People play video games for a variety of reasons, ranging from intense action sequences to mellow sessions. Games can be a fun challenge, a great way to bond with friends, or even a narrative or artistic experience. Of course, many players simply seek a way to unwind after a long day and prefer relaxing games over high-octane shooters or third-person action games.
What games someone finds relaxing will likely vary from person to person, the level of variety ensures every type of player will find something to suit their tastes. Thanks to their tagging system and the benefit of user reviews, players can easily find the best options for relaxing games to play, from the acclaimed Stardew Valley to House Flipper 2.
Updated on March 29, 2024, by Guillermo Kurten: Relaxing games aren’t a genre in and of themselves, but there are certainly more than enough titles available to satisfy that niche. These titles have more unique and imaginative premises than one might expect, and they can be found across various gaming platforms. With that, this list is being updated to add further context on what puts these titles in this category and the average playtime that goes into them.
10 Dorfromantik Is A Soothing City-Builder
Average playtime per HowLongToBeat: |
N/A (unpolled) |
---|---|
Original release date: |
April 28, 2022 |
Available platforms: |
PC, Nintendo Switch |
Metacritic scores: |
80/100 (PC), 84/100 (Switch) |
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Dorfromantik describes itself as a “peaceful building strategy and puzzle game.” Players will work to expand their city through a variety of different environments and work to complete quests. The visuals are cute and colorful, which adds to the nice relaxing feel of the game. Dorfromantik‘s turn-based tactics and city-builder mechanics are enough to be engaging without feeling intimidating.
Many customer reviews state just how relaxing the game is and assure new players that it is nothing like more intense strategy games like Civilization. The game was critically well-received thanks to its tasteful balance of being easy to learn but investing to master. Learning how to set tiles to expand their city can be as simple or complex as the player wants, and the combination of score and atmosphere is deeply relaxing.
Dorfromantik
Dorfromantik is a puzzle game where players place tiles to create towns and landscapes.
- Platform(s)
- Microsoft Windows , Nintendo Switch
- Released
- April 28, 2022
- Developer
- Toukana Interactive
- Publisher
- Toukana Interactive
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle , City Builder
9 Leaf Blower Revolution Is A Soothing Idle Game
Average playtime per HowLongToBeat: |
88 hours |
---|---|
Original release date: |
December 4, 2020 |
Available platforms: |
PC |
Metacritic scores: |
N/A |
Idle games can be hit or miss depending on the gameplay loop’s execution. They have to strike the right balance of satisfying interaction while also allowing players not to be fully invested. Leaf Blower Revolution toes this line perfectly. Once players have unlocked the automatic leaf blowers, Leaf Blower Revolution essentially plays itself, allowing players to opt in when they want to sweep a satisfyingly large pile of leaves off the screen.
More importantly, Leaf Blower Revolution is free to play. The game has enjoyed consistent praise from user reviews for not falling into the trap of the typical free-to-play formula — which often implies intrusive microtransactions to get the proper experience. Its pixelated isometric presentation makes the otherwise mundane concept a soothing playthrough.
Leaf Blower Revolution
Leaf Blower Revolution is an idle or active game where players use a leaf blower to clear leaves, upgrade their equipment, and more.
- Platform(s)
- Microsoft Windows
- Released
- December 4, 2020
- Developer
- Humble North, Michael Schuppenies
- Publisher
- Humble North, Michael Schuppenies
- Genre(s)
- Idle Games
- Mode
- Single-Player
8 Disney Dreamlight Valley Is An Admirable Take On The Animal Crossing Formula
Average playtime per HowLongToBeat: |
27.5 hours |
---|---|
Original release date: |
September 6, 2022 (early access), December 5, 2023 (full release) |
Available platforms: |
Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, iOS |
Metacritic score: |
70/100 (PC) |
Disney Dreamlight Valley may only be in early access at the moment, but players are already comparing it to some of the best relaxing games ever made. The consensus is that the game is a lot like Animal Crossing, except with Disney fan favorites mixed in for some great nostalgic vibes. In Disney Dreamlight Valley, players are tasked with helping clean and fix up the titular Dreamlight Valley.
There are also environments from other Disney properties where players can help characters like Wall-E and then bring them back to live in their town. The game has been fondly received as being far more than an Animal Crossing knockoff, to the point of featuring some impressive worldbuilding of its own and a surprisingly sincere coming-of-age-themed story. Disney Dreamlight Valley‘s success in its early stage has led to adopting the “premium” game model as opposed to free-to-play. As fans of live-service simulation games would hope for, the game is also getting DLC support. A Rift in Time is the title’s first paid DLC expansion, adding the Eternity Isle zone to explore as well as the new characters and biomes that come with it.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
In Disney Dreamlight Valley, players farm, decorate their homes and complete quests for beloved Disney characters.
- Platform(s)
- Apple TV , iOS , macOS , Nintendo Switch , PS4 , PS5 , Windows , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S
- Released
- December 5, 2023
- Developer
- Gameloft Montreal
- Publisher(s)
- Gameloft
- Genre(s)
- Life Simulation , Adventure
7 The Sims 4 Is The Most Recent Mainline Installment
Average playtime per HowLongToBeat: |
79.5 hours |
---|---|
Original release date: |
September 2, 2014 |
Available platforms: |
PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One |
Metacritic scores: |
70/100 (PC), 66/100 (PS4), 66/100 (XBO) |
Anyone who has ever played a Sims game knows there are multiple games in one. Between creating characters, building a house, and browsing online for custom content, players can spend hours on The Sims 4 without even pressing play on their Sims’ lives. As a low-stakes game, The Sims 4 is an excellent way for players to focus on doing something fun or creative for extended periods without getting stressed. It has also recently become free-to-play, so it’s a great time for new players to check it out. While the game hasn’t been as well received as some of its predecessors, The Sims 4 is sure to satisfy longtime fans of the series looking for a simple and casual experience with modernized gameplay.
The Sims 4 also features plenty of DLC expansions for players to get the most out of this open-ended gameplay loop. These expansions range from free to paid DLC, including things like new items to letting players further customize their characters’ appearances and living spaces. Most recently, the game received The Sims 4: For Rent add-on that lets players build residential housing and become tenants and homeowners. This expansion intended to build on the Apartment Life DLC for The Sims 2, but it was criticized for its minimal changes compared to the latter. Still, with 15 expansions to skim through, The Sims 4 should give players plenty to engage with until the next mainline installment.
The Sims 4
The Sims 4 is the latest life simulation game in The Sims franchise, with multiple expansion packs, game packs, stuff packs and kits to help players’ control their sims lives.
- Platform(s)
- Windows , OS X , PS4 , Xbox One
- Released
- September 2, 2014
- Developer(s)
- Maxis
- Publisher(s)
- EA Games
- Genre(s)
- Life Simulation
6 Slime Rancher 2 Is Perhaps The Most Relaxing First-Person Shooter
Average playtime per HowLongToBeat: |
9.5 hours |
---|---|
Original release date: |
September 22, 2022 (early access) |
Available platforms: |
PC, Xbox Series X|S |
Metacritic scores: |
N/A |
At first glance, Slime Rancher 2 might seem like it isn’t explicitly relaxing. The first gameplay video shows footage of first-person action while the player jumps and spins as a sort of family-friendly version of Doom Eternal‘s shooting mechanics. However, that’s part of the charm of Slime Rancher 2. Sometimes, players just want to run and jump around a beautiful virtual environment without the high stakes or heart-pumping action.
Currently, in early access, Slime Rancher 2 allows players to explore an island populated by endearing squishy slime creatures that couldn’t harm anyone if they tried. Players also collect the slimes and make their ranch, adding some more ways to get relaxing moments out of its concise gameplay loop. The game can be as fast- or slow-paced as the players need, and its vibrant art direction and cartoonish premise deliver a uniquely soothing experience. Slime Rancher 2 was critically praised for building on its predecessor’s strengths.
Slime Rancher 2
In Slime Rancher 2, Beatrix LeBeau explores new locations and finds more Slimes to care for.
- Platform(s)
- Microsoft Windows , Xbox Series X/S
- Released
- September 22, 2022
- Developer(s)
- Monomi Park
- Publisher(s)
- Monomi Park
- Genre(s)
- Adventure , Life Simulation
5 House Flipper 2 Makes Real Estate Simulation Fun
Average playtime per HowLongToBeat: |
12.5 hours |
---|---|
Original release date: |
December 14, 2023 |
Available platforms: |
PC |
Metacritic scores: |
79/100 (PC) |
Finding property and having to clean up the disgusting state it was left in while risking hundreds of thousands of dollars in the hope someone will buy it all sounds incredibly stressful in real life. However, in House Flipper 2, it’s very satisfying. Cleaning and fixing things up is also an immensely satisfying feeling, but it comes with a lot of hard work and some gross encounters. Doing it in House Flipper 2 allows players a similar satisfaction while removing any of the nastier elements.
Watching the numbers go up in the game’s bank account is also satisfying, allowing players more investment opportunities and more chances to relax. The game falls under the category of lifestyle and career simulators, and like some of the other successful titles, House Flipper 2 manages to make an otherwise strange choice for a video game premise entertaining. The sequel was particularly praised for its improved graphics and expansive sandbox gameplay mode. Better still, ports for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are planned for release in early April 2024.
House Flipper 2
House Flipper 2 is a real estate simulation game where players renovate properties to restore homes.
- Platform(s)
- Windows
- Released
- December 14, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Frozen District , Empyrean
- Publisher(s)
- Frozen District , PlayWay
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
4 PowerWash Simulator Gives This Job Long-Lasting Digital Appeal
Average playtime per HowLongToBeat: |
37 hours |
---|---|
Original release date: |
July 14, 2022 |
Available platforms: |
PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Meta Quest |
Metacritic scores: |
74/100 (PC), 75/100 (XSX|S), 84/100 (Switch), 76/100 (PS5) |
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There isn’t a lot of thought that needs to go into PowerWash Simulator. Players are handed a power washer and tasked with making dirty things shine. The power washer’s look, sound, and feel are all perfectly designed to provide a relaxing and satisfying experience. PowerWash Simulator can also be played cooperatively with friends.
This enhances the experience, as it’s a great way to play a game with friends that doesn’t monopolize people’s attention. Players can also use their power washers to play games like Pictionary or Tic-Tac-Toe in the filth around town. Another one of the most particularly realistic sims, PowerWash Simulator was praised for its engaging main campaign and soothing tone of the core gameplay. The graphical style and level variety also help give the game longevity in single-player or co-op.
PowerWash Simulator
Players clean buildings and other objects in PowerWash Simulator.
- Platform(s)
- Windows , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S , Nintendo Switch , PS4 , PS5 , Meta Quest 2 , Meta Quest Pro , Meta Quest 3
- Released
- July 14, 2022
- Developer(s)
- FuturLab
- Publisher
- Square Enix Collective
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
3 American Truck Simulator Offers Detailed Environments To Drive Through
Average playtime per HowLongToBeat: |
22.5 hours |
---|---|
Original release date: |
February 2, 2016 |
Available platforms: |
PC |
Metacritic scores: |
76/100 |
Road trips are a lot of fun but aren’t always relaxing. American Truck Simulator allows players to take a relaxing virtual road trip without any downsides, like paying for gas or finding a place to use the bathroom. American Truck Simulator also provides some beautifully detailed environments thanks to its excellent graphics.
Players will feel like they’re genuinely driving through California or pulling onto the Vegas Strip. With remote play-together, players can share the game with their friends online for free, making this virtual road trip a fun group activity. Combined with its impressive attention to detail in the realism to make the experience more immersive and a rich variety of maps to drive through, American Truck Simulator is a delightfully addictive title.
American Truck Simulator
In American Truck Simulator, players can drive down American highways.
- Platform(s)
- Windows , macOS , Linux
- Released
- February 2, 2016
- Developer(s)
- SCS Software
- Publisher(s)
- SCS Software
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
2 Euro Truck Simulator 2 Features Its American Cousin’s Strengths
Average playtime per HowLongToBeat: |
24 hours |
---|---|
Original release date: |
October 18, 2012 |
Available platforms: |
PC |
Metacritic scores: |
79/100 |
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Anything positive that can be said about American Truck Simulator can be said about Euro Truck Simulator 2. Euro Truck is also massive, offering players the chance to visit over 60 cities across Europe. Besides the remote play-together feature, Euro Truck Simulator 2 also recently added an 8-player convoy mode that allows players to truck across Europe with a big group.
There’s something very relaxing about sitting in the virtual cab of a big rig and watching the rain while cruising across the beautiful European countryside. On top of featuring the core mechanics that fans enjoyed from its predecessor and American Truck Simulator, this game’s features are also fairly accessible. From the handling of the trucks to configuring the GPS, Euro Truck Simulator 2‘s gameplay is both deep and welcoming to newcomers.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
In Euro Truck Simulator 2, players can drive to multiple European cities alone or with friends.
- Platform(s)
- Windows , macOS , Linux
- Released
- October 18, 2012
- Developer(s)
- SCS Software
- Publisher(s)
- SCS Software
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
1 Stardew Valley Blends Soothing Life-Sim Mechanics With The RPG Genre
Average playtime per HowLongToBeat: |
52.5 hours |
---|---|
Original release date: |
February 26, 2016 |
Available platforms: |
PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Android |
Metacritic scores: |
89/100 (PC), 86/100 (PS4), 89/100 (XBO), 87/100 (Switch), 88/100 (iOS) |
The opening to Stardew Valley paints a bleak, all-too-familiar picture of the player character’s life. The game properly starts once players ditch their office jobs for a simple life on their late grandfather’s farm just outside the charming little Pelican Town. Playing Stardew Valley feels like an escape, allowing players to focus on building their farms and making new friends around town.
Players can take the game at any pace, with no real downside to just taking it easy and enjoying a simple small-town existence. The game certainly wears its Harvest Moon and Animal Crossing inspirations on its sleeves, but it does so while standing proudly on its own merits as well. Stardew Valley brilliantly balances the chilled-out activities of everyday community life with some occasional dungeon-crawling RPG combat. Consistent updates, DLC, and an active Stardew Valley modding community have given the game even greater appeal.
Developer ConcernedApe most recently released the massive 1.6 update for the title, which added a significant amount of new content, quality-of-life features, and bug fixes. It’s one of the most impressive updates even eight years after the original launch, adding a new farm layout to build and grow, more in-game events to partake in, new questlines, and more. Stardew Valley is a game that only gets better with age, making everything from the life-sim and RPG mechanics more dynamic.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is an open-ended country-life RPG. You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home?
- Platform(s)
- PC , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , iOS , Android
- Released
- February 26, 2016
- Developer(s)
- ConcernedApe
- Publisher(s)
- ConcernedApe
- Genre(s)
- Simulation , Farming
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- ESRB
- E10+
- How Long To Beat
- 52.5 hours