Top 10 Games Like A Short Hike for Relaxing Adventures

If you loved the charming and relaxing world of “A Short Hike,” you’re in for a treat. There are plenty of other games out there that offer similar experiences, blending exploration, beautiful art styles, and a sense of adventure. Here, we’ll explore 10 games like “A Short Hike” and provide a delightful escape from the everyday hustle.

1. Journey

Journey
Journey is an adventure game where you play as a robed traveler exploring a vast desert. The game is known for its stunning visuals and emotional depth, offering a unique experience as you uncover the secrets of the world and interact with other players in a seamless multiplayer mode.

Behind the Scenes: The developers at Thatgamecompany aimed to create a game that evokes a sense of awe and wonder. They focused on minimalistic design and emotional storytelling, which is evident in the game’s art and music.

Beginner Tips:
  • Take your time to explore every corner of the desert.
  • Look for glowing symbols to extend your scarf and enhance your abilities.
Hidden Secrets: There are hidden glyphs scattered throughout the game that unlock additional lore and backstory.

Key Features:
  • The game features beautiful desert scenes that are visually stunning.
  • It offers an emotional story that resonates deeply with players.
  • The music in the game changes dynamically with your actions, enhancing the experience.

2. Night in the Woods

Night in the Woods
Night in the Woods follows Mae Borowski, a college dropout who returns to her hometown. The game focuses on narrative and exploration, with Mae reconnecting with old friends and uncovering the town’s mysteries. The characters are anthropomorphic animals, adding a unique charm to the story.

Behind the Scenes: The game was developed by Infinite Fall, with a strong emphasis on storytelling and character development. The creators drew inspiration from their own experiences growing up in small towns.

Beginner Tips:
  • Spend time talking to different characters to uncover side stories.
  • Explore the town thoroughly to find hidden areas and mini-games.
Hidden Secrets: There are several hidden mini-games and side quests that add depth to the story.

Key Features:
  • This game has a strong story and well-developed characters.
  • Players can explore a small town filled with secrets.
  • The characters are unique, being anthropomorphic animals, which adds charm to the game.

3. Carto

Carto
Carto is a puzzle-adventure game where you manipulate the world map to explore new areas. By rearranging pieces of the map, you unlock new paths and discover hidden secrets. The game combines exploration with clever puzzles, making it a delightful experience.

Behind the Scenes: Developed by Sunhead Games, the idea for Carto came from the desire to create a game that combines exploration with puzzle-solving in a unique way.

Beginner Tips:
  • Experiment with different map configurations to unlock new areas.
  • Pay attention to the hints given by NPCs to solve puzzles.
Hidden Secrets: Some map pieces contain hidden paths that lead to secret areas and additional story content.

Key Features:
  • In Carto, you can move map pieces to explore new areas.
  • The game includes fun and engaging puzzles.
  • It has a charming art style and a delightful story.

4. Firewatch

Firewatch
Set in the Wyoming wilderness, Firewatch is a first-person adventure game where you play as Henry, a fire lookout. The game focuses on exploration and narrative, with Henry uncovering mysteries in the forest while communicating with his supervisor, Delilah, via radio.

Behind the Scenes: Campo Santo, the developers, aimed to create a game that feels like a personal story. They focused on creating a realistic and immersive environment, drawing inspiration from real-life fire lookout experiences.

Beginner Tips:
  • Use your map and compass to navigate the forest.
  • Pay attention to the dialogue choices, as they affect your relationship with Delilah.
Hidden Secrets: There are hidden caches throughout the forest that contain supplies and additional story elements.

Key Features:
  • Players can explore the beautiful wilderness of Wyoming.
  • The game features a strong story and engaging character conversations.
  • The forest setting is visually stunning and immersive.

5. ABZÛ

ABZÛ
ABZÛ is an underwater exploration game that lets you dive into a vibrant ocean world. You play as a diver, exploring the depths and uncovering the secrets of the sea. The game is known for its stunning visuals and relaxing gameplay.

Behind the Scenes: Developed by Giant Squid Studios, the team wanted to create a game that captures the beauty and mystery of the ocean. The art style and music were designed to evoke a sense of wonder and tranquility.

Beginner Tips:
  • Take your time to explore each area and interact with marine life.
  • Look for meditation statues to learn more about the different species.
Hidden Secrets: There are hidden collectibles and secret areas that reveal more about the game’s lore.

Key Features:
  • ABZÛ offers a stunning underwater world for players to explore.
  • The gameplay is relaxing and meditative.
  • The focus is on exploration rather than combat.

6. Haven Park

Haven Park
In Haven Park, you play as Flint, a young bird tasked with maintaining and improving a small park. The game focuses on exploration, resource management, and interacting with visitors. It’s a charming and relaxing experience, perfect for those who enjoyed the peaceful exploration in “A Short Hike.”

Behind the Scenes: Developed by Fabien Weibel, the game was inspired by the developer’s love for nature and camping. The goal was to create a relaxing and wholesome experience.

Beginner Tips:
  • Gather resources to build and upgrade park facilities.
  • Talk to visitors to learn about their needs and preferences.
Hidden Secrets: There are hidden areas and special items that can enhance your park and provide additional story content.

Key Features:
  • In Haven Park, you manage and improve a small park.
  • The gameplay is relaxing and charming.
  • You can interact with park visitors to learn about their needs.

7. The First Tree

The First Tree
The First Tree is a third-person exploration game that follows the stories of a fox trying to find her missing family and a son reconnecting with his estranged father. The game combines beautiful landscapes with emotional storytelling, offering a reflective and moving experience.

Behind the Scenes: Created by David Wehle, the game was inspired by his own experiences and dreams. The development process focused on creating a narrative-driven experience with emotional depth.

Beginner Tips:
  • Follow the light sources to progress through the game.
  • Explore thoroughly to find hidden items and story elements.
Hidden Secrets: There are hidden collectibles that provide additional backstory and emotional context.

Key Features:
  • The game features an emotional story that is deeply moving.
  • Players can explore beautiful landscapes.
  • The game combines two stories into one, offering a unique narrative experience.

8. Proteus

Proteus
Proteus is an exploration game set on a procedurally generated island. The game focuses on the sensory experience, with a dynamic soundtrack that changes based on your interactions with the environment. It’s a meditative and relaxing game, perfect for unwinding.

Behind the Scenes: Developed by Ed Key and David Kanaga, the game was designed to be a sensory experience, with a focus on music and visuals. The procedurally generated world ensures that each playthrough is unique.

Beginner Tips:
  • Take your time to explore and interact with the environment.
  • Pay attention to the changes in music as you move through different areas.
Hidden Secrets: There are hidden events and interactions that can change the environment and music.

Key Features:
  • Proteus allows players to explore a procedurally generated island.
  • The music changes dynamically with your actions, creating a unique experience.
  • The gameplay is meditative and relaxing.

9. AER: Memories of Old

AER: Memories of Old
In AER: Memories of Old, you play as a girl who can transform into a bird, exploring floating islands in the sky. The game focuses on exploration and discovery, with a beautiful art style and a sense of freedom as you soar through the skies.

Behind the Scenes: Developed by Forgotten Key, the game was inspired by the developers’ love for exploration and flight. The art style and world design were created to evoke a sense of wonder and freedom.

Beginner Tips:
  • Use your bird form to explore hard-to-reach areas.
  • Pay attention to environmental clues to solve puzzles.
Hidden Secrets: There are hidden temples and artifacts that reveal more about the game’s lore and world.

Key Features:
  • In AER, you can transform into a bird to explore the world.
  • The game features beautiful floating islands in the sky.
  • There is a strong sense of freedom and discovery as you soar through the skies.

10. Alpaca Stacka

Alpaca Stacka
Alpaca Stacka is a lighthearted and charming game where you play as an alpaca named Paz, helping to find lost chickens and return them to their coop. The game is simple, relaxing, and perfect for a quick, enjoyable experience.

Behind the Scenes: Developed by Spookulele Games, the game was created as a fun and lighthearted project. The developers aimed to create a game that is accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages.

Beginner Tips:
  • Explore the environment to find all the lost chickens.
  • Interact with other animals for hints and tips.
Hidden Secrets: There are hidden areas and items that add to the charm and fun of the game.

Key Features:
  • Alpaca Stacka offers light and fun gameplay.
  • The mechanics are simple and relaxing.
  • It is perfect for short, enjoyable play sessions.

Conclusion

These ten games offer a variety of experiences that capture the charm and relaxation of “A Short Hike.” Whether you’re exploring vast deserts, diving into the ocean, or managing a small park, each game provides a unique and delightful adventure. So, grab your controller and get ready to embark on new journeys!