Games to Play When High: Exploring the Psychedelic Playground

Games to Play When High: Exploring the Psychedelic Playground

When it comes to gaming, the experience can be vastly different depending on your state of mind. For those who enjoy a little herbal enhancement, the world of video games can transform into a surreal, immersive, and often hilarious adventure. Whether you’re looking to enhance your creativity, relax, or simply have a good laugh, there are plenty of games that pair perfectly with a elevated state of mind. Here, we delve into a variety of games that are particularly enjoyable when you’re high, exploring why they work so well and how they can enhance your experience.

1. Open-World Exploration Games

Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Red Dead Redemption 2 are perfect for when you’re high. The vast, open landscapes and the freedom to explore at your own pace can be incredibly soothing. When you’re high, the world feels more alive, and the attention to detail in these games can be mind-blowing. You might find yourself spending hours just wandering through the wilderness, marveling at the scenery, or getting lost in the intricate ecosystems.

Why It Works: The sense of freedom and discovery in open-world games can be amplified when you’re high, making every little detail feel more significant. The slow, deliberate pace of exploration can also be very meditative, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the game world.

2. Puzzle Games

Puzzle games like Tetris Effect or The Witness can be incredibly engaging when you’re high. The combination of visual and auditory stimulation, along with the mental challenge of solving puzzles, can create a deeply immersive experience. Tetris Effect, in particular, is known for its hypnotic visuals and music, which can feel almost transcendental when you’re in an altered state.

Why It Works: Puzzle games often require a different kind of focus, one that can be enhanced by the heightened sensory perception that comes with being high. The repetitive nature of games like Tetris can also be very soothing, creating a flow state that’s easy to get lost in.

3. Music and Rhythm Games

Games like Beat Saber or Thumper are perfect for when you’re high and want to lose yourself in a rhythm. The combination of music, visuals, and physical movement can create a euphoric experience that feels almost like a dance. Beat Saber, in particular, is a VR game that combines lightsabers with rhythm-based gameplay, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a little extra sensory stimulation.

Why It Works: Music and rhythm games tap into the primal part of your brain that responds to beats and patterns. When you’re high, this response can be heightened, making the experience feel more intense and enjoyable. The physical aspect of games like Beat Saber can also be a great way to channel your energy and stay active.

4. Surreal and Artistic Games

Games like Journey or Gris are perfect for when you’re high and looking for something more artistic and emotional. These games often have minimalistic gameplay but are rich in visual and emotional storytelling. Journey, for example, is a game about exploration and connection, with a stunning visual style and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.

Why It Works: Surreal and artistic games often rely on atmosphere and emotion rather than complex gameplay mechanics. When you’re high, these elements can feel more profound, allowing you to connect with the game on a deeper level. The abstract visuals and music can also be incredibly mesmerizing, creating a dreamlike experience.

5. Multiplayer Party Games

If you’re high with friends, multiplayer party games like Mario Kart or Overcooked can be a blast. These games are designed to be chaotic and fun, making them perfect for a group of people who are all in a relaxed, giggly state. The competitive nature of games like Mario Kart can lead to some hilarious moments, while the cooperative chaos of Overcooked can be both frustrating and hilarious.

Why It Works: Multiplayer party games are all about social interaction and having fun with others. When you’re high, the silliness and chaos of these games can be even more enjoyable, leading to lots of laughter and memorable moments. The simple, easy-to-understand gameplay also makes them accessible, even if you’re not in the most focused state of mind.

6. Horror Games

For those who enjoy a little thrill, horror games like Resident Evil or Amnesia: The Dark Descent can be incredibly intense when you’re high. The heightened senses and increased paranoia that come with being high can make every creak and shadow feel more terrifying. However, this can also make the experience more immersive and thrilling, as you become more deeply invested in the game’s atmosphere.

Why It Works: Horror games rely on tension and fear, which can be amplified when you’re high. The heightened sensory perception can make the game’s atmosphere feel more real, and the increased paranoia can make every little sound or movement feel like a threat. This can create a truly immersive and terrifying experience.

7. Creative Sandbox Games

Games like Minecraft or The Sims are perfect for when you’re high and feeling creative. These games allow you to build and create your own worlds, giving you complete freedom to express yourself. Whether you’re building a massive castle in Minecraft or designing the perfect home in The Sims, the creative possibilities are endless.

Why It Works: Creative sandbox games are all about self-expression and exploration. When you’re high, your creativity can flow more freely, allowing you to come up with unique and imaginative ideas. The open-ended nature of these games also means you can play at your own pace, making them perfect for a relaxed, creative session.

8. Narrative-Driven Games

Games like The Last of Us or Life is Strange are perfect for when you’re high and looking for a deep, emotional experience. These games are heavily story-driven, with complex characters and emotional narratives that can be incredibly moving. When you’re high, the emotional impact of these stories can feel even more profound, allowing you to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Why It Works: Narrative-driven games rely on storytelling and emotional engagement, which can be heightened when you’re high. The immersive nature of these games can make the story feel more real, and the emotional highs and lows can be more intense. This can create a deeply moving and memorable experience.

9. Retro and Nostalgic Games

Sometimes, when you’re high, you just want to revisit the games of your youth. Retro games like Super Mario Bros. or Sonic the Hedgehog can be incredibly nostalgic and fun to play when you’re in a relaxed state. The simple, straightforward gameplay and colorful visuals can be very soothing, and the nostalgia factor can make the experience even more enjoyable.

Why It Works: Retro games often have a simplicity and charm that can be very appealing when you’re high. The nostalgia factor can also make the experience more enjoyable, as you revisit games that hold a special place in your heart. The straightforward gameplay also makes these games easy to pick up and play, even if you’re not in the most focused state of mind.

10. Abstract and Experimental Games

Finally, if you’re looking for something truly unique, abstract and experimental games like LSD: Dream Emulator or Katamari Damacy can be incredibly fascinating when you’re high. These games often defy traditional gameplay conventions, offering strange, surreal experiences that can be both confusing and captivating.

Why It Works: Abstract and experimental games are all about breaking the rules and exploring new ideas. When you’re high, the surreal and unconventional nature of these games can feel even more intriguing, as your mind is more open to new and unusual experiences. The bizarre visuals and gameplay can create a truly unique and memorable experience.


Q: Can playing video games while high improve creativity?
A: Yes, many people find that being high can enhance their creativity, making games that involve building, designing, or problem-solving more enjoyable and rewarding.

Q: Are there any risks to playing video games while high?
A: While playing video games while high is generally safe, it’s important to be mindful of your mental state. Some people may find that certain games, especially horror or intense action games, can be overwhelming or anxiety-inducing when high.

Q: What are some good games to play with friends while high?
A: Multiplayer party games like Mario Kart, Overcooked, or Jackbox Party Pack are great options for playing with friends while high. These games are designed to be fun and chaotic, making them perfect for a relaxed, social setting.

Q: Can playing video games while high help with relaxation?
A: Absolutely! Many people find that playing relaxing, open-world, or puzzle games while high can be a great way to unwind and de-stress. The immersive nature of these games can help you escape from the pressures of everyday life.