Summary
One of the most niche art styles in video games seems to be watercolor, which is a shame. Muted color palettes, lack of lines, or at least keeping the colors in the lines, and a hint of transparency to colors make these games unlike anything else on the market in terms of visuals. These games have become synonymous with strong emotional narratives.
Of course, it would be great to see the medium branch out, as many hand-drawn games vary from genre to genre. It would be great to see a survival horror game or stealth game done in this unique style, but that is just wishful thinking. These are the best watercolor games you can play right now.
2025-05-30
Platform(s)
PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Developer(s)
UN JE NE SAIS QUOI, UMANIMATION
Play as Mimi in this puzzle adventure game as she returns to Dordogne, a province of France, due to her grandmother’s death. But she did not leave without saying goodbye, even if it was said in a less traditional way. Complete a series of puzzles to help relive Mimi’s childhood memories and learn new things along the way in thisrelaxingadventure.
This may just be the epitome of watercolor games. This French game is hand-drawn, which isn’t uncommon for games of this particular art style, but the effect in this one is breathtaking, creating a visual feast for the eyes. It’s soft, which really lends itself to the story’s emotional pull.
Delve into Japanese folklore and mythology in this older game. Play as a white wolf who so happens to be Amaterasu, the sun goddess, as you set out on your journey to save the world from a demon.
This game is one of the most recognizable watercolor-esque games on the market (you may argue it is more like ink than watercolor, but the game is partially inspired by Japanese watercolor and sumi-e). This game is not a quiet one, but the style is perfect for it all the same. It even includes painting in its Celestial Brush feature, which can be used in all components of the game, adding another layer to the storytelling.
Play as Aurora in this fairy tale RPG that’ll surely pull on your heartstrings. Aurora wakes up in a strange world, nothing like her own, that is being overtaken by a dark sorceress. Adventure through the world, make friends, reclaim the light, and destroy evil while also helping your home world. This is a narrative-driven game with platforming elements.
Child of Light is truly a fairy tale brought to life. The art style brings in the whimsical elements of this world seamlessly. Its whimsy also adds to its sorrow as you delve more into the story and learn the truth of Aurora’s journey.
2025-06-11
PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Level-5
This game definitely may stretch what watercolor means, but there are just enough features for it to be, well, close enough. This RPG features Oliver as he journeys to bring back his mother. The world is dangerous, but it is kind too.
In order to create this game, developers collaborated with Studio Ghibli for everything from story to animation to music, which really makes the game special. This is also why the art style is so intriguing. you’re able to definitely tell it is inspired by watercolor with its soft colors and painted backgrounds, but is it the perfect definition of a watercolor game? Definitely not. But regardless of where you stand on the art style, this isn’t a game you’ll want to miss out on.
This game may be defined as a platformer, but that really does very little in defining what exactly it is. It is more of a narrative-driven game that does not use words. Enter the mind of a young girl as she deals with sorrow and grief.
As a game with very few words, the art style really means a lot and makes it what it is. The visuals are soft yet striking. It is beautiful and sad andexplorative. There are lots of pinks with blueish greens to give that dreamy feeling while also having an intriguing contrast to keep your eyes on the screen. This is a very clever way of going about a narrative game.
3Book Of Travels
While you may only play a portion of this game now, this multiplayer RPG is one that’s sure to make the cut based on its current state. This game has a strong focus on lore and travel, much like the name implies. There is a narrative element, but there’s a large focus on doing what you want.
There is no doubt that the art is beautiful and isn’t like any other multiplayer game on the market. Its woodsy areas are reminiscent of classic fairy tales and high fantasy worlds. The color palette is full of muted greens, which adds to the deceptively peaceful vibe.
This game is a life-sim with a sweet but haunted twist. You play as a spirit scout whose mission is to help spirits with their problems, but you’re accidentally sent to Cozy Grove, a place notoriously difficult for spirit scouts of the past, but you’re up to the challenge.
While there are many games that deal with spirits that aren’t horror, Cozy Grove’s art really pushes it into the cute category. The color palette is warm and inviting, giving a soft and cuddly vibe to this quaint game.
Join Snufkin in thismusicalpuzzle adventure game as he desperately tries to reunite with his friend Moomintroll. Bring nature back to Moomin Valley by dismantling parks and helping out fellow residents. The story is charming and well-written, but the thing that really makes it an enchanting experience is the watercolor style.
The landscapes in this game are full of greens and blues in muted tones with a slightly blurred effect. There are thin lines to help reinforce shapes and add details to characters, but they never distract from the overall effect. The art compliments the story perfectly, and we can all hope we get more Snufkin games in the future.
