Gaming is one of the best ways to relax and unwind after a long day of work. But, not all games are relaxing.
Some games, like PUBG and Fortnite, can actually contribute to your stress and anxiety to make your day worse. For those times, I recommend keeping a relaxing game installed on your PC or console to just relax and de-stress.
I actually have a few relaxing games installed on my PC to play whenever I feel down in the dumps. These are some of the most relaxing games I’ve been playing to relax.
See if you can find a game for your liking.
1. No Man’s Sky
- Available On: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
No Man’s Sky is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable games I’ve been playing for many years.
The game is purely about exploration and you just travel from one galaxy to the next exploring new planets and systems.
It’s just fun to discover new species and build structures in this game. More importantly, this game is absolutely gorgeous to explore.
2. Elite Dangerous
- Available On: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Elite Dangerous is the best space simulator available right now. Unlike No Man’s Sky, Elite Dangerous features a more realistic space adventure experience.
In fact, it’s the only space game that features a 1:1 scale version of the Milky Way galaxy, which is created using the data gathered by NASA. And you can actually explore it.
There are so many different activities you can do in this game. But my favorite activity is mining. It’s the most relaxing way to play this game. You can also explore different systems, land on planets, and scan different plants to make lots of money. There’s something for everyone in this game.
3. Euro Truck Simulator
- Available On: PC
Even though a truck simulator may not be a suitable choice for all, this game has been helping me beat anxiety for a long time.
Euro Truck Simulator and American Truck Simulator are both great games that involve driving a truck to make deliveries.
There’s nothing more to it. You just deliver from one place to the other, on the open road, playing some music on the radio. It’s just so calming and relaxing.
4. Stardew Valley
- Available On: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Google Play
I recently fell in love with Stardew Valley thanks to my sister. She’s been playing the game for a while and convinced me to try it. And the game is incredibly relaxing.
Farming is only one of the many aspects of the game that’s very relaxing. The way you live each day, building relationships with strangers, upgrading your gear, is also so much fun.
5. Minecraft
- Available On: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Google Play
Minecraft needs no introduction. It’s one of the best games for relaxing while exploring. I, however, enjoyed building structures in the game.
There’s something so calming about gathering resources and building small houses.
As long as you set the difficulty to peaceful, you can enjoy Minecraft without having to worry about exploding zombies.
6. House Flipper
- Available On: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Google Play
Kind of an odd choice to include in the list, but House Flipper is a surprisingly relaxing game.
I know, there’s nothing fun about repairing houses and re-selling them. But, this game somehow makes it a very relaxing process.
7. Subnautica
- Available On: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
ABZU is usually the most recommended sea exploration game for relaxing. But, I actually prefer Subnautica for relaxing.
At least in Subnautica, you won’t get bored. You’ll have something to do while diving in the deep sea and exploring.
8. Death Stranding
- Available On: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Some folks called it a walking simulator but I found it to be an incredible experience.
In Death Stranding, your main mission is to deliver stuff from one point to another while reconnecting the world. While there are times you have to deal with weird ghosts and creatures, the process of making deliveries in the game can be incredibly relaxing.
The open world in the game is so beautiful and it plays songs whenever you near a destination. This hits hard on you. That feeling is indescribable.
9. The Hunter: Call of the Wild
- Available On: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
I’m not a huge fan of hunting so this game didn’t click well with me. Although, I know there are folks who enjoy the process of exploring the wild, tracking animals, and hunting.
The Hunter is not a game for everyone. But if you can get into it, the game can be very relaxing.
10. My Time At Portia
- Available On: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
My Time At Portia is basically like Stardew Vallery, except this game is in 3D and it’s single-player only.
In My Time At Portia, you basically take the role of a farmer. You grow crops, build stuff, and help out the fellow people in your town. Just like in Stardew Valley.
11. Firewatch
- Available On: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
I haven’t played Firewatch yet but I only heard good things about it. Especially from my sister.
Firewatch also involves lots of exploring and solving mysteries. What caught my attention was the beautiful art style of the game. It seems worth exploring.
12. Sims 4
- Available On: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Sometimes it feels good to take control of someone else’s life than having to make tough decisions in your life. That’s exactly why Sims 4 can be pure escapism.
Sims is one of those games you can play over and over again and never get bored. Because there are so many ways to play the game.
And, you’ll basically feel like a god playing this game. What’s more relaxing than that.
13. Black Desert Online
- Available On: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Black Desert Online is an MMORPG and it’s not exactly a simple relaxing game. This game has PVP and PVE content. But for some reason, I’ve found the game to be very relaxing.
The game is very solo-friendly and has life paths that you can take to play the game however you want. You can become a gatherer, go fishing, train horses, cook dishes, or go fight monsters.
Each path is quite relaxing to play as long as you don’t take the game too seriously. The gorgeous graphics of the game also helps to create an immersive experience.
14. Solitaired
- Available On: Google Play
This game is for fans of classic card games. I used to play this game on my old PC back in the day and it brings back memories each time I play it.
Solitaired offers a vast array of over 550 different variations of Solitaire games, ensuring that players of all skill levels and interests can find something to enjoy.
These variations include popular versions like Klondike, Spider, and FreeCell, as well as unique twists like Pyramid and Golf, providing a fresh challenge for enthusiasts.
With its digital makeover, Solitaired has successfully retained the gameplay of traditional Solitaire while eliminating many of the hassles of physical card play, making it a convenient and enjoyable platform for relaxation and brain workouts. Try a online game of solitaire. It’s the perfect way to bring back some nostalgia.