Sometimes you just want to strap those spurs on, don your best Stetson, get out there and wrangle a couple of cows. Unfortunately, some of us live in a New York tower block, or a London studio flat, which can make cow wrangling a little tricky. Thankfully, wherever you’re based, there are an absolute ton of games that will allow you to live out your cowboy fantasies without leaving your computer desk. We’ve collated some of the best of them, including games for those who prefer the pastoral type of cowboy dream and those who prefer an all-guns-blazing approach. So, without further ado, these are the best cowboy games out there for those who want to play on PC.
Red Dead Redemption II
Without a doubt the most famous game on this list, Red Dead Redemption II provides players with what is arguably the most realistic cowboy experience it’s possible to find, without travelling back to the turn of the 20th century and declaring yourself an outlaw. This game is available on all platforms including PC, but the online version is best played on PC, for sure. You’ll begin the game playing as Arthur Morgan, a loveable rogue who’s forever on the wrong side of the law but, depending on how you choose to do things, has plenty of redeeming qualities. Arthur will need to ride around on his trusty steed, completing missions that range from hunting for legendary animals to wrangling missing lions and taking down enemy camps. It’s definitely a game for those who enjoy the idea of gun slinging and all-out cowboy action, but it has its quieter moments too. The huge open world is so beautiful that it’s totally possible to explore with just you and your horse for hours on end, stopping to pick a handful of herbs, admire the scenery and maybe rest a while by the campfire.
Western Gold
Western Gold is a great game for those who are a little pressed for time but still want to experience the feeling of the Wild West. Taking a slots format, it’s quick to pick up exactly how to play and you’re not tied in for hours of gaming. The game takes inspiration from the days of gold prospecting, when people would hike out into the wilderness to try to seek their fortune in the rivers, creeks and crevasses. The reels are stylized appropriately, with a Sheriff’s tin triggering the scatter function and a steer’s horns the wild. It’s an easy one to find at an online casino, meaning you don’t have to download to play but can simply get going straight away in your browser. Those looking for a quick break from studying or work, or even just a game to keep them busy whilst the telly switches over to adverts, will enjoy the simplicity of this title. Plus, if it turns out that you really enjoy it, there’s nothing to stop you from playing for as long as you want.
Ranch Sim
If you’re after experiencing the modern-day version of what it is to be a cowboy, then Ranch Sim might be the closest you can get. Unlike Red Dead Redemption, this game is set more or less in the present day and allows you to work on a rundown farm, building it back up until it’s profitable again. You’ll begin the game by discovering a derelict farmhouse that you need to work on, collecting parts for an old car to get around in, and generally familiarising yourself with the ranch that’s been left to you. This game removes absolutely all of the glamour from the cowboy image and replaces it with a healthy dose of grit. With that said, the graphics are beautiful and realistic enough to go with the realism-driven storyline. If you like to be immersed in a world that’s totally believable then this game would be a solid choice.