Millions of people around the world suffer from depression. People affected from the Reddit community reveal which titles they recommend for the condition.
Reddit user greatest_bibliophile suffers from depression and has been in therapy for some time. He is doing better, but there are always bad phases. Now he has remembered that about a year ago, despite his illness, he was able to find some relaxation in video games.
So he posted a Reddit post in which he not only shares his personal game recommendations for depression but also asks for more. Of course, the community was quick to respond. We have selected six recommendations for you and will briefly introduce them to you.
All 6 recommendations at a glance
Table of Contents
No. 1: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
(Genre: Open-World/Action-Adventure – Developer: Nintendo – Platform: Nintendo Switch)
What is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? In this colorful action-adventure, you control the young hero Link, who wakes up after a 100-year sleep in a world he can’t remember. You set out on a quest to find answers, defeat monsters and solve puzzles. You only use what you find along the way.
That’s why it’s recommended: The creator of the post, greatest_bibliophile, writes that Breath of the Wild was able to relax him over a long period of time. The game inspires with a gigantic and beautiful world in which you can really reach all places, secrets await you behind every corner and you are rarely forced into conflicts if you don’t want to.
No. 2: Wanderers’ Song
(Genre: Music Adventure – Developer: Wishes Ultd. – Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One)
What is WanderSong? In this musical platform adventure, you control a whimsical bard who uses his musical skills to interact with everything around him, solve different puzzles and explore the colorful world. On your journey, you can meet and interact with over 150 different characters, each with their own traits and characteristics.
That’s why it’s recommended: The post creator greatest_bibliophile recommends the title; due to the positive story that accompanies it to this day. In addition, the game always reminded him that he didn’t have to figure out and accomplish everything at once. He was able to apply this very well to his current life situation.
No. 3: Night in the Woods
(Genre: Adventure – Developer: Infinite Fall – Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One und Mobile)
What is Night in the Woods? Mae, a college dropout, returns to her original home of Possum Springs to resume her former, aimless life. But everything seems different now. All of her old friends have changed and behave very differently than they did back then. On top of that, strange things happen as soon as daylight disappears.
That’s why it’s recommended: In the comments on this recommendation , user Smokes_LetGo876 writes that he felt very connected to the game and Mae in his situation. The game deals with topics such as self-esteem, the expectations of others, aimlessness, abuse and religion.
Nr. 4: Stardew Valley
(Genre: Life simulation – Developer: Concerned Ape – Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Cloud and Mobile)
What is Stardew Valley? In this mix of life and farming simulation, you have inherited a small farm from your grandfather. Equipped with a few tools and coins, you set out on your new life. In the neighboring village, you can also integrate into society, experience adventures and even get married.
That’s why it’s recommended: The user seargentexplosion writes that he always comes back to the game when he’s feeling down. Other users add that Stardew Valley brings some calm into the chaotic life and makes them forget the problems of the real world for a short time.
No. 5: Firewatch
(Genre: Adventure – Developer: Campo Santo – Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One)
What is Firewatch? The year is 1989. You control a man named Henry, who works as a reclusive fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness and only keeps in touch with a single person in the world. One day, however, Henry is lured out of his lookout tower and ends up in an unknown world where he is confronted with many questions and decisions.
Why it’s recommended: In the comments for this recommendation , user ljk345 writes that he felt very alone and lost when he played Firewatch. The game’s story then had a temporary positive effect on his mental state. Other users write that the game made them sad at times, but also hopeful.
No. 6: Disco Elysium
(Genre: Rollenspiel – Entwickler: ZA/UM – Platforms: (PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S)
What is Disco Elysium? As a detective with a unique skill system at your disposal, you move through a dark neighborhood and solve strange murders, interrogate unforgettable characters, manipulate everything in sight, and become a hero in the city or a moral disaster.
Why it’s recommended: Reddit users recommend it for its well-thought-out story and unforgettable dialogues. The road to healing will be a long one. But stay on course. You will make it one day. Remember: you’ve made it this far… and it’s only a little further now.
