Sometimes booting up a new game can be overwhelming. There's the tutorial and new mechanics, among other things., that drag on, and after a long day at work or school, who has the energy for that? Instead, we created a list of adventure games that could be enjoyable to play again (or simple enough for a first-time experience). These are simple enough to pick up, the world can be explored and lost in, and the end goal is always in sight. Read through the list below for suggestions to help you navigate that rare downtime that needs an injection.

5 Stray

A kitty’s journey through an unknown world

Stray is about... well, a stray cat that gets separated from its group. You follow its adventure around a decaying cyber city full of droids, all with their own ambitions (or lack thereof). But everything isn't all neon lights and cozy conversations. There's a dark underbelly with even darker secrets to be found. Will uncovering the mystery of this city get this cool cat back to his pack?

• Developer: RXL
• Publisher: RXL
• Release Date: 02-21-2017
• Platforms: Linux, PC, Mac

4 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The latest entry into The Witcher game series is all about the journey

Ok, so this isn't exactly a "small game" but its appearance The Witcher 3 on the list is worth it. The world is vast and full of encounters to discover and minigames to play. There are plenty of places you can travel to via horseback, and monsters to take down if you're up for it. You don't have to do the main mission because this game is full of content to get you through a gaming session. Even if you are doing the main story, it's entertaining enough to be similar to binging a show (and probably just as long), so either way, you're going to be preoccupied playing this for a good while.

• Developer: CD Projekt Red
• Publisher: WB Games, CDP.pl, Spike Chunsoft, Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Release Date: 05-19-2015
• Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch

3 Life is Strange

Growing up is hard. Trying to solve a mystery with unknown powers is harder

This isn't a game full of action and explosions, but rather a story of mystery, friendship, and possibly murder? In the Life is Strange series, your protagonists are usually capable of mysterious powers to solve a peculiar set of circumstances. If you want to join in on the fun, problem-solving, and emotional adventure, then this game is for you.

• Developer: Don't Nod
• Publisher: Feral Interactive, Square Enix
• Release Date: 01-29-2015
• Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, iOS, Android

2 Ghost of Tsushima

A lone samurai defends his home from invading Mongols

Ghost of Tsushima, from start to finish, is just a great game. Beautiful landscape, a wide area to explore. Each progression piece leads to new areas to explore. And did I forget to mention you're a lone samurai against a vast invading Mongol army? Not to mention the rouges around the island that will challenge to you a 1-on-1 duel. You can even add a black & white filter to give it that old school movie feel. You'll definitely want to binge-play this game when you have free time.

• Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Release Date: 7-17-2020
• Platforms: PS4

1 Baldur’s Gate 3

This well-renowned game has multiple ways to play through

Baldur's Gate 3 is perfect for those that want to romp through medieval fantasy settings with an in-depth character creator, Dungeons and Dragons mechanics, and memorable characters. Throw in that every choice matters, even your character creation ones, throughout the campaign, and you'll want to go back and revisit past decisions. They may even open new options depending on how well you fare on the dice roll. The cast is full of the who's who of fantasy races, from elves to drow to vampires. Now, you may not be able to finish a full playthrough on a weekend, but it is a good game to pick up on weekends to pass the time. There's even been a newly added update with a new campaign mission and more classes for characters.

• Developer: Larian Studios
• Publisher: Larian Studios
• Release Date: 08-03-2023
• Platforms: PC, Mac, Xbox Series X|S, PS5