5 Most Therapeutic Games on Nintendo Switch

For many players, gaming can be a great stress reliever and can offer help in ways other things cannot. This could take the form of a long play session after a hard day's work. Or simply a comforting experience to return home to. These are games that seep into our lives and enhance our experiences with them. It is due to this healing nature that we return to these titles. So without further ado, here are our picks for the 5 Most Therapeutic Games on Nintendo Switch.

5. Unpacking

Unpacking is a game with a simple premise that offers much more than the experience lets on from the onset. That is to say. This is a game that will become richer and more rewarding than players initially give it credit for. While the graphical style isn't anything to write home about, it is both the gameplay as well as the writing and art direction that do a majority of the heavy lifting within this title. Players will quickly find themselves playing the game in their downtime, which is fantastic.

While on the surface, the game is about a woman who is unpacking many different things at various points in life. Under the surface, however, the game has to deal with many deep issues, such as mental health and one's overall well-being. This is presented in a way that is not too heavy-handed in its approach, making it a joy to experience from a gaming standpoint as well. All in all, if players have not played Unpacking, it is an experience that we would take care not to spoil here, but needless to say, it is one of the most therapeutic Nintendo Switch games players can experience.

4. Spiritfarer

Spiritfarer is a unique game. This is true in both how the gameplay is presented as well as what occurs during the game that makes it so memorable. At the same time, the gameplay of the game can be seen by some as a slow burn. However, many players will actually appreciate the feeling that this game gives them. Players will be spending the majority of their time adding additions to their boats as they help spirits make their amends. This gives the game a tone of solace and redemption that is simply nice to experience.

Players will begin to feel at ease with these spirits and learn their stories in earnest. This makes it a game that is capable of sticking with you long after you have finished it. It is this nature that lends itself so well to the therapeutic elements of the game. Much like how the player helps the spirits atone, you will feel more at ease after playing this title. There are also many no-stress minigames for the player to play that break up the gameplay as well. In closing, Spiritfarer is a game that allows players to take a breather and work their way through a fabulous story. It is for these reasons that it is one of the Nintendo Switch games with the most therapeutic value.

3. Celeste

Celeste is a charming game that offers much more than it initially lets on. The game allows the player to play as a female protagonist who is very strong in her own right as she makes her journey up a gigantic mountain. Players can find themselves very relieved when they complete the challenges that this game places before them. It is for this reason that it can be seen as a therapeutic experience for the player.

The emotional range that this game has is astonishing, given its rather unimposing-looking art style. Players will be able to explore and make discoveries all their own as they make their way through the game. This is a game that can be played by any number of people, and they will likely receive different experiences from it. This is great as it allows the player to feel the emotions of the game in their own way. In conclusion, Celeste is an experience that can be considered therapeutic for the Nintendo Switch in 2022.

2. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a game that has mental health at the core of its gameplay. This can be seen in the many different hardships and visions that Senua has throughout the player's playtime with the game. The way that this is displayed to the player is in equal amounts tasteful and conscious. At the same time, the commentary is some of the best commentaries on mental health issues that we have seen in recent years in the gaming space.

This isn't the only thing that can draw the player to the game, however. As the game also has a great combat system that can help players work through their issues if they choose to self-insert into the game. The sensory elements of the game only add layers to the already solid gameplay of this fantastic title. In closing, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a once-in-a-generation game that players must play, especially if they themselves struggle with mental health issues.

1. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a game that players can find themselves losing their problems. The game allows layers to become farmers or whatever they wish to be. Really it is this open-ended nature that makes the game so relaxing. Players can grow crops and watch as the efforts of their labor are rewarded. It can be the coziest game in your library if you let it. This will allow you to perhaps forget about the struggles and strife of day-to-day life as it moves on.

This game also allows you to find friendship or even romance within its pixelated world. Players can find themselves easily charmed by the loving g townsfolk of Stardew Valley. This comfortability makes it such a great game to recommend for those struggling with mental health, as gaming is being looked at as a new form of therapy for some. Stardew Valley is a shining example of what this can look like on the Nintendo Switch. To summarize, Stardew Valley is a game that will allow you to live in it and thrive if you so choose, making it one of the most therapeutic Nintendo Switch games for those with perhaps a bit too much stress in their life.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Most Therapeutic Games on Nintendo Switch? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.