Top 7 Chill Video Game Songs To Study To
Chris Lam & Amber Stefanson | Jun 20, 2023
Are you searching for some more songs to add to your getting-stuff-done playlist? We love to look to video games for inspiration when it comes to music to work or study to. Their soundtracks are often designed to be ambient in order to help you focus on the game. These chill beats from some of our favorite relaxing video games are sure to ease you into your flow state.
7. Bravely Default: Flying Fairy (2012) – “Beneath the Hollow Moon”
Image Credit: Nintendo, Square ENIX
“Beneath the Hollow Moon” is a peaceful and romantic duet between tin whistle and violin. The two instruments sound like they’re twisting around each other as they chase each other up and down the musical staff.
Where it plays
It plays when legendary hero and protagonist Tiz is brought back from the brink of death and his lover Angès is reunited with him.
Did you know…
This song combines the violin from Angès’ theme with the tin whistle from Tiz’s theme. This fission of Angès’s and Tiz’s musical themes suggests that “Beneath the Hollow Moon” was created to be a sonic representation of the love between them.
In the game’s sequel, Bravely Second, the song is reused and renamed “Reunion” — a fitting title considering the role of the song in the original.
Our vibe check on this song
Chris
While not as popular of a JRPG series in the west as the Final Fantasy, Monster Hunter, Kingdom Hearts, or Tales series, I would say that Bravely Default’s soundtrack ranks among the best of them (right behind Final Fantasy). It also has, in my opinion, a more gripping story without all the convoluted mess that Final Fantasy often spirals into.
This song is among the best from its outstanding OST. It’s as relaxing as it is beautiful, and the duet of the instruments sparks both energetic passion and boundless joy.
Amber
"Under the Hollow Moon" is quite unique as a duet in that both leading instruments play in the treble or soprano range. Even the guitar backing the track plays in its upper register.
Whereas most songs use bass to balance against a high-pitched melody, composer Revo writes for only treble instruments. He mixes the diva instrument of the strings (violin) with the diva instrument of the woodwinds (flute) with the diva instrument of a rock band (6-string guitar). It’s serving big protagonist energy.
But this instrumental choice also brings a sense of serenity to the duet, since the two leading instruments aren’t competing or pulling against each other in any way. This harmonious lack of friction is what makes “Under the Hollow Moon” so enchanting.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023) – “Fairy Spring”
Image Credit: Nintendo
With its curious, cascading arpeggios that sound like they’ve been taken straight from a fairytale romance, "Fairy Spring" evokes a sense of childlike wonder.
Where it plays
Every time you unlock one of the Great Fairy Fountains, this song will play. In Tears of the Kingdom, you’ll need to coax the fairies out of their flower bud cocoons by serenading them. Once they come out, they’ll help you upgrade your armor.
Did you know…
This song is borrowed from previous versions of the Zelda game, dating back to "Great Fairy’s Fountain" from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which came out for N64 in 1998. More recently, the Breath of the Wild version of the song was sampled for hip-hop single "Tunnel of Love" by ilyTOMMY and Savage Gra$p.
Our vibe check on this song
Chris
“Hey! Listen!”
My first Zelda game was Ocarina of Time and that version of “Fairy Spring” from way back when (“Great Fairy’s Fountain”) was so memorable.
This updated remix is just as amazing but its more subdued piano make it a much more relaxing tune.
Amber
"Fairy Spring" evokes two strong images in my head. First, a moonlit scene straight out of Peter Pan — I’m flying over the city, leaving a trail of pixie dust behind me. Second, I imagine opening up one of those ornate music boxes with a spinning ballerina inside.
It’s so whimsical. Its cascading arpeggios feel like falling, and they loop in such a way that the falling feels continuous. It never feels like they reset from the top. It’s just falling all the way down.
5. Stardew Valley (2016) – “Dance of the Moonlight Jellies”
Image Credit: ConcernedApe
This celestial song features water sounds throughout — making it perfect if you’re the type of person who needs white noise running in the background to enter your flow state.
Where it plays
This song plays at the Dance of the Moonlight Jellies Festival, which happens every Summer at the beach when the bioluminescent jellyfish pass by the village during their annual migration.
Villagers entice the moonlight jellies to swim up close to the village by placing lanterns in the water along the dock. Everyone comes to the dock to watch their passing. The event marks the end of the Summer season.
Did you know…
All the kids in town keep an eye out for the rare green jelly every year. It must really like the player character, because it shows up every year after the pc moves to town — and it swims right up to them!
Our vibe check on this song
Chris
"The glow of summer has faded, now... and the moonlight jellies carry on towards the great unknown."
Anyone who has played hours upon hours of Stardew Valley probably remembers this night (and hopefully didn’t miss it because you were busy mining or something like that). While a lot of the Stardew Valley soundtrack has chill vibes, this one is probably the most evocative of a simpler time and simpler life.
Amber
"Dance of the Moonlight Jellies" begins with an air of novelty and curiosity. This quickly subsides after the third wave crash — once the harmony sets in, this song becomes pure, relaxing bliss.
It invites you to sit back and be present in the moment. It grabs your attention, and then it sets you free to redirect your focus into whatever task you have at hand. For this reason, I love it for the beginning of a chill study playlist.
4. Virtual Cottage (2021) – "i was feeling down, then i found a nice witch and now we’re best friends"
Image Credit: DU&I Games
This song by in love with a ghost adds some whimsy to the traditional chill-hop beats to study to. We love the way "i was feeling down, then i found a nice witch and now we’re best friends" combines a syncopated beat with a spooky melody to create this effect.
Where it plays
Since Virtual Cottage is essentially a randomized lo-fi playlist in a game-shaped package, this song will play randomly.
Did you know…
Although Virtual Cottage offers very little customization, recent updates enable you to decide between having a virtual cat or dog join you in your cottage.
The virtual dog is based on a real dog who belonged to a friend of the developers. Her name is Sally. Though real-life Sally has sadly passed away, her human is thrilled to have her immortalized in virtual cottages around the world.
The cat doesn’t have a name, but she does have a bit of lore. Originally, the cat lived in a neighboring virtual cottage. One day she wandered over, and she never really left! As they say, you don’t choose your cat; your cat chooses you.
Our vibe check on this song
Chris
This "game" for lack of a better word was developed to help people begin big tasks. Whether that be work, study, or just vibes, the soundtrack was curated by the developer DU&I to all help with this.
Give Virtual Cottage a go! It’s free.
Amber
As the cottagecore of lo-fi hip hop, there is no song more fitting to be curated for an app called Virtual Cottage.
I listen to this song, and I’m transported to the dappled light of a forest grove. Leaning against a tree. Reading a book. It’s a great song to add flavor to a traditional lo-fi beats playlist.
3. Octopath Traveler (2018) – "The Riverlands"
Image Credit: Square ENIX
"The Riverlands" is a peaceful song that creates its open, natural sound by using primarily wooden instruments — wood flute, xylophone, and a drum made of wood and hide. This coupled with the chill, consistent piano melody evokes the feeling of a nature walk on the outskirts of the forest.
Where it plays
"The Riverlands" is an ambient song that loops when the player is in the Riverlands region of the map.
Did you know…
This song is written to loop without notice. While in the game, the song loops indefinitely while you’re in the Riverlands. However, in the OST you can find on Spotify, it only loops twice. Can you spot where it loops?
Our vibe check on this song
Chris
Traveling the Riverlands is a nice, relaxing journey. It’s a stroll through your favorite park. It’s a walk to your friend’s house just down the block. It’s a nap on the porch swing with the dog.
This song is the definition of "chill." While I have my own opinions about the quality of Octopath Traveler, I do wholeheartedly believe that the soundtrack is amazing.
Amber
This song feels like waking up to the sunlight streaming through your window. There’s a full day ahead of you, but you can take a slow morning. Invigorating yet relaxing.
Another thing I love about this song is how prominently it features woodwinds. You can clearly hear the breath of the flutist, which makes the whole piece feel more organic and welcoming.
2. Minecraft (2011) – "Sweden"
Image Credit: Mojang Studios
"Sweden" is the main theme from Minecraft. It’s a gentle piano song that’s sure to help you unwind and get in the groove.
Where it plays
Like all Minecraft songs, you’ll have to keep your sound on and hope for the best — this song plays randomly. However, there's an urban legend that it plays most in the rain.
Did you know…
C418, the creator of this soundtrack, was inspired by classical pianist Eric Satie’s "Trois Gymnopédies" when he made this song.
The Gymnopédies are a series of three classical piano compositions. While they’re nearly identical, each part is meant to be played with a different inflection: "Gymnopédie No. 1" is to be played douloureux (with pain or sorrow); "Gymnopédie No. 2" triste (with sadness); and "Gymnopédie No. 3" grave (with solemnity).
"Sweden" samples "Gymnopédie No. 1" — though we think Satie would call this Minecraft theme more pensif (thoughtful or reflective).
Our vibe check on this song
Chris
Songs can be so evocative and nostalgic.
This song is simple for me - it brings me back to a time of comfort. When you could wake up on a nice Saturday, curl up in a blanket with a cup of coffee and a good book, and just enjoy the simple things in life.
Amber
It’s difficult for me to separate this song from my memories of playing Minecraft with my little sister. It takes me back to so many humble beginnings in new save files, where all we had was a shack with four walls and no roof, waiting for the sun to rise because we were too close to enemies to be able to fall asleep.
However, I feel that there’s something about this song that’s sentimental all on its own. Like someone who never played Minecraft or heard "Sweden" would feel the same way. C418 has perfectly captured how it feels to reflect on the past.
1. Persona 5 (2016) – "Break it Down - elp version"
Image Credit: Atlus
Smooth jazz meets lo-fi hip-hop in this ambient song from Persona5. This version of "Break it Down" is an ELP (short for "extended long play"), meaning that if you really like this one, you can loop it indefinitely without breaking flow.
Where it plays
"Break it Down - elp version" sometimes plays in Café Leblanc, which is the home base where you can wind down at the end of every day.
Did you know…
Persona5 is full of coffee trivia. Every time you prepare coffee at Café Leblanc, proprietor Sojiro Sakura is ready with another piece of wisdom about coffee bean origins. If you’ve played through the game and collected all the coffee trivia, here’s one more for you:
Indian Coorg Robusta: The high-altitude and rich soil of the Coorg region of India produces a softer flavor profile than standard Robusta, equal in taste and quality to most specialty Arabicas. Coorg Robusta has a rich, earthy flavor with woody and fruity notes.
As the world’s supply of finicky Arabica coffee beans dwindles due to climate change, coffee producers are pouring their efforts into creating tastier Robusta — a heartier, yet more rubbery-tasting variety of coffee. Robusta from the Coorg region is some of the best (read: non-rubbery) in the world.
Our vibe check on this song
Chris
The Persona series has amazing music for any situation and it brings it here too. The calm between each storm, "Break it Down" is a nice relaxing change of pace from the jazzy rock of "Rivers in a Dry Land" or "Take Over." I would love to hear this at a small quaint coffee (and curry!) shop on a nice, rainy day.
Amber
This song has everything you need in music for work or study. It has subdued, non-abrasive instrumentals that don’t demand attention. It’s repetitive and predictable, yet it maintains momentum so that you feel energized to power through the task ahead of you.
Honorable Mention: Genesis Noir (2021) – "The Hunt"
Image Credit: Fellow Traveller
A bit funkier than everything else on this list, "The Hunt" from Genesis Noir is just about the chillest jazz song we can think of — but its sonic textures are a little too experimental to blend into a playlist for work and study.
Where it plays
This song plays during the "Hunt" chapter, in which protagonist No Man chases after a stag brought into existence by The Huntress.
Did you know…
In Genesis Noir, each character is an allegory for some force of creation from the birth of the universe. No Man represents time, while The Huntress represents life. As No Man struggles to halt the expansion of the universe, The Huntress represents a milestone in its inevitable expansion: the growth of civilization.
The meaning of the stag that No Man chases after is more ambiguous because the stag is prevalent across early human mythos.
- A Hungarian founding legend tells of a white stag that led a pair of brothers to the bountiful land of Scythia, where they created the civilization that predates modern-day Hungary.
- In Arthurian legend, the hunting of a white stag represents man’s pursuit of spiritual wisdom, and its elusive nature made it a common "trophy hunting" quest for knights.
- Meanwhile in Celtic tradition, the stag represents untamed nature and an otherworldly connection to the dead or the divine, making its hunting condemned.
Consider that the stag in Genesis Noir fills some combination of these roles: the cosmic guide, the elusive game, and the messenger of the gods. This begs the question: what is No Man after when he chases The Huntress and The Stag? A pathway back to his lover, Miss Mass? And if so, does he seek her out like a trophy, or does he want to pursue her love for a deeper connection to the universe?
Our vibe check on this song
Chris
I think from all my previous choices it’s clear that I like jazz and jazz-adjacent songs or beats.
This one gives me the vibes of Pink Panther, yet really makes you feel like a cool guy at the same time.
Amber
I love the experimental percussion in this song. It’s so full of energy and curiosity.
I might have expected a song called "The Hunt" to be deft and dramatic, but this song has so much space. There’s so much breath between every sound, and you can never predict how long each pause will be. It almost feels like stumbling, as the sounds move in unexpected directions.
Overall, it’s very chill, but there’s a bit too much going on for a work or study playlist — unless of course that’s your speed.
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You got this.
We hope that these songs have what it takes to get you in the groove and bring you past the finish line. If you liked these songs, stay tuned for more. In the meantime, check out our recommendations for more gaming, music, and productivity content below.
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