There’s no denying the impact of C418’s twinkling, piano-driven Minecraft music. The soundtrack has been streamed millions of times on Spotify and has found its way onto hugely popular playlists such as ‘Reading Chill Out’ and ‘Trending Moods (No Lyrics)’. Last year, it became the first full game album added to the US Library Of Congress’ National Recording Registry, which celebrates “culturally, historically or aesthetically important” recordings.
Basically, it set the bar for gorgeous and relaxing video game music – but it’s not the only collection you could be turning to when you want some chill-out jams. Grab your cucumber face mask, a pint of chamomile tea and press play on these beautiful soundtracks.
‘Undertale’
Composer: Toby Fox
Inspired by the chirpy 16-bit Super Nintendo era of video games, the music of Undertale has an undeniable warmth to it. At times, the bleeping melodies offer pure nostalgia but the way it veers between different moods – from slow-burning lullabies to energetic, urgent dancefloor-fillers and everything in-between – makes it one of the most interesting gaming soundtracks of modern times.
Most chill track: ‘Fallen Down’
‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows (LoFi Girl remix)’
Composer: The Flight
The full-fat Assassin’s Creed Shadows soundtrack is more than three hours long and covers agile young ninja Naoe’s slinking stealth levels as well as the more destructive path taken by hulking samurai Yasuke. The brilliant remix album from Lofi Girl focuses solely on the prettier moments, comprising 47 minutes of pure open-world escapism.
Most chill track: ‘Prithvi – A Moment of Sweetness Remix’
‘Wanderstop’
Composer: C418
More than a decade after establishing Minecraft as its own genre of music as well as the world’s most successful video game with his iconic, ambient themes, C418 released the score to adorably cutesy tearoom game Wanderstop. Set in a magical forest where you have to brew passing strangers the perfect cuppa, this cosy title is all about being present – and C418’s twinkling music goes down an absolute treat.
Most chill track: ‘Earl Grey Pt. 1’
‘Celeste’
Composer: Lena Raine
Lena Raine was hired to create the soundtrack for hit indie platformer Celeste because of her ability to weave together lush ambient music with more urgent techno and chiptune beats. The end result is a stunning, 100-minute score that’s both electrifying and delicate, as well as utterly mesmerising.
Most chill track: ‘Exhale’
‘Journey’
Composer: Austin Wintory
For years, Austin Wintory thought all the people telling him that his haunting score for indie adventure game Journey was the perfect study aid were insulting him. “I was worried they all thought it was boring,” he told NME recently. How wrong he was. The soaring, evocative orchestral music is just that bewitching; you can’t help but be taken elsewhere.
Most chill track: ‘Apotheosis’
‘Donkey Kong Country’
Composers: David Wise, Eveline Fischer and Robin Beanland
DK and music go furry hand in hand, though the great ape is best known for frantic bongo rhythm game Konga, the cheesy ‘DK Rap’ or the pop-tacular Bananza. While those are all chest-beatingly energetic, the diverse soundtrack for 1994’s Donkey Kong Country is a sprawling tropical trip through jazz, electropop and ambient music that tops the lot.
Most chill track: ‘Donkey Kong Country Theme’
‘Planet Coaster’
Composers: Jim Guthrie, J.J. Ipsen
Planet Coaster might bill itself as a ‘business simulator’ but building your own theme park was never going to be dull or boring. The dynamic soundtrack is just as playful, reacting in real-time to whatever candy floss-fuelled shenanigans you get up to in your virtual wonderland. For streaming though, developers decided to focus on the game’s more relaxing side. The curated selection of warm folk music is more float-down-the-lazy-river than gravity-defying rollercoaster.
Most chill track: ‘Theories Of An Eager Heart’
‘Tunic’
Composers: Janice Kwan, Terence Lee (Lifeformed)
Tunic features lost legends, ancient powers, ferocious monsters and an adorable sword-wielding fox. The soundtrack is just as fantastical, with 60 exquisite instrumental songs providing a doorway into another land.
Most chill track: ‘Flux Is On’
‘The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild’
Composers: Manaka Kataoka, Yasuaki Iwata and Hajime Wakai
The long-running series might be known for epic battles with horrid beasties, but there are plenty of Zelda soundtracks that would have worked on this more tranquil list. Out of all the grand, inspirational and charming entries though, Breath Of The Wild is easily the most mellow. Press play and imagine yourself riding through endless green fields on the back of Link’s trusty steed Epona.
Most chill track: ‘Main Theme’
‘Final Fantasy 7’
Composer: Nobuo Uematsu
Another series famed for its absolutely killer soundtracks. For this one, composer Nobuo Uematsu took advantage of the original PlayStation’s far more powerful audio capabilities to create something truly grand in scope. There are many cinematic moments across the 85-track, 255-minute score, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
Most chill track: ‘Flowers Blooming In The Church’
‘Ecco The Dolphin’
Composer: Spencer Nilsen
Ecco The Dolphin might be one of the most frustratingly difficult games ever made. Sure, the idea of exploring the lost city of Atlantis and stopping an alien invasion sounds exciting, but game developers were worried players would complete it over a single weekend so made it unfairly tough in the hopes of getting extra money from repeated rentals. It doesn’t matter what rock or coral formation you get stuck behind though, the Pink Floyd-inspired music makes it an absolute treat.
Most chill track: ‘Medusa Bay’
‘Blue Prince’
Composers: Trigg & Gusset
Blue Prince is a moody, melancholic strategy game where you explore a mysterious manor house, Mt. Holly, and try to get to the infamous, hidden Room 46 in order to claim your inheritance. Adding to the creeping, lonely atmosphere is Trigg & Gusset’s rugged orchestral soundtrack, which confidently sticks to the mantra ‘less is more’.
Most chill track: ‘Westwardly Winds’