The first time I saw a Farming Simulator game, it really didn't appeal to me. Despite my love of simulation games, I generally prefer the more cartoonish styles of Stardew Valley or Story of Seasons for farming sims, rather than the realism that is so prevalent in the Farming Simulator franchise. Therefore, when my brother and other friends were recommending this more serious and complicated take on a farm sim, I was hesitant to jump in.

Farming Simulator 25, and others in the series, are touted as the most realistic farming games available. Players get to run their own farms, deciding which farm equipment to purchase, what crops to plant, whether to have animals, and more. The systems in the game allow those who wish to focus on details regarding production chains or finances to do so, with several features able to be turned off for those who want a more relaxed time. There are so many details taken into that even my uncle, who was a farmer his entire life, found it fun to watch, despite not being a gamer himself.

I Honestly Didn't Think I'd Like Farming Simulator Before I Tried It

My First Experiences With Farming Simulator

The first in the series that I tried was Farming Simulator 19, and I immediately felt overwhelmed and confused by the depth of the game's mechanics. Even with my brother giving me some much-needed tips and tricks to make the game easier, I turned it off without giving it much of a chance. In fact, I stubbornly only played a mere five hours before throwing in the towel and going back to my familiar varieties of games.

In comparison to my five total hours in Farming Simulator 19, during the lifespan of Farming Simulator 22 I managed a total of 370 hours on several virtual farms.

When Farming Simulator 22 was released a couple of years later, my brother, who knows my tastes better than anyone, tried again to convince me. This time, I decided to finally see what all the fuss was about, and very quickly realized why he loved it so much. I became hooked, so much so that, in comparison to my five total hours in Farming Simulator 19, during the lifespan of Farming Simulator 22 I managed a total of 370 hours on several virtual farms.

As soon as Farming Simulator 25 was announced and available for preorder, I purchased without hesitation. This series has become a constant in the background of my life, and surprised me by earning a place in my personal therapy toolkit.

Farming Simulator Became My Go-To For A Calming Escape

The Benefits It Provides For Relaxation And Room To Think

Although some people play the game at a level of detailed micromanagement that is truly impressive, it doesn't have to be played that way. The fact is, there is no way to lose in this game. Mistakes can be fixed, and animals don't die. There are several settings that can be adjusted to make things more relaxing, such as turning off the ground deformation of vehicle tires, or turning on the AI assist lines to help drive in straight lines while working the fields.

There is no way to lose in this game. Mistakes can be fixed, and animals don't die.

By adjusting the settings so I didn't have to worry as much about the parts that weren't fun for me, Farming Simulator became a space where I could go to find some peace and quiet. During the biggest trial of my life, I found myself drawn to my virtual farm as a safe zone. Hopping in a tractor to pull a cultivator around my field, or harvesting some crops, became a time when I could just slow down my hectic brain.

Farming Simulator is not a fast game, and driving up and down the field provides a therapeutic experience where I can handle a task while simultaneously working through some of my emotions or thoughts. If those thoughts became too heavy, there was always something that I could turn my attention to in the game to help refocus me. Particularly during the cold, dark winter months when I was unable to spend as much time outside in nature in my real-world, this virtual world gave me a similar feeling of grounding.

Perfect For Listening To Podcasts Or Music

Ways To Make Farming Simulator A Cozy Game Space

The very nature of the gameplay encourages people to slow down, just as any cozy game would do. If I don't want to face my own thoughts, it is the perfect chance to turn on a podcast or music to unwind. Similar to when I sit and crochet, the gameplay mechanics give something calming to focus on, with things to think about and goals and objectives that I want to meet. All while not being overly stressful. Even if something went wrong and a field didn't get fertilized, or the cows weren't fed, it's okay. It's a safe place. My safe place.

For a truly relaxing evening after a stressful day, there is nothing better than making a cup of tea, turning on a favorite podcast, and working on my farm. There is none of the romance, combat, gifts, or other features that farming sims like Coral Island have. Although I enjoy all those game mechanics, it is nice to be in a game that does not make me think about anyone else, whether virtual or real. At least, unless I want to.

Multiplayer Can Be A Lot Of Fun Too, Especially With The Right People

Laughter And Chaos Can Still Happen Here

Even as someone who typically prefers gaming by myself, there is something to be said for the multiplayer options in Farming Simulator. When my brother and his now-wife were dating, the three of us were each in completely different areas of the country.

Hopping into Farming Simulator made for some truly hilarious moments of attempting to work together to harvest a crop, or even simply driving a tractor without getting it stuck on a fence. Though we haven't had a chance yet to play Farming Simulator 25 in multiplayer, I look forward to when we do so that we can see how much has changed with the latest version.

My Farm Taught Me Much More Than Farming Techniques

Learning How To Slow Down And Appreciate The World

Ultimately, Farming Simulator has given me another tool for learning about myself and my family, and has provided me a safe place to escape to. I play a lot of games of all genres, including big, popular shooters and RPGs, small indie puzzles and platformers, and everything in between. At least for me, Farming Simulator is its own, separate genre entirely. It has taught me the technical basics of farming, which has given me conversation topics with farming family , while also teaching me about myself.

It has provided me a space to cry over loss in my life, with a safety net of little in-game victories and goals. I have explored my feelings and mind while slowing down and trying to keep a straight line while harvesting a crop. And I have laughed at podcasts and sang along to music while driving hay bales to be sold.

Many people play Farming Simulator much more seriously than I do, constantly analyzing and thinking about the fluctuating costs and weather, or hiring numerous AI workers to create a giant and successful farm. There is no right or wrong way to play the game, however, and my making it a cozy experience is exactly what I have needed. Perhaps someday I will try to figure out some of the deeper mechanics, but then again, maybe not. For now, I am perfectly happy with my little, virtual hobby farm with a couple of goats in Farming Simulator 25.

Source: Farming Simulator/YouTube