To celebrate the Summer Solstice, we’re showcasing our top five survival exploration games. In each of these games, you can escape into the great outdoors as you try to rebuild your life and survive against various threats.
To ensure you can truly enjoy your wilderness explorations, we’ve paired all our games with one of our top PCs or laptops and a comfortable gaming chair.
Forager:
Explore, craft, and farm in the 2D survival game, Forager. Set your own path and goals to work towards, whether this is a gatherer, farmer, merchant, adventurer, or builder. Whatever path you decide to follow, you will need to start off small and build your base, whilst also expanding your skills.
Official PC System Specification:
| Minimum | |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows XP |
| Processor | 1.2GHz CPU |
| Memory | 1024MB RAM |
| Graphics | GPU with 512MB video memory |
| Storage | 200MB available space |
Top PC to Play Forager:
MSI Stealth 15 Gaming Laptop:
Pave your own path in Forager with the MSI Stealth 15 Gaming Laptop. Equipped with an Intel 13th Gen CPU, enjoy ultra-fast performance with enhanced efficiency, thanks to the hybrid P- and E-core architecture. What’s more, utilise the NVIDIA RTX 4060 to unlock enhanced Ray Tracing and AI capabilities, for greater immersion. All of which is kept cool and performing at optimum temperatures, thanks to the integrated Cooler Boost 5 thermal solution.
Lastly, take advantage of the 16.0’’ QHD+ display and up to 240Hz refresh rates, for high-visuals and silky-smooth frame rates.
MSI Stealth 16
- 16.0” QHD+ display
- Up to 240Hz refresh rates
- Includes an Intel i7-13700H CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4060
- 16GB DDR5 RAM
To ensure you remain comfortable whilst you craft, explore, and farm your way through Forager, why not pair the MSI Stealth 15M with a Nitro Concepts X1000 gaming chair?
Nitro Concepts X1000 Gaming Chair:
The Nitro Concepts X1000 has been built utilising a combination of breathable fabric and cold foam upholstery, to ensure you remain cool and comfortable for longer. Plus, the increase in contact surface area boasts improved ergonomics, which is enhanced further by the vast adjustability options. This includes 3D armrests, a Class 4 gas lift, and an integrated rocking mechanism.
To complete the look, the X1000 features a sleek all-black design with the iconic Nitro Concepts flame embroidered on the top of the headset.
Nitro Concepts X1000
- Built from high-quality PU leather and cold foam upholstery
- Adjustable ergonomics
- 3D armrests
- Integrated rocking mechanism
- Office Chair Certificate DIN EN 1335
- All-black design
Firewatch:
Transport back to 1989 deep in the Wyoming wilderness in Firewatch. In this single-player mystery game, play as Henry who has escaped his messy life and retreated to the wilderness of a fire lookout. Perched atop a mountain, overlooking the forest, it’s up to you to keep a watchful eye and protect the wilderness.
Your only companion is your supervisor, Delilah, who is accessible by a small handheld radio. When something unsettling catches your eye and draws you away from your lookout tower, venture through this unknown environment and become face to face with a series of life-altering questions and choices.
| Minimum | |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 7 |
| Processor | Intel i3 2GHz or equivalent |
| Memory | 6GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce 450 or better |
| DirectX | Version 11 |
| Storage | 4GB available space |
Top PC to Play Firewatch:
OcUK Gaming Tanto Configurable PC:
Enjoy venturing through the vast wilderness in Firewatch in stunning realistic quality with the OcUK Gaming Tanto PC. Utilise the Intel i3 12100F CPU for quick processing speeds and effortless multitasking, that is perfect for both work and play! Plus, with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, wave goodbye to pesky slow loading times, and enjoy near-zero latency with speeds of up to 3200MHz. What’s more, take advantage of the NVIDIA RTX 3060 to unlock photo-realistic visuals, with built-in support for Real-Time Ray Tracing and AI DLSS.
As a configurable gaming PC, you can choose to adjust the base hardware specification to perfectly suit your individual preferences. This includes opting for additional storage drives or a Wi-Fi adapter card.
OcUK Gaming Tanto
- Configurable PC
- As standard includes an Intel i3 12100F CPU and NVIDIA RTX 3060
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Flexible storage options
Enhance your own fire lookout tower with a noblechairs HERO gaming chair.
noblechairs HERO Gaming Chair Black Edition:
The noblechairs HERO gaming chair is the perfect addition to any set up. Constructed with vinyl leather and cold foam upholstery, this chair will keep you supported, comfortable, and cool, even during those long late-night gaming marathons. Complete with intelligent adjustable ergonomics, such as built-in lumbar support and 4D armrests, you can tailor this gaming chair to perfectly suit your individual needs.
noblechairs HERO Black Edition
- Built from a combination of vinyl leather and cold foam upholstery
- Integrated lumbar support
- Adjustable 4D armrests
- Memory foam headrest
Stardew Valley:
We can’t talk about the Summer Solstice without mentioning Stardew Valley. After inheriting your Grandpa’s old farm in the valley, you are armed with only some simple hand-me-down tools and a few coins, as you set off to rebuild your life. Forage, fish, craft, and mine to transform your farm whilst you learn to cultivate crops and animals.
Become a vital member of the community by aiding the local villagers, restoring the community centre, and who knows maybe even finding that special someone?
Official PC System Specification:
| Minimum | |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows Vista or higher |
| Processor | 2GHz CPU |
| Memory | 2GB RAM |
| Graphics Card | GPU with 256MB video memory |
| DirectX | Version 10 |
| Storage | 500MB available space |
Top PC to Play Stardew Valley:
Gigabyte AORUS 15 Gaming Laptop:
With the Gigabyte AORUS 15 Gaming Laptop, you’ll have everything you need to rebuild your life in Stardew Valley. Equipped with an Intel i7 13700H CPU, take advantage of the hybrid P- and E-core architecture to achieve powerful performance, even in intensive workloads. This is enhanced one step further thanks to 16GB of DDR5 RAM. What’s more, harness the NVIDIA RTX 4070, for enhanced Ray Tracing and AI capabilities.
All this vital hardware is kept cool thanks to the integrated Windforce Infinity thermal system. This combination of fans, heat pipes, and cooling fins all effectively dissipate heat away from your components. Lastly, take advantage of the 15.6’’ QHD display with up 165Hz refresh rates for stunning high-res visuals, ultra-fast frame rates, and response times.
Gigabyte AORUS 15
- 15.6” QHD display
- 165Hz refresh rates
- Includes an Intel i7 13700H CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4070
- 16GB DDR5 RAM
Cultivate your dream farm in Stardew Valley from the comfort of your very own ThunderX3 TC3 gaming chair.
ThunderX3 TC3 All White Gaming Chair:
The Thunder X3 TC3 gaming chair utilises a combination of intelligent AIR Tech and premium-quality synthetic leather. AIR Tech features both breathable materials and high-quality foam to deliver enhanced circulation. Both of which combined help to keep you cool and comfortable for longer. For improved ergonomics, the TC3 boasts enhanced adjustability. You can tailor the height, armrests, and rocking mechanism, along with the head and back cushions to suit you.
The finishing touches to this chair is its sleek black and white design, along with the engraved ThunderX3 logos.
ThunderX3 TC3
- Built from synthetic leather and intelligent AIR Tech.
- Enhanced adjustability
- Can tailor the height, armrests, and rocking mechanism to suit you
- 2-way armrests
- Sleek black and white design
Horizon Zero Dawn:
Join Aloy as she embarks on a legendary quest to unravel the secrets of the world in Horzion Zero Dawn. In a vivid world ruled by deadly machines, play as Aloy, an outcast from her tribe. As a young hunter, she is desperate to uncover the secrets of her past, discover her true destiny, and stop a catastrophic world threat.
On your journey to uncover who you are and fight back against the machines, explore a beautiful wild open world, that is brimming with danger around every corner.
Did you know Horizon Zero Dawn has its own board game? Here are some other great video games that are board games too!
Official PC System Specification:
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 | Windows 10 |
| Processor | Intel i5 2500K or AMD FX 6300 | Intel i7 4770K or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X |
| Memory | 8GB RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 or AMD Radeon R9 290 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580 |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Storage | 100GB available space | 100GB available space |
Top PC to Play Horizon Zero Dawn:
Refract Gaming Jade Pre-built PC:
The Refract Gaming Jade comes equipped with all the hardware you need to play Horizon Zero Dawn. This includes an AMD Ryzen 7 7700 CPU for ultra-fast processing and multitasking. What’s more, the NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti GPU will render all your favourite games in stunning photo-realistic quality with silky-smooth frame rates. Harness the 1TB SSD, to safely store your expanding gaming library, music, videos, creative projects, and much more!
Lastly, to offer you that extra peace of mind, each PC in the Refract Gaming range includes a three-year warranty, which also covers parts and labour.
Refract Gaming Jade
- Pre-built gaming PC
- Designed for mid-tier gaming and streaming
- Includes an AMD Ryzen 7 7700 CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti GPU
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- Comes with a three-year warranty
Embark on the legendary quest in Horizon Zero Dawn with the support of the stylish noblechairs ICON White gaming chair.
noblechairs ICON Gaming Chair White Edition:
Designed to support you during even the longest gaming marathons, the noblechairs white ICON has been built from high-tech vinyl upholstery and cold foam padding. Constructed from two different layers, this material boasts enhanced durability and a soft-to-the-touch finish for superior comfort. To keep you supported during gameplay, the ICON model features a spacious seat base, memory foam headset, and 4D adjustable armrests.
noblechairs ICON White Edition
- Made from high-tech vinyl and cold foam upholstery
- Features two different layers
- One to keep you cool, one that is soft-to-the-touch
- Includes a memory foam headset and 4D adjustable armrests
- All white design
The Long Dark:
In The Long Dark, explore the frozen wilderness as you live through the deadly aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. The threat you face isn’t the traditional deadly zombies, it’s the cold and Mother Nature. Every instinct you have will be tested as you are forced to think for yourself and to do anything to survive.
Official PC System Specification:
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 8 | Windows 10 |
| Processor | Intel dual core 2GHz CPU or equivalent | Intel i7 2.6GHz CPU or equivalent |
| Memory | 4GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Graphics | GPU with 512MB video memory or better | NVIDIA GTX 555 or better |
| Storage | 7GB available space | 7GB available space |
Top PC to Play Long Dark:
OcUK Gaming Radiance Frosty MK2 PC:
Small, yet mighty the OcUK Gaming Radiance Frosty MK2 is the perfect addition to your gaming set up. Harness the Intel i5 11400F CPU for ultra-fast speeds of up to 4.4GHz in both single- and multi-threaded tasks. This is enhanced further thanks to the 16GB of DDR4 RAM, enjoy zero input lag or latency, for an optimised gaming experience. Plus, with support for AI DLSS and Real-Time Ray Tracing, the NVIDIA RTX 3060 will render your games in incredible realistic quality with immersive lighting and shadows.
All this incredible hardware is installed within an all-white Micro-ATX case, complete with integrated RGB lighting and braided cables, that you can customise to suit your desired aesthetic.
Ocuk Gaming Radiance Frosty MK2
- Configurable gaming PC
- As standard includes an Intel i5 11400F CPU and NVIDIA RTX 3060 GPU
- Up to 32GB DDR4 RAM
- All-white Micro-ATX case with custom braided cables
Pair the OcUK Gaming Radiance Frosty MK2 with a gaming chair fit for nobility.
Aerocool Crown Nobility Black/White Gaming Chair:
The Aerocool Crown Black/White gaming chair has been constructed from a combination of high-density foam and breathable leatherette upholstery. Both of which deliver superior comfort and temperature control. What’s more, its robust steel frame ensures enhanced durability, so it stands strong for every gaming session.
Lastly, to further boost your comfort, the Aerocool Crown includes two plush neck and back cushions.
Aerocool Crown Nobility
- Built from a breathable leatherette and high-density foam
- Stainless steel frame
- Includes two plush neck and back cushions
- Stylish black and white design
Your Summer Solstice Celebrations?
How will you be celebrating the Summer Solstice this year? What exploration games will you be playing? Let us know down below.
PC specs are subject to change.
- 11 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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