19 Best Games for When You Just Need to Relax

Sometimes, you need a break from the hustle and bustle, and gaming can be the perfect escape. But not all games are about high-octane thrills or fast-paced action. Plenty of games are designed to help you unwind, with calming visuals, chill soundtracks, and a leisurely pace that lets you soak in the experience. Here are 19 of the best games to play when you just need to relax, each offering a unique little getaway from reality.

1. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is all about slowing down and enjoying the simpler things in life. As a farmer in a small town, you can plant crops, raise animals, fish, mine, and make friends with quirky townsfolk. The rhythm of farm life is deeply satisfying, and there’s no rush—you can live at your own pace, take long walks in the pixelated countryside, and feel your stress melt away.

2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

If you’re looking to escape to an island paradise, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is pure bliss. You can design your island, make friends with animal villagers, go fishing, and even hunt for fossils. With its soft pastel colors, gentle music, and endless customization options, Animal Crossing is like a warm blanket on a rainy day.

3. Journey

Journey is a short but breathtakingly beautiful experience that’s as much art as it is a game. As a lone traveler exploring vast, sunlit deserts, you’ll discover ancient ruins and ethereal landscapes. There’s no rush, no enemies—just a serene world waiting to be discovered. Plus, the ambient soundtrack is pure relaxation.

4. The Sims 4

Sometimes, it’s fun to live a virtual life that’s less stressful than the real one. The Sims 4 lets you design homes, build relationships, and control every aspect of your Sims’ lives. There’s a zen-like pleasure in decorating homes or watching your Sims live out their little routines, making it a perfect game for unwinding.

5. Flower

In Flower, you control a petal floating on the breeze, soaring through vibrant fields and rejuvenating the land. It’s a game with no words and no stress—just beautiful, flowing visuals and a soundtrack that lulls you into relaxation. It’s as if nature itself were a game, and all you have to do is glide and enjoy.

6. ABZÛ

Take a deep dive into an underwater wonderland in ABZÛ, where you explore vibrant reefs, ancient ruins, and mysterious aquatic life. You’ll swim with schools of fish, encounter majestic sea creatures, and uncover hidden mysteries. With stunning visuals and a dreamy soundtrack, ABZÛ is the ultimate escape for ocean lovers.

7. Minecraft (Creative Mode)

When you just want to build, create, and explore, Minecraft’s Creative Mode is your best friend. You have unlimited resources, no danger from enemies, and total freedom to build anything from cozy cottages to sprawling cities. It’s the digital equivalent of building with Legos, and the only limit is your imagination.

8. House Flipper

For fans of home renovation shows, House Flipper lets you buy, renovate, and sell homes in a low-stress, satisfying loop. You can paint walls, install fixtures, and decorate to your heart’s content, all without the real-life mess. There’s something uniquely calming about transforming a messy house into a perfect home.

9. Monument Valley

This puzzle game is a gorgeous, surreal journey through impossible architecture and dreamlike landscapes. Monument Valley is easy to play and visually mesmerizing, with puzzles that are more relaxing than challenging. Its minimalistic beauty and enchanting soundtrack make it a delightful way to spend a quiet afternoon.

10. Spiritfarer

In Spiritfarer, you play as Stella, a ferrymaster guiding spirits to the afterlife. The game combines resource management with heartfelt storytelling as you care for your spirit friends, fulfilling their last wishes and preparing them for the journey ahead. It’s a beautiful and compassionate game about love, loss, and letting go, with just the right touch of warmth.

11. A Short Hike

Short Hike is a charming, bite-sized adventure where you explore a cute island and make your way to its highest peak. With its playful graphics, friendly characters, and gentle pace, it’s a delightful mix of exploration and relaxation. It’s a reminder to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

12. Slime Rancher

If herding adorable, bouncy blobs of slime on an alien planet sounds relaxing, Slime Rancher is your game. As a rancher, you collect, feed, and care for various types of slimes, each with their own unique quirks. It’s lighthearted, colorful, and downright adorable, and you’ll quickly find yourself smiling as you build your own slime paradise.

13. Unpacking

Unpacking is all about putting items in their rightful places, moving through a person’s life by arranging their belongings across different stages. It’s surprisingly soothing to sort through boxes and decorate rooms, and the game offers a gentle narrative as you follow the character’s story. It’s like organizing therapy—perfect for a quiet, satisfying evening.

14. Tetris Effect

This isn’t just any Tetris—it’s a fully immersive experience with mesmerizing visuals and a pulsating soundtrack that syncs with every move you make. Tetris Effect transforms the classic game into a meditative flow state, perfect for those who find peace in arranging blocks to perfection. Just let yourself get lost in the colors, sounds, and simple satisfaction.

15. Donut County

In Donut County, you play as a mischievous raccoon controlling a hole in the ground, swallowing up everything in sight. It’s quirky, fun, and surprisingly satisfying to clear each level by making objects disappear. With its whimsical story and playful mechanics, Donut County is lighthearted and wonderfully stress-free.

16. Kind Words (lo fi chill beats to write to)

This unique game lets you write anonymous letters to other players seeking advice or encouragement while listening to relaxing lo-fi beats. Kind Words is all about positivity and spreading kindness—it’s like a cozy digital pen-pal experience. Writing and reading heartfelt messages in this peaceful space is a heartwarming way to unwind.

17. Fez

Fez combines a clever perspective-shifting mechanic with pixel art and a charming little protagonist named Gomez. Exploring this strange 3D world full of puzzles and hidden secrets is a chill, whimsical experience that feels almost meditative. It’s a puzzle-platformer that’s easy to sink into, rewarding curiosity with a steady flow of “aha!” moments.

18. My Time at Portia

This life simulation game is like Stardew Valley meets The Sims, but set in a vibrant, post-apocalyptic world with a charmingly rustic feel. You can craft, farm, fish, mine, and interact with townsfolk while building up your workshop. With its sunny, colorful world and relaxing activities, My Time at Portia is ideal for gamers who love a good life-sim sandbox.

19. Firewatch

Firewatch is a beautifully crafted game that follows Henry, a fire lookout, through the stunning Wyoming wilderness as he uncovers mysteries within the forest. The game’s art and immersive storytelling create a tranquil, introspective experience as you explore and communicate with a fellow lookout via radio. With its blend of mystery and solitude, it’s a compelling yet calming escape into nature.