We are halfway through September, and this means that depending on where you live, it’s either time to cozy up while it’s raining outside or time to admire the flowers blooming all around. I decided to put together two lists of 5 games each that match the season vibes regardless of where you are!
For these two lists, I aimed to find a balance of lesser-known games and more popular ones (maybe they are already in your backlog?). I also included one game that is in my own backlog and I’m planning to play this season.
A short disclaimer: how I picked these games is totally subjective, but I hope you find something that you’d be interested in checking out.
Autumn 🍂
For my Autumn picks, I went with some longer games for those weeks where it’s nice to mostly stay inside, others with reflective or emotional themes (since the season is known for being contemplative), and others that have that classic Autumn aesthetic.
1. The Wild at Heart
Explore the Deep Woods as a young runaway, solve puzzles with the help of your best friend and command Spritelings, which are small pikmin-like creatures with different abilities. But be careful when night comes! A quirky and beautiful hand-drawn style game.
Available for: PC, MacOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox (One, Series X/S)
2. Dragon Quest Builders 2
DQB2 is a JRPG and crafting game where you play as a builder in a world where building is forbidden and you need to gain the trust of people as you go. I first picked up this game in Autumn last year and I feel it matches the season perfectly because you can sink so many hours not only in the story, but also just building and crafting.
Available for: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox (One, Series X/S)
3. Projected Dreams
This is a stress-free puzzle game full of nostalgia. In Projected Dreams, you use old 90s childhood toys to cast shadows and match shapes on the wall. As you progress in the game, you uncover an emotional story little by little. Since the days are getting shorter and darker, I felt this one would be a fitting Autumn pick.
Available for: PC, MacOS
4. Pentiment
Pentiment is a historical investigation game set in a small town in early 16th century Bavaria. You play as Andreas Maler, an illustrator that finds himself caught up in a series of murders and mysteries, and has some tough choices to make along the way. Please check the content warnings since this game features some heavy themes.
Available for: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4/PS5, Xbox (One, Series X/S)
5. When the Past Was Around
When the Past Was Around is a point-and-click game about “love, moving on, letting go, and the joy and pain of everything in between” (from the Steam description). This one is a short but emotionally impactful experience.
Available for: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4/5, Xbox (One, Series X/S), Mobile
Choice from my backlog: Animal Well
An exploration Metroidvania that was among the most popular indies released in 2024. From Steam: “Explore a dense, interconnected labyrinth, and unravel its many secrets. Collect items to manipulate your environment in surprising and meaningful ways. Encounter beautiful and unsettling creatures, as you attempt to survive what lurks in the dark. There is more than what you see.”
Available for: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Bonus game: Ithya: Magic Studies
I decided to include this one as a “bonus” because Ithya is a productivity/background game. It lets you create to-do lists, set timers, track habits and take notes. As you use the game, new areas in this fantasy world are unlocked for you to visit, and you earn currency for customizing your room and clothing. I really loved the music and art and I felt that the aesthetics really match Autumn.
Available for: PC, MacOS
Spring 🌸
For my Spring picks, I went for a mix of shorter, casual games and one bigger time-sink. The themes are mostly light-hearted and fun, aesthetics are bright with lots of flowers, greenery, etc.
1. Naiad
Be the guardian of the river and flow across the water while interacting with its fauna and flora in this relaxing, atmospheric game.
Available for: PC, MacOS, PS4/PS5, Xbox (One and Series X/S), Nintendo Switch
2. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
In this newest spin-off game in the Rune Factory franchise, you’re an Earth Dancer using your powers to restore the land. You rebuild different towns, battle monsters, farm crops, build relationships with the villagers and more. The reason for this recommendation as a spring game is that you start off in the Spring village, and the cherry blossoms really set the mood in my opinion!
Available for: PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
3. Botany Manor
Botany Manor is a first-person puzzle game set in a Victorian English manor. You play as a botanist working to finish her book, and in order to do that, you need to investigate different clues in the manor to figure out the ideal conditions to grow some very unusual flora.
Available for: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox (One and Series X/S)
4. Horticular
Build a diverse (pixel) garden so that different animals move in, all while trying to understand what happened with the previous garden caretaker. This game also has a sandbox mode, in case you prefer to focus on crafting a beautiful garden without following the story.
Available for: PC
5. Flowers and Favours: Florist Simulator
This recently released game is just perfect for spring, as you own a flower shop and make different bouquets for your customers, that come in and request something different each day. Every morning before opening your shop, you can purchase new types of flowers, so you have more options the more you play the game. There’s also a sandbox mode if you prefer to have all flowers unlocked from the start.
Available for: PC, MacOS
Bonus game: Tiny Glade
I debated which of the two lists to include Tiny Glade in, since you can customize the aesthetics to match any season. This is a relaxing sandbox game where you build dioramas, and you can make anything from castles to small villages. Even if you don’t think you’re very creative, the tools are so simple that I feel that anyone can create something beautiful.
Available for: PC
Is there any game that you’re waiting to play in the new season? I’d love to know!
-Luna
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