
When you’re in an altered state of mind, the world of gaming can transform into a surreal, immersive experience. The right game can amplify your high, taking you on a journey that feels almost otherworldly. Whether you’re looking for something visually stunning, emotionally resonant, or just plain fun, there’s a game out there that will perfectly complement your elevated state. Here are some of the best games to play when high, along with a few unconventional suggestions that might just blow your mind.
1. Journey (2012)
- Why It’s Great When High: Journey is a visually stunning, emotionally charged game that feels like a dream. The minimalist storytelling, combined with the breathtaking desert landscapes, creates an experience that’s both meditative and profound. When you’re high, the game’s abstract narrative and ethereal soundtrack can feel even more immersive, as if you’re truly embarking on a spiritual quest.
- Pro Tip: Play with a friend. The game’s anonymous multiplayer feature allows you to encounter other players on the same journey, and the connection you feel with them can be incredibly moving.
2. No Man’s Sky (2016)
- Why It’s Great When High: No Man’s Sky is a universe-sized sandbox that lets you explore procedurally generated planets, each with its own unique flora, fauna, and landscapes. When you’re high, the sheer scale of the game can feel overwhelming in the best way possible. The vibrant colors, strange creatures, and endless possibilities make it a perfect game for getting lost in.
- Pro Tip: Turn off the HUD and just wander. The game’s beauty lies in its exploration, and without the distractions of objectives, you can truly lose yourself in the cosmos.
3. Katamari Damacy (2004)
- Why It’s Great When High: Katamari Damacy is a quirky, absurd game where you roll a sticky ball around, picking up objects to make it bigger. The game’s whimsical art style, catchy soundtrack, and bizarre premise make it a joy to play when you’re high. The simple mechanics are easy to grasp, but the sheer absurdity of rolling up everything from thumbtacks to skyscrapers can be mind-bending.
- Pro Tip: Play with friends and take turns. The game’s short levels and hilarious outcomes make it a great party game for a group of stoned friends.
4. The Stanley Parable (2013)
- Why It’s Great When High: The Stanley Parable is a narrative-driven game that plays with your expectations and perceptions of reality. The game’s meta-commentary on choice, free will, and the nature of video games can be incredibly thought-provoking when you’re high. The narrator’s dry humor and the game’s surreal twists and turns make it a perfect choice for a mind-bending experience.
- Pro Tip: Don’t rush through it. Take your time to explore every nook and cranny, and don’t be afraid to make “wrong” choices. The game rewards curiosity and experimentation.
5. Abzû (2016)
- Why It’s Great When High: Abzû is an underwater exploration game that feels like swimming through a living painting. The game’s vibrant marine life, soothing soundtrack, and serene atmosphere make it a perfect choice for a relaxed, meditative experience. When you’re high, the game’s beauty can feel almost overwhelming, as if you’re truly diving into another world.
- Pro Tip: Play in a dark room with headphones. The game’s sound design is incredible, and the immersive experience will be even more profound.
6. LSD: Dream Emulator (1998)
- Why It’s Great When High: LSD: Dream Emulator is a surreal, experimental game that simulates the experience of dreaming. The game’s disjointed, nonsensical environments and events can be incredibly disorienting, but when you’re high, they can also feel strangely meaningful. The game’s abstract nature makes it a perfect choice for a psychedelic experience.
- Pro Tip: Don’t try to “win” or make sense of the game. Just let it wash over you and enjoy the bizarre, dreamlike journey.
7. Minecraft (2011)
- Why It’s Great When High: Minecraft is a sandbox game that lets you build, explore, and survive in a blocky, procedurally generated world. When you’re high, the game’s open-ended nature can feel incredibly freeing. Whether you’re building a massive castle, exploring deep caves, or just wandering through the landscape, Minecraft offers endless possibilities for creativity and exploration.
- Pro Tip: Play in Creative Mode. Without the pressure of survival, you can focus on building and exploring, which can be incredibly relaxing and satisfying.
8. Rez Infinite (2016)
- Why It’s Great When High: Rez Infinite is a rhythm-based shooter that combines pulsating music, vibrant visuals, and hypnotic gameplay. The game’s synesthetic experience can be incredibly intense when you’re high, as the music, visuals, and gameplay all blend together into a seamless, immersive experience.
- Pro Tip: Play in VR if you can. The game’s immersive qualities are even more pronounced in virtual reality, making it a truly mind-blowing experience.
9. Stardew Valley (2016)
- Why It’s Great When High: Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game that offers a peaceful, relaxing escape from the stresses of everyday life. When you’re high, the game’s slow pace and charming pixel art can feel incredibly soothing. Whether you’re tending to your crops, fishing by the river, or exploring the mines, Stardew Valley offers a comforting, meditative experience.
- Pro Tip: Take your time. The game’s beauty lies in its simplicity, and there’s no rush to achieve anything. Just enjoy the process of building your farm and connecting with the townsfolk.
10. Superhot (2016)
- Why It’s Great When High: Superhot is a first-person shooter where time only moves when you do. The game’s unique mechanic creates a surreal, almost cinematic experience that can feel incredibly intense when you’re high. The minimalist visuals and slow-motion action make it a perfect choice for a mind-bending, adrenaline-pumping experience.
- Pro Tip: Play in short bursts. The game’s intensity can be overwhelming, so take breaks to let your mind process what just happened.
Q&A
Q: Can playing video games while high enhance the experience? A: Absolutely! When you’re high, your senses are heightened, and your perception of time and space can change. This can make games feel more immersive, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant. However, it’s important to choose games that match your mood and energy level.
Q: Are there any risks to playing video games while high? A: While playing video games while high can be a fun and enjoyable experience, it’s important to be mindful of your limits. Some games can be intense or overwhelming, especially if you’re in an altered state of mind. Make sure to take breaks, stay hydrated, and avoid games that might cause anxiety or discomfort.
Q: What are some other games that are great to play when high? A: Other great options include Tetris Effect, Gris, Firewatch, The Witness, and Elite Dangerous. Each of these games offers a unique experience that can be enhanced by an altered state of mind.
Q: Can playing video games while high help with creativity? A: Yes! Many people find that being high can enhance their creativity, and playing games that encourage exploration, experimentation, and problem-solving can be a great way to tap into that creative energy. Games like Minecraft, The Sims, and LittleBigPlanet are particularly good for this.
Q: Is it better to play alone or with friends when high? A: It depends on your mood and the type of game. Some games, like Journey or No Man’s Sky, can be incredibly moving when played alone, while others, like Mario Kart or Overcooked, are more fun with friends. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that feels right for you in the moment.