Top Games Lists: 7 Poignant Games Like Spiritfarer to Help You Heal
It’s no surprise Spiritfarer moved me so deeply. It touches on something video games rarely show: the quiet, difficult process of helping someone you love find peace at the end. Now I want to play even more games like Spiritfarer!
Initially, Spiritfarer might come across as a straightforward character-collector game. But it’s true meaning doesn’t reveal itself to you until the very end.
My experience comes from playing it on Nintendo Switch and I’ll be honest, I didn’t feel a deep connection to the story during my first playthrough. However, it wasn’t until the game’s conclusion, and a Google rabbit hole later, that I discovered the true meaning behind the story of Spiritfarer.
So, I simply had to play it again! The music suddenly felt more emotional, and the characters, like family. Some spirits I held on to and refused to let go.
Alice suddenly reminded me of my Nanna and I held on to her for as long as I could! Ever since my second playthrough Spiritfarer has solidified itself as a game I readily recommend to every cozy gamer who has needs a good cry.
What Is Spiritfarer About?
Spiritfarer is a cozy management game about dying. You play as Stella, ferrymaster to the deceased, a Spiritfarer. Build a boat to explore the world, then befriend and care for spirits before finally releasing them into the afterlife. Farm, mine, fish, harvest, cook, and craft your way across mystical seas.
Join the adventure as Daffodil the cat, in two-player cooperative play. Spend relaxing quality time with your spirit passengers, create lasting memories, and, ultimately, learn how to say goodbye to your cherished friends.
Post-launch Spiritfarer has had 3 major content updates, keeping me emotionally invested long after its release. There’s so much love and attention gone into this cozy platformer. The developers at Thunder Lotus Games have truly listened to their community.
Spiritfarer is more than just another cozy management game, it’s a conversation about life and death. It asks “how do you care for someone whose dying?”
The last boat ride hits hard, be warned, as you listen patiently to their final words because all you can do is be there for them at their most vulnerable.
This game is a rare gem, there aren’t many other video games quite like it. Coming up with a list of games like Spiritfarer took many cups of tea and tears. My hope is that you can find your next indie game that will bring you just as many lasting memories as Stella and Daffodil the Cat did for me.
Spiritfarer is available to buy now on Loaded. You can earn 1% cashback (converts to CDKoins) on eligible purchases across their site just by buying the games you love. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future games, expansions, or subscription purchases saving you money!
7 Emotional Games like Spiritfarer
1
Cozy Grove
Cozy Grove is available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Android and iOS
I’m going to open this list with one game you’re probably already familiar with – Cozy Grove. The artwork is cute and painterly which was what drew me to the game in the first place.
In the beginning, Cozy Grove is a colorless canvas and it’s up to you as the new Spiritscout to breathe life and love back k into the island.
Where the story comes into its own though is because of the bears, the island’s inhabitants. Their stories are so deep it will take you days to hear them all. Each bear has a unique character and I guarantee you’ll find a firm favorite. Mine was Allison Fisher because I too am a terrible cook!
2
The Garden Path
The Garden Path is available on Steam and Nintendo Switch
The Garden Path is a slice-of-life gardening sim with a cast of wholesome characters with vegetables for heads. This is the kind of gentle game I can imagine I’d be sharing with my friends in the nursing home when I’m old and wrinkly.
Loving illustrated by a solo female developer this wonderfully wistful adventure embraces the mundane and elevates tasks like brewing tea, watching your flowers grow, or hanging out with friends, into something quite humbling. Set in real-time your garden will even grow when you’re away.
3
A Memoir Blue
A Memoir Blue is available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and iOS
From Annapurna Interactive comes a flood of memories for champion swimmer Miriam in A Memoir Blue. A Memoir Blue is a short, sweet interactive poem surrounding memories which are seen through a hand-drawn art style. It’s a beautiful series of game play vignettes where Miriam remembers her past relationship with her mother.
4
Forever Ago
Forever Ago is available to wishlist on Steam
Following a tragic stroke of fate, Alfred embarks on a journey north in search of redemption. In this single-player road trip adventure, you’ll travel to beautiful places, capture memories with your camera, meet interesting people, and even make some new friends.
In this single-player road trip adventure, you’ll travel to beautiful places, capture memories with your camera, meet interesting people, and even make some new friends.
5
IKUMA – The Frozen Compass
IKUMA is available to wishlist on Steam
Embark on a haunting journey into the cold in this narrative adventure. IKUMA tells the story of Sam, a teenage boy who finds himself stranded in the Arctic with his dog. He must face not only its harsh environment, but also something lurking deeper in the shadows. Play solo as both characters or cooperatively with a friend.
6
Hindsight
Hindsight is available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Xbox and iOS
I didn’t expect to like Hindsight. On the surface, it is a simple point-and-click narrative game with some interesting storytelling mechanics, but at its core is an emotionally intense story about a mother and daughter that will sucker-punch you in the gut.
I should know better by now not to expect anything less than to be flawed whenever a game is published by Annapurna Interactive.
7
To The Moon
To The Moon is available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Xbox, iOS and Android
To the Moon is a narrative-driven indie adventure game that follows two doctors as they traverse the memories of a dying man and grant his final wish.
To fulfil his wish via artificial memory, the doctors travel backward through Johnny’s life, uncovering a tragic childhood and the lost love of his late wife, River. It is a poignant, pixel-art exploration of regret and closure, famously known for its emotional piano soundtrack and tear-jerking conclusion.
More Sweet Games To Play Next
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If you enjoy a good book before bed, have you considered playing a game that plays like a book? These visual novels are just that.
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If you prefer life sims that actually give you a story to follow, these games build in proper narrative progression with characters who have their own arcs, and your choices usually nudge things along.
The Best of the Best Cozy Games
Take your pick of the best cozy games based on YOUR fav game! If you loved Stardew there’s a list for games just like it. Or maybe Dreamlight Valley is your go-to? Find your game here.
As an INFP, Wendy is always late for her house. Her wardrobe is stuffed with snuggly jim-jams, and her hot water bottle is her best friend. Wendy enjoys playing a little bit of everything, but she'll always prefer to unwind with simulation and management games.
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