Whether it’s a PC game that lets you keep in touch with new communities or a mobile game that forces you to go outside, video games let you see the world in a new light. This can mean appreciating the things that you have, the people you encounter, or even taking inspiration from parts of the world you didn’t notice before.
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If you’re looking for some great Steam-based PC games to play alongside friends and family, these are for you.
Of course, some video games do a better job of making you feel connected to the world than others. Some are even designed to make you feel that way. Which ones do it the best? Here are ten games to make you feel that connection.
Don’t Fast Travel, Just Walk And Enjoy The Scenery
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
- Released
-
October 28, 2016
- Developer(s)
-
Bethesda Game Studios
- Publisher(s)
-
Bethesda Softworks
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol
From the music to the natural environment, Skyrim makes you feel right at home as you venture from Riverwood to Dragonsreach and beyond. You never know what you’ll encounter along the way, such as a ghost rider or even a mead-loving caravan.
Skyrim has such a nice ambiance that it makes you want to skip fast travel altogether and just go on foot. From the planet-filled sky to the creatures that lurk in the woods, it makes you wish going outside had the same level of thrills, minus the giant spiders.
9
Death Stranding
Deliveries Make An Impact
- Released
-
November 8, 2019
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
In some ways, Death Stranding is a walking simulator. Your goal is to get from one location to the next in order to deliver some packages to scientists and survivalists who are completely isolated from the rest of the world.
Luckily, your deliveries help bring people together. You also get a bit of sightseeing along the way. Just be careful of bandits that want to steal your packages. This is one game that makes you want to go out for more walks and stay connected with those around you.
8
Shadow Of The Tomb Raider
The World Can Be Beautiful And Dangerous
- Released
-
September 14, 2018
- Developer(s)
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Eidos Montreal
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
The Tomb Raider series knows how to make planet Earth feel alive. From snowy landscapes to traditional festivals held across the world. Shadow of the Tomb Raider explores every corner of the world, whether it is peaceful or dangerous.
On one hand, you can see how beautiful the jungles are, but at the same time, you can be shown how terrifying a natural disaster can be. Mother nature has two different faces, and Lara Croft’s adventures show that there is so much to see on Earth.
7
Animal Crossing: New Horizon
Connecting Friends In A Time Of Need
- Platform(s)
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Switch
- Released
-
March 20, 2020
- Developer(s)
-
Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
-
Nintendo
- ESRB
-
E for Everyone: Comic Mischief
Animal Crossing: New Horizon came out at a perfect time when the lockdowns forced everyone apart. Luckily, this game not only lets you explore your island but also visit your friends online. This gives gamers plenty to do as they customize their homes, celebrate birthdays together, and fill up the museums.
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Like most Animal Crossing games, you also have events that occur on specific dates of the year. This gives you an additional thing to look forward to at the start of each day and reasons to check in frequently.
6
Vr Chat
Maintain A Physical Presence Online
Vr Chat may be the opposite of touching grass or appreciating the world outside. However, the game manages to connect communities from all over the world. Just pick the avatar you want to present as and hop in.
You can chat with other players, draw together, play minigames all through virtual reality. So, in a way, it lets you be present with people even if you live miles away from each other. Some players will even create mods that allow their avatars to be more expressive just for the boost in interaction.
5
Minecraft
Be Inspired By The World
- Platform(s)
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3DS
, Android
, iOS
, Nintendo Switch
, Nintendo Wii U
, PC
, PlayStation 3
, PlayStation 4
, PS Vita
, Xbox One
, Xbox 360 - Released
-
November 18, 2011
- ESRB
-
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
From the darkest caverns to the snowiest plains, Minecraft is a great way to get connected with the people around you as well as the outside world. This grass may be virtual, but being able to plan out what you want to construct gives you a newfound appreciation for architecture.
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Best 8 Games On Steam To Play With Friends
It’s always better together! These eight games prove just that with a focus on teamwork!
This can help you get inspiration from real world buildings as you craft a world that is truly yours. Exploring with friends is also a great experience that can make you feel better connected with your group or even make new friends along the way.
4
Outer Wilds
Appreciate Your Time On The Planet
- Released
-
May 28, 2019
- Developer(s)
-
Mobius Digital
- ESRB
-
E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Fantasy Violence, Alcohol Reference
Outer Wilds doesn’t just make you feel connected to the world, but it also makes you appreciate the time you have on the planet. With only 22 minutes to live before the sun goes supernova and everything resets, you have to explore the surrounding solar systems to learn every secret in the universe.
With some events only being available during certain times in the cycle, it makes you notice real-world events that are only around for a short time. Sometimes, it’s better to take some time to appreciate something before it goes away forever.
3
The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
The World Is Bigger And More Connected Than You Think
- Released
-
November 21, 1998
- Developer(s)
-
Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
-
Nintendo
- ESRB
-
E10+ for Everyone 10+: Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, Suggestive Themes
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is the perfect example of stepping outside your comfort zone to discover something new. In this game, Link lives with the Kokiri for most of his childhood before the death of the Great Deku Tree, which forces him to confront the world beyond the forest.
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10 Best Nature-Themed Video Games
Sometimes you just need to sit back and smell the pixelated roses. These are the best nature-themed video games.
This is where you realize that the world is much bigger than you previously realized. Yet despite the size of Hyrule, every race, culture, and town is connected. When Ganon takes over, everyone is affected.
2
Pokemon Omega Ruby And Alpha Sapphire
Pokemon’s Most Environmentally Friendly Region
- Released
-
November 21, 2014
- Publisher(s)
-
Nintendo
- ESRB
-
E For Everyone due to Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence
One mainline Pokemon game that made players feel like there is more to the world is Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire. These games for the Gameboy Advance were much different than the ones that came before it including weather dynamics, double battling, and new biomes. Their remake on the 3DS makes exploring the region even more vivid.
You can run through the tall grass or explore the skies on the back of your Pokemon. There are vast deserts and towns that rely entirely on their placement next to a volcano for resources. If any region lives in harmony with nature, it’s Hoenn.
1
Pokemon Go
A Game That Makes You Go Outside
- Released
-
July 6, 2016
- Developer(s)
-
Niantic
, The Pokemon Company - ESRB
-
e
It is safe to say that Pokemon Go got many people moving around in groups and alone. The premise for this mobile game is simple yet innovative. All you have to do is go outside and walk around, and you can encounter Pokemon to catch.
The introduction of Gyms and Raids also enhanced the need for cooperation. This can force many people who would never have met before to come together for a common goal. It’s a great way to make friends and become more connected with Pokemon fans everywhere.
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