The Indie Informer

There are days when the world feels too heavy. Even so, many continue to move forward and keep the plates spinning. But every once in a while, everyone needs some time to get away and forget the world. If you can’t immediately hop on a plane to some beautifully sunny tropical beach, here are a few recent indie games that can help you get away from it all for a few hours. You deserve it.

Magical Delicacy – PS, Xbox, Switch, PC

If comfort food transformed into a game, this would be it. Playing as a young witch leaving behind a narrow life for the wondrous and diverse city of Grat, players will make the world a better place using their culinary and platforming skills. Plus, it just got a major update!

Crypt Custodian – PS, Xbox, Switch, PC

A game about spending the afterlife with a broom in your hand might not initially seem like a game to set your mind at ease, but its marked humor and warm humanity make the experience shine. Not only that, but the sprawling, puzzle-filled map will let you lose yourself for a good long while.

Manor Lords – Xbox, PC

If the world isn’t looking great for you right now, make your own. This Medieval village-builder has the tendency to turn seconds into hours with its absorbing gameplay. So, though it is still in Early Access, it’s a perfect choice to help distract your brain and unwind.

Enshrouded – PC

Laying inside the narrative heart of this game is the spark of hope — you literally fight back against the fog by kindling fires across the land. On top of all that optimism, the gameplay is riveting. Construct a magnificent house, strike out to parts unknown, and help the open world’s inhabitants.

Moonstone Island – Switch, PC

Have you ever wanted to jump into a Pokémon-like with just a hint of life sim and deck-building? Well, that’s oddly specific, but I have the game for you. Released last year, this vibrant adventure is continuously releasing expansions, making it — with its tricky dungeons and adorable monsters — even harder to resist.

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley – Switch, PC

Snufkin’s video game debut has all the lovable look and feel of childhood storybooks. It’s a wonderful atmosphere to immerse yourself in when you need a little pick-me-up. However, title’s hand-drawn aesthetic comes with thought-provoking points, suffusing it with more substance than you might expect.

Fields of Mistria – PC

Thanks to a sickness earlier this year, I have around fifty hours in this Early Access RPG sim. The comparisons to Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing are apt, but there’s much more to it — including really attractive romanceable characters. You can hear more thoughts on this straight from The Indie Council.