How to Choose a Video Game Music Soundtrack for Home
This guide helps you pick the right video game music soundtrack to listen to at home, whether you want to focus, relax, or feel energized. You’ll learn how to match the music to your mood and activity, where to find soundtracks, and how to build a personal playlist. No special equipment is needed—just a device to play music and your own ears.
What You’ll Need
- A device to play music (smartphone, computer, tablet, or game console)
- Streaming service (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or Bandcamp) or your own digital music files
- Headphones or speakers (optional, but recommended for better immersion)
- A list of video games you already enjoy (to start from)
Step-by-Step
- Identify the mood or activity you want the music for. Are you working, studying, relaxing, exercising, or just chilling? Different soundtracks suit different tasks. For deep focus, look for ambient or minimalist scores (e.g., Minecraft, Journey). For high energy, pick action-heavy tracks (e.g., Doom, Persona 5). For relaxation, choose calm, melodic pieces (e.g., Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing).
- Start with games you already know and love. If you have a favorite game, its soundtrack is a safe bet because you already associate the music with positive feelings. Search the game’s name plus “soundtrack” or “OST” (original soundtrack) on your streaming service.
- Explore by composer. Many game composers have distinct styles. If you like a particular soundtrack, look up the composer and check their other works. For example, Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy), Koji Kondo (Super Mario, Zelda), and Austin Wintory (Journey, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate) all have extensive catalogs.
- Use streaming service playlists and radio. Search for terms like “video game music,” “gaming soundtrack,” or “ambient game music.” On Spotify, you can start a “radio” from a song you like to discover similar tracks. On YouTube, look for “video game music mix” or “study with video game music” videos.
- Sample before you commit. Listen to 30–60 seconds of a few tracks. Check if the tempo, instrumentation, and overall vibe match what you want. Don’t judge a soundtrack by one track—some have varied styles, so listen to a few different pieces.
- Consider the era and genre of the game. Retro 8-bit or 16-bit soundtracks (e.g., Undertale, Celeste) are often upbeat and nostalgic. Modern orchestral scores (e.g., The Witcher 3, God of War) are cinematic and immersive. Choose based on your preference for electronic, orchestral, rock, or jazz elements.
- Check for official releases vs. fan arrangements. Some soundtracks have official releases on streaming, while others only exist as fan covers or rips. Official releases are usually higher quality, but fan arrangements can offer interesting interpretations. Look for the “Original Game Soundtrack” or “OST” label.
- Build a playlist with a theme. Once you have a few favorites, create a playlist for a specific purpose (e.g., “Deep Work,” “Morning Energy,” “Night Wind-Down”). Mix tracks from different games that share a similar mood. Keep it long enough to cover your activity without repeating too much.
- Adjust volume and audio settings. For background listening, keep the volume at a level where you can still hear your surroundings if needed. Use a music equalizer to boost or cut frequencies that bother you (e.g., reduce bass for studying).
- Revisit and refine. After a few listening sessions, note which tracks you skip and which you repeat. Remove the ones that don’t fit and add new discoveries. Your taste will evolve, so keep your playlist fresh.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing music with lyrics when you need to focus. Lyrics can be distracting during reading or writing. Instrumental tracks are usually better for concentration.
- Judging a soundtrack by its most famous track. A game’s main theme might be epic, but the rest could be quiet ambient. Always sample multiple tracks.
- Ignoring the game’s context. A track that sounds great in a boss fight might be too intense for relaxing. Think about the scene the music was written for.
- Sticking only to AAA titles. Indie games often have amazing, unique soundtracks (e.g., Hollow Knight, Bastion). Don’t limit yourself to big-budget games.
- Using low-quality rips. Poor audio quality can ruin the experience. Prefer official releases or high-bitrate files.
Tips
- Use “game music” as a study genre. Many streaming platforms have curated playlists for studying to game music, which are already vetted for focus.
- Try “chiptune” for retro vibes. If you like 8-bit sounds, look for chiptune artists who compose original music in that style, not just game rips.
- Look for “soundtrack” vs. “score.” A soundtrack may include licensed songs, while a score is the original instrumental music. For pure game music, choose the score.
- Use music to enhance your own gaming. If you play games, try muting the in-game music and playing your chosen soundtrack for a new experience.
- Support composers. Buying soundtracks on Bandcamp or official stores directly supports the artists. Many offer high-quality downloads.
Troubleshooting
- You can’t find a soundtrack on streaming. Some older or niche games have limited releases. Search YouTube for full album uploads, or check the game’s official website for purchase links.
- The music is too distracting. Switch to more ambient or minimalist tracks. Lower the volume, or try music with a slower tempo and no sudden changes.
- You get bored of your playlist. Mix in new tracks regularly. Use the “Discover Weekly” or similar features on streaming services to find similar music.
- You don’t know where to start. Begin with universally praised soundtracks like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Chrono Trigger, or Ori and the Blind Forest. These are known for their quality and variety.
- Audio quality sounds bad. Check your streaming quality settings (set to high/very high). If using Bluetooth headphones, make sure they support high-quality codecs (AAC, aptX).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is video game music good for studying?
Yes, many people find it ideal because it’s designed to keep you engaged without being distracting. Instrumental tracks with a steady beat can improve focus, but it depends on the game and your personal preference.
Where can I legally download video game soundtracks?
Official sources include Steam (for some games), Bandcamp, iTunes/Apple Music, and the game developer’s website. Some composers sell their music directly. Always check the license before downloading.
What’s the difference between a soundtrack and a score?
A score is the original instrumental music composed for the game. A soundtrack may include that score plus licensed songs, or sometimes only the licensed songs. For game music, you usually want the score.
Can I use video game music for my own videos or streams?
It depends on the copyright. Many game publishers allow streaming and video use, but some do not. Check the publisher’s policy or the music’s license. For safety, use music from games that are explicitly free to use, or use royalty-free alternatives.
How do I find music similar to a specific game soundtrack?
Use the “radio” or “recommended” features on streaming platforms. Also, search for the composer’s name and see what other games they’ve worked on. Online communities like Reddit’s r/gamemusic can also give suggestions.
Are there playlists specifically for different moods?
Yes, many streaming services have curated playlists like “Video Game Music for Focus,” “Relaxing Game Music,” or “Epic Gaming Themes.” You can also search for “ambient game music” for calm tracks.
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