Games are not simply games in a sense anymore. They have transcended their original form and purpose to be so much more. Thanks to countless innovations over the years, the titles we enjoy today have better storytelling mechanics and, most importantly, provide valuable tidbits of information that will teach you various skills. That last item will be the focus of this article, highlighting recent entries and their contributions in elevating the medium to become what it is.

Newer franchises do not pride themselves on cheap thrills and entertainment anymore. Now they are thrilling, entertaining, and informative. Using various narrative techniques, visual design, and controls; allows the audience to be exposed to a different kind of learning environment. This has been attempted numerous times in the past but is a simpler incarnation. Here are some titles released fairly recently showcasing how online games teach valuable skills.

Red Dead Online

Step into the massive, ever-evolving world of Red Dead Online and witness life in frontier America. Hunt down bounties, engage in shootouts with outlaw gangs and other players, fish, trade, search for exotic treasures, run Moonshine, and much more to discover in a world of astounding detail. Create your own story as you do any activities available. Deeds define what kind of person you are in this wild world.

RDO is an open-world sandbox title with a western cowboy aesthetic. It is not so much as a simulation but a theme park of sorts. The attention to detail is staggering, and it features activities that reflected what life was back then in those times. Horse travel, camping in the wild, creation of moonshine, and a whole lot more are chock full of accurate historical information. This title does not directly teach things to the audience, but it gives enough reason to have inquisitive minds research facts whenever they can.

One of the best parts about Red Dead Online is its inclusion of poker. Yes, apart from the horseback riding and lasso-throwing elements, the game lets you visit one of the many saloons and set up or join games with players worldwide. In a way, this aspect is similar to GTA V Online’s Diamond Casino & Resort! If you’re looking to sharpen your Texas Hold’em skills before you redeem your bonus code for BetRivers casino while exploring a sprawling western setting, Red Dead Online should undoubtedly be your first choice.

Stardew Valley

The player inherits your grandfather's old farm plot in the titular town of Stardew Valley. Equipped with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin a brand new life in the countryside. Gamers will learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving place to call home. With a lot of dedication and perseverance, the town may return to its former splendor! It is one of the best farm games - and indie titles - in the past decade, inspiring many studios to create free Stardew Valley alternatives.

This is a casual farming simulator. It streamlines most processes, but the basics are there. It teaches people how to prepare the land for planting crops. It informs the players what common buildings can be found in such places and their purposes. Some animals give off produce and harvesting of natural resources that reflect how it is done in real-life; again, it may be simplified, but the concept is practically the same.

Though the game streamlines how farming is performed, it is invaluable in teaching time management skills, considering seasons are limited, and players have limited time and stamina. Moreover, it enhances spatial recognition, given that you’ll have to redesign the farm, plan your plots, and find appropriate locations to place your buildings.

Rust

The only aim in Rust is to survive. Everything is out for blood and kill you - the island’s wildlife and inhabitants, the environment, other survivors. Do whatever it takes to last another night and continue surviving throughout the day.

This title is more straightforward than the previous two games mentioned. It is a survival game, Rust may not be the most realistic representation of such a situation, but the basics are there. Players will gather resources to create shelter, hunt or produce food, and combat different kinds of hostiles. The methods may not be as detailed, but it teaches players to manage what they have and improve their prioritization skills.

There you have it, three games that can teach you valuable skills. It is given these are not on par with titles specifically created to be of educational value, but they are more than enough to stimulate a little bit of learning. Try them out today; you are guaranteed to pick something up after each session.