Summary
- Valheim transforms camping into an art form, vital for surviving its Norse world.
- The Forest challenges players to camp on a dangerous island inhabited by hostile natives.
- Among Trees offers a serene camping experience in a vibrant forest, emphasizing nature and solitude.
There's more to camping than mere survival, especially in open-world video game worlds. Besides catching a tasty meal and a restorative sleep for a long-term buff, good camping gameplay offers immersion, a moment to organize, level up, and bond with party members. While there are plenty of games that would have their players travel the open world under heavy rainfall at night without rest, these games make camping feel purposeful.
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Done right, and players will feel sucked into a virtual wilderness. Done wrong and players might feel bogged down in tedious crafting, repetitive sitting animations, or the micromanaging tarps, ropes, and kindling that break the flow of exploration.
6 Valheim
Epic Viking Camping In A Mystic Wilderness
Valheim
- Released
- February 2, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- r
- Genre(s)
- Sandbox, Survival
From the moment players first touch down in their mystical purgatory, camping is essential for survival. Valheim turns camping into an art form within its vast procedurally generated world, steeped in epic Norse mythology. Players gather resources to craft tents, beds, and full bases, allowing them to rest and respawn safely while facing increasingly difficult beasts and bosses.
The game’s deep crafting and building systems mean that every campsite can evolve into a larger Viking homestead, creating a constant oscillation between the primal necessity of camping with epic base-building mechanics. The sense of progression, from a simple campfire to a fortified settlement, makes camping feel meaningful and rewarding.
5 Sons Of The Forest
Temporary Shelter And A Way To Stave Off Hunger (And The Hungry)
Sons of the Forest
- Released
- February 22, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Survival, Open-World, Survival Horror
Setting up camp on the edge of a forest brimming with hungry, hungry cannibals and rabid mutants probably doesn't sound like the wisest idea, nor does it sound favorable for getting a good night's rest. However, in The Forest, it's just about the only option, at least at first. Thankfully, the player isn't alone, as they will be accompanied by the well-articulated and helpful NPC, Kelvin, who can assist in building, crafting, and other activities.
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Sadly, Kelvin got into an accident that left him mute and deaf before the game begins, so it is not possible to scare away the fear or pass the time with a singsong or ghost story. The player can construct their own tent or find one ominously abandoned across the map, left empty and inviting by explorers who presumably met their end at the hands of human meat eaters.
4 Among Trees
A Lovely If Underbuilt Camp
Among Trees
- Released
- November 10, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
Among Trees trades combat and chaos for serenity and solitude, offering one of the most peaceful takes on open-world survival. Set in a vibrant, painterly forest filled with beauty and friendly foxes, this game leans heavily on atmosphere, encouraging players to slow down, explore, and build up a cozy cabin retreat deep in the woods.
Camping in Among Trees is about quiet moments by the fire, scavenging for materials, and making the most of limited daylight. Cooking simple meals, crafting tools, and sleeping under the stars all induce a mindful and meditative feeling. Although the visuals and slow gameplay loops are stunning and relaxing, camping in Among Trees might just be a one-night deal, as there is unfortunately little to do after around a few hours or so.
3 Final Fantasy 15
A Night Time Stop Along The Road
Final Fantasy 15
- Released
- November 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Language, Mild Blood, Partial Nudity, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
At the end of the day, when the light fades and daemons begin appearing in the deep dusk, Noctis and the gang can pull up by a haven to cook a meal, rest, and tally their experience points. Camping is an essential part of Final Fantasy 15's road trip story, as it is a time for the boys to share memories and bond.
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It's here that Ignis prepares beautifully rendered meals that grant potent buffs, while characters interact in heartfelt and endearing ways. Hotels are an alternative, and while they do boost XP gain at a price, they aren't quite as atmospheric or as intimate as camping at a haven.
2 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim (Anniversary Edition)
Fire And Light Against The Frost
Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
Wilderness survival and camping out seem like natural gameplay elements for The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, but it wasn't until "Survival Mode" and "Camping" were added into the Creation Club (or via community-made mods) that enjoying such activities in the home of the Nords was possible. Both additions, as well as many others conducive to immersive camping, were included in the Anniversary Edition.
With "Camping," players can craft their own tent, campfire, and cooking station, perfect for warming up and satiating hunger. Skyrim is known as one of the most immersive open-world games, so taking in the rugged mountains and icy lakes under starlight before sliding into a sleeping sack is naturally one of the most atmospheric ways to break up an adventure.
1 Red Dead Redemption 2
Camping Out In The Mythical Old West
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Could Red Dead Redemption 2 really be considered the ultimate western game without a campfire mechanic? Rockstar’s vast American frontier isn’t just filled with gunfights and heists, as it also allows players to slow down and live off the land for a little while. Arthur Morgan can set up a basic campfire in the wilds or return to his gang’s dynamic campsite, which evolves with the story and player contributions.
Cooking, crafting, and cleaning weapons by the fire helps keep Arthur alive and players immersed in his rugged outlaw life at a time when the so-called "Wild West" was drying up. Sitting around the fire is a chance to check in with the gang, hear new dialogue, and watch relationships subtly shift between jobs and shootouts.
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