Summary
There are a hundred reasons why you might want to avoid violence, even in the combat-heavy world of video gaming. A lot of these can be accommodatedby playing relaxing and peaceful games, like Animal Crossing.But what about those of us who still want to feel a rush without it needing to cost some poor pixel souls their lives?
Luckily, the action genre ranges far past first-person shooters and beat ‘em ups to accommodate a lot of games that can inspire heart-pounding moments without blood and death. Whether you’re looking to play with family or you want a faster-paced, more challenging experience without the stress of violence, these games should do the trick.
10A Story About My Uncle
Gone North Games developed A Story About My Uncle around the grappling function. You travel through this puzzle-platformer looking for your missing uncle. As you swing through the fantastical landscape, you meet a variety of characters that help you unravel the mystery of where he went.
Non-violence is a selling point of this game, and that attitude is clear in every aspect of it, from the way you interact with NPCs to the main mechanics of navigating the landscape without harm. Instead, the emotionally dense writing takes center stage.
9Rhythm Doctor
Rhythm gaming is a great way to approach action gaming. For those who are sick and tired of taking virtual lives, why not try saving a few? Rhythm Doctor, developed by 7th Beat Games, has you playing as an intern in a hospital that saves patients’ lives by defibrillating in time to their heartbeat.
The game not only lets you choose your own difficulty, allowing you to approach rhythm theory at your own pace, it also guides you through a character-centric story in each level. You can play with family members or take on the task of life-saver all on your own.
If you haven’t yet played this game, then you’re in for some harmless fun as the titular goose, wreaking havoc in an unsuspecting village. Untitled Goose Game took 2019 by storm, withreviewers charmed by the absurdity of solving puzzles and pranking townspeople with only your tiny goose body.
The game is also now available in co-op, so you can share your best and worst impulses with a friend. It’s all the catharsis of being a jerk without any violence necessary; you’re forced to be far more creative than that.
Instead of focusing on combat or violence, this peaceful game encourages cooperation in puzzle-solving and platforming. While there isn’t constant action, the game does a good job of building up to those moments so that each one feels uniquely important.
Because other players online are allowed to join your session at any time, the game has a high replay value, especially because it’s likely that you’ll have met someone who helped your journey and want to return that favor to other players.
6Little Big Planet 3
Though it’s an older game, and there’s no clear news about another installment, Little Big Planet remains popular for good reason. While all the games feature the same adorable handmade aesthetic and creative puzzle-solving and platforming challenges, Little Big Planet 3 introduces some new characters with brand-new abilities.
This is a great game to play with friends and family. The gameplay is accessible, and the story, which is appropriately silly, provides a range of different maps to experience. If you enjoy this recommendation,you might also enjoy Media Molecule’s last game, Dreams.
5Luigi’s Mansion 3
Anyone familiar with Nintendo won’t be surprised to see the gaming titan pop up on a list of non-violent games.This comedic, family-friendly game is another installment in Luigi’s spooky adventures.Since your antagonists are ghosts, and your “weapon” is a glorified vacuum, there’s no real violence to be found in the confrontations.
With a co-op function, this game can support two players at a time. Though not particularly difficult, it’s entertaining even if you haven’t played the first two installments, and it might convince you to go back and try them.
What says “action” better than racing cool cars? The Forza Horizon series is based on the very simple premise that being able to build a very fast car and then drive it around is fun.And, with this installation, reviewers agree.
Not only can you race, but Forza Horizon 5 has a huge open world based in Mexico, ready to be explored at high speeds. There’s a co-op mode for you to play with friends and multiple challenges for when you beat all the races.
A 2D platformer, Celeste is a game about overcoming your own inner demons and triumphing over your doubts.Madeline, the protagonist, is attempting to summit Celeste. All the antagonists she faces represent facets of herself, so there is no real violence done beyond metaphor.
If you want to test your reflexes and are looking for a challenge, this is the game for you. Not only is it well-designed, but the soundtrack and story build up an inspiring, emotional atmosphere, rewarding those who persevere through their frustrations.
Featuring a feline protagonist in a world of robots, you’d have a hard time resorting to direct violence, even if it were an option. This world isn’t about combat or the possibility of death;it’s about exploration through a unique viewpoint.
There’s stealth, exploration, light platforming, and even a few lasers, but the game’s charm is not in it being challenging, which it rarely is. Instead, it’s a single-player experience of an interesting dystopian cyberpunk world rendered in a gorgeous art style.
Focused on exploration and not on combat,Outer Wilds offers hours of unique gameplay as you fly around your solar system looking for a way to end the time-loop you’re trapped in. Plus, for those who are interested in non-violent games that aren’t just for kids, this is one of the best on the market.
This game is a single-player experience that will immerse you in a meticulously crafted world with a story waiting to be discovered. It is challenging, atmospheric, rewards attention to detail, and encourages organically taking risks.
