The 10 Best Relaxing Games To Soothe Your Mind (2024)

After the hustle and bustle of a busy day, it can be difficult to relax and enjoy highly competitive games. Thankfully, unwinding at the end of the day doesn’t have to mean sacrificing game time. Cozy games have grown in popularity in recent years thanks to their engaging storylines, appealing graphics, and, most of all, their relaxing gameplay.

In this article, we’ll dive into 10 of the best relaxing games available on mobile, PC, and more. We’ll explore each game’s unique features, whether it's a farm life simulation game or a modern take on an arcade classic, and discuss how to pick the best relaxing video games for you.

The 10 Best Relaxing Games

1. Stardew Valley

• Genre: Farm life simulator, role-playing
• Release date: February 26, 2016
• Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Xbox, PlayStation
• Gameplay features: Single and multiplayer options, skill growing, romantic and friendship storylines
• Developer: ConcernedApe
• Payment model: $14.99 (PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch), $4.99 (Android, iOS)
• Rating: 89/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of role-playing farm games like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons, players looking for a game with a longer storyline and high replayability

Stardew Valley is one of the most relaxing PC games, featuring an array of characters with different personalities that players can befriend or even marry. As the newest resident of Pelican Town, Stardew Valley immerses players into a simple farm life where they can grow crops, tend to different animals, and even explore other hobbies like fishing, mining, and cooking.

This game offers high replayability, with different decisions leading to different outcomes. It’s also well-suited for long-term gameplay, with each game day taking a little less than 15 real minutes. However, there is no main objective that ends the game, allowing players to grow their skills, build their social circle, and care for their farm until they’re ready to restart and make new choices. 

2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

• Genre: Social simulation
• Release date: March 20, 2020
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay features: City building and decorating, collection quests, holiday celebrations, single and multiplayer options
• Developer: Nintendo EPD
• Payment model: $59.99
• Rating: 90/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of Animal Crossing, players looking for peaceful challenges, city development, and interactable characters

One of the newest games in the Animal Crossing series, Animal Crossing: New Horizons gives players the opportunity to decorate and maintain their own island. With simple mechanics and easy, mindless tasks, players can purchase new furniture and decorations, build new houses for their favorite animal villages, and make the island their own.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons focuses on city building. However, as players develop their islands, they can take time to relax in their favorite spots, explore new islands, and get to know their neighbors. There are also additional activities to engage in, like fishing. Players can participate in different tasks and challenges, but there are no punishments or consequences for failure. As a result, players don’t need to worry about dealing with gamer rage.

3. Euro Truck Simulator 2

• Genre: Vehicle simulation
• Release date: October 18, 2012
• Platforms: Windows, Linux, macOS
• Gameplay features: Scenery-focused visuals, business management, driving tasks
• Developer: SCS Software
• Payment model: $19.99
• Rating: 79/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players looking for a traditional vehicle simulator with more customization and the option for advanced business mechanics  

Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a relaxing PC game that blends a traditional vehicle simulator with aspects of business simulation games. In this game, players get to drive across Europe in a tractor-trailer, picking up and delivering cargo to different locations. As they advance, they can purchase new customizable vehicles and depots. They can also hire new drivers as employees.

When a player sets out to deliver cargo, they must reach their destination within a certain time limit while minimizing damage to their truck and packages. Failing to do so only results in less money and experience points, allowing players to try again with their next delivery job. As they drive, players can enjoy the aesthetic scenery of the European continent.

4. A Short Hike

• Genre: Adventure
• Release date: July 30, 2019
• Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation
• Gameplay features: Mini-games, adaptive soundtracks that change based on the scene or action, a main storyline with side quests
• Developer: Adam Robinson-Yu (adamgryu)
• Payment model: $7.99 (PC, Switch, Xbox), $8.99 (PlayStation)
• Rating: 88/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players looking for open-world exploration with mini-games and quests but no forced progression

A Short Hike pairs open-world exploration with an easy but meaningful objective. In this game, players can run, climb, glide, and swim as they work to reach the top of a mountain. However, before you can reach the peak, you need to collect 20 golden feathers, which you can find or purchase. These feathers unlock different abilities and boost stamina, allowing you to advance to new areas in Hawk Peak Provincial Park.

Although the main storyline of A Short Hike is brief, reaching the peak of the mountain isn’t the end for players. After beating the main task of the game, players are free to continue exploring the park while completing side quests and playing mini-games. If you’re having trouble finding a game to play, A Short Hike’s short but easy storyline and engaging world can be a good place to start.

5. Dorfromantik

• Genre: Puzzle, strategy
• Release date: April 28, 2022
• Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay features: Creative mode, strategic puzzles, achievements that unlock new tiles, different game modes for a more relaxing or challenging experience 
• Developer: Toukana Interactive
• Payment model: $13.99 (PC), $14.99 (Switch)
• Rating: 84/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of puzzle games, players looking for a game that can be relaxing or more difficult depending on the mode

In Dorfromantik, players are responsible for creating a pastoral world by strategically placing different tiles together. Each tile contains a different type of land, ranging from water to railroads, that can be placed with other tiles to form a landscape.

In creative mode, players can place their tiles and build their world how they wish. However, in the main games, players have a limited number of tiles to build their world with, and they won’t be able to see all their tiles at once. Because of this, you face an easy challenge of building a cohesive world and earning points by creating functional railroads, expansive fields, and more. There is also a quick mode and challenge mode for players looking for a different experience.

6. PowerWash Simulator

• Genre: Simulation
• Release date: July 14, 2022
• Platforms: Windows, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation
• Gameplay features: Single and multiplayer options, more challenging modes, different power washing scenarios and environments 
• Developer: FuturLab
• Payment model: $24.99
• Rating: 75/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players who want to unwind with friends, players looking for the option for a relaxing game or challenging gameplay based on the mode

PowerWash Simulator provides gameplay that’s equal parts satisfying tasks and simple business decisions. In this game, players get to own a power washing company. The main focus is to complete different jobs cleaning homes and businesses to earn money, which you can then spend on upgrades.

As players customize and upgrade their equipment, they can choose different options to make their power washing kit more effective in certain situations. Players can choose between completing the normal storyline alone or playing cooperatively, and they can also engage in different game modes that present new challenges, like a limited water supply.

Overall, PowerWash Simular is one of the top relaxing games to play because of the easy, satisfying gameplay focused on cleaning. There are little to no stakes in each level, but players still have objectives and goals to reach, especially when it comes to earning enough money to upgrade and customize their equipment just the way they like.

7. Unpacking

• Genre: Puzzle
• Release date: November 2, 2021 
• Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Xbox, PlayStation
• Gameplay features: Interior-decorating puzzles, implied storylines and relationships, easy linear progression
• Developer: Witch Beam
• Payment model: $19.99 (PC, Switch, Xbox), $17.99 (PlayStation), $9.99 (Android, iOS)
• Rating: 83/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players looking for a quick but engaging puzzle game, fans of no-narrative storytelling

Unpacking focuses on storytelling through a linear puzzle experience rather than narrative. In this game, players guide the playable character through unpacking her life in different homes and times ranging from 1997 to 2018. In each stage, players can learn more about the unnamed protagonist, from her accomplishments to her history, all while navigating the puzzle of placing each item in its correct home.

Although Unpacking uses little narrative, it does offer a rich storyline in which players see the protagonist grow and change throughout her life. The progression of the storyline is linear but comes with no risk of failure. Because of its relaxing gameplay, it’s one of the best calming games to play on Android, iOS, or console.

8. Tetris Effect: Connected

• Genre: Puzzle, arcade
• Release date: November 9, 2018
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Meta Quest
• Gameplay features: Single and multiplayer options, VR play, spectator mode for watching friends
• Developer: Monstars, Resonair, Stage Games
• Payment model: $39.99 (PC, Switch), $26.24 (PlayStation), $43.73 (Xbox)
• Rating: 88/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of arcade games and the original Tetris series

Tetris Effect: Connected introduces the option for multiplayer gameplay alongside the various single-player modes of traditional Tetris, one of the first games popularized in arcades. This game offers appealing visuals and soundtracks, letting players unwind while playing alone or with others.

Since Tetris Effect: Connected revamps the nostalgic gameplay features of Tetris, gameplay focuses on simple challenges with the ability to easily restart the stage. Players can also watch their friends in spectator mode or engage in VR play as well as traditional PC or console options.

9. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

• Genre: Action, puzzle
• Release date: November 13, 2014
• Platforms: Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS
• Gameplay features: Combat, platforming puzzles, single-player or co-op modes
• Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo
• Payment model: $39.99 (Switch)
• Rating: 81/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of the Super Mario series and Mario franchise, Wii U players looking to play a modern version of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a Super Mario spinoff that focuses on Captain Toad and Toadette rather than the franchise namesake himself. Players can control Captain Toad or Toadette as they navigate different stages of 3D puzzles.

While they can walk, run, and even interact with certain in-game items, players won’t be able to jump, introducing an interesting challenge as they seek the start at the end of each stage. There’s also simple combat, with players having two hit points before they lose a life. Hit points can be restored using mushrooms hidden throughout the stages.

Although this game does have its fair share of combat and puzzles, its simple mechanics and aesthetic layouts make it a popular game for players to unwind.

10. The Ramp

• Genre: Casual, sports
• Release date: August 3, 2021
• Platforms: Windows, Android, Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay features: Easy-to-learn mechanics, a variety of skateboarding tricks
• Developer: Hyperparadise, Paul Schnepf, Coatsink
• Payment model: $5.99 (PC), $1.99 (Switch)
• Rating: 82/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players looking for a short experience without focusing on winding quests or unlocking achievements, fans of skateboarding

Although minimalist in style, the artwork in The Ramp is vibrant, featuring bright colors and simple characters. The mechanics of the game are easy to learn. At the same time, however, they’re advanced enough that players can dedicate time to mastering the different tricks available in this skateboarding game.

The Ramp offers straightforward gameplay with no unlockables or scores. While this is different from many new games, it does provide players with a relaxing, stress-free experience. 

Best Relaxing Games at a Glance

Calming games can come in many forms, ranging from different themes and storylines to mechanics and complexity. Anyone can reap the benefits of unwinding with a chill game at the end of the day. However, certain games may be better for some based on personal preferences and the platforms they play on. 

How To Choose a Relaxing Game

With so many relaxing online games to choose from, it’s important to find one that fits your preferences and availability. Here are some criteria to keep in mind when choosing the most relaxing game for you:

• Focus on games with minimal time pressure and no fail states: Time-skill challenges can be fun. Butwhen relaxation is the goal, it’s important to choose a game that lets you go at your own pace without the fear of failing. 
• Look for calming visuals and soothing soundtracks: Two key features of the cozy game genre are their calming visuals and immersive soundtracks, as they can help you unwind while providing an appealing experience. 
• Choose titles with open-ended exploration: Dungeon crawlers and quest-orientated games can provide an exciting challenge, but when you’re trying to relax, this can feel like a chore and place more pressure on you. Look for games with open-ended exploration instead.
• Opt for simple, intuitive controls and mechanics: Navigating complex controls and mechanics can be difficult. If you’re new to a game that doesn’t have simple controls, you may spend more time learning how to play than enjoying the game and relaxing.

Discover Your Next Stress-Free Adventure

Whether you prefer calming city builders or mindless games with repetitive, satisfying tasks, relaxing games provide an engaging way to unwind at the end of each day. These games are simple and peaceful, and they can be easily picked up for relaxation after playing other games online. 

FAQ

Which Is the Most Peaceful Game?

Peaceful gameplay is subjective. While some players may find puzzle-solving relaxing, others may not. So, when looking for the right relaxing game for you, it’s important to remember what helps you unwind.

Most games have an option for peaceful play as well as a more challenging experience based on achievements, mini-games, and puzzles. One popular option, The Ramp, offers a straightforward approach to chill gaming focused entirely on flow and movement, making it one of the most peaceful games for mobile and consoles alike. 

Can a Game Help You Sleep?

When it comes to games before bedtime, it’s important to find a healthy balance. This is because the blue light from the screen can disrupt the body’s natural sleep schedule, and some games can make it difficult to wind down. However, the best chill games can help players relax before sleep.

What Game Helps With Anxiety?

One of the best ways to reduce anxiety at home is to engage in relaxing and calming activities. Some games, like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, encourage players to focus on peaceful slice-of-life gameplay that promotes relaxation and stress relief.