I'm entering my mailman era with these 5 delivery games, and Death Stranding 2 is entirely to blame

I've been playing some of the best delivery games out there a lot lately thanks to Death Stranding 2. Personally, the main appeal of Kojima's latest adventure is the fact that you're essentially a mailman. I know there's more to it than that, but I've yet to dive into the post-apocalyptic world in the latest sequel or 2019's Death Stranding myself, and from the outside looking in, it's the thought of delivering boxes that calls my name the most.

I'm still not entirely sure if Sam Porter's adventures are for me as a total package, but while I try to decide if I should just take the plunge and give it a go, I feel the need to scratch the delivery itch it's awakened in me — which has only gotten more intense with every screenshot and gameplay trailer that shines a spotlight on Norman Reedus carrying lots of cargo on his back. Happily, there are so many great delivery sims out there that have absolutely let me live out this particular fantasy.

Whether it be sinking into a long-haul drive behind the wheel of a truck to transport goods, or popping parcels over to houses in a quaint town, there's truly nothing more relaxing or rewarding than delivering mail, and I have to thank Death Stranding for the inspiration to indulge in this particular pastime. Yes, I've well and truly entered my mailman era thanks to the best delivery games like Death Stranding 2, and if you're a delivery sim sicko like me, then you should absolutely consider trying the below out for yourself (if you haven't done so already, of course).

Best delivery games to play today

5. Locomoto

Developer: Green Tile Digital
Platform(s): PC

Locomoto goes full steam ahead and brings trains into the mailing mix, and it's as charming as it is laidback. Yes, as a cutesy customizable character who looks like they could be right out of Animal Crossing, you manage and run your very own train as a new conductor. Technically, the delivery goodness is twofold, since you not only ferry passengers to their desired location, but you can also pick up parcels at each stop and store them on your carriage.

Each parcel has a delivery destination, and after you safely stow the package, you can set off to the stops in question and set them into delivery stations on platforms. There's a real joy in going from place to place, meeting new faces and improving your train as you go. But posting parcels with my train is the biggest highlight of my time with Locomoto so far. Who knew a train conductor could also double as a mailman?

4. American Truck Simulator

Developer: SCS Software
Platform(s): PC

As our resident truck appreciator will tell you, Death Stranding 2 undoubtedly has truck simulator vibes. Just as Sam Porter moves cargo not unlike a truck, you can do exactly that behind the wheel. Of course, the joy of American Truck Simulator is in the way it lets you sink into a relaxing drive as you head off on long haul routes across the American highways, but it's also equally rewarding to drop off deliveries you've driven miles to transport.

With different types of deliveries, from heavy cargo to doing short journeys to drop off goods to local businesses, the world is your oyster when it comes to truck-shaped mailing. Yes, technically you're not a mailman in the traditional sense, but I guess neither is Norman Reedus, and it absolutely gives me a similar kind of satisfaction as any of the more classic postal work out there.

3. Mail Time

Developer: Kela van der Deijl
Platform(s): PC, PS5,

I love how much variety is out there when it comes to delivery sims, and Mail Time is a perfect example. With cottagecore vibes, developer Kela van der Deijl's adventure takes place in a delightfully cozy forest known as Grumblewood Grove, where you take on the role of a little customizable mail scout who rocks a cute mushroom cap hat. New to the job, you have to set out to deliver letters to various locals.

Using an envelope-like paraglider to soar across the world and jump between tall trees, you'll meet lots of adorable characters across the forest who you can help out as you mail all sorts of packages. If you're looking for a mailing adventure wrapped up in a sweet, short package, Mail Times ticks all those boxes.

2. KeyWe

Developer: Stonewheat & Sons
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

As the best co-op games illustrate, sometimes an experience is made all the better because you can share it with friends and family. And in a sense, Death Stranding is all about that too, with the asynchronous multiplayer aspect and connection being a core theme. So, what if there was a co-op game that has you deliver mail? Enter KeyWe, the two-player postal puzzler that sees you take on the role of two small kiwi birds (called Debra and Jeff) working in a post office.

Yes, rather than play as a load-bearing human, you control feathered friends who have to navigate the desks and shipping rooms to send messages, ship packages, type out telegrams, and keep the post moving. It's true mailroom mayhem that can even be played solo. Not only is it adorable, but it'll absolutely give you the posting pleasure you seek if you're anything like me.

1. Lake

Developer: Gamious
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch

If there was ever a game I'd recommend if you want to role-play as someone who takes a job at a post office, it's Lake. If I'm being completely honest, the concept of Gamious' adventure is my ultimate fantasy. I mean, who wouldn't want to pack in their busy, hectic job and return to a cozy lakeside town to deliver mail. Set in 1986, you play as Meredith Weiss, a 40-something woman who returns to her hometown in Providence Oaks from the big city.

Circumstances call for her to help out her dear old dad by taking over his mailman duties. With a route to complete each day, you drive a little mail truck around the idyllic setting, stopping at addresses to post parcels and letters. Along the way, you'll get to know the locals and decide Meredith's future. The slow, serene pace, and delightfully chill delivery aspect makes it my eternal number one pick whenever I want to sink into the fantasy of mail delivery.

Honorable mention

Tanuki Pon's Summer

Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC

If you're obsessed with the kinds of games mentioned above as much as me, you absolutely need to add Tanuki Pon's Summer to your wishlist. Yes, sadly this game isn't out yet, but let me tell you it's going to be a day-one purchase for me, and I needed to include it here because my excitement is off the charts. I mean, you play as a Tanuko who has a part-time job at the local post-office.

While you'll be getting up to other things outside of your posting duties — such as restoring a shrine, making friends with the locals, and preparing for a festival — you be venturing to four different towns inspired by Kyoto, Sapporo, Aomori, and Beppu in Japan to make deliveries and complete quest objectives. I honestly can wait for it to be in my life.

Looking for more recommendations? Check out our pick of the best adventure games or best post apocalyptic games.