There’s nothing better than being able to put your feet up and diving headfirst in a whole new world after a long day. It’s easy to forget when everyone is talking about games like Call of Duty and Fortnite, but not every game has to be fast paced or full of running and gunning.
So we’ve pulled together a list of easier going games that are easy on the eyes, feature chill vibes, and amazing soundtracks that we think are great for helping you chill out. We’ve also made sure to include options that work across all major platforms, and even a few that have cool co-op options.
10. Journey (iOS/PC/PS4)
True to its name, this one isn’t about slaying dragons or changing the world. It’s about focusing on an aspect that most games breeze past – appreciating the boundless world around you.
A visually stunning game that’s focuses on the path you take, rather than where it leads. The whole thing can be completed in about 4-5 hours, so perfect for a relaxing afternoon. You can even venture through this desert with a random co-op partner which can lead to some truly unique experiences. Journey away!
9. GRIS (PC/Switch/iOS/Mac)
Graphics aren’t everything, especially when you just want to chill out. GRIS is altogether different though. Almost any moment of this watercolor style game could be a work of art that you’d be more than happy to hang up in your living room. Follow Gris as she aims to bring color to a world that’s lost its light.
It’s a short, touching beautiful story that explores grief and loss, combining music and motion to create an experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Fans of narrative driven games and platformers will feel right at home with this one.
8. Untitled Goose Game (PC/Xbox One/PS4/Switch)
Untitled Goose Game is a slapstick-stealth-sandbox game, where you are a goose let loose on an unsuspecting village. You’ll make your way around town, from peoples' back gardens to the high street shops to the village green, setting up pranks, stealing hats, honking a lot, and generally ruining everyone’s day.
You can even play through the whole game in coop mode. It brings two horrible geese, honking twice as much, but bringing twice the fun. It’s a straight up vibe, and just as silly as it sounds. You’ve got to give this one a go when fun is your number one objective, and let’s face it – when isn’t it?
7. ABZU (PS4/PC/ Xbox One/Switch)
Journey might have a huge mountain to explore, but ABZU has the sea. A big, bold, beautiful game, you’ll take the role of a diver as you explore the boundless ocean.
It’s a game that’s begging to be explored and encourages you to just chill out and get lost doing whatever you want. With a basic and very minimalist story, you don’t have to worry about thinking too hard. Just enjoy and ride the waves, but only if you want to.
6. RiME (PC/Xbox One/Switch)
Enjoy exploring, but don’t want to sink hours into an expansive world? We’ve got you. In RiME, the world around is one big puzzle just wanting to be explored. Charming from start to finish, you’ll think you’ve been whisked away to beautiful set of islands, each with their own secrets, brought to life with some of the most beautiful cel-shaded graphics we’ve seen since The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
5. Monument Valley (iOS/Android)
Monument Valley games are known for asking you to see things differently, heavily messing with your perspective. The mind-bending stages are simple in appearance but can really ramp up the complexity as you play. This makes them a fantastic choice for people that really enjoy light-hearted stories that are easy to pick up and fun to master.
Best of all it’s available on both iOS and Android, meaning you don’t need a huge PC or console to enjoy.
4. No Man’s Sky (PS4/PC/Xbox One)
No Man’s Sky didn’t get off the best start, but after a few years of updates, it’s had one hell of a glow up. It’s an exploration game all about boldly going where no one has gone before, meaning there’s no massive story or lore overload to worry about.
With beautiful visuals and an even more beautiful soundtrack, you can easily get lost in a cycle of exploring new, procedurally generated planets for hours. See you star side!
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch)
Animal Crossing is one of those games that everyone agrees is just a chill time. No time restrictions, no plot or story to push you forward. Just a few hours into building and developing friendships, you’ll understand why millions are drawn in by the charming visuals and simple gameplay. The world is literally your oyster in this one, so however you like to chill, you can really live it up with this one.
It’s not for everyone, but if you do end up liking it, our bet is that you’re probably really going to like it.
2. The Sims 4 (PS4/PC/Xbox One)
Everyone knows this one. We’re willing to bet you’ve probably already played a version of this game. The granddaddy of all sandbox games, it doesn’t get any more do-whatever-you-what than The Sims. You can build your ultimate house, throw the ultimate party, make your side hustle a reality or just own more pets than you’ve ever dreamed off.
We don’t want to get all LEGO on you, but the sky really is the limit in this game, making it one of the most flexible and chilled out choices when it comes to games.
1. Stardew Valley (PS4/PC/Xbox One/Switch/iOS/Android):
As one of the most successful indie games of the past five years, we think this is a game that’s really paid its dues. Sorry, we’ll leave…
Stardew Valley is all about relaxing, chatting with townsfolk, and peacefully tending to your farm. That’s about it in a nutshell and that’s very much the point. It’s an easy-going game that’s made for easy-going vibes – and it very much delivers on that. The visuals and music are charming, and with a great co-op mode, you can enjoy it all with up to three friends.
Any of the games we’ve mentioned here are sure to help you relax and unwind. But before you dive into your next big adventure, don’t forget to stock up on Green Monké here.