While narratives, combat mechanics, and visuals are often considered the most important parts of video games, the music that accompanies these elements can also have a big impact on gameplay. The best soundtracks often capture the theme of the game perfectly, setting the tone for the player’s grand adventure in that virtual world.
Fans often listen to more relaxing soundtracks long after they’re done playing the games, as these remind them of their fun experiences while defeating enemies and learning about the characters. Of course, some of these soundtracks are also just great enough to listen to on their own or as background music while studying, working, or simply unwinding after a long day.
The Last Of Us
It may surprise a few people to know that a title with one of the best post-apocalyptic video game narratives gave fans mostly relaxing music. The hauntingly beautiful tracks from The Last of Us are the perfect background for the game’s dilapidated world that has been ravaged by the Infected.
Produced by Gustavo Santaolalla, the soundtrack is 56 minutes long, containing 30 songs. Tracks like “The Quarantine Zone (20 Years Later)” and “The Way It Was” seem to express the moving but brutal story of the game. It reminds players of Joel and Ellie’s difficult journey and brings them back to the quiet and treacherous ruins outside the city.
Undertale
Undertale is easily one of the more recognizable indie titles from the 2010s. The game that prioritizes player choice also gave fans a unique soundtrack, with each song corresponding to different segments and themes – from the moment the protagonist falls to the final battle.
The soundtrack was produced by the game’s developer, Toby Fox, and contains a whopping 101 songs spanning over two hours. Songs like “Once Upon a Time” and “Fallen Down” sound like modern reimaginations of classic music from 8-bit games. The synth-heavy tracks provide a serious but calm tone to the game, only picking up speed during difficult boss fights in the Underground.
Flower
It’s not surprising that one of the best games for plant lovers comes with a relaxing soundtrack. Flower’s music is an important part of the game, as it was designed by composer Vincent Diamante to change depending on how players interact with the world. The game’s OST has eight songs that span a little over an hour.
As players move the petals across stunning landscapes, songs like “Life as a Flower” and “Solitary” dynamically react to their every move, often adding new instruments or layers with the discovery of new areas. The tracks feature soothing acoustic and string instruments, making them ideal to listen to while unwinding.
Death Stranding
Sam Porter Bridges’ journey across the United Cities of America would not be complete without the epic soundtrack that’s attuned to every section of the game. Death Stranding’s OST features eight songs that span almost 30 minutes, with some tracks from popular bands like The Neighbourhood and Bring Me The Horizon.
Not every song in the album is totally relaxing, but most tracks can be meditative thanks to their evocative sound. The songs “Trigger” and “Death Stranding” stand out with their soft drum beats and synth music accompanying expressive lyrics that echo the protagonist’s story.
Everybody’s Gone To The Rapture
Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture proves that the end of the world comes with great music, thanks to director Jessica Curry’s hard work on the game’s OST. With 28 tracks spanning a little over an hour, the otherworldly music captures what it’s like to be the last person on earth.
The soothing soundtrack relies heavily on its woodwind orchestra, prominently featuring a violin and an impressive choir. The overwhelming emptiness and silence in the game serve to highlight this haunting music that dynamically changes with every new choice, location, and discovery in the small English town. Tracks like “Finding the Pattern” and “An Early Harvest” capture the feeling of irrational hope in the face of an inevitable apocalypse.
Ori And The Blind Forest
Composer Gareth Coker breathes life into one of the best adventure games on the Switch through an unforgettable soundtrack. The Metroidvania platformer Ori and the Blind Forest wouldn’t be the same without the uplifting music that complements its stunning visuals.
The 32 tracks that last for over an hour feature songs like “Ori, Lost in the Storm” and “First Steps into Sunken Glades,” marking each critical moment in the game. Its orchestral music often starts with more somber notes before slowly building up to inspiring crescendos. The OST is a reflection of Ori’s long journey through the game’s breathtaking world.
The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt gave fans iconic characters like Geralt of Rivia and Ciri who navigate the complex and dangerous world of the Continent. The game’s soundtrack was primarily composed by Marcin Przybyłowicz who relied on dramatic vocals and heavy percussive beats to produce the memorable musical score.
The OST has 35 tracks that span over one hour, featuring songs like “Wake Up, Ciri” and “Fate Calls.” While some of the songs are lively and upbeat, most of the tracks like “Whispers of Oxenfurt” and “Yes, I Do” are slower and more relaxing, representing the intimate moments in the game.
Celeste
Players control Madeline in Celeste, a short video game that can be finished over a weekend. As the protagonist fights her inner demons on her way to the top of a mountain, players get to listen to the perfect soundtrack that expresses the character’s inner struggles and growth.
Composer Lena Raine masterfully illustrates Madeline’s tough journey with a bit-inspired album that contains 21 tracks lasting over an hour and 40 minutes. It shows the drastic changes the character goes through with more somber tracks like “Prologue” turning into hopeful and inspiring songs like “First Steps.”
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons took the life simulation genre by storm when it was released last year. The game has been praised for its unique characters, relaxing gameplay, and uplifting music. Its soundtrack was only recently officially released as an impressive 7-disc collection featuring 268 tracks by several talented artists.
To match the chill activities players can do on their island, the soundtrack transports listeners to a tropical paradise through its soothing songs. With the gentle acoustic sounds and percussive beats of titles like “Irish Song” and “Osanpo,” each track is a lighthearted reminder to cheer up and enjoy every single day.
Journey
The profound stillness that encompasses the world of Journey is only made much better by its moving soundtrack. Composer Austin Wintory worked with the game designers to ensure that each note corresponds to players’ moves and choices, making the entire experience a more dynamic and immersive one.
With 18 tracks spanning almost an hour, the album is a creative take on orchestral music. There are electronic elements that punctuate the ethereal tracks, with songs like “The Call” and “Third Confluence” making players feel like they’re coasting along the sandy dunes and verdant mountains of Journey. It can be both relaxing and meditative to listen to the album, even for those who have never played the game.