Stress is a sneaky little gremlin that loves to chew on your nerves, and these days it doesn’t take much to feel like you’re running on empty. But while some folks turn to meditation or yoga, others reach for the controller or keyboard—and according to science, that might be just as valid a form of therapy. Research shows that certain types of games can genuinely help lower stress, ease anxiety, and even reduce levels of cortisol, the hormone responsible for making you feel like you’re about to explode just because someone left the milk out. In your defence, though, leaving the milk should be punishable by electric chair.
It turns out that games that encourage relaxation, repetition, or gentle focus can coax the brain into a flow state—basically a kind of meditative zone where time melts away and your mind gets a break from the constant background hum of worry. Some studies even suggest playing games like Flower or Tetris Effect can be as effective as guided meditation when it comes to chilling out. And no, that doesn’t mean a 12‑hour session of Call of Duty. These are games designed around peace, creativity, beauty, and light, satisfying tasks—little digital havens, really.
So, if you’re feeling wound tighter than a controller cable around the neck of the person who left the milk out, here is 20 brilliant games I reckon might help you breathe easier. Or, at least, let the poor person being strangled breath easier, anyway.
Stardew Valley (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
The undisputed king of cozy, Stardew Valley is a farming sim where time moves at your pace and failure doesn’t exist. Whether you’re planting crops, chatting up villagers, or just fishing by the river, it’s the definition of low‑stress, high‑satisfaction gaming. Researchers often use Stardew as the poster child for stress‑relieving game design, thanks to its no‑pressure structure and soothing soundtrack.
PowerWash Simulator (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
It shouldn’t be this satisfying to spray virtual grime off a playground, but here we are. PowerWash Simulator is a repetitive, oddly meditative game where your only job is to clean—and it’s more therapeutic than it has any right to be. An Oxford study found it improved players’ moods in 72% of cases.
Flower (PC, PlayStation)
You play as a gust of wind guiding petals across picturesque landscapes. That’s it. And it’s magical. Flower has been shown in university studies to lower stress as effectively as guided meditation. Minimal controls, no enemies, just beauty and flow.
Journey (PC, PlayStation, iOS)
This wordless wander through sweeping deserts and shimmering ruins is a gentle reminder that games can be art. Journey has a multiplayer element, but there’s no talking, no usernames—just quiet companionship. It’s perfect when you want connection without the pressure of conversation.
ABZÛ (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
Diving through coral reefs with whales and glowing fish is about as far from stress as you can get. ABZÛ swaps danger and drama for graceful underwater movement and a soothing soundtrack that practically massages your brain.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch)
There are no deadlines in Animal Crossing, only daily tasks and adorable villagers with nothing but nice things to say. You can decorate your island, catch bugs, and spend way too long deciding where to plant a tree. Mental health professionals often recommend it for managing anxiety—and for good reason.
A Short Hike (PC, Nintendo Switch)
You’re a little bird on a tiny island, and your only goal is to reach the top of a mountain. Along the way, you’ll explore, fish, dig up treasure, and chat with quirky animals. It’s short, sweet, and full of heart, perfect for a quick reset when life feels a bit much.
Minecraft (Peaceful Mode) (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
Take away the Creepers and hunger bars, and Minecraft becomes a sandbox of pure creativity. Peaceful mode lets you build, dig, and decorate without threats or limits. Some people even use it to help fall asleep—and honestly, same. For pure freedom, jump into Creative mode instead and enjoy unlimited resources so you can build whatever craziness your mind comes up with.
Dorfromantik (PC, Nintendo Switch)
Like a jigsaw puzzle crossed with a countryside postcard, Dorfromantik is all about placing little hex tiles to build idyllic villages and rolling fields. No score chasing, no timers—just chill vibes and the occasional perfect tile placement that makes your brain go “yes, good.”
Coffee Talk (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
You’re a barista in a quiet coffee shop, serving drinks to werewolves, elves, and other fantasy folks while they vent their problems. It’s essentially the gaming equivalent of late-night chats with friends, all wrapped in a warm, pixel‑art blanket and lo‑fi beats.
Spiritfarer (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
While Spiritfarer touches on death, it does so with kindness, caregiving, and emotional closure rather than horror. You’re tending a boat full of spirits—growing crops, feeding them, getting hugs—and somehow it feels healing and calming, even when it pulls at the heartstrings.
No Man’s Sky (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
Once infamous, No Man’s Sky has blossomed into a serene space‑exploration sim. When you avoid the survival mechanics, it’s about gliding between planets, gathering resources, and letting the infinite beauty of space do its thing.
Slime Rancher (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
Collect cute, squishy slimes, feed them, and watch them bounce around your alien ranch. The world is bright, friendly, and largely peaceful. There’s enough caring gameplay to keep your brain engaged in a pleasant rhythm without stress.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 (PC)
Driving across Europe while listening to calming music becomes meditative after a while. The repetitive nature of long‑haul trucking, paired with scenic views, feels very different from typical video games—it’s more like digital long‑form mindfulness.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
Yonder gives you a gorgeous ‘island of Gemea’ to explore at your own pace. There’s no combat—just gathering, crafting, and helping villagers. The landscapes and ease of progression relax the brain rather than overstimulate it.
House Flipper (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
Grab tools, fix up dilapidated homes, paint walls, install fixtures—it’s oddly satisfying. The visible transformation and creative freedom tap into the same calming instincts as real-life renovating (without the dust).
Unpacking (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux)
Packing boxes, unpacking items, and placing them in your new home becomes a soothing routine. There’s no timer, no score—it’s all about neatness, memory, and quiet storytelling through everyday objects.
Tetris Effect: Connected (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
This stunning reimagining of Tetris turns block stacking into a synesthetic experience. Its hypnotic rhythms and visuals create flow states that disrupt intrusive thoughts. Research also shows Tetris is effective at reducing cravings and even PTSD symptoms. But if you want the ultimate in relaxtion, fire this bad buy up in VR and prepare for an experience.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to relaxation – I personally like to beat the snot out of people in Mortal Kombat to de-stress – but these games offer a huge variety of ways to unwind, whether you need a few minutes of quiet beauty or hours of calm productivity. And hey, if science says games can help ease stress and lift your mood, who are we to argue? Sometimes the best thing you can do for your mental health is load up a cozy world and let yourself just… breathe.
So grab your controller, find your happy place, and game on—your brain will thank you.