The best Solarpunk games

Summary

• Solarpunk video games imagine a sustainable future with technology.

• Games like Abzu and Europe promote biodiversity in a futuristic environment.

• Eco and Terra Zero emphasize the consequences of human actions on the environment.

The planet is on fire. Rising sea levels, melting ice caps, droughts and more frequent hurricanes and tornadoes constantly make the headlines. Some artists have responded by creating works about a bleak, post-apocalyptic future. Others, however, create more hopeful works, depicting humanity using technology as a solution to the climate emergency.

This is what solar punk movement represents; a world where humanity successfully lives in balance with nature and seeks sustainability. Video games have captured visions of what a solar punk world could look like. These solarpunk games each have their own artistic visions, but they all share a common theme of optimism for the future.

7

Wavetale

Tank Girl Meets Waterworld Meets Wind Waker

Wavetale is a short game where the protagonist Sigrid lives in a world forever changed by war. According to the stories she's heard, a force known as the “Dirty Paws” polluted and flooded the planet, banishing humanity to small islands that dot the great ocean while the cities of the Old World lurk beneath the waves.

Wavetale has an industrial-like look and feel Wind Waker. The islands are populated by lighthouses and generators. These structures rely on the energy found in Sparks, airborne jellyfish that roam the islands. Smaller jellyfish can also be used as currency to buy new clothes for Sigrid as well.

6

Star Wars Episode 1: The Gungan Frontier

Learn about food webs with Gungans

Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace is either worst Star Wars movie ever or a work of art, depending on whether you grew up with the Prequel Trilogy. However, this era led to some beloved games, including a lesser-known educational title called Star Wars Episode 1: The Gungan Frontier. Here, Boss Nass charges either Obi-Wan Kenobi or Queen Amidala, depending on which character the player chooses, to establish a Gungan colony on one of Naboo's moons.

Although the game takes place “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…”, it has much the same aesthetic and themes found in any futuristic solarpunk setting. The prosperity of the Gungan colony depends on the state of the lunar ecosystem. Aspiring colonists must establish plant and animal life using a complex food web. If there are too many herbivores, little food will be left to sustain the population. Predators like the Rancor can deal with this, but have their own concerns.

5

Abzu

Relaxing Diving And Ancient Technology

Abzu is the underwater equivalent of Thatgamecompany's masterpiece Trip. A lone diver explores the oceans, enjoys the beautiful scenery, and generally enjoys the comfortable vibes that the aquatic world has to offer.

Solarpunk aspect of Abzu contains two defining elements: biodiversity and high-tech ruins. During gameplay, the diver unlocks colorful creatures that return to the water. The game's protagonist also discovers the remains of an advanced civilization. Both of these elements tell a compelling story without dialogue, creating a memorable experience.

4

Europe

Robot boy in the great outdoors

Europe follows Zee, an android child, as he explores the remains of a terraformed colony on one of Jupiter's moons. More context is provided by diary entries from Zee's father, detailing the history of the colony and its decline.

The colony established on Europa was meant to be a new beginning for humanity, built to avoid repeating the same mistakes that destroyed planet Earth. The game portrays this feeling beautifully, with picturesque visuals, beautiful landscapes, and the diverse wildlife that emerged from the terraforming process. The whole package has a Studio Ghibli feel.

3

Imagine the earth

Capitalism in real time

Imagine the earth imagining the future of humanity beyond the pale blue dot. Players can build sprawling cities on multiple planetoids, as well as trade with visitors from other worlds.

Imagine the earth reflects the impact capitalism has on the real world. As the player's city expands, industry can lead to a poisoned atmosphere and climate disaster. City managers must implement systems to reduce this output and balance cities' prosperity and their environmental footprint. It can be a relaxing experience, even addictive if you're not careful.

2

Eco

Minecraft with consequences

Eco is a community-focused sandbox game similar to Minecraft. New visitors to one of the game's many servers can build, create and collect resources. The catch is that a meteor is hurtling toward the planet, and players must develop a solution to prevent disaster.

The goal is to find that solution without seriously damaging the environment. Every action in the world of Eco has a consequence. Residents will take jobs, participate in government and vote on laws. They must be mindful of the impact of their actions on the ecosystem, as players can destroy resources or accumulate greenhouse gases if they are not careful.

1

Terra Zero

Restore ecosystems

Terra Zero puts a unique twist on the city building genre. Instead of creating human-populated cities, the game focuses on creating ecosystems for future inhabitants. Biomes include forests, marshes, and meadows, which host a variety of creatures. To successfully complete a challenge, all human technology must be recovered and removed, leaving no trace.

Terra Zero shows how technology can heal planet earth. Windmills provide electricity and pumps draw water from the ground and create rivers. Lasers burn the ground, leaving fertile soil for plants to grow. The design of the technology used also has an elegant, futuristic design, which is suitable for a solar punk experience.