9 Video Games to Travel This Summer If You're Staying Home for Vacation

Planning to Spend Your Vacation at Home?

That's totally normal! Many people prefer to use their time off to relax after the hustle and bustle of work throughout the year. Staying home offers a great opportunity to dive into hobbies like video games, which, thanks to the imaginative adventures they offer, allow players to visit dreamlike places that they couldn't even see by plane.

From magical and fantastical cities to medieval-style villages and futuristic planets, video games let you travel anywhere without leaving your couch! The best part is that PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and PC games don't just focus on exploring digital worlds; they also allow players to experience countless adventures through the eyes of unique characters.

So, if you're looking to challenge yourself with some science fiction quests, ride a dragon in a fantastical experience, or explore ancient ruins from the comfort of your living room, we've compiled a list of video games that let you do all that and more. After all, these digital adventures are packed with destinations just as captivating as the best summer trip you could take.

STAR WARS OUTLAWS

Few fictional universes can boast as many fans across different generations as the Star Wars franchise. Lucasfilm’s creation is unstoppable in any format it takes, and the latest proof of that is Star Wars Outlaws, a new game developed by Ubisoft for consoles.

Blending action and adventure in an open-world setting, the game lets you step into the shoes of Kay Vess, the most wanted outlaw in the galaxy, as she flees in search of a new life with her companions ND-5 and Nix. A familiar face, Jaylen, offers her a chance at true freedom by pulling off one of the biggest heists ever seen in the Outer Rim.

• Release Date: August 30, 2024
• Genre: Action / Adventure / RPG
• Recommended Age: PEGI 16+
• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X
• Developer: Massive Entertainment / Ubisoft

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TEARS OF THE KINGDOM

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is one of the most acclaimed games in recent years. Besides its incredibly epic storyline, this Nintendo Switch exclusive stands out for its open-world design, filled with intricate details. You can climb steep mountains, explore ruins full of secrets, and meet peculiar characters across a vast map.

What makes this game even more special is that it encourages not just exploration, but creation. With the right skills and resources, protagonist Link can craft interactive structures, weapons, vehicles, and other engineering feats, all of which enhance this legendary adventure through the lands of Hyrule.

• Release Date: May 12, 2023
• Genre: Action / Adventure
• Recommended Age: PEGI 12+
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch
• Developer: Nintendo

ELDEN RING: SHADOW OF THE ERDTREE

Looking for a challenging experience set in a magical world that tests your gaming skills? Then Elden Ring is for you. This dark medieval fantasy features The Lands Between, a setting filled with ominous castles, forgotten swamps, and withered plains.

The original Elden Ring was already known for its difficult combat, but the experience has been taken up a notch with the release of Shadow of the Erdtree. This expansion not only adds more enemies and bosses but also introduces an entirely new area: the Realm of Shadows, a nearly forgotten land that offers additional challenges.

• Release Date: June 21, 2024
• Genre: Action / Adventure
• Recommended Age: PEGI 16+
• Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC
• Developer: FromSoftware

ASSASSIN'S CREED MIRAGE

Video games don't only depict medieval fantasy or science fiction worlds; developers also love exploring historical settings. Assassin's Creed Mirage is a prime example, taking players on an adventure through 9th-century Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age.

The story follows Basim Ibn Ishaq, featuring not only action-packed scenes and a tale of personal growth but also a vivid representation of this unique era under the Abbasid Caliphate. This is an experience that will particularly appeal to fans of stealth adventures with a historical twist.

• Release Date: October 5, 2023
• Genre: Action / Adventure
• Recommended Age: PEGI 18+
• Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC
• Developer: Ubisoft

HOGWART'S LEGACY

No discussion about video games that transport you to fantastical worlds would be complete without mentioning Hogwarts Legacy. Set years before the events of the Boy Who Lived, this official Harry Potter saga adventure allows you to step into the shoes of a student at the world’s most famous school of witchcraft and wizardry.

You'll join one of the four Hogwarts houses (Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin) and attend all sorts of magical classes. Remember the adventures in Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, and Hogwarts itself from the Harry Potter films? This game offers a similar experience, with new characters, unique creatures, ancient magic, and much more.

• Release Date: February 10, 2023
• Genre: Action / Adventure / RPG
• Recommended Age: PEGI 12+
• Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC
• Developer: Avalanche Software / Warner Bros.

MARVEL'S SPIDER-MAN 2

So far, we've covered games that take you to medieval eras, magical worlds, and science fiction settings. But what if you just want to explore a modern, bustling city? Enter Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, a PlayStation exclusive that lets you swing through the high rises of one of the most energetic cities in the world: New York.

As the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, you can swing between skyscrapers, thwart criminal activities, and dispense justice on the streets using advanced combat skills and Spidey's signature spider sense.

• Release Date: October 20, 2023
• Genre: Action / Adventure
• Recommended Age: PEGI 16+
• Platforms: PS5
• Developer: Insomniac Games / Sony

AVATAR: FRONTIERS OF PANDORA

Among all the fantastical worlds depicted on the big screen, Pandora from the Avatar movies is arguably one of the most spectacular. Known for its lush jungles, unique wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, Pandora has been adapted into a digital adventure in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.

Developed by the creators of the Assassin’s Creed series, this game lets you become a true Na’vi, engaging in everything seen in the movies: flying on creatures, participating in tribal rituals, and exploring the incredible world of Pandora.

• Release Date: December 7, 2023
• Genre: Action / Adventure
• Recommended Age: PEGI 16+
• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series, PC
• Developer: Massive Entertainment / Ubisoft

RISE OF THE RONIN

Rise of the Ronin is a perfect game for those passionate about Japanese culture. Set in the late 19th century, during the Bakumatsu period (the final years of the Edo period), this action game immerses players in Edo, the city now known as Tokyo.

The game depicts a war between the Tokugawa Shogunate and anti-shogunate factions, with the protagonist caught in the middle. This experience not only features spectacular combat scenes with katanas and ancient firearms but also delves deeply into Japan's rich history.

• Release Date: March 22, 2024
• Genre: Action / Adventure / RPG
• Recommended Age: PEGI 18+
• Platforms: PS5
• Developer: Team Ninja / Sony

DRAGON'S DOGMA 2

We end our selection with a medieval fantasy experience known for its vast open world. Dragon’s Dogma 2 has become one of the major releases of 2024, impressing players with the events that unfold during the adventure. After all, traveling through a magical kingdom leads to all sorts of peculiar encounters and memorable stories.

One of the key features of Dragon’s Dogma 2 is its encouragement of players to travel with Pawns, allied characters who assist in both combat and exploration. You can expect an experience filled with dragons, mythical creatures, and memorable companions—all without leaving your couch.

• Release Date: March 23, 2024
• Genre: RPG
• Recommended Age: PEGI 18+
• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series, PC
• Developer: Capcom

These games offer a range of incredible worlds to explore, ensuring that even if you're spending your vacation at home, you can embark on countless adventures from the comfort of your living room. Whether you're into fantasy, history, or modern-day action, there's a video game on this list for every kind of traveler.