We all have our go-to or “feel-good” movies and series that we rewatch. Well, the same logic can be applied to games—at least for me.
I’ve made a short list of games that have secured a place in my heart, one way or another. Keep in mind, they’re not in any particular order.
This is just a reflection on why I keep coming back to these games. So, without further ado—let’s dive in!
Creative & Sandbox Escapes:
Sims 4
And of course, I get to play god—deciding my Sims’ careers, aspirations, and even whether they’re a werewolf or a mermaid. (Those are the only expansions I own… for now.)
Whether I’m building the perfect bungalow or going for haunted house vibes, I can shape their world however I want. What’s not to love?
Minecraft
The cute, boxy characters always put a smile on my face! Chickens, cows, and nosy villagers—yes, please. I only play in normal mode, FYI, and love wandering the world (by land or sea… and only during the day) while blasting my favorite Spotify playlist.
Sure, I’ve had my fair share of creeper-induced heart attacks, and I’ve sprinted away from the occasional witch mid-gardening session. But that’s part of the fun!
I love discovering villages, building my own “Mines of Moria,” or crafting a cozy town. The random world generation keeps things fresh every time I start anew.
Grounded
A “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids”-style survival game done right. You wake up as a shrunken child and must craft gear, weapons, food, and bases to survive and uncover the mystery of what happened.
Whether I’m playing solo or hunting red ants for that Red Ant Club, I’m hooked. I love how the game escalates when you anger a species—first they’re “aware,” then “annoyed,” and finally, they “want you gone.”
With a nice balance of survival and story, Grounded deserves way more love. Maybe it’s time you checked it out?
Chill but purposeful:
Graveyard Keeper
The dark humor here is chef’s kiss. Bodies delivered by donkey, a church to manage, and a crew of working zombies—what more could I ask for?
I can harvest crops… or body parts. (For burials, of course.) I usually play this while listening to ABBA, totally immersed in my slightly macabre responsibilities. I haven’t finished the game yet, but that’s the beauty of it—I’m content dipping in and out.
This is why it’s perfect to either play in short bursts or just go at it for hours on end. I’m also quite intrigued in getting to know the NPC’s and the story of the game. I still haven’t finished this game, but I’m happy with playing it on-and-off.
Thief simulator
In most games, I hate stealth. I panic the whole time. But Thief Simulator has won me over.
Sneaking into homes, looting valuables, and making a clean getaway—it’s surprisingly satisfying. I love planning my approach, watching NPC routines, and dodging security cameras. Sure, I’ve had the cops called on me more times than I’d like to admit… but escaping is half the fun.
I like scoping out the places for the NPC’s routines or seeing if they have any cameras around. I – more often than I’d like to admit- have had the cops called in. So I try to “Grand Theft Auto” my way out of there or find a place to hide in. I’ve fully played through this game at least three times—so far.
Adventure & CO-OP Fun:
Sea of Thieves
If you’ve ever wanted your own Pirates of the Caribbean adventure, this is it.
Grab your ship, gather your crew, and set sail. You can play sea shanties while battling skeletons, sea monsters, or other players. (Fun fact: this is the only game that has scared me so badly I screamed out loud and nearly fell off my chair.)
Whether you’re doing short quests or full campaigns, it’s always a good time—especially with a pirate playlist in the background.
Apex Legends
Ah, Apex. The first-person shooter that had me in a chokehold—and honestly, I’m not mad about it.
It’s the first game I ever streamed and where we made a good friend, so it holds a special place in my heart. We love and hate it in equal measure. There’s no other FPS with its level of fluid movement.
Winning feels amazing—until a “Master” squad wipes the floor with you. If you’ve got a competitive itch and want to earn your victories, Apex is the game for you.
Quick Matches & Competitive Comfort:
Tetris 99
Yes, Tetris 99! The rush of playing online against 98 other players is unmatched. I usually play before flights—it helps with my travel anxiety when paired with music.
Reaching the final 10? Pure adrenaline. It’s perfect for quick, satisfying rounds. I just hope they keep hosting special events!
Plants V/S Zombies 2
I mostly play the mobile version—and yes, I keep coming back.
They’ve added tons of new plants, zombies, and expanded the world way beyond your backyard. It’s perfect for short sessions, whether I’m on public transport or relaxing at home while Michael plays something on TV.
Fun fact: this was the first game I got my mom to try! (Maybe that deserves a post of its own?) Needless to say, she definitely has her fair share of hours played. Be it the original Plants V/S Zombies or PvZ2(the mobile game), it can be enjoyed by all.
As you can see, I’ve got a wide range of games I return to—from cozy sims and sandbox worlds to adrenaline-fueled shooters and stealthy crime sprees.
We all have our comfort games. If one of mine caught your eye, give it a try!
What are your timeless go-to games? Let me know in the comments.
Till next time—happy gaming! 🎮
