If you’ve ever packed a game console along with your sunscreen, you know the truth: vacations are perfect for diving into a long RPG (role-playing game, where you build a character, follow a story, and lose track of time). Every summer, writers and players rediscover this, highlighting how we want to spend our downtime.
The Vacation Gaming Dilemma
Figuring out what to play on a trip isn’t as easy as it seems. Should you choose something challenging and skill-based, like a tough platformer? Or go for something you can pick up and put down quickly? According to The Verge’s writers sharing their vacation game picks, RPGs keep coming out on top over reflex-heavy games.
This makes sense. A game like Super Meat Boy 3D requires your full attention and patience, while a card-based roguelike like Slay the Spire II is engaging but relentless. An RPG, on the other hand, adapts to your energy level. Feeling tired after a travel day? You can stroll through a virtual town. Ready to tackle a dungeon? Go for it. Few other genres can adjust to your mood like this.
Why RPGs Fit Vacation Brain
Think of an RPG like a great vacation novel. You don’t have to start from the beginning every time you pick it up. The story rewards patience rather than quick reactions. That’s the mental gear most people shift into while away from work.
Let’s also consider the time aspect. The average RPG takes anywhere from 40 to 100-plus hours to finish. Most people don’t complete them during a regular week filled with distractions. But a five-day vacation with free evenings? You might actually make some headway. You could see a story arc through from start to finish for the first time.
Portable hardware has made this even easier. The Nintendo Switch 2 (Nintendo’s latest hybrid console, functioning both as a handheld and a TV-connected device) means you won’t need to lug around a laptop or compete for the hotel TV. Both PlayStation and Xbox offer remote play features, letting you stream games from your home console to your phone or tablet. The hassle of vacation gaming has dropped significantly in recent years.
What’s People Are Actually Playing
The current buzz on gaming forums shows a mix of new releases and returning favorites filling vacation bags. Big narrative RPGs with compelling writing often lead these lists because they justify the emotional investment that vacations allow.
While Slay the Spire II is technically a deckbuilder (where you collect and play cards to defeat enemies), it straddles this line. Players say it’s the kind of game where “just one more run” can turn into a four-hour session before you know it, which can be good or bad on a trip depending on your self-control.
Community Reactions
“Every single vacation I tell myself I’ll finally finish [a long RPG], and every single vacation I actually do it. There’s something about not having work brain that lets the story actually land.”
“Honestly, the Switch changed vacation gaming for me completely. I used to just doom-scroll at the airport. Now I have 30 hours of content in my carry-on.”
What This Means for Everyday Players
If you’ve got a trip planned and haven’t picked a game, consider an RPG. You’ll likely finish more of it. With a lower reflex requirement, jet lag or a few vacation drinks won’t ruin your session. Plus, the long-form storytelling gives you something to ponder between activities, just like a good book.
For parents traveling with kids, co-op or family-friendly RPGs serve a dual purpose. These games often have enough excitement to keep younger travelers engaged, even if they’re not holding a controller.
If you don’t own a Switch 2 yet, both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles have companion apps that let you stream your home library to your phone. The stream quality depends on your hotel Wi-Fi, which can be unreliable, but it’s a free option worth trying before buying anything new.
| Stat | Figure |
|---|---|
| Average RPG playtime | 40–100+ hours |
| Nintendo Switch 2 launch year | 2025 |
| Slay the Spire II current status | Early Access |
| PS5 / Xbox remote play cost | Free with console ownership |
What To Watch
- Summer 2025 RPG releases: Several major RPGs are set for mid-year launches. If you’re planning a summer trip, keep an eye on announcements at gaming showcases in June, when publishers typically reveal release windows.
- Slay the Spire II full launch: The game is currently in Early Access (a paid, unfinished version available to players while it’s still being developed). A full release date isn’t confirmed, but community interest is high, leading to frequent updates.
- Nintendo Switch 2 game library growth: The console launched with a modest lineup, and the holiday 2025 window is expected to bring the bigger RPG releases that handheld players have been waiting for.
Sources: The Verge: There’s nothing like an RPG over vacation
Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a digital culture journalist at Explosion.com covering social media platforms, streaming services, and the creator economy. With 4 years reporting on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and the apps that shape daily life, Ava specializes in explaining platform policy changes and their impact on everyday users. She previously managed social media strategy for a tech startup, giving her firsthand experience with the platforms she now covers.
