Some video games demand your undivided attention, synchronizing gripping narratives, immersive sound cues, and captivating soundtracks to create an engaging experience. Players often find themselves completely absorbed, eliminating distractions entirely.
Conversely, other games enable multitasking—perfect for unwinding after a long day. Personally, I enjoy diving into these kinds of games while listening to an Audible audiobook or a podcast, allowing my mind to relax and attain a state of Zen.
Moreover, certain situations necessitate silent gameplay. Whether your headset has lost power on a crowded train or you’re keeping an ear out for your children engaged in a game of hide and seek, the games listed below cater to such needs.
This compilation ranks games based on their playability without sound and the extent to which players can engage without audio cues.
10 China
Charming Melodies on Repeat
The warmth and charm of Tchia shine through its delightful humor, adorable animations, and commitment to portraying New Caledonian culture. However, the joy may wane after navigating the island multiple times to reach NPCs who often teleport, just for a well-crafted story segment.
Players may notice the world feels a bit sparse, featuring simplistic graphics and occasional pop-ins. While the soundtrack is enjoyable, it can become repetitive after the tenth listen. This is the perfect opportunity to play your own music or an adventure-filled audiobook while exploring the skies as a bird, a boulder, or a child with a paraglider. Just remember to turn the sound back on for those impactful story moments!
9 Nioh
Mastering Your Weapon
The Nioh franchise seamlessly blends elements of Soulslike mechanics with Diablo-style gameplay. Players will require a combination of skill and substantial grinding to progress, especially during challenging Twilight Missions.
Replaying levels for experience and searching for equipment becomes a routine. Here’s where turning on a podcast or soothing music comes in handy, particularly when facing a boss for the umpteenth time and frustration begins to set in.
8 Disney Dreamlight Valley
Enhancing Your Experience with Disney Tunes
Disney Dreamlight Valley immerses you in a colorful world filled with beloved Disney characters, granted you complete specific quests to unlock them. Although the game’s soundtrack captures a Disney vibe, it lacks the original full songs from the movies, opting instead for motifs and original compositions.
While the voice acting stays close to the film characters—with some original cast members returning—there might be dissonance for devoted Disney enthusiasts. To fully immerse yourself in nostalgia, consider turning off the in-game audio and cranking up the original Disney soundtracks.
7 Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
The Grind to Perfection
In both Pokémon Scarlet & Violet and other main-series titles, players enjoy fantastic musical themes that enhance their gameplay experience. From the poignant notes of ‘Arven’s Treasure’ to the electrifying beats of ‘Battle! (Titan), ’ the soundtrack is compelling.
However, aspiring trainers must invest considerable time in grinding, leading to repetitive exposure to these musical motifs. After numerous battles, switching to another music source, like the Nintendo Music app for tracks from different Pokémon games, can provide a fresh auditory experience.
6 Gran Turismo 7
Curating Your Racing Experience
Gran Turismo 7 lets players race on a selection of tracks while curating their audio experience, with options to listen to artists like Bring Me The Horizon and Major Lazer. If that doesn’t suit your taste, you can mute the game’s sounds and play your own music or podcast.
This approach is particularly useful when aiming for precision in license missions, where repeated attempts lead to practice and improvement. Personally, I find pleasure in racing through Tokyo while absorbing a gripping audiobook, especially on the PS5, where haptic feedback enriches the racing experience.
5 Drop Duchy
Relaxing with Blocks and Beats
Drop Duchy cleverly combines elements of roguelikes, Tetris, deckbuilding, and kingdom simulation. As you strategically place blocks to develop your kingdom, the satisfaction of creating harmonious connections brings about a meditative state.
This experience is heightened when paired with lo-fi beats, allowing players to escape into their royal imaginations as they expand their kingdom.
4 Sifu
Building Reflexes and Skills
Engaging in combat in Sifu requires chaining combos, dodging obstacles, and deploying special moves, undeniably contributing to a thrilling gameplay experience. However, players may face formidable bosses that test their skills and perseverance.
During these arduous trials, consider muting the game’s soundtrack and infusing your gaming session with upbeat tracks reminiscent of an 80s action montage. Just beware of late-night sessions if others are present—you might find yourself restless as you take on final bosses!
3 EA Sports FC 25
Prioritizing Social Interactions
EA Sports FC, formerly known as FIFA, has maintained a strong presence within the gaming community for over two decades. Although it boasts full commentary in multiple languages, prolonged gameplay can lead to repetitiveness.
Competing against friends or siblings, or even engaging in online matches, necessitates adaptive audio management—consider muting the game to amplify the friendly banter that often accompanies football matches.
2 Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Enjoying Mindless Fun
In Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, players engage in exhilarating combat, taking down hordes of enemies through elaborate combos and signature moves. This action-oriented gameplay contrasts sharply with the meticulous nature of Soulslike titles.
By allowing players to switch off their thinking caps temporarily, it provides ample opportunities to reflect on various topics—like the intricate timelines of the Zelda universe—while still enjoying intense gaming.
1 PowerWash Simulator
Your Perfect Podcast Companion
PowerWash Simulator embodies a quintessential ‘dadcore’ game; it is the ideal backdrop for listening to a podcast while engaging in satisfying cleaning tasks. Just as you might play music or audio while performing actual chores, this game lets you zone in, making repetitive cleaning relaxing and enjoyable.
With no voice acting or distracting soundtracks, the game almost invites players to immerse themselves in their favorite rock album while tackling grime from everything from a bike to an entire virtual city, all without the prying eyes of neighbors.
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