Offline PC games for a 6-year-old?

January 29, 2023 2:24 PM

Looking for a game or two that I can install on my MS-Windows PC, that don't require an internet connection to play. This is for my 6 year old. Prefer games with zero-to-minimal violence. I don't mind paying for a good one. Thanks!
posted by splitpeasoup to Technology (14 answers total)

Response by poster: Also, non-game computer downloads (elementary-age programming tools, educational software, art or creative programs) that can run offline are sought too!
posted by splitpeasoup at 2:28 PM on January 29, 2023

Best answer: The original RollerCoaster Tycoon (plus expansions) is on Steam! The game has no expectation that its players have internet. It's got all the graphics and functionality of the turn of the century game, so your kid might find it either cool or infuriating, FYI. Most of the rides and shops are just place and play, so if your kid isn't ready to build detailed rides yet, they can still have fun without doing that.

It goes on sale on Steam all the time for way cheap, so it's worth sticking it on your wishlist so you can grab it when it's 5 bucks.

(I'll admit a slight bias as this game has held my attention for nearly 24 years.)
posted by phunniemee at 3:00 PM on January 29, 2023 [1 favorite]

Just played a little Alba and it was very cute, might need an adult to do the reading though. It's on Epic Games.
posted by Iteki at 3:15 PM on January 29, 2023

Triple Town is one of my favorite match-3 puzzle games; it's cute, fairly non-violent (there are some "evil" bears, but defeating them is pretty bloodless), and suitable for younger players. There is a freemium version but you can also pay up front for the whole thing on Steam.
posted by May Kasahara at 3:31 PM on January 29, 2023

Response by poster: I hadn't realized Steam games can be played offline! (I don't game at all, in case you can't tell.)

Is a Steam game just like installing an .exe file, or is there more to it? Can my kid start up the game himself without logging in to Steam or jumping through any other hoops?
posted by splitpeasoup at 4:35 PM on January 29, 2023

na na, na na na na na na na katamari damacy...
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 4:58 PM on January 29, 2023 [3 favorites]

Using steam really opens up a lot of games. I'd recommend it! You can play offline but you do need to log in to offline account correctly. It usually auto logins though.
posted by bbqturtle at 5:02 PM on January 29, 2023

Steam is definitely where it's at for modern gaming. You don't need to be online for it to work, though.
posted by freethefeet at 5:26 PM on January 29, 2023

Jack Keane is a favorite of my six year old - he liked the Zwuggles when he was younger as well.

Alba was awesome and fun for me to help with too!
posted by Suffocating Kitty at 5:27 PM on January 29, 2023

About 13 years ago boy and his blob was recommended to me here. It's still one of my favorites. Clever little puzzle game. It's so sweet. Sorta magical.

There's little black jumping blobs you squish.


Also World of Goo, Machinarium, Samorost.
posted by ReluctantViking at 7:46 PM on January 29, 2023 [1 favorite]

There Is No Game is very very funny. An adult will need to help, but it is delightful. We have not finished the game yet because we are trying our best to not cheat, but even when you are terrible at it, the game is still a lot of fun.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 1:14 AM on January 30, 2023

Old-school platforming: Jasper's Journey. Non-violent and charming, protagonist can read as either male or female.
posted by snarfois at 4:45 AM on January 30, 2023

Best answer: To use Steam you'll install the Steam app and then it works like an app store. You can run games in offline mode, and it can put shortcuts to your games on the desktop so you can launch games directly.

As far as actual game recommendations: our six year old looooooooooves Untitled Goose Game. You'll probably want a controller for it.
posted by implied_otter at 5:51 AM on January 30, 2023 [2 favorites]

Snake Pass and Overcooked/Overcooked 2 are fun games that are certainly appropriate for kids. There are also quite a few Sonic games that have been ported to or made for PC. Sonic Mania is good fun, as is Sonic and All Stars Racing. There are also a ton of Lego-branded games, most of which are pretty fun. Some may be a bit much for a 6 year old, but they'll grow into it before very long at all.
posted by wierdo at 3:26 PM on January 30, 2023