Playing video games engages three key senses in the body, sight, touch, and hearing. Modern technology has brought the visual and physical gameplay quality up significantly from the original consoles. But what has been the most consistent over time is that video games produce some incredible music.
While there are some epic soundtracks that pump you up and some strike fear in your soul, there are others that help you relax and even dance along the edge of consciousness. Here is a compiled list of video game soundtracks that are perfect to listen to when you need to fall asleep.
10 Chrono Trigger
The Super Nintendo game, Chrono Trigger, is an oldie but a goodie. It has often been mentioned in many “best music in games” lists since its release in 1995 and for good reason.
The melodies of this soundtrack are as peaceful as they are mesmerizing.
Don’t be surprised if it only takes a few minutes for you to fall asleep with this on in the background, either that or it’ll give you a huge itch to pull out your retro system and play the game.
9 Any Game From The Legend Of Zelda Franchise
The Legend of Zelda franchise is one of the most epic game franchises in the history of gaming, and the soundtracks play a huge role in why. The background music of running or galloping across Hyrule is often a highlight for any installment in the franchise.
The forests, temples, and deserts also bring their own tone and environment that transports you to a world of dreams. Set your game to pause and you can easily take a relaxing nap before your next grind.
8 Kingdom Hearts
Sora’s journey to the many different worlds of Disney and Pixar takes place in the game Kingdom Hearts. Kingdom Hearts has one of the most majestic soundtracks in gaming, which is no surprise considering it is connected to Disney.
Listen to the song “Simple and Clean” for example. This song, along with “Dearly Beloved,” highlights one of the most beautifully composed soundtracks in all of gaming.
The piano strokes are a masterpiece, and if you can’t fall asleep to this, try again.
7 Minecraft
For those who have played Minecraft, they know that the soundtrack is subtle, yet engaging. The music features soft tones and peaceful melodies perfect for lulling you to sleep.
Whether you’re on a mining trip, raiding a village, or building a castle of sand you’ll enjoy these gentle tunes.
If you are a late-night gamer, beware that if you are playing in peaceful mode, the game’s overall chill vibe will probably lead you to fall asleep in the middle of playing. We don’t recommend doing this near gravel though, not speaking from experience of course.
6 Legends Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
Yes, Ocarina of Time gets its own mention, it’s just that good. Legends of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is the definition of peaceful and serene music.
“Epona’s Song,” “Zelda’s Lullaby” (it’s in the name!), and “Song of Storms” are three of the many songs that could easily put one to bed. The background music, apart from the main music, features the same strengths as the other installations of the franchise, but when you mix in sweet tunes of the Ocarina, it takes the serenity to a whole new level.
5 Ori And The Blind Forest
What kind of music would you anticipate a game with a mystical forest, reborn elements, and spirit trees to have? You guessed it! Peace-FULL! The chimes and softness of this game could make you feel like you're falling asleep in a mysterious wonderland.
The music perfectly represents the journey to save the forest from withering any further and bringing back the spirits that once filled it with fantastical energies. It can be hard to imagine what something like that sounds like, so the next time you need a snooze check it out.
4 The Child Of Light
The violin has to be one of the most soothing sounds in the world, and when played to a slow and hopeful medieval-time vibe? Well, you won’t be staying awake very long. Don't put this soundtrack on if you’re trying to chill in bed for a while.
This is knockout music. It's in the same vein of music as Lord of the Rings or The Witcher, but where this soundtrack gets its leg up is that it follows the optimism of fighting back death and bringing everything back to the light.
Plus, who does not love professional orchestras?
3 Genshin Impact
Pairing with the violin being one of the most relaxing instruments, the Celtic tunes of the flute are not far behind it, and Genshin Impact's hopeful and triumphant vibes feel like something straight from the lullabies of the elves from Middle Earth.
The game is similar in its own right, as you explore vast lands of the unknown with bright landscapes and fun puzzles, the music often follows suit with what you are doing like when a flute can be heard while wind powers are being used a very clever use of instrumental types.
2 Animal Crossing New Horizons
Maybe not a traditionally serene and peaceful piece of music, one still can’t help but feel genuine warmth and happiness while listening to the wonderful music of Animal Crossing New Horizons.
The cheerful bumps and pumps of the trombone aren’t exactly what you think of when you want something to put you out, but give it a shot and watch yourself have some task-oriented island sleep.
1 Journey
Breathtaking, sobering, and awe-inspiring is how we would describe being on a deep space adventure. Journey’s soundtrack will softly whisper you to sleep as you fall into the mysterious tunes completely resetting your atmosphere to one mode: PEACE.
When faced with the great vastness of nothing it can be daunting to realize just how little you are, but Journey's music brings along this feeling with a sense of epicness and hope. It truly transcends the idea of peace in the midst of chaos and brings in a whole new level of serenity.