Summer has unofficially started, and there are only a few days left until its actual, calendar beginning.
However, regardless of the date, we’ve been enjoying very high temperatures for several weeks now.
Exactly… enjoying it or maybe complaining about it! If you’re not a big fan of the heat and constantly look for ways to cool down, how about some virtual refreshment in the form of games that will take you to pleasantly cold dungeons, let you play with water, or transport you to the icy expanse of space?
Today, we have prepared a list of video games that will give you some relief from the heat, even if only slightly. Planning to stay at home this summer? Check out our recommended games perfect for summertime!
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Stardew Valley | 2016-02-26 | Adventure | ConcernedApe |
 | Stray | 2022-07-19 | Indie | BlueTwelve Studio |
 | Cult Of The Lamb | 2022-08-11 | Indie | Massive Monster |
 | Darkest Dungeon | 2016-01-19 | Indie | Red Hook Studios |
 | Hades | 2019-12-10 | Indie | Supergiant Games |
 | Hades II | 2024-05 | Action | Supergiant Games |
 | Night In The Woods | 2017-02-21 | Action & Shooter | Infinite Fall |
 | Baldurs Gate 3 | 2020-10-06 | RPG | Larian Studios |
 | Dead Island 2 | 2024-04-22 | Action | Deep Silver Volition |
 | Darkest Dungeon II | 2023-05-08 | Roguelike | Red Hook Studios |
 | Psychonauts 2 | 2021-08-25 | Adventure | Double Fine Productions |
 | Firewatch | 2016-02-09 | Indie | Campo Santo |
 | Outer Wilds | 2020-06-18 | Action | Mobius Digital |
 | Powerwash Simulator | 2021-05-19 | Simulator | FuturLab |
 | Minecraft Java Bedrock Edition | 2011-11-18 | Sandbox | Mojang Studios |
 | Forza Horizon 5 | 2021-11-09 | Racing | Playground Games |
 | Stellaris | 2016-05-09 | Strategy | Paradox Development Studio |
PowerWash Simulator
| Release date: | 2021-05-19 |
| Genre: | Simulator |
| Developer: | FuturLab |
Do you remember the joy and relief of playing with a hose in the garden during summer, as a child? Now you can take it to the next level with PowerWash Simulator.
This game, which came to Microsoft platforms in 2022 and the following year to PS and Switch consoles, takes you to the fictional town of Muckingham, plagued by a series of misfortunes – volcanic smoke, Bigfoot sightings, missing cats… But it all started with a wave of dirt covering the once picturesque town. Your task is to fight the dirt and misfortunes with a pressure washer!
This delightful simulator allows you to truly relax. After all, is there anything more pleasant and relaxing than the sound of water and the sight of disappearing dirt?
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Minecraft
| Release date: | 2011-11-18 |
| Genre: | Sandbox |
| Developer: | Mojang Studios |
Minecraft is a game that almost everyone knows, but it doesn’t hurt to remind a bit about it! This title debuted on PC and over the following years reached many other platforms. It is a game that defies strict genre classification – it combines elements of adventure, survival, crafting, and simulation games.
In this title, you create a character and, depending on the chosen gameplay mode, fight for survival, build without limitations, or explore a very vast open world. You can fight hostile mobs, gather resources, start your own farm, build a house, or create majestic structures. Solo or with a team of several players.
Doesn’t this sound like the perfect remedy for the heat? It is undoubtedly a very relaxing game that will allow you to rest during your holiday. Additionally… it features biomes covered in ice and snow with harsh, cold conditions and vast beaches that will be a semblance of an exotic holiday!
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Forza Horizon 5
| Release date: | 2021-11-09 |
| Genre: | Racing |
| Developer: | Playground Games |
The fifth part of the iconic racing game series published by Microsoft for their computers and consoles, and a spin-off of the Forza Motorsport series, that started in 2012.
This time we move to the vast areas of Mexico. The gameplay of FH5, maintaining the spirit of the series, is based on a series of various races through the streets and outskirts of the cities. But that’s not all. In this part, we can compete not only with other drivers or time but also with weather conditions such as sandstorms or volcanic eruptions. Additionally, a series of exploration missions called Expeditions await us. The game also has an EventLab mode, allowing the creation of custom missions and maps.
Why is it an ideal game for summer? Certainly, the possibility of seeing Mexico first-hand is impressive and can be a semblance of an exotic holiday. Additionally, traveling around the city will give you a chance to drive right by the ocean. The wonderful graphics do their part – you’ll literally feel the refreshing breeze on your face!
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Stellaris
| Release date: | 2016-05-09 |
| Genre: | Strategy |
| Developer: | Paradox Development Studio |
Stellaris is a great RTS with elements typical for RPGs, created by the masters of the strategy genre, known for titles like Europa Universalis or Crusader Kings.
This title is set in the cold, vast expanse of space, where you take on one of the several available races and strive to create a powerful empire. This involves both resource gathering and city building, as well as a series of exploration missions allowing you to uncover the secrets of the cosmos. The game features an interesting editor, allowing customization of both the chosen race and the home planet or fleet.
Stellaris is a game with a calm pace, undoubtedly relaxing. If you’ve had enough of tourist crowds, festivals, and the constant summer “action,” this game is for you. Additionally, the empty, cold space is something that will surely bring you comfort in the heat!
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Darkest Dungeon
| Release date: | 2016-01-19 |
| Genre: | Indie |
| Developer: | Red Hook Studios |
With this heat outside, do you feel like descending into an underground cave or dungeon where a bit of moist coolness awaits you? With Darkest Dungeon, this is quite possible!
This title is inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft and Gothic novels. The story is set in a dark, gloomy fantasy world, modelled after the Middle Ages. Your task is to explore a vast mansion and the system of dungeons located right beneath it. Due to the recklessness of one of the last owners, evil forces have taken over the estate.
The dark, Gothic atmosphere of the game is undoubtedly something that will bring relief to those who do not enjoy the sunny, cheerful, hot climate of summer.
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Summary
Here is our list of games perfect for summer! Some of them will take you to magical, exotic regions of seaside beaches, giving you a semblance of a holiday trip. Others, thanks to their unique, cool atmosphere, will bring you relief if there’s a real heatwave outside!
Whether you love summer or count the days, eagerly awaiting the first falling golden leaf, we’re sure you’ll find a title on our list that will keep you company for the next few months!