The 10 best relaxing games to unwind with and play in 2026

Best relaxing games: all the villagers and Tom Nook smiling outside of Nook's Cranny during Animal Crossing New Horizons. — (Image credit: Nintendo)

The best relaxing games are here to help you chill out this year, something that we could all use every now and again. Everyone needs some rest and relaxation these days, and we've collected the very best titles that can provide a little virtual space where you can kick back and get away from the busy day-to-day.

From some of the best PC games to a collection of the best feel-good games, like Stardew Valley, the genre of relaxing (or cozy) games is massive. However, the GamesRadar+ team have taken into account all our go-to anxiety killers and has also taken into account all our diverse tastes to bring you a round-up of the top 10 relaxing titles that every kind of player can sit down and enjoy today.

The best relaxing games to play in 2026

10. PowerWash Simulator

A player spraying water on a dirty Ferris Wheel, showing the process of stress-free cleaning in the relaxing game PowerWash Simulator. — (Image credit: FuturLab)

Developer: FuturLab
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

There is something strangely meditative about spraying a massive playground and people's homes with an industrial-powered hose. PowerWash Simulator is one of the most relaxing games that you can play, no matter your mood. With no time restrictions and a straightforward objective: make sure everything is clean; it's a low-pressure and easy-to-pick-up game that you can dip in and out of as you please.

In the base game, the career mode option lets you clean various homes, vehicles, and more. You'll be scrubbing fantasy cottages, skateboard parks, and ancient monuments. Then, of course, you can also check out all the PowerWash DLC, some of which will have you cleaning the likes of SpongeBob SquarePants's house and Shrek's swamp. Honestly, there are tons to do here, and as you unlock better equipment, this already relaxing game becomes even more satisfying to play. The great news is that PowerWash Simulator 2 is also now out, so you can jump on that after you make your way through this relaxing gem.

9. Journey

One player flying in the air and another walking on the sand in a desert, showing the calm co-op gameplay in the game Journey. — (Image credit: Thatgamecompany)

Developer: thatgamecompany
Platforms: PS4, PC, iOS

Any game from developer ThatGameCompany could go here, and it would fit the theme of best relaxing games, but Journey feels like the most obvious choice. It has the best controls, the most varied visuals, and a surprisingly powerful message behind it. Journey's use of small multiplayer ideas and music comes together in a way that heightens the experience without distracting from it.

Journey's peacefulness is also heightened by the fact it's entirely wordless, instead opting for visuals and music to express emotions and narrative. It also has one of the best soundtracks in video game history, and trust us, you'll be feeling zen in no time! It's also a triumph that a title that involves other players directly has ended up on our list, since (let's be honest) most traditional co-op games are pretty stressful. Read our Journey review for more details!

8. Murder By Numbers

Becky talking to a blonde woman in an office about art and fashion, showing the conversational gameplay of the relaxing visual novel, Murder By Numbers. — (Image credit: Mediatonic)

Developer: Mediatonic
Platforms: Nintendo Switch and PC

I know hearing murder in a list of the best relaxing games might be a shock, but trust me, you're in the right place. On one hand, Murder By Numbers is a whodunnit detective experience about exploring murders and finding out the culprit. On the other hand, it is a visual novel / Picross adventure about exploring the depths of humans' low points and what they must do to overcome them.

Half of the game is spent reading, and the other half is spent playing Picross, an addictive maths game my mother plays on her phone. This dichotomy managed to develop a lovely sense of humor and a constant smile on my face. Murder by Numbers is a joyful, relaxing, and unexpectedly thoughtful game that is sure to make your night. Check out our Murder by Numbers review for more insights.

7. Unpacking

A small room filled with cardboard boxes showing the unpacking gameplay of the relaxing title, Unpacking. — (Image credit: Witch Beam Games)

Developer: Witch Beam
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Android, iOS

In 2021, Unpacking marked itself as the relaxing game to play. And even though it's been out for a few years now, it's still a staple pick for any gamer looking to chill out. In this puzzle game, you're tasked with unpacking different boxes and making sure everything is decorated and put in its correct place. Sounds simple, right? Well, as you progress, you'll realize that you're following a person's story, and with each new move and box opened, there's a new chapter.

All the boxes are packed with trinkets that represent a period in their life. You're along for the ride, from unpacking your dorm room at university to moving in with your partner. However, the story remains subtle, and the focus here is the Zen and calming process of simply putting items on shelves and finding the perfect space to store that stack of mugs and plates.

6. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Two Animal Crossing villagers sitting on a simple bench at night together during a quiet moment in the relaxing game Animal Crossing: New Horizons. — (Image credit: Nintendo)

Developer: Nintendo
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Switch 2

At this point, it's practically a cliché to reduce Animal Crossing: New Horizons to its relaxing nature and comfy feel, but the cliché exists for a reason. Animal Crossing is one of the most wonderfully soothing games, and it came at the perfect time. There isn't a story, as such, but Animal Crossing doesn’t need one.

Just you, your tools, and a handful of bells are needed to make your little island into a real paradise. As you adjust small things for Nook Miles or relocate villagers for symmetry, you start to care about your island and all the happy little residents. It provides a delightful little virtual space where you can just get away from everything for a while - and we all need that sometimes. Don't forget to read our Animal Crossing: New Horizons review!

5. Abzu

Diver swims amongst the seaweed peacefully, showing a stunning underwater world in our pick of the best relaxing ocean based game, Abzu. — (Image credit: 505 Games)

Developer: Giant Squid
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch

If you've been playing games for a while, there's a good chance water in games brings up some scary memories. Barely surviving water levels in Ratchet and Clank, the water temple in Ocarina of Time, and that oh-so-famous Sonic drowning music. But Abzu is something very different. It takes the innate fear of what lies in the ocean and turns it into an educational and beautiful experience.

Swim with dolphins, look through coral, and learn all you possibly can about your surroundings as you acclimate to them. It takes very clear inspiration from Journey with lush visuals and a wordless narrative, which works wonderfully for it. You play the role of a diver wandering through the ocean, somewhat guided by a great white shark. It offers many little areas to look at and hidden collectables to find, but at its core is a peaceful swim through the beauty of the depths. Check out our Abzu review for more details on this gem.

4. Coffee Talk

Three customers sitting at the bar together during the relaxing game, Coffee Talk. — (Image credit: Toge Productions)

Developer: Toge Productions
Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch

Grab the calmer moments of the Persona soundtrack, throw some royalty-free rain sounds over it, and you have Coffee Talk's atmosphere. It combinesa jazzy electric piano with the gentle beep of text scrolling over the screen. It feels somewhere in the realm of "lo-fi hip-hop beats to relax/study to" in terms of vibe, which helps earn its place in the best relaxing games list.

Coffee Talk isn't really focused on the gameplay or visuals (although they're lovely), it instead opts to express a fantastic atmosphere. You are tasked with making coffee and indulging in good conversation, often working as an ear to listen to a customer's woes. Plug in your headphones, turn the lights down low, and get lost in subtle conversation and the art of making coffee.

3. Dragon Quest Builders 2

Two characters farming during Dragon Quest Builders 2, showing bright and easy-going gameplay. — (Image credit: Square Enix)

Developer: Square Enix
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

Dragon Quest Builders 2 almost didn't make this list. It has some rather tense moments and battles, but the majority of the gameplay is relaxing, calming, and downright lovely. While there is a grand overarching story about defeating the big bad and killing monsters, the greatest story Dragon Quest Builders 2 tells is of friendship and building communities once thought as lost.

You play the role of a builder, one of the few chosen people capable of making great items out of small materials. You go from land to land, repairing communities, healing sick people, and just generally making the world much better. Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a wonderfully cathartic experience where you can spend hours or days just making a nice town and happy villagers. What more could you want? You can read our five-star Dragon Quest Builders 2 review for more on this relaxing masterpiece.

2. Forager

A player holding a pickaxe while being on a simple green piece of land that has three furnaces and a crafting station in the game Forager. — (Image credit: HopFrog)

Developer: HopFrog
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

Forager isn't relaxing in the way most games are. It's not about taking in sights, looking at pretty visuals, and having little combat. It is practically the opposite of this and works as a strange diorama of the Industrial Revolution, but it's relaxing nonetheless. In Forager, you play as an adorable little white blob with a pickaxe. You must mine minerals and cut down trees to get materials and experience. This can be used to upgrade certain paths, build from your starting island, and make new contraptions.

It starts with a fairly slow grind as you build up the materials to get better items, but the game opens up as you learn about automation. You can make items to mine materials for you, collect them, or purify them. There is little challenge in Forager but going around collecting items and automating machines is infinitely satisfying. You can slouch in your chair, listen to the nice music, and watch the figures go up slowly.

1. Stardew Valley

A farmer standing in front of their house in Spring, showing the farming gameplay and visuals of our pick of the best relaxing game of all time, Stardew Valley. — (Image credit: ConcernedApe)

Developer: ConcernedApe
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, iOS, Android

Taking inspiration from the likes of Harvest Moon, the one-man passion project Stardew Valley oozes charm and comfort. This is true from the gameplay to the visuals to the music. It uses synth violins, harps, and flutes to orchestrate a lazy farming town and does it perfectly. In Stardew Valley, you are given a farm (in one of a few locations) from your grandfather's will, so you decide to uphold his memory by becoming a farmer and connecting with people from the neighboring town.

You can’t get everything done in a day, but you won’t be required to. Sometimes, you might spend the day weeding others you might attend the egg festival and get to know your neighbors. This is what is great about Stardew Valley. Try not to put too much pressure on a day and enjoy it as it passes you by.

If you want to keep up to date with all the latest relaxing games and more, read our list of all the new games heading our way this year and beyond.

TOPICS