Some gamers long for a simpler life, one where you could set out on your horse at sunrise and come back a richer, more accomplished cowboy by sunset. Thankfully there are plenty of games developers that see this kind of person and create incredible games for them. Whichever category of gamer you fit into, whether you love a quick play game, an immersive open world, or something deeply strategic, there’s a cowboy game out there for you. Plus, if you don’t want to do the searching yourself, then we’ve listed some of our very favorites right here.
Western Gold
Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux
Starting off with a simple game that can get anybody into the cowboy mood in a matter of minutes, Western Gold is an excellent choice for those looking for a quick play game that’s totally Wild West-themed. The game is set in the time of the Gold Rush when there was a craze among cowboys looking for gold in Western America. It takes the form of a progressive jackpot slot game and is available to play at an online casino, meaning there’s no download necessary to begin playing. The graphics are what really sets this game apart from its peers. On the reels you’ll find boots, cowboy hats and crossed pistols all drawn in a charming old school style. The retro feel and the characters on the reels combine with a Spaghetti Western-style soundtrack that creates an audio-visual experience which will suit Wild West fanatics down to the ground.
Desperados III
Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, MacOS, Linux
Whilst Western Gold is a set up and start sort of game, Desperados III is one for strategic gamers. If you enjoy spending a little time debating your next move, setting up a scheme, or generally sitting back and reflecting before piling in, then Desperados III could be a good choice for you. This game is long awaited, with the previous title in the instalment being released all the way back in 2007 and Desperados III absolutely knocking it out of the park. As for gameplay, slow and steady really does win the race in this game. You’ll be tasked with getting revenge on those who crossed John Cooper, a wily cowboy who runs with a gang of other outlaws, five of them, all playable. Together with your gang, you’ll be creating devious plots to undermine your Mexican opponents. Stealth and strategy are the best assets that you can have on your side for this game, as attacks where you go unnoticed will buy you valuable time, the most essential commodity if you want to get far. If you’re looking for a game where you go in all guns blazing, then, although you can in this game, that certainly isn’t going to win you any shootouts.
Red Dead Redemption II
PlayStation, Xbox One, Windows, Stadia
Caption: Red Dead Redemption II is a great option for all different kinds of gamers
Red Dead Redemption II is heralded as the best open world game so far. The team at Rockstar Games spent hundreds of thousands of hours perfecting not just the intensely detailed map, but every element, from the way light falls on your character’s face, to the sound water makes as you trudge through it. If you’re after realism, escapism and an excellent storyline that keeps you guessing at every turn, then this game will certainly deliver. You’ll be playing as an outlaw called Arthur Morgan, who runs with a gang of misfits. You’ll need to contribute to the gang in order to keep everybody fed and clothed and, in order to do this, you might need to be on the wrong side of the law from time to time. In fact, one of the most memorable parts of early gameplay is a train robbery. Whilst there’s plenty of gun touting action in this game, there’s also a great deal of time that’s spent riding around on your horse in nature, making it a suitable title for all sorts of different gamers.
