Summary
Games have always been a way to escape to different realities, offering diverse and fascinating settings. From fantasy epics set in Medieval lands to stories that take place in distant futures, each scenario plays a fundamental role in enriching the game’s narrative and creating unique atmospheres that engage players.
Besides these vast and fantastic environments, there is a particular attraction to simpler settings and, to some extent, settings that are closer to reality,such as rural towns. These places bring a cozy charm and offer a distinct perspective, allowing thebest games set in rural townsto tell profoundly different and incredible stories in unique settings.
A farming simulator that also evokes nostalgia in many players isStory of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town, aremake of theHarvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town. The game takes players to the charming Mineral Town, a picturesque village full of life. With charismatic residents and seasonal festivals, the game offers a welcoming and engaging experience in the countryside.
The soundtrack plays an essential role in creating the atmosphere, with soft melodies that change according to the seasons and the time of day. These songs reinforce the relaxing mood of the game, making life in the countryside even more immersive and enchanting for players.
Among the games in theFar Cryfranchise, the setting of each title is what attracts the most attention, changing with each new release. InFar Cry 5,players are transported to the rural region of Hope County, which sharescommon geography with many interior regionsof the United States, featuring vegetable pastures and beautiful landscapes.
Furthermore, Hope County is also marked by violence. This rural town is under the domineering control of the enigmatic Joseph Seed and his followers. Beyond the hidden dangers, the rural landscape of Hope County conceals deep secrets, with cults and conspiracies hidden in every corner. The natural beauty of the region strongly contrasts with the constant tension of imminent violence.
Fallout 76stands out among games set in rural towns by portraying a post-apocalyptic scenario in a settinginspired by the interior of West Virginia, a region that was not as affected by the nuclear fallout, and thus maintaining part of its pre-war landscapes. This robust and detailed setting creates a sense of isolation for players, capturing the essence of small rural communities amid nuclear devastation.
The iconic soundtrack, “Country Roads,” reinforces the emotional connection with the rural environment, serving as the game’s theme. Although there are some cities, they are not the main focus, allowing players to explore vast countrysides and appreciate the true essence of games set in rural towns.
Set in the rural Oregon,Days Goneuses this climate and interior setting to tell a story about survival in a zombie apocalypse. The vast territory is covered by dense forests, imposing mountains, and abandoned roads, creating a sense of isolation that contributes to the game’s tense and desolate atmosphere.
The rural setting of Oregon allows the game to explore themes of despair, hope, and resilience in a collapsing world. Players, in the role of Deacon St. John, need to navigate throughabandoned villages and remote areas, facing hordes of zombies and other survivors while trying to find purpose amid the chaos. The setting reinforces the melancholic tone of the game, contrasting natural beauty with the constant terror of the apocalypse.
Bright Falls, Washington, acts as the mysterious center of the events in theAlan Wakefranchise. The town, shrouded by dense forests and surrounded by the enigmatic Cauldron Lake, is the perfect setting for a psychological horror story where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural fade in a dark play of light and shadow.
The apparent tranquility of Bright Falls hides ancestral secrets, making every corner of the town an essential piece for the immersive narrative ofAlan Wake 2. It is in this rural and isolated environment that powerful and dark forces emerge, leading the characters to confront their greatest fears in a fascinating story of the struggle for sanity and survival.
The expansions ofThe Simstake players to different settings with each new release, andCottage Livingbrings a glimpse of what the game would be like if it were set in a rural town; in this case, Henford-on-Bagley. Here, players have the freedom to build families and access mechanics focused on rural life, such as raising animals and growing crops.
The cozy and tranquil visuals of Henford-on-Bagley are complemented bylivestock and agriculture mechanics, allowing players to experience the simplicity of life in the countryside. The setting envelops players in a calming and nostalgic experience, makingCottage Livingone of the best expansions for those looking to explore a more peaceful rural life.
Given the context, farming simulators are great games set in rural towns, but among the many options available,Stardew Valleyis the one thatbest captures the essence of the countryside. Pelican Town is a small place, but it is full of interesting people to meet and plenty of content to explore.
Moreover, the game features some classic elements of farming games, such as inheriting the farm from a deceased grandfather and abandoning life in the big city in search of the peace that only the countryside can offer. The simplicity of Pelican Town offers a relaxing experience, allowing players to enjoy the best of country life.
WhilePersona 5explored the bustling Shibuya district in Tokyo, bringing city life to its story, its predecessor,Persona 4 Golden, provided players with anincredible game set in a rural town. Here, playing as Yu Narukami, the player arrives in the town of Inaba to spend a few months there while his parents are away on business trips.
The tranquility of Inaba contrasts with the dark mystery that unfolds from the moment the protagonist arrives. Players are invited to explore not only the quiet streets and local inhabitants, but also to unravel a series of mysterious murders that haunt the small town, showing that even in calmer places, an epic story can be told.
Through its unique gameplay, which attempts to faithfully portray what life would be like for a person living during the Middle Ages,Kingdom Come: Deliverancefeatures some beautiful scenarios for Henry to visit during his journey. Moreover, the setting is well crafted by the developers, delivering to players beautiful towns that are accurate to the game’s historical period.
It is possible to traverse smaller villages in theBohemia region,as well as some larger towns like Rattay.Kingdom Come: Deliverance, besides being an excellent game set in a rural town, also masterfully captures the ambiance of the era, immersing players in an epic journey through the Middle Ages.
Despite Saint Denis representing an industrial city in full expansion,Red Dead Redemption 2masterfully captures the spirit of the American countryside. Quiet villages, vast fields, and the cowboy lifestyle permeate much of the game, transporting players to a time of American transition between the rustic and the modern.
The epic story of redemption and survival intertwines with the rural landscapes, reflecting the weight of the characters' choices. Every detail of the world creates complete immersion, making this journey a perfect example of how rural settings can bring depth and richness to a narrative.
