Life can get a little chaotic and videogames are a great escape to lose yourself for a while. Whether you enjoy doing nothing in Animal Crossing or get productive in Stardew Valley, relaxing games is its own special genre of gaming. People love them because it reduces the intense stakes of most games, some things are a little claiming and repetitive. And my personal favourite, they’re generally set in gorgeous settings out in nature. A surefire way to just relax, even if it’s just through your gaming screen. Sometimes you just need some time to escape into a world of calm and this is exactly what this list is for.

 

Yonder: The Cloudcatcher Chronicles

Yonder: Cloud Catcher Chronicles is a beautiful, relaxing open-world adventure that takes you on a journey across the island of Yonder. There are no clear instructions on how the game works and you’re free to roam the world and do whatever you want at your own pace. The world has a soft kind of dreamy look to it and it helps that the landscape is dotted with cute animals and beasts. In this game, you can be who you want to be whether it’s a chef, a tailor or a farmer. Explore and get to know the inhabitants of the world, take on quests, befriend the creatures who roam the lands. Yonder: Cloud Catcher Chronicles takes you on a gorgeous journey that feels wonderfully charming and peaceful. Check out our full review here.

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

 

Stardew Valley

Okay, let’s get this obvious recommendation out of the way. Stardew Valley has become the defacto numero uno of farming sim games since Harvest Moon. It is an extremely well-balanced farming game which has a ton of polish and updated features even several years after its launch.

Situated in the small rural village of Pelican Town where you’ve just inherited a farm. You’ll spend your seasons grooming your family farm into a profitable operation, making friends (and maybe spouses) with the local villagers, and revitalising the town itself. This little pixel wonderland is full of relaxing things to do and as a bonus, you can even play it with your friends.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS Vita, PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android

 

My Time At Portia

My Time at Portia was one of my most played games of last year. It’s a good mix of relaxing moods and vibes as well as interesting storylines and characters. The island of Portia isn’t big but you’ll spend your days crafting, fishing, farming, mining, making friends and building. For those of you that wish to progress a bit further, there’s even an underlying mystery that encapsulates the town. There is some combat but all in all still feels very gentle and slow-paced.

If you’re interested in checking out My Time at Portia or you’re new to the game be sure to check out our beginner’s guide over here.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC

 

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town

This is a game I’ve logged a lot of hours on, as you can tell from all our SoS: FoMT articles. Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town is a remake of the first original Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town. If you’ve ever played the first game on the PlayStation 1 or love Stardew Valley then you’ll instantly fall in love with this game. I actually prefer this farming game over Stardew Valley because of the graphics but to each their own.

The story in SoS: FoMT is the same as the previous ones. You’ve inherited your grandfather’s farm out in the country and have moved back to make it a better place. If you’ve played the original game and are interested in finding out what’s new then check out this article. And if you’ve started playing the game then check out our guides for crops, power berries and relationships. Friends of Mineral Town is definitely the OG farming sim that started the whole wave so check it out.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC

 

ABZÛ

Developed by Matt Nava the art director behind Journey and Flower. ABZÛ is an amazing amalgamation of serenity and adventure. It looks like the type of game that’ll draw you in with soothing music and beautiful atmospheres, and keep you going for the mystery you’re sure to solve. It sort of feels like Journey but with fish.

In the game, you have the time to explore at your own pace, allowing you to properly get to know the ocean. ABZÛ’s mesmeric waters are teeming with cryptic ruins itching to share their wordless stories. Light puzzling punctuates each new environment of calming bliss, but this is a watery world you will want to explore every inch of before progressing. It’s minimalistic gameplay but it’s almost intoxicating to stay in.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC