Many times, I have been asked what games I would recommend are fun to play but also safe to play as a family, for children, or for a Christ-follower who doesn’t want to be exposed to certain content.
Video games are fun, and entertaining, and can teach us many lessons. Just like reading a book, or watching a movie or TV show, where you can walk away thinking about a certain scene or line of dialogue and applying it to your life.
So many times, even unconsciously, we are influenced by what we watch, listen and play yet we don’t realize it. As a follower of Christ, God is first in my life and I want to please Him by obeying His will. To do so as a gamer can be a little complicated, but over the years I’ve been able to navigate this world and want to help others do the same. Hopefully, this list will show you some games that you can check out without being uneasy about the content.
I used to have a list of games on this page but realizing there’s no way I can keep up with the enormous amount released every year and nowhere near the time to play them and recommend them, I would rather lead with the list of sites below.
Each one of these specializes in reviews and keeping up to date with most new games and give their point of view in a positive or faithful way. Check each one out and see which resonates with you. For example, Wholesale Games isn’t a Christian group but they showcase new titles that are as their title suggests, “wholesome” and not full of vulgarity or violent content.
Share what games you would recommend for others to check out in the comments!
🎮 Game Review & Discovery Platforms
Family Gaming Database
A UK-based site with a massive catalog of video and board games for families. They cover both new and retro titles. (Check out my interview with the owner!)
Plugged In – Games
Run by Focus on the Family, Plugged In offers reviews on games, movies, books, and more. Their game reviews are often cautious or critical, but useful for understanding content and themes.
Geeks Under Grace
A go-to source for Christian perspectives on games, movies, and pop culture. Their review archive is extensive—search for nearly any game and you’re likely to find coverage.
🌱 Wholesome Game Curation
Wholesome Games
A community focused on uplifting, peaceful, and story-rich games. From their site:
“For many years, the most critically acclaimed titles have been the ones with the darkest themes… We want to showcase the breadth of hopeful games that exist.”
*I curated the list below from Wholesome Games, Family Gaming Database, and Plugged In, as well as other sources. I have NOT played every single game below. I recommend watching the trailer, screenshots, and reading the bio before buying any game even from the list below.
Some of these games may have content you’re not comfortable with, so look them over first. If a demo is available, play it to see if you’re okay with the game before buying it.*
🏆 Core Wholesome Classics
- A Short Hike
- Stardew Valley
- Spiritfarer
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Unpacking
- Untitled Goose Game
- Chicory: A Colorful Tale
- TOEM: A Photo Adventure
- PowerWash Simulator
- Kind Words
- Lil Gator Game
- Celeste
🌸 Cozy & Narrative Favorites
- Lake
- Stray
- Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island
- Kena: Bridge of Spirits
- Tchia
- Planet of Lana
- The Garden Path
- Lost in Play
- Flock
- Naiad
- Venba
- Storyteller
- Season: A Letter to the Future
- The Touryst
- Dordogne
- Terra Nil
🎮 Cozy Sims & Builders
- Tiny Glade
- Dorfromantik
- Townscaper
- Mini Motorways
- Mini Metro
- Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan
- Ooblets
- Garden Story
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Adventures & Platformers
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- New Super Lucky’s Tale
- Astro’s Playroom
- Luigi’s Mansion 3
- Bugsnax
- Sneaky Sasquatch
- Webbed
🌊 Exploration & Relaxation
🧩 Puzzles & Unique Experiences
- Proteus
- Before Your Eyes
- Threes
- Hue
- The Gardens Between
- Thomas Was Alone
- Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
🌱 Family-Friendly RPGs
- Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered
- Miitopia
- Costume Quest 1 & 2
- Undertale
- Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling
🎌 Family-Friendly JRPGs
- Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
- Pokémon Series
- Fantasy Life
- Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition