Feeling stressed? In need of something somewhat mindless, relaxing, and low brain-power to do for a bit while you wind down after work or a long day? You’re in great company there, and the good news is, you’ve also got a bunch of options to turn to. Gaming isn’t all about the high-stakes, intense, skill-heavy options you might be familiar with – you’ve got some great games available that will let you take a breather.
Sure, this is a case of different strokes for different folks, but to us, video gaming should be relaxing. Who wants to finish a few leisure hours more tense, frustrated, and wound-up than when they started? Who wants to spend it waiting for a deep-sea creature to come and snatch them up from the depths, like in Subnautica?
Since gaming is a method of relaxing for a lot of us, it makes sense that video games don’t need to be super hard or demanding… and here are some great options for those who want to take it a little easier and have a calmer time.
Crosswords, Sudoku, and Similar
Fan of words or numbers? You’ve got so many options here – first up, with your standard crosswords, codewords, sudoku, and similar options. You’ll find tons of sites that offer free versions of these, including online newspapers, plus apps, and almost infinite varieties. You can turn the difficulty up or down, and the other great news? These are thought to be good for your brain!
And you’re not limited to just the basics, either. Wordle has taken the world by storm, and you’ve got tons of other options too, like online Scrabble, which will often incorporate a nice opportunity to play with others. You can find tons of other word games out there to enjoy, too. Lots of people make these kinds of games part of their daily activities.
Online Click Games
Online click games are another ultra-popular option that has enormous variety. Things like Bejewelled can be great starting points, but honestly, you could probably play a different game from this genre every day and not run out in a lifetime. Some of them are referred to as “tap games” instead, since they’re geared toward cell phones, but whether you’re clicking with a mouse or tapping with your finger, they can be a great way to take the edge off and unwind a bit.
You can also go for things like Strange Horticulturist, or a classic like Simon the Sorcerer or Grim Fandango, or even The Secret of Monkey Island if you want a bit more plot and narrative, but still an easy-going option with low stakes. These games will challenge your brain, but they’re not what you’d call stressful!
Of course, click games suffer a bit from one thing… after a while, many of them start to feel monotonous and pointless (unless you’ve got one heck of a plot driving them). The developers have worked to combat that by offering up rewards – often just digital, but of course, you’ve got options like casinos, where you can actually win something tangible if you’re prepared to wager on it. Playing at an online casino offers a pretty satisfying way to cool down after a long day, and if you’re lucky enough to take home a win… well, who wouldn’t say “yes” to that as an aspect of their gaming time?
Click or tap games are super low in terms of emotional investment, so if you’re feeling too tired for a high-stakes story or complex plots, these could be the perfect choice. And since many are geared for cell phones, you can take them anywhere and everywhere (with internet, anyway) and enjoy unwinding on your commute or during your lunch hour.
Low Key RPGs
Not all of the major video games are high-intensity, so it’s well worth looking at some of these for your “calm down” hour – there are lots of great options that will help you finish your gaming session feeling relieved, instead of annoyed.
Stardew Valley is high on that list; this gentle little farming game lets you meander about, tending to your crops and living life in a super peaceful village. It’s a case of “living the dream” for a lot of us, and you can enjoy that vibe from your screen without worrying about giant monsters storming in – yes, there are some in the caves, but still, it’s all pretty low-key.
You could also go for something like Minecraft (okay, more Sandbox than RPG but it’s close) and turn off the monsters. That approach lets you meander around a beautiful pixel world, harvesting materials, scooping up resources, and building some pretty astonishing pieces without any concerns.
With all of those choices, it’s pretty clear we’ve got tons of options for the days when we just want to chill and do something gentle. Video gaming should be fun, but it can also be soothing and relaxing, and if you choose the right game, you can enjoy the perfect vibe no matter what you feel like!
Sebastian is an accomplished author with a passion for storytelling. His works span various genres, from thrilling mysteries to heartfelt romance novels. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for character development, Sebastian weaves engaging narratives that captivate readers and transport them to new worlds.