Summer is here! If you’re wanting to experience the hot season virtually with some well-loved games, I’ve put together a list of seven, featuring ocean adventures, gorgeous beach scenery, tropical islands, and the general summery vibes you’re searching for.

Waterpark Simulator

Waterpark Simulator is a first-person business management game where you are expected to run your own waterpark from the ground up. The possibilities are endless in this one. I discovered this simulator from the popular Twitch streamer CaseOh, who made his run the funniest thing possible with his choices throughout, the immersive gameplay he provided, and his viewers adding fuel to the disastrous waterpark he named “Goob Lagoon.” I highly recommend either playing the game yourself or watching his entire playthrough here.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Whether it’s your first time or tenth, loading up Animal Crossing: New Horizons will always be a good vibe during the summer. Turning the deserted island into a lively community filled with animals you discover across other areas is the highlight here, but the other activities have that summery feeling you might be looking for. You can go fishing, catch insects, dive for sea creatures, garden, and more. The game also matches the real-world seasons and time, so you would be playing during the summer if you boot it up now!

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Assassin’s Creed is known for its amazing historical accuracy, scenery, and engaging gameplay. Though, during the summer, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has to be my pick for the summer. After choosing between Spartan protagonists, Alexios or Kassandra, you’re catapulted into a conflict set in Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War . The map is massive and beautiful, featuring gorgeous cities and scenic ship traversal. Honorary mention: Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is just as summery as Odyssey is with the option to hop aboard a big ship as well. Spartan mercenary or pirate-assassin? The choice is yours!

Sea of Thieves

Staying on the theme of ship traversal, grab a mate and try Sea of Thieves! In this online game, you play as a pirate, sailing the open ocean on the hunt for treasure, complete missions, or just whatever your heart desires. It’s not rare to encounter players in the area, but I think that’s the best part of the game. They can turn out to be friends or foes, giving the experience an unpredictable element as you explore. 

Grand Theft Auto V

It’s no secret that Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026. With that being said, summer of ‘26 is the last time you might load into the fifth installment of GTA. Experience the sunny skies of Los Santos one more time before diving into the new game. Vespucci Beach is calling your name.

Subnautica 2

If you enjoyed the first Subnautica game, be sure to grab the early access for the second one. I’ve heard nothing but great reviews about Subnautica 2. You can play this one with other divers unlike the others titles in the series and I’ve heard it’s a lot less scary if that is something that prevents you from touching the others.

Dead Island 2

This first-person zombie shooter allows you to customize your experience either solo or with friends in an infested Los Angeles. Playing this game definitely fits the summer mood you might be aiming for, but on a horrifying scale as you attempt to fight for your life. I recommend it if you’re into action-packed, graphic gameplay with a beautiful beach in the foreground.

Let us know in the comments if you’ll pick up one of these video games for the summer! Are there honorable mentions you think should be included? We’ll be happy to discuss it in the Boss Rush Discord server! 

Featured Image Credit: Nintendo (via Shacknews)

Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast about Video Games

The Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast about Video Games – is the flagship show of the Boss Rush Network and Boss Rush Media. Each week, hosts⁠ Corey Dirrig and LeRon Dawkins⁠ are joined by friends, fellow creators, indie developers, and industry veterans to discuss the latest in the world of video games, including news, rumors, new releases, and what they’ve been playing. They also answer listener questions, debate important industry topics and Boss Rush Banter discussion points, and feature a rotating weekly segment. New episodes post every Monday.

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