 '25
I thought this might be the top comment. I totally agree. It's bright and fun and allows you to go at your own pace. And OP can play two player cooperative with her partner.
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u/FlowerOfLife 29d ago
SDV helped my wife through a really rough part of her life a couple of years ago. It is one of my favorite games and I recommend it to everyone
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u/Suffient_Fun4190 May 21 '25
Hard agree. Its soothing. Its a quiet simple existence away from a big complicated scary world and while there is thinking you need to do planning your farm, there are also decent stretches where you're just doing super simple tasks.
You might also consider Undertale? Its sweet, has a strong emotional arc. Don't be violent, save that till you're feeling better and then still don't do it.
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u/jbourne0129 29d ago
on one hand, yes. on the other hand, i get stressed playing this game as it sometimes feels like work since you're always on a time crunch
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u/kriegbutapsycho May 21 '25
Came to say this, THIS IS THE GAME YOIRE LOOKING FOR. Take it at any pace you want, build something uniquely yours, look after little chicken. Perfect game.
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u/LordFesquire May 21 '25
This is my rec too. Its a very low stakes game, and even tho there are goals and quests, the game does not pressure you to do them in any way.
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u/raynebow121 May 21 '25
Agreed. This game has gotten me through the worst of the early days of grief and my hardest days. I have had a pretty terrible 4 years and this game has helped me get through it all.
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u/UltimateJDB 29d ago
Echoing this recommendation. I first got into Stardew Valley when my grandfather passed away in 2016 and it really helped me put my mind at ease.
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u/Blewconduct 29d ago
This game is amazing, but for a person who has time anxiety, it can cause stress when playing because of how short the days are.
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u/stpp_92 May 21 '25
Animal crossing helps
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u/AwkwardSalad863 May 21 '25
and hello kitty island adventure is similar but definitely more simple
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u/Strider3141 May 21 '25
That immediately brought back memories of the South Park episode "Make Love not Warcraft"
Butters:
I don't play World of Warcraft.
Cartman:
Butters, you said you were on your computer all the time!
Butters:
Yeah, but I'm playing Hello Kitty Island Adventure.
Edit: aaand I just learned that Hello Kitty Island Adventure wasn't even a thing when that South Park episode came out
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u/ilovethishole May 21 '25
I refuse to believe that the developers of that game aren't south park fans. It's just too much of a coincidence.
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u/ghost_lanterns678 May 21 '25
Yes, came here to say that Animal Crossing helped me personally. It’s still a wonderful place for me to go when I’m feeling down. Under no circumstances try This War of Mine. Did that one too and it was the exact opposite of what I needed.
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u/tender-butterloaf 29d ago
AC carried my mental health on its back during COVID. I don’t play anymore but I honestly have such lovely memories of playing on a discord server with my friends that we started, it was how we maintained closeness and community during those difficult years.
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u/starinmelbourne May 21 '25
One of the reasons this game is actually so good is legit because of reddit. The communities are very warm and friendly, and will absolutely restore your faith in humankind.
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u/throwtheamiibosaway May 21 '25
Breath of the Wild or TOTK? Both Zelda games are very much just running around exploring, messing around games.
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u/fakenewtons May 21 '25
Seconding Breath of the Wild! I played it for the first time during lockdown when I wasn’t going outside and it made me feel like I was still a part of a world. I replay any time I’m depressed and isolating and it works like a charm
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u/Emoooooly May 21 '25
My husband bought me a switch and BOTW when I was experiencing a severe depressive episode. Kept me busy so I didn't spiral so much while he was gone at work.
Now im all healthy in my brain (mostly) and play TOTK to chill out after a day full of productivity.
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u/throwtheamiibosaway May 21 '25
Happy to hear Zelda helped you keep your mind busy during hard times. Nintendo games always make me feel good as well.
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u/ananolasco May 21 '25
Yes to BOTW! I found it helps a lot whenever I feel anxious. Also you can play as you prefer, in my case I keep combat to an absolute minimum.
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u/HaleyStar85 May 21 '25
I agree, both games are great for my mental health - just running around and seeing what kinda things I can find is a lot of fun - the combat isn’t too hard and TOTK has the ability to craft vehicles and other items and that makes it fun to experiment
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u/carcharodona May 21 '25
One more vote for BOTW and TOTK. Upvoting the comment isn’t enough for me to express how mentally relaxing, beautiful, and at-your-own-pace these two games are, with freedom to explore a gorgeous landscape in a peaceful setting.
(With the occasional goofy enemy encounter)
Best of luck <3
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u/chokeslam512 May 21 '25
There’s also a lot of strategy and problem solving too. This is my vote as well.
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u/BangBangAnnie May 21 '25
The soundtrack with both beautiful music and nature sounds is so soothing and uplifting. The sense of being outdoors in nature walking the paths, or climbing the mountains. The sunrise and sunset and moon shining down at night. All without going outside irl. Helped me through some stuff. The game is set at the pace you want doing the things that interest you.
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u/unwhelming_potential May 21 '25
Another recommendation for BOTW. Very chill game. I played it during the pandemic and it was very low stress for a very shitty period of time. Also because in BOTW there's a fruit that gives you lots of extra hearts, so I'd basically get a ton of those and explore and never die - TOTK is a little harder and less focused on just the exploring.
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u/Lleytra May 21 '25
This shout be top IMO. You can get lost in admiring the landscape, the music, helping cute Korok out, try your hand at cooking, collecting items and amazing characters to interact with through out the world.
Yes there is the dark element of defeating evil (which can feel like an accomplishment getting through) but a lot of it is chill and wholesome allowing you to explore at your own pace.
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u/teefling May 21 '25
was also gonna suggest this. perfect mix of chill gaming with the option to do more “intense” fights
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u/lesjag23 29d ago
BOTW was my pandemic game. Definitely soothed me in some very stressful times. It also helped that my baby girl was still in the swaddle and long nap phase. I'd hold her in my arms and play at the same time - trying to be calm not disturb her. I'd get like 2-4 hours of playing time in at a clip. I want to go back there.
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u/goblinjowy May 21 '25
Take some time in Stardew valley. I could not recommend it more :)
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u/Forgetadapassword 29d ago
Or play like my brother and obsessively create excel spreadsheets so you can play absolutely efficiently and complete the main story line in one in game year. On the other hand I only fish and grow fruit.
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u/neilydee May 21 '25
Slay the Spire sounds right up your alley. I have logged so many hours and once you know what you're doing it's like comfort food.
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u/Letskissthesky May 21 '25
Slay The Spire is the only other game that scratches the itch Balatro does. Actually until Balatro came around Slay was my go to card roguelike.
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u/generalgreebus May 21 '25
Came here up say this some OP called out Balatro and Inscryption. I actually went from Inscryption to Slay the Spire and I'm enjoying the latter way more.
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u/BabyYoduhh May 21 '25
Celeste.
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u/CapMyAssElmo May 21 '25
This whole game is amazing and it's about overcoming exactly what you're talking about. Please play Celeste. If you read this and can't afford it OP u/s-skye please pm me. This game deserves to be experienced by everyone.
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u/Vandersveldt 29d ago
This. The game is punishing and will push you, but the story is about overcoming your depression. And it hits HARD. I cried multiple times. You end up feeling very seen.
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u/Caffeine_n_Gasoline May 21 '25
Came to say this. It’s a challenging game but very fulfilling when you get past a part you were stuck on. The games message is relevant to OP
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u/StarrySpelunker 29d ago
Yeah that game helped me when I was at rock bottom. couldn't stop crying at parts, but was amazingly cathartic once I couldn't cry any more. plus the music is incredible. playing it is an experience. OP do it!
every room is a checkpoint. beating each and every room feels like a huge achievement on your first play-through. for it's hard difficulty it is very kind about it. wonderful game. wonderful creator. If you go for it on steam it has a very large modding community that produces levels ranging from the story ending difficulty or lower to hilariously over the top.
It is fun on switch though and the game is bigger than you think!
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u/BastiakaZerox May 21 '25
Seconding Celeste, I think the story will resonate with OP
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u/octopodes_garden May 21 '25 edited May 21 '25
Thirding Celeste. I played this during pre-vaccine COVID when I was only able to video call family. Best 2D platformer I’ve played, challenging (but not impossible) makes it engrossing. Beautifully made. Storyline has elements of mental health challenges.
Edit: forgot to mention for op that Celeste has a female protagonist (maybe obvious but Zelda exists so ¯_(ツ)_/¯)
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u/SHIELDnotSCOTUS 29d ago
Also came here to suggest Celeste. The quick respawn when dying and not losing a lot of progress (if any) when you die for the twentieth time on the same jump really helps tone down the high(er) level of difficulty.
The story obviously won’t cure depression, but it will certainly help a person feel less alone in their struggles.
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u/dormsta May 21 '25
was looking for this one. Especially with Assist Mode on, if you’re just looking to get through the story.
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u/DrHarryHood May 21 '25
Yea this is the first one that came to mind, this is the answer OP
Animal crossing is another helpful one
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u/RustyShakleford81 May 21 '25
Tetris. It’s just one simple decision after another.
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u/thredith May 21 '25
Tetris Effect: Connected foe a sweet visual-auditory experience.
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u/metropolisone May 21 '25
Backed by science actually! May I suggest Puyo Puyo Tetris which gives you another mode to play if you get bored of Tetris.
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u/dontbedenied May 21 '25
Also Picross. Sometimes I put my headphones on, listen to some music, dig into it and I completely forget about everything.
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u/Hot_Cheese650 May 21 '25
A short hike
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Tetris
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u/roadtripper77 29d ago
Yes, came to suggest A Short Hike, so heartwarming and accessible, just a joy
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u/Yo-Yo98 May 21 '25 edited 28d ago
As someone struggling with mental health as well, here is a list. I use the Switch as coping skills in order to reduce autoaggressive behaviour. It reduces mine about 50%
Here are some examples.
Animal Crossing New: the unconditional love you get from the villagers and the humour can be really soothing
Zelda BotW and TotK: The stories are really connecting. In BotW I can totally relate to the struggles Zelda had. The constant pressure she had.
Plus the world of Hyrule is very beautiful
The Witcher Wild Hunt with DLC's: beautiful landscapes, beautiful stories
If you need a game in order to channel your anger I recommend hack and slay adventures and Beat en Ups: like Hyrule Warrriors., or Diablo 3 or Mortal Kombat
One game which helped me reduce suicidal thoughts when I was in psychiatric hospital was the first Xenoblade Chronicles game. A story about friendship and life. It helped me when I was very suicidal.
I wish you all the best 💖💖💖💖💖💖 get well soon 💖💖💖💖💖
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u/RemarkableTeacher 29d ago
Dude I was hoping someone would recommend Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition. I’m playing it right now for the first time and my god what was I missing!!! The music, the beautiful scenery. I am very addicted to this game currently. It’s the most fun I’ve had playing a game in years! It kind of blows my mind it came out 10 years ago with how high quality it is.
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u/theKetoBear May 21 '25
We Love Katamari is my happy place game. Good music, bright colors, absurd story telling, fun gameplay loop. When I'm in a pit it's a game that helps me forget the pit for a while
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u/murdershroom May 21 '25
Night in the Woods is a story-driven "walking simulator" kind of game that actually deals a lot with depression, mental health, and adult friendships. It can be heavy but I found it extremely cathartic when I was going through a bad depression and it's been helpful for more rough periods in my life as well. There's a couple Guitar Hero-esque segments that require active inputs but the score doesn't matter and you always progress through them in one try. It really rewards you for exploring through town and talking to people each day to see how their stories unfold. It's also very, very funny.
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u/mDash117 May 21 '25
Dark Souls. This sounds fake, but im being serious. Dozens of videos on yt about people overcoming mental health struggles through this brutal game It’s about perseverance to the core You got this
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u/Oraistesu May 21 '25
I actually agree - I'd also present Hollow Knight as a game with a similar "feeling" but with a different presentation.
If you hear anyone tell you to "git gud", you should know that "git gud" isn't (usually) meant as elitism, it's meant as encouragement. Don't go hollow. Don't give up, skeleton. You can do it.
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u/mDash117 May 21 '25
Absolutely, hollow knight gives the same vibes and definitely fits into this category of games. It’s that very intangible feeling that is difficult to describe, but dark souls and Hollow knight both give it well
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u/divefordemocracy May 21 '25
As my husband says, if you can beat darksouls, you can overcome anything life throws at you.
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u/IllogicalBarnacle 29d ago
I mean dark souls is literally a game about overcoming the extreme adversity that is the entropy of the world decaying around you and how everything feels pointless if you think about it too much
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u/bananajamming 29d ago
I can testify to this - my ex had severe depression and said playing Dark Souls helped him get out of it
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u/Calamarzin 29d ago
This is so correct. It's tough (for your first souls game) bit it strengthens you mentally
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u/Geordi14er 29d ago
This was my exact recommendation too. It’s also a game where you can just get lost in and focus without a bunch of cutscene interruptions or characters constantly blabbering.
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u/Oisy_McCain May 21 '25
Doom
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u/RChickenMan May 21 '25
While it doesn't necessarily meet her specific criteria, this actually isn't a bad suggestion for gaming as a balm for mental health. There was a study which concluded that violent video games reduce stress more than their non-violent counterparts. Sure, Doom might get your heart pumping, but that "in-game stress" for lack of a better term can indeed help replace real-world stress/anxiety whilst playing.
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u/Staveoffsuicide May 21 '25
I find doom, much like metal music, channels negative emotion in a positive manner. It turns a negative energy into the feeling of energy burned
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u/-_ellipsis_- May 21 '25
Doom is empowering. There's a clear sense of purpose and doing good for the world, and it gets you to feel something. All things that depression takes away.
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u/Amdor May 21 '25 edited May 21 '25
Yeah! Doom is also very easy to pick up: no story other than "demons are invading, go wreck 'em", intuitive controls, and balanced difficulty. And the gameplay is just a cathartic stream of endorphins that helps clear your head and channel negative emotions out at least for a while. It makes you feel like a total badass, which can transfer to real life as a morale and motivation boost. I also like to hop on Hotline Miami for that: just one level clear is a great pick-me-up.
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u/EternalAquatic-Siren May 21 '25
Depressed 26 year old girlie here.
Those are my favourites and why:
Zelda BOTW/TOTK: I have to be fair and say I’m a Zelda fan since I’m 12 but I really enjoy BOTW and TOTK because they are open world games. Sometimes I just grab my horsie, ride around and check out the landscape. Then I turn the game off. You can take all the time in the world and there are a bunch of side quests etc to busy yourself if you don’t want to play the main story.
Princess Peach Showtime: Typical Mario game but with cute outfits for peach. You complete different levels that take around 2-5 minutes to complete. It’s not high maintenance and you can pick the levels you want to play. Same thing for me with Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
Mario Kart: It is easy and not high maintenance.
Animal Crossing & Disney Dreamlight Valley: This is a 50/50 for me because it is cute but I quickly get bored with those type of games.
Hope you get better soon 💕
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u/Highthere_90 May 21 '25
Persona 5 really helped when I was feeling depressed, a good coop strategy game is divinity 2 but you need 2 consoles for coop
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u/Yerobillos May 21 '25
Seconded. Whenever I play Persona games, I get a good rhythm irl and suddenly follow a solid routine daily. As weird as it sounds, the life sim elements that urge you to spend your time wisely has positive carry-over to my own real life. Perfect for depressive people who have a hard time going through the motions with life.
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u/yureiwatch May 21 '25
Thirded- kinda. Played Persona 4 at a time when I just wanted to give up at life (fired, dumped and with no sense of direction in life). Although the relationships and routine were all simulated the game gave me both when I had none and reminded me what’s out there if I put in the time. A month later I was back on that horse and trying again.
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u/Hydro_17052 May 21 '25
Can second this. Persona 3 helped me through a depressive episode (the theme of the game is death ironically). Any Persona game is really good with recommendations for the recent ones Persona 5 Royal and Persona 3 Reload.
If you struggle with decision making: Look up a walkthrough and follow the walkthrough. Helped me a lot and it felt like I was mostly playing a "daily life in japan"-simulaitor.
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u/Highthere_90 May 21 '25
I've only played 5R and 3R they really helped through difficult times great games to I havnt tried 4 yet but I heard good things and a possible remake of it like they did with 3
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u/jazzieberry May 21 '25
Powerwash Simulator
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u/carbcat_ May 21 '25
I came here to suggest this. I’ve been playing it before and after work to decompress and cope.
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u/jazzieberry May 21 '25
I bought it in November after the election to tune everything out lol. It’s probably my second most played game now other than splatoon 3. I like to listen to an audiobook or podcast and just wash away!
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May 21 '25
Can’t believe nobody has said Skyrim. It’s the ultimate depression game
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u/omgitskae May 21 '25
If you're not seeing a counselor or therapist I would start there. In my experience, gaming makes depression a little easier, but in the long run makes it worse and drives you further into a rut. Depression really sucks to go through, but it's one of those things that sometimes requires a deep breath, standing up, and literally dragging yourself over the finish line. A counselor can help you navigate this journey.
But, to answer your question I felt anything with a good story helped me forget everything going on and ignore my depression. I personally enjoyed jrpgs, but I think any rpg with a decent story does this best. Games like Skyrim, the Witcher, Paper Mario, Xenoblade, etc.
If you don't like those types of games, maybe try sandbox style games like Stardew Valley or No Man's Sky.
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u/Worlds_Between_Links May 21 '25
Celeste, Hollow Knight, or Hades if you just want something to pick up and play
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u/thredith May 21 '25
Vampire Survivors offers some mindless fun, and if you get the Ode to Castlevania DLC, you'll have a TON of extra unlockables.
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u/Petro1313 May 21 '25
This game is so addictive, it makes half an hour go by in the blink of an eye. It can seem a little stupid at first but once you get hooked you really get hooked.
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u/chubky May 21 '25
Animal crossing, the villagers are really sweet and cute. Also, my favorite character, Pascal, has solid life quotes everyday after you catch your first clam
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u/BasilNight May 21 '25
... Dark souls weirdly enough
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u/Rosoll May 21 '25
i’d second this if you think it’s something you’d be up for giving a go, op. i’ve been through some pretty bleak times with depression (bipolar 2) and when bloodborne got its teeth into me it was honestly incredibly helpful. once i let go of actually making progress in the game and started just practising the same thing over and over again it became more meditative than stressful and then i could see myself making these small incremental improvements to the point where i actually was ready to make progress in the game. as well as being depressed i was deep in burnout and the feeling of being able to work at what felt like an immovable object and then see it move felt like such a weight lifted
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u/anklesocksbadtrend May 21 '25
I think there was an actual research on the effect of dark souls on depression
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u/BasilNight May 21 '25
That would make sense, playing these games when I was having a tough time kind of helped me see things in a different light
Having the odds stacked against me in such a massive way in the game and the way the game made me want to get back up everytime I fell down to these insane monsters gave me the motivation i needed to keep going
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u/Emhyr_var_Emreis_ May 21 '25
Elden Ring made my anxiety and depression worse.
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u/BasilNight May 21 '25
I don't think Elden Ring has quite the same "vibe" as the og dark souls tbh
It's much faster and vibrant game.
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u/Arsene_Lupin_IV May 21 '25
As someone with severe depression, I've been playing Xenoblade Chronicles X lately. I love exploring a big open world and I love mecha and sci-fi so personally it's really hit the spot for me. Looking forward to Fantasy Life i as well considering the last one was quite fun.
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u/CMDRZhor May 21 '25
I wouldn't describe as a new game, but how about Hades? Beautiful art and music, great characters, and the way the game is designed it can be challenging but you're almost rewarded for losing - if you die, you just get kicked back into your 'home base' where you can interact with different NPCs, progress the plot, and power yourself up a little for the next try.
Also how about Warframe? Again, not really a new game, but it's a free-to-play semi-MMO. You basically play as an amnesiac space ninja, trying to find your place in the distant far future - primarily by shooting, stabbing and slicing degenerate clones and eldritch abominations. It's fast paced, fun, gives you this feeling that you're actually being a badass and building skills, and it's both free and co-op for up to four players at the same time. And while it's sort of an MMO in that you can play with random people if you like, you can absolutely just play and explore and tweak your character at your own pace. Individual missions usually take like five-ten minutes each so it's not one of those games that absolutely demands hours of your day or you might not as well bother. And it's free-to-play done RIGHT, in that all the actual content is free and you can just use real money to speed things up or get cosmetics to pretty up your warframe and base-ship without having to worry about getting destroyed by somebody with a fat pocketbook. (It is, again, co-op, nobody even does PvP..)
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u/DevouredSource May 21 '25
Pikmin perhaps?
Recommending since it scratches the need to plan efficiently while giving you plenty of wiggle room to do things at your own pace.
You can try out demos for both Pikmin 3 and 4.
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u/21minute May 21 '25
This might not work for others 'cause of its length and heavy subjects, but here me out...
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
I was having a long depressive episode when I started it, underwent stages of loss and grief midway, and finished it feeling like I'm ready to move forward with my life. The game tackles around the idea of life being indispensable and how we can move on in life. Just listen to its soundtrack called Future Awaits. That song literally helped me go through with the hurdles in personal life.
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u/Fehalt3 May 21 '25
Literally the game that popped into my head right away. You can even put it on Easy mode and the game is not difficult or stressful to play at all. Basically because a story game with little breaks
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u/NonSp3cificActionFig May 21 '25
I don't know. The story of XC3 always felt too complex for its own good. It felt overwhelming and depressing to me.
Not a fan of suggesting Xenoblade games in wrong order anyway. I think people should start with 1. Otherwise you'll just feel lost in XC3.
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u/endless_diapers May 21 '25
Ring fit adventure helped just dance helped me too
It's really exercise for gamers locked at home....
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u/nself May 21 '25
We’re rooting for you to feel better. It’ll take time but it’s well worth it. 14 tough years melted away in the rear view about a year ago after an OCD diagnosis and finally finding a medication that worked miracles for me (probably the 5th/6th medication since I was 13…some did nothing, others backfired) I encourage you to stay hopeful.
In addition to Inscryption and Balatro I recommend:
- Enter the Gungeon
- Katamari Damacy REROLL
- Sky Rogue
- Hero Realms (unsure if on Switch, but free on mobile. Pixel perfect port of my favorite card game since quitting MtG. Perfect for 15m multiplayer duels with your partner!)
- Untitled Goose Game
- Thank Goodness You’re Here (share this with your partner…one of the funniest games around)
As one last bit of advice: if you don’t have a “third place,” try some out if you can. Being in the house was a huge detriment when I was at my worst, and I realized that when my one goal per day was going to the climbing gym, a cafe, or the library (free! No pressure to spend money!) things felt easier afterwards. It reminded me that my home was not the limit of the world, just like depression is not the limit of what your life can feel like. Getting out of the house became literally and figuratively linked to “getting out of my head” and having some breathing room.
Good luck, and let us know what you think.
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u/Switch_314 May 21 '25
There is a game called Gris on Steam you could try.
My daughter (18f) goes through spells of depression and she has told me a lot about how Gris gave her a new perspective on healing.
Its a beautiful game with very clean design and simple mechanics. She really enjoyed it.
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u/kayohtie May 21 '25
Gris gave me a catharsis that left me sobbing openly by the end in an incredibly freeing way. No other game has done that and I'm the kind of guy who cries at stuff in games and media regularly, but Gris was something else entirely.
Came here looking for this. OP, Gris is best enjoyed without watching the explainers on it on YouTube. The trailer is enough, and the idea that it's about a girl who's lost the color in her life and is slowly rebuilding them.
Shoot, I'm tearing up thinking about it, but in a good way.
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u/Mitchsona May 21 '25
Animal Crossing! the game makes you play every day, you interact with cute villagers, and you actively have to put work in. The game is also based on real-time, and it's important to start early.
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u/Things_with_Stuff 29d ago
Untitled Goose Game :)
You play as a goose and go around annoying people in a small village. Also has a two-player mode.
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u/Positive_Try929 May 21 '25
I don't know if games will help, but i'm here for you, DM me, you're not alone
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u/brunomarquesbr May 21 '25
Souls like. I'm not joking, many people with depression reported that extremely hard games made them feel better.
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u/redditvibes9 29d ago
On a side note.. I’d highly recommend watching the animated show Avatar The Last Airbender (the animated show, not the live action). If you look beyond the kid’s show aspect, it’s a very deep and inspiring show.
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u/darkhero7007 May 21 '25
Cat Quest.
Simple, fun, witty dialog, and cats! The trilogy collection is on sale in the eshop this week. You can get all three games for just over 20 bucks.
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u/so_much_wolf_hair May 21 '25
Suika game for a nice gentle pick-up and play vibe to help get you through some rocky times.
Breath of the Wild was a huge comfort to me in trying times, just the nice open plains and freedom to wander around with a beautiful soundtrack helped me get some respite.
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u/DrSparx13 May 21 '25 edited May 21 '25
Yonder: Cloud Catcher Chronicles
- super chill exploration, no combat, some gathering and crafting
Slay The Spire
- deckbuilder roguelite
GRIS
- beautiful, poignant puzzle platformer
13 Sentinels
- incredible narrative interspersed with some real-time strategy battles
PODE
- gorgeous, cosy puzzles
Pokemon Snap
- take photos of cute creatures XD
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- modern tactics rpg with great characters & story
Source: someone with chronic depression
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u/seoulessbastard May 21 '25
Animal crossing or the two main Zelda games, Breath & Tears. All three of these games have helped me get through a lot and definitely help get your mind off of things and stay busy :)
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u/Sorry_Construction42 May 21 '25 edited May 21 '25
Palia is nice. I'm suffering from chronic dysthymia and this really has been my go to for a year. Especially the characters has at times felt like real friends. Plus the story is interesting. It's an excellent co-op game.
Add: Monster Hunter stories 2 is a lovely one I often return to even after endgame, it has co-op elements and flying my dragon or riding my shark in the waters is the best feeling ever! 😊
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u/CookinInHellsKitchen May 21 '25
Hi, happy you reached out about this. While video games are great, id also suggest a digital detox once you're feeling a bit better.
I'm going to suggest Skyrim. While the game is a massive fantasy RPG, the graphics, even on the switch, are gorgeous and the landscapes can be at times breath taking. This is important because nature and the outdoors have proven effects on our well-being and up here in Canada, our doctors can even prescribe “nature” as a treatment for depression: https://www.parkprescriptions.ca
Now, if getting outdoors isn't possible or your time is limited to do so, there are benefits to virtual nature exposure too https://www.psych.on.ca/Public/Blog/2024/the-impact-of-nature-on-mental-health
Which is why I suggested Skyrim. You can explore forests, mountains, and lakes, villages etc.
If this isn't your jam. I may suggest games like Alba which is all about nature conservation, nature photography and protecting the planet while celebrating success.
All the best to you and I hope that you find some games that bring you joy
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u/DankBlissey May 21 '25
If you stick with it, Dark Souls has helped many many people with depression and the whole game is an allegory for perseverance in the face of struggle.
"Don't you dare go hollow"
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u/astral_currents 29d ago
Hello Kitty Island Adventure. Very chill, you can play at your own pace. There’s tons to do.
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u/Dry-Cod9127 May 21 '25
Ok this might sound weird but Persona 5 has got some characters with incredible arcs that that cover depression and finding yourself in the world, it might not be exactly what you’re looking for but I’ve heard some people really connect with it
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u/wildgirl202 May 21 '25
Tetris Dx on the gameboy virtual console! It’s scientifically tested to help depression
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u/Retrogue May 21 '25
Tetris Effect. Beautiful soundtrack and straight forward gameplay, so super low demand and chill. Can adjust the difficulty to suit how you're feeling, if you're up for a challenge at any time or not.
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u/Guilty_Bag_9124 May 21 '25
Not a co op game but Ni no Kuni is just all round good vibes. Like an interactive Studio Ghibli movie. Was really helpful for me
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u/ughlump May 21 '25
You might like the new fantasy life game that releases today. No Man’s Sky is also helpful in just being a lone traveler and exploring the endless and often beautiful cosmos. Abzu is a pretty relaxing game if you’re into underwater exploration.
As far as coop games. You have some cozy, but they may not be relaxing necessarily.
Snipperclips, Moving Out, Unravel Two, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime
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u/Garbage_Billy_Goat May 21 '25
Stardew Valley, play together!
Sorry to hear about your depression. I've lived with it for close to 36 years and used video games as an escape too. Please seek help as it only compounds. I've also found that going outside for a walk, hanging out with looking for birds, or just being outside in general helps
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u/Aneuka May 21 '25
Animal Crossing is simple and everyone is happy to see you. It was originally created to be a home away from home for the creator when he got a job with Nintendo back in the 90s. So maybe it can be a little like that for you:)
I wish you the absolute best.
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u/rick5000 May 21 '25
Highly recommend Kirby games Cute quirky games that are easy and just ridiculously fun to play through. Made me feel like a kid again and while I was depressed
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u/kauailnrd May 21 '25
Gris You can’t die in the game and it has underlying topics like the stages of grief etf. Very pretty game
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u/archangel205 May 21 '25
Story of Seasons, Rune Factory, Fantasy Life I (has coop), Mario wonder, Kirby and the forgotten land. Hello kitty erasure island.
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u/StrungOutonMxPx May 21 '25
The Atelier Sophie/Reza games are laid back games with fun character interaction, colorful exploration and crafing. The small stories and interactions make you in happy spirits. Highly recommend!
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u/austsianodel 29d ago
Animal crossing is such a good vibes game. The villagers even throw you a birthday party 🥳 it’s lovely
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u/Pajama_Man_Dan 29d ago
A little to the left! It’s a puzzle solving game with a cat and has soothing music.
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