Ride the heat wave with these ice cold gaming tips

Our controllers are sweatier than ever

With the unprecedented heat waves that are sweeping the country, it feels like there isn’t anything we can do to escape these triple-digit temperatures. Of course, we can always escape into another world entirely, and video games are the perfect conduit for doing just that. If you’re feeling like you’re about to melt into a puddle of goo, here’s our guide to using cool summer games to help you beat the heat.

Seek out cool settings

One of the most refreshing games I can think of is Super Mario Sunshine, not just because of its innovative gameplay, but because having a magical sentient water jet on my back sounds like the dream right now. There are also games like Abzu, Subnautica, and Beyond Blue, which allow you to take on the role of a scuba diver. When it’s just too damn hot, nothing feels better than plunging into a big body of water, and if you can’t do it in real life, this is easily the next best thing.

Try going for flow state

Online multiplayer games can be great for this, especially twitchy FPS titles like Call of Duty, Overwatch, Apex Legends, Valorant, etc. It can feel pretty transcendent when you get into a groove, and I’m pressed to find any other genres that get me to an equally euphoric flow state as quickly, but beware of the flip side of that coin – these types of games can have pretty high highs, but that opens the door to some low lows as well. At least you won’t have to worry about your hands being warmed up enough, right?

Rhythm games are another great option if you’re into that sort of thing. Got your old Guitar Hero or Rock Band instruments collecting dust? Maybe it’s time to bust those out again! Or if roguelikes are more your thing, maybe try Tomb of the Necrodancer or its Zelda spinoff, Cadence of Hyrule.

I’ve also heard Tetris Effect is incredible for achieving flow state, but I’ve yet to give that one a try. Someone let me know how it is, yeah?

Chill out in a figurative sense first

There are also more artistic, poetic games that can be really soothing, especially because they don’t have any sort of fail state. Journey or Flower are my favorites in that regard, but pretty much anything from thatgamecompany will do.

If you’re more narratively inclined, I also recommend games like What Remains of Edith Finch or Gone Home. There’s also Telltale’s old catalog you could work your way through — some of them can be a bit intense, but at least you don’t have to strain yourself when it comes to gameplay.

Switch on that Switch for cool summer games

Plus, large consoles like a PlayStation or Xbox, or a PC, often pump large amounts of hot air into your room. Sure, the Switch may not have the processing power to game in 4K, but what it lacks in graphical superiority, it makes up for in that it doesn’t act as a mini-furnace.

We know times are tough out there, so in all seriousness, we hope you can find some of this helpful. Make sure to stay hydrated as best you can, take care of yourself, and we wish you happy, chilled-out gaming!