Gaming has moved well beyond its humble origins of titles where the sole purpose is to gain ‘points’ for some kind of vague purpose. Now, people play video games to immerse themselves in an entirely new world, to test their reflexes to the limit, or, simply put, to relax. Genres likethe farming sim, from classic titles on the N64 to the monolithic wake ofStardew Valleyand the post-pandemic rise of the cozy farmer genre have shown there’s an ever-growing place on the shelves for titles that take a slower pace.
JRPGs in particular aren’t known for their slow pace, usually pushing people through epic storylines withchallenging boss battlesand the fate of the world or worlds at stake. However, some JRPGs take a ‘slow-life’ approach to their gameplay, giving players ample time to enjoy the simpler things in life, take in some of the sights within the setting, or spend time with other characters in a more relaxed context. Players who want their JRPGs to take things a little easier should check out these titles.
Inspired bysurvival game hits likeMinecraftorTerrariabut maintaining a distinctDragon Questflair,Dragon Quest Builders 2is an excellent sandbox game that lets players build in a blocky landscape to their hearts' content.
Idling away time with base building is a relaxing and streamlined experience compared to the first game, but still comes with more to do and more avenues to explore in between quests from the main storyline.
With an artstyle crafted by the legendary Hiro Mashima, the artist behindFairy Tail,Farmagiais a JRPG that can’t be compared to many other titles on the shelves today. It has farming elements, but also roguelike and creature collecting aspects that make it an incredibly unique title.
Players can take things easyby farming and growing creatures, then taking on dungeons when they’re ready. The graphics in this game are usually quite soft and light, only adding to the relaxing element.
A brilliant mix offantasy and sci-fi elements,Harvestellais Square Enix’s answer to the farming simulator boom, using a singularly unique artstyle to bring a wistful world of magic and technology together with slick simplicity.
Players aren’t forced into constantly pursuing the main quest, and can take as much time as they’d like exploring the slower side of life - farming crops to sell, talking with companions (and love interests!), or tackling low-stakes side quests.
Few games manage to be as lush and vital asAtelier Sophie, and this title in particular is a great example of how slow-life elements can greatly enhance an overall story. Players can immerse themselves in the setting not just through combat but through magical spells and rituals that enhance items and alter the setting.
This picturesque game is perfect for anyone who wants a JRPG that keeps to lower stakes and a tighter cast of characters - there’s a core here of adventure and action, but the slow-paced life of a magic atelier is also on full display here.
Apioneer among cozy gamestoday,Harvest Moonis often credited with starting the genre of slow-life farming sims, and has continued working on its craft for decades in the gaming industry across a myriad of consoles.
One Worldinnovates on the genre and onHarvest Moontitles in a variety of ways, but also makes sure to keep to the series' roots. It’s an excellent, idyllic, slow-paced title that’s perfect for simply unwinding.
Another monolithic title in the cozy farming sim genre that predated icons likeStardew Valley,Rune Factory 5is the latest and greatest iteration on the series' unique blend of exploration and farming elements.
Players can live a simple and slow life working away on their farm at ease, and the combat elements, rather than feeling like a departure from this, usually augment the slow life aspects by feeling like an adventure or exploration in expansive, idyllic lands.
One of the most well-known and celebrated titles with slow-life elements,Persona 5 Ris built on a bedrock of balancing the mundane and the supernatural. Players can’t just dedicate their entire run to being a good phantom thief - they also need to be a good student.
Atlus draws attention to the simple student life - studying, hanging out with friends,and building relationships. These slower paced elements are just as iconic a part of thePersonaseries as the slick, fast-paced combat.
An iconic and altogether different style of JRPG,Witch Spring Ris a newer title that is driven by story and experimentation. Players can do more than cast some spells in combat here, training as a bona fide witch who brews potions and magically shapes her world.
This idyllic game is a witch’s example of “slow-life”, brewing potions, designing spells, gaining and training familiars, putting on a human disguise to go into the nearby village, it’s all charming and lovingly designed by dedicated developers.
