What if we told you that you don’t need a console or VR rig to visit other places? 

Early on during the pandemic, many of us took to maintaining the virtual islands of the extremely popular Animal Crossing: New Horizons, or used other alternatives for virtual escapism. The need for such distractions is really important for our mental health (if we don’t overdo it, of course). So we’ve compiled a list of games that do just that – send us to other places to live out our fantasies. These games are incredibly accessible, they don’t require expensive accessories, and are easy and straightforward enough for people who have little to no gaming experience. Step with us into these virtual shoes and enjoy the ride!

Take part in the action in Liberate Hong Kong

Liberate Hong Kong was created by the Hong Kong protesters during the 2019–20 Hong Kong protests. Rendered in a 3D environment, it’s a single-player third-person simulation game that throws you into the protest environment on the ground in Hong Kong as an unarmed and unnamed protester. It’s a short game with a playtime of 10 minutes, available for PC and Mac, and is free to download!

Travel to the neighborhoods of Detroit in Home Movie

Home Movie is an homage to the disappearing neighborhoods on the west side of Detroit. Using 3D animation, documentary film and real-time game mechanics, the title is able to help rebuild forgotten neighborhoods. It’s available for Mac and for purchase for $9.99.

Embark on an immersive road trip down the Italian coast in Wheels of Aurelia

Go on an immersive road trip through the gritty western coast of Italy during the roaring 1970’s. Playing as Lella, experience the sights and sounds of a tumultuous time in Italy’s history while uncovering events from Lella’s storied past. Meet an unpredictable cast of characters along the journey and make detours along the way. This is an interactive visual novel based on short moments in time. This is a great way to discover a new side of Italy in a thought-provoking game about the journey and not the destination. Available for iOS, Android, PC, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Switch. It can be purchased for $2-10 here.

If you want to put down the games and experience some nature, you can also visit every U.S. National Park virtually as well.

Photo via Liberate Hong Kong