Best games for people who love gardening and nature
If you love gardening, try Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Stardew Valley and A Short Hike. All are gentle and have no time limits.
Planting, tending and decorating games are some of the most relaxing a newcomer can play.
| Game | Level | Plays on | Tried & tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2 | 95.6 · Hall of Fame |
| Stardew Valley | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 95.5 · Hall of Fame |
| A Short Hike | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 92.8 · Proven favourite |
| Dorfromantik | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 89.3 · Proven favourite |
| Spiritfarer | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 86.6 · Well liked |
| Firewatch | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 85.1 · Well liked |
| Flower | 1 · Gentle | PS5 | 83.9 · Well liked |
| Pikmin 4 | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2 | 83 · Well liked |
| Disney Dreamlight Valley | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 82.5 · Well liked |
| Cozy Grove | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 81.3 · Well liked |
| Plants vs. Zombies | 2 · Easy | Computer, Phone / tablet | No score yet |
About each game
Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Life on an island at your own pace. Real-time clock encourages a short daily visit.
Stardew Valley. Restore a farm and befriend villagers. Lots to learn but no rush.
A Short Hike. Climb a mountain in an afternoon. Very gentle introduction to 3D movement.
Dorfromantik. Place hexagon tiles to build peaceful villages. Calm, no time limits.
Spiritfarer. A cosy boat-management game about saying goodbye; themes of death handled gently.
Firewatch. Story about a fire lookout in the woods. Contains strong language.
Flower. Tilt the controller to guide petals on the wind. Short and calming.
Pikmin 4. Command tiny plant creatures. Rewind feature undoes mistakes.
Disney Dreamlight Valley. Cosy village life with Disney characters. Optional paid extras.
Cozy Grove. Designed for 30-60 minutes a day of gentle tasks.
Plants vs. Zombies. Plant defenders to stop cartoon zombies crossing your lawn. Easy to learn, with a calm pace on early levels.
Not sure which one? Answer seven questions and we will match games to you.