I wouldn’t really call myself a gamer. I don’t think there was ever a time when I really used video games as a means of winding down or relaxing, outside of a few I played online when I was younger. Having a boyfriend who is more of a gamer, however, has helped to get me more interested in playing video games in general and to reconnect with the joy I felt when I first played Diablo II. This is what’s led me to become a Happy Little Farmer who also makes little adorable stickers.
The Start Of My Stardew Valley Journey
What do I mean by that? A few months ago now, I downloaded the computer game Stardew Valley via Steam based off of some recommendations on cozy, low-stakes games that would be good for getting into the habit of playing. For anyone who hasn’t played, this game’s premise is as follows:
“You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley.
Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life!”
Basically you play as this adorable, pixelated farmer who just moved to Stardew Valley. You plant seeds; harvest crops; mine for precious metals and resources in the mines; raise cows and little chickens; and complete quests as the game moves through all four seasons. You can form relationships with characters if you want to and build your farm to be how you want it! Stardew Valley has the same general vibes as Animal Crossing (which I would totally play if I could get it on a computer) and is overall very comforting and cozy to play.
I have two games going currently: one that is my own, and a co-op with a friend of mine. She’s played it before so I more or less follow her instructions and let her lead the way in the co-op; In fact, I have finally reached eight hearts with Elliot in the co-op and just started dating him. My personal game is way behind in the quests and storylines, but it’s just about having a good time! Highly recommend it if you’re looking for something really laid back to just have fun with. I love my little in-game chickens!
My Expansion Into Sticky Business
Speaking of cozy games with no real stakes — my friend who I play Stardew with every week or so introduced me to Sticky Business, which is on Steam as well. In this game, you have your own small business making stickers and sending them out to customers; you design stickers in the game and can pack them in boxes with different box filler paper to ship out! It’s very relaxed (even more relaxed than Stardew), you can take your time, you can be creative, and the stickers you make you can actually save and print if you wanted to.
Think of Sticky Business as something you’d play short before you go to bed to really wind down and not concentrate too hard. I also highly recommend this adorable game!
My Gaming PC Project & Return to Diablo
With my foray into being a cozy gamer, I would love to eventually play Diablo again. Like I said before, I used to play when I was younger but I fell off of it when life got busy. My hope is to be able to do that when I’m finished building my very own gaming PC! I spent Amazon Prime Day, a trip or two to Micro Center, and a full list on PCPartPicker (put together with great help from the boyfriend) buying all the pieces I need to buy my very own gaming PC — including a Logitech POP Keys Wireless Mechanical Emoji Keyboard and a white tower case. Construction is ongoing but I’m so excited for (and will update you on) the final result!
