Can A Happy Place Be In A Video Game?

I am not a “gamer”. I really don’t know anything at all about most video games. Sure, I grew up in the 80s playing Super Mario, I had a gameboy and played the odd WII game.

It really wasn’t until Animal Crossing New Horizons came out at the beginning of the pandemic lock down that I found a game I actually enjoyed. I liked the fact that this was a “cozy” game, that I could move at my own pace a

I began to want something similar but with my love of all things Disney. Well, on September 6, 2022 Dreamlight Valley was released in bata testing and I was very happy!! The game is not free, but have had a number of free updates with more coming in the near future.

If you are unfamiliar, I’m not going to bore you with all the details, but basically it’s a SIMs style game using all the Disney characters you know and love. Unlike ACNH, that are quests and challenges to complete in order to advance the story. These quests, in addition to the free build aspects of the game, keep me coming back.

Expansions

There have been a number of free updates to the base game. We have seen some new items, storylines and characters come to the valley. Improvements and updates have also come along with each update.

The game has not been perfect. Bugs and glitches have plagued the game since the initial bata release but with each new update, it gets better and better.

In December 2023 the first paid expansion called a Rift In Time was released along with the official release of the game. This add a whole new area to the game along with new characters, story line, food, supplies and so much more.

And now, we have the second paid expansion, Storybook Vale. I have to say, I freaking LOVE IT! Like with other expansions and updates, it is indeed a bit buggy, but a fix is in the works and coming soon. We got some great new characters (Flynn Rider, Hades and Merida). The second part of the story will release next summer and will bring us Maleficent and Princess Aurora!!

Can I Move Into A Game?

First of all, the whole main area of this new valley is based in the fall (which is my favourite season of all!). The whole fall vide and decor is perfection! I do not spend a lot of time decorating unless I am inspired and I like a more simple look rather than one that is more over done.

I mean, just look at Teapot Falls!! How freaking cute is this??

There are also some cute new animal companions like baby dragons, pegasus and owls. I haven’t currently decided on which one I want so I’ve picked one just yet!

Game Play Tips From A Non-Gamer

One main complaint I’ve seen online is that it takes a long time to get enough Storybook Magic to open new areas. While yes, this can be a challenge in the beginning, I have actually managed to get everything opened since the release on November 20th. Please keep in mind, I have a lot of time on my hands to sit and play!

One of the best ways to get your Storybook Magic faster is to look at the duties. Don’t just go and mine rocks, or feed companions until those duties pop up. As this is a smaller subset of the game, the biomes are much smaller and you don’t have as much to do. These tasks are all pretty simple and you can easily get a couple thousand Storybook Magic quickly.

If you get stuck, just doing your daily tasks will earn you Storybook Magic. These are awarded by just doing things you normally do. Pay attention to how close you are to some rewards as you might want to focus on fishing or harvesting.

Catching Snippets

One new challenge in Storybook Vale is capturing Snippets. These are pieces of fairytale stories that have escaped and need to be caught and returned to the Lorekeeper (a magical talking storybook!).

There are 3 different kinds of Snippets, frogs, demons and birds. Various different coloured snippets can be found in each of the biomes and you will need to unlock all the biomes in order to catch them all.

Personally, I prioritized opening the biomes before worrying too much about the snippets. Just through regular game play and daily tasks, you will catch enough to start reordering stories.

Once your biomes are open, you can use some Storybook Magic to make your life, and game play, a little easier. You can craft a Snippet Slow Trap or a Snippet Lure. Both of these will help you catch Snippets! Having one of each, in each biome, will help you get those Snippets a lot faster.

Don’t stress too much about getting enough Snippets! I didn’t go hard on capturing them and have plenty to complete the “reorder stories” duties.

Each Snippet Lure will generate 3 Snippets. You need 500 storybook magic to craft one at a crafting station, along with other ingredients. However, according to this, to upgrade your lure, it will take 2500 Storybook Magic. Does that make sense? Just make another lure and get even more Snippets! I will say, I have caught more than enough Snippets without trying all that hard. Don’t stress too much!

Mental Health & Video Games

Playing a video game as a way to relax is nothing new. Video games have been around for decades and they just keep evolving.

There are many different types of games, and cozy games are now a huge part of the gaming world. Games like Animal Crossing and Dreamlight Valley allow me to enter a world that I’ve made for myself. To feel that sense of accomplishment when I decorate a new area, level up a character or complete a quest, is just wonderful.

As I am going through a crazy time with my depression and anxiety, while adjusting to a new life and some sad truths, entering into a world I can control makes me happy. It’s actually very calming and relaxing.

So make a tea, put on your comfiest clothes and settle in for some great cozy game play! Remember to take breaks and eat!