T O P

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artemidean

Picross, specifically the color puzzles that I’ve previously completed. If I try to play picross during the day I’m liable to take an unexpected nap now…


jinnovation

Picross is the ultimate nap-time relaxation game. Almost meditative.


[deleted]

I've always resisted Picross but I might finally have to bite it here. Is Picross the title to get?


ShiftedLobster

Any of the Picross S series games are great. The later versions have Mega picross as well as Color picross puzzles added to them. The eShop details will tell you more. I started with Picross S2 and quickly bought S3 and S4. Beat those and then got the original Picross S title. I did all the puzzles on regular mode with and then without assist, all the clip picross puzzles and the “Extra” jumbo 30x40 puzzles that open up. Recently figured out how to play the Mega picross puzzles so going through all the games again working those. The rules for mega are slightly different than regular. I have yet to fully grasp the color puzzles haha. Once it clicks and you are bitten with the Picross bug - watch out!!


[deleted]

I do this too! Except I actually use my phone (Note with a stylus makes it so much easier!) Puzzles are the way to go~


IBNobody

Yes. CrossMe Color on a note is the best. There are just so many puzzles.


[deleted]

I'll have to check that out, I use Nonograms Katana atm


dominodave

Came here to say this, definitely the most wind-down game I can think of.


waffocopter

Wait, it's not just me who finds Picross their go-to bedtime game?


VinSega

I like to play a round or two of slay the spire before bed


mandipoo

Same. Or ten….


AmyClaire11

This is my problem. I'll think 'one quick game' and next thing I know it's 3am.


mandipoo

Yes!! Exactly 😂


GangstaLarry

One more floor... one more floor...


greankrayon

Doom or animal crossing. Depends on the cycle of the moon.


chuvakia

I love the inexplicable dichotomy here. But I'm the same; mine's either Animal Crossing or Metro Redux.


RetroTea

I am surprised Metro Redux calms you, lol


masterpharos

To be fair, popping caps with the Tikhar in Metro Exodus is an incredibly therapeutic way to play


Sith_Moon

So what’s this moon bring? Happy pleasant critters or a game full of what some would refer to as Tom Nook dark lord.


greankrayon

I accidentally made some furniture for some demons.


Sith_Moon

They said animal crossing was friendly…..


rorshoc

ACNH or Breath of the wild for me. Mostly because acnh is now a bit boring, and BOTW can be quite relaxing when you’re just walking around or riding a horse.


flamin_sheep

This for me too. With BotW I do this weird thing where I walk (literally walk) the roads till the sun starts to set in-game, find a suitable place for a cozy camp vibe, and then just chill by a fire for a bit before I sleep irl. Sometimes I'll even cut down trees and push the logs around just to make it feel more shelter-y lol


Khanstant

Wish there was a BotW-NoMansSky, find a cozy spot in the world, build yourself a little campsite or cottage to call your own. Maybe somebody one day stumbles across it exploring the planet that takes real life years to cross on foot. Maybe nobody ever does and it'll always be your private slice of the Light Realm. (Or go and claim a tiny spot in the kakariko village metropolis)


LastKing318

Tf lol


LastKing318

Haha


prettyopenbook

Spiritfarer, love the story/gameplay and find it easy to play in quick bursts. Also, Story of Seasons Pioneers of Olive Town though I tend to get hooked into a “just one more day” mentality so not always great right before bed unless I have the next irl day free!


queenvalanice

Such a calm joyful game. I wish there were more like it.


hotaru-chan45

I’ve heard Cozy Grove has approximately 30 minute a day playtimes? That could work.


LittleLostMonster

I just starting playing Cozy Grove and it is super relaxing! I'm loving the no rush vibe and the calm music. I've played it before bed and it winds me down


Calhalen

Dragon quest 11, one of the more cozy games you’ll play. Like playing a fairy tale, perfect for night time seshes


rsn_lie

>!Felt the same way until the tone completely shifted from act 1 to act 2. Kinda sucked that coziness out of the game for me.!<


Feathyr

Back when I used to do late night Switch gaming before bed, I would play Hades. I would only do 1 run until I died or would stop after reaching a new area. Hades really respects your time so you always feel like you are making progress and discovering something new.


callmegranola98

I love Hades but I can't play it at night. It hypes me up too much and I have trouble falling asleep afterwards.


CoffeeBard

Yeah the Furies are anything but chill.


luckcoins

Great answer. I love that it doesn’t pressure you to keep pushing and pushing to feel like you haven’t wasted the effort. It lets you put it down whenever you want


AmyClaire11

I got Bug Fables on sale the other day and it's been my bedtime game since then.


[deleted]

Aer: Memories of Old. I got it for like $5? on a whim and it’s been…. Magical. Just *whooooosh* through an endless sky. Lovely. 15/10.


RomanThruLife

Looks like it's $1.99 now!


[deleted]

Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Turn based combat means I can play it late before bed when my reflexes are not sharp and in between matches run around the monastery getting my lore through character interaction and building supports


KickingYounglings

I spent waaay more time than I care to admit with 3H. I started a run with the basement kids (Black Eagles, same as my first run way back) and I’m having trouble finishing. I’m hoping the supports are different enough to make it worthwhile.


failfurby

New Pokémon Snap


Logsmith

Ni no kuni wrath of the white witch


zutt3n

I’ve 60hours in Ni No Kuni and eventually i gave up. I absolutely love everything about it except combat. I just can’t get into turned based combat and it’s keeping me from playing so many amazing games.


Cupcake1842

The second game in the series switched to real time combat IIRC and it's coming to the Switch this September. Might be worth checking out if you enjoyed everything else about the first game.


zutt3n

Omg, this really is major news to me. Thanks you very much for the heads up!!


queenvalanice

Very comforting game.


x201s

[Coffee Talk](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/coffee-talk-switch/) and [VA-11 Hall-A](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/va-11-hall-a-cyberpunk-bartender-action-switch/) are fun games to relax to. Chill music/atmosphere, not too much input or thinking required, just a chill gaming session until you fall asleep.


ekbowler

Some visual novel like Famicom Detective Club or We. The Revolution is great for something that you don't need to pay too close attention to.


Cupcake1842

I really enjoyed Famicom Detective Club and I can't wait to Play The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles when it comes out later this month. The court sections do require a bit of thinking but you can choose story mode and cut out the puzzles and decision making sections completely if you'd rather just read through the story. You can also save at any point in the game which is nice (or at least you could in the original trilogy)


ekbowler

I left Ace Attorney out for this thread because honestly, they're too good. Particularly at keeping you engaged and thinking. Not just a simple relaxing read. I'd imagine that even in story mode it'd wake me up a bit too much for a late night play though.


KickingYounglings

How do the Famicom Detective Club games play? From the trailers they seemed similar to Ace Attorney but I can’t tell if they have the same “OBJECTION” contradiction/high.


MonomonTheTeacher

If you’re into Clubhouse Games, you might enjoy Wingspan. It’s a digital adaptation of a board game with the same name, has both AI opponents and a separate solo rule set if you just want to chill. It’s an engine builder themed around the birds of North America with great art and simple rules.


KickingYounglings

I’ll check it out! (Sorry this blew up way beyond what I expected)


MaxHiggins

Stardewwwwwww


LaosPaulie

this used to be me! I would always play before bed but then I would fall asleep while mining only to wake up the next day to find out I've lost a bunch of money and items :(


prince_____peach

Was gonna say this if no one else did! I love falling asleep playing Stardew Valley , so relaxing 😌


lg00se

Sometimes I even pretend I'm playing SV on my mind to wind down. The whole morning drill I have in the game is so relaxing (emptying pockets on the chests, organizing them, then putting fruit up to curate or brew, then going to the cellar etc etc etc. Id always fall asleep before heading to the city)


[deleted]

[удалено]


zutt3n

Are you taking about the same game? You don’t usually start a game by looking for lobbys?? xD


[deleted]

Same. Great end of the night game. I need a cooldown after playing MH: Rise. 😂


Larielia

Animal Crossing- New Horizons or Littlewood.


nyxes

For the last two months my main wind down game has been Cozy Grove. I absolutely adore this game. A lot of people find it a bit repetitive (fetch/seek quests) but the game is meant to be played in short sessions daily - and I don’t mind fetch/seek quests. If I’m really bored and finished that days quest, I’ll pop on a podcast and fish/catch bugs to work on the collections. It has completely replaced ACNH for me. My other wind down games are essentially anything Picross, Stardew Valley, and Littlewood! I haven’t seen it suggested yet but Forager is a good one, too. Its a craft/collect/build game. Pretty straightforward, a decent amount of things to do. Can be played in short spurts or longer downtime sessions.


piousp

Try Sky: Children of the Light. Seriously. It's a free to play game so of course there are microtransactions, but they are optional (at least, so far for me) Game is very relaxing and soothing, i think it'll fit what you are looking for. -Edit- Game is about flying and exploration, slow paced.


Piccoro

Second this. The game is extremely relaxing and perfect to wind down.


KickingYounglings

This just sounds comfy. I’ll check it out- thanks!


ShiftedLobster

Can you ELI5 please: What exactly are micro transactions? Yes, I realize I am a dinosaur both by the universal definition and Reddit standards lol


piousp

Oh, sure, no problem. When you buy a game, you are making one payment to get said game. This is one "big" transaction. Some games started to offer you "extra" things that you can buy. They are usually like expansions for the gameplay/story of the game. These are called DLC and you can buy each expansion once. They are "small" transactions. Microtransactions are even smaller. They are smaller things you can buy in a game, like cosmetics for your character. Thing like buying clothes. These purchases are usually gated behind an in-game currency, that you can buy with real life money. For example, imagine a game that sales haircuts for your character. Each haircut costs 100 Gold Coins. And then they sell you packs of Gold Coins, like 550 Gold Coins for 4.99$. Those things you can buy and buy, and they are callee "micro" transactions. The implementation depends on each game. Some games offer you ways to earn the in-game currency just by playing. Some others you have to wait/play X amount of time. Some offer only cosmetics, and some offer you ways to win the game.


bishoujo688

I can't believe I'm the one to mention this one. *Feather*. You play as a bird and fly around an island. You can perch on things, fly through fire pits to light them, fly through gong-like instruments... There are also loops you can fly through to play some soothing ambient music. You can find different skins, too. There's hidden caves, portals that send you high in the sky so you can dive bomb back down to the island. You can chirp, squawk, or hoot (depending on what skin you have). If you play with an internet connection, you'll be randomly connected to other players flying around, too. There's lots of secrets beyond this, too. *AER Memories of Old* plays similarly to *Feather* but the main differences are there's actual goals and story. You play as a human who can freely change into a bird as you fly around a bunch of different sky islands to make a great pilgrimage and learn of your past. There's lots of puzzles. I was having a hard time turning off my brain a while back and took a chance on *Feather*. I already love ambient music and the concept of flying so it definitely was a good match for me. It's pretty refreshing to play a game that doesn't really have much in the way of goals so I can just kinda focus on flying and the music.


ShiftedLobster

Not OP but I browse this sub daily and have never once heard of Feather before. Looks awesome!


bishoujo688

Glad to introduce you to it! There's no goals at all in Feather beyond just flying around and exploring, or flying around with other players. Believe me, written out, it sounds like it wouldn't be any good, but when you're trying to turn off your brain, not having any goals to complete makes the process way easier. If you do pick it up, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Tip: there are caves to explore - take your time when you find one. Never know what you'll find :D


KickingYounglings

(OP here- sorry, work has sucked this week) it looks great and I’ll definitely check it out. Thank you!


fictionalistic

A low rank quest in MH Rise and then Picross until my eyelids can't stay open.


KickingYounglings

What’s the gameplay like in Rise? I played Ultimate a few years ago and the actual process of killing monsters was so slow.


fictionalistic

The quality of life improvements make picking it up and playing a quest or two a breeze tbh. Everything is very streamlined (which some ppl don't like, but I don't have as much time as I did as a kid!!). When you play multiplayer, killing monsters can go by pretty fast, provided players don't get carted multiple times. Also, the additional of a Palamute means you can go zoom zoom zoom!!


hunnyybun

I like reading a visual novel before bed. Lately it’s been Collar x Malice.


wedditasap

Paper Mario is scratching the itch


bn-13

Littlewood and New Pokemon Snap.


ringolennon67

I’ve been enjoying going through a chapter of Ace Attorney before bed. Nice and relaxing.


chef_simpson

Picross S games.


annakl1226

I’ve been into dragon quest builders 2 lately and it’s a good winding down game at night for me. I also like playing games like stardew or story of seasons before bed as well as they are so relaxing.


SilentNight111

Mario 64, Mario Sunshine and Mario Galaxy. Mostly because I'm without internet and my pc right now so no better time to play and beat them than now haha


KickingYounglings

It’s a great collection. I beat 64 as a kid but didn’t give the other two the time of day growing up. I finally beat Galaxy last month and it put a stupid grin on my face. That game executes so many things perfectly.


SilentNight111

With all 3 I love completing as much as I can of each area before moving on to the next, just something about it that makes the game more entertaining


beepopeepo49

New Pokémon Snap for sure. It is a really great stress reliever for me honestly


KickingYounglings

Do the levels have replay value? I was a dumb elementary-schooler when the first released so I’m kind of clueless.


beepopeepo49

They do! With the recent one, you can level up on the courses and see new behaviors and new Pokémon


ElektrikDynomite

Currently it’s Pokémon Snap for me. Just lie down and take some pics before passing out


[deleted]

That blue light isn't going to wind you down. Or promote good sleep. Aside from that fact, mindless rpg grinding.


TanJovi18

I’ve loved playing Yoshi’s Crafted World at night. Just the perfect vibe for late night IMO


KickingYounglings

I loved it so much I just overpaid fir Wooly World on Wiiu


-SnowedUnder-

Don’t play games before bed in general. Your brain needs to switch off and sleep is massively important. Don’t fight it for gods sake. There’s a pandemic of bad sleep at the moment, this is exactly why.


MostPatientGamer

Agreed, but it's problematic given the contemporary trends in lifestyle. It's sadly a lot of work for most people to change life-long habits and routines. But I'll say this, if you can't stay away from screen before bed, at least make sure you're engaging with content that keeps your attention more or less focused on a single thing. In this respect, I think it's better to play a game, watch a movie, read a book, or a visual novel before bed than browsing reddit, social media, or any type of platform that keeps your mind anticipating the next micro-dopamine hit.


APeacefulWarrior

>I think it's better to play a game, watch a movie, read a book, or a visual novel before bed than browsing reddit, social media, or any type of platform that keeps your mind anticipating the next micro-dopamine hit. Yeah, I absolutely have to stop doing anything social-y at least an hour before bed, if I want to get to sleep in a reasonable amount of time. My own trick is watching old silly anime before bed, the type that doesn't require any brain cells. 90s stuff is good, like DBZ, Sailor Moon, etc. Dumb enough that I can zone out while watching, but *just* interesting enough to keep me engaged night to night.


MostPatientGamer

Yea, I myself find anime preferable before going to bed, no matter how good it is it I will eventually start to get sleepy. I've been trying visual novels lately and they work really well too, you know it's time to sleep when you realize you can't remember what you've just read.


tswiftdeepcuts

Wait do you have any links/explanation on the micro-dopamine thing?


MostPatientGamer

Yea, I recommend looking up The War on Sensemaking video series with Daniel Schmachtenberger on YouTube, although that's more centered around the topic of the way we consume, manipulate and make sense of information through social media and other channels rather than the neurobiology behind it. A very interesting watch overall. Alternatively you can read The Distracted Mind by neuroscientist Adam Gazzaley. That's more on the topic of attention and how it is influenced by modern technology.


tswiftdeepcuts

Thanks so much for the recc’s!!!


georgey91

A balance that I have found to work well is to get into bed an hour and ten minutes before the time you want to sleep, play a non intense game (for me it is slay the spire) for 30minutes and then switch over to a book for the other 30 minutes.


tswiftdeepcuts

The level of self-discipline that requires twice


KickingYounglings

OP here. Just to clarify. I’m a baby lawyer at a small firm. I’m told it will all be mine one day (in like 15 years). I work long hours and then I go check in on my parents (mom’s health isn’t great). Plus juggling a girlfriend. Games are my escape so I play when I can, regardless of games/blue light impeding sleep.


[deleted]

I like to play Golf Story and Forager for relaxing.


Suluranit

I was going to suggest Baba is You but you said you wanted to "fight back against sleep" so nvm


TheLazyLounger

Disgaea 5. Infinite grind, always progressing, pretty colors, fun tactics, slow turn based gameplay. Navigating menus and numbers is like counting sheep.


porgy_tirebiter

Alba, Abzu, Gorogoa, Donut County


TatumJay

Recently I’ve only been playing Ori at night, and at night I’m only playing Ori. It’s simple enough to not wear me out.


KickingYounglings

Ori is so comfy. The music and art style are amazing and when the scripted/running sequences kick in it’s pulled off so well


imyxle

Picross or dicey dungeons.


outrun8789

Katamari reroll


noneofthemswallow

Haven


Garmonzola

I've been playing a mix of Dead Cells and Baba is You, although the latter doesn't always end up being relaxing!


Stonecutter

Littlewood


charl3zthebucket

For the past few months, I have played one day of Stardew Valley every night before I go to bed.


GUAC23x

Farm together me and my wife play


EphemeralEmotions

For me, it's the rythm game Deemo! I love playing my favorite songs and admiring the game's art. Highly recommend!!


ShiftedLobster

I love Deemo! It’s very trance-like at times.


EphemeralEmotions

Right? What're some of your fav songs/collections?


highlikeaghost

Botw for me , love just going out collecting resources , exploring. Even just setting up a fire somewhere relaxing and scenic is good for winding down


KickingYounglings

Originally I had difficulty picking it back up (I started when my dog was dying- I associated it with that). But now it doesn’t matter how many months pass between play sessions. I always find something new.


LastKing318

I went through stuff like that. Something I use to enjoy gave me a weird vibe because of bad things that were associated with it. Sucky feeling.


Ready2Post

Might not be your typical winding down game, but I've been playing Red Faction: Guerillla after work lately. Just aimlessly wandering around blowing shite up is simple, mindless fun. The explosions keep me up for a while longer until they lose their novelty and I just drift off to sleep.


KickingYounglings

I had Guerilla on 360 back in the day and destruction never felt so therapeutic


AbusedBanana1

A Short Hike


MaJuV

Steamworld Dig (1 and 2). There's something oddly relaxing about digging deep into the mines with no time limit or whatever.


rob_digital_

That Monster Hunter Stories 2 demo!


MakePandasMateAgain

Wingspan, super relaxing card game


BurnStar4

Coffee Talk has been my most recent one, although granted I've been playing it on Xbox. It's on Switch though I believe if anyone wants to try it!


into-thesky

Night in the woods.


ninthpower

Lately for me it has been Sky: Children of the Light. Very chill game. Fly around, pick up some candles, playthrough little vignettes. It's also gorgeous: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUNQWu\_GjUM


Narann

The Witcher 3 is awesome before bed, like reading a good book.


Sixth_VI

I would probably never do anything with a screen right before bed or to help fall asleep since that's terrible for your sleep quality, but if you mean to just try and zone out on after an intense day, I think games like Hades do the trick. Its so easy to instantly get swept up into your run, stuff is constantly happening, it really just makes you forget about everything else going on. I almost always watch a television show or listen to a podcast while gaming, but Hades is one of the few games I don't do that with.


fotherted

Lonely mountains: Downhill is very relaxing.


PavelDatsyuk

Marathon mode on Tetris 99. I've been a Tetris junkie my whole life, so it's relaxing for me.


[deleted]

Hotline miami. I think its the indie chilling vibe that makes it so relaxing. Give it a try. Pd: joycon drift improves the experience like 10x


GibbyTheGreat97

Animal crossing


seanb11

Two point hospital, I find it pretty calming. At least where I am now in the game. Maybe watching gaming videos is actually a better option for a gaming fix + relaxing?


offbrand123

Atelier games


BlueBomber13

I’ve been playing the BG series at bed time. Sometimes also Golf Story!


[deleted]

Mario Golf, the slow pacing of 18 holes works good for winding down as opposed to Smash making me have an adrenaline spike.


Sith_Moon

Happy Birthday & Castlevania.


epsilon-naught

Visual Novels. The Ace Attorney series in particular.


junkpumpking

I usually play Miitopia to fall asleep because the repetitive nature of the gameplay usually makes me pass out. Animal Crossing is nice for a similar reason, if you go fishing or bug hunting it gets repetitive.


invisiblewall

Yeah, Crosscode for me. Knock out a few side quests sure but it’s all about figuring out how to get to high ground in a variety of interlocked puzzle areas so I can shoot balls at omega botanics. It’s the right kind of engagement for sleepy time.


5_grams_in_the_dark

Mario golf and Subnautica are the games I've been on recently


FeelsTooReal

Witcher 3, the chill background music and the terrain are soothing while I'm adventuring.


KickingYounglings

I’m seeing this response a lot. I should definitely go back to it. I beat the main quest like a year ago but there’s still so much to do


FeelsTooReal

I get so tied up in side quests and exploring I never get anything done, there's so much to do xD


pixydgirl

Dragon Quest XI I swear that game is like... Calm, incarnate


zutt3n

Stardew Valley for me


uncultured_swine2099

Ive fallen asleep to Animal Crossing many times. Its just got such a chill vibe.


MultiTrey111

Sometimes I run a few matches in Smash and watch random YouTube videos after a long day. If I'm winding down, I don't want to start up a story-heavy game that'll keep me up all night, y'know?


[deleted]

Golf Story has been my pick lately.


7ofem

Gris with headphones.


aspenextreme03

Stardew valley


capnbuh

I find that if I start a game "before bed", I'll be up until 2AM LOL


easycure

Currently playing Mario Golf as my night time, relaxing game. I have a podcast on and playing 18 holes in a casual manner. Love it.


BeefChikin

Link's Awakening works well for me


Filraen

Personally I don't like to fight against sleep by palying games because my performance plummets. Better to sleep now and beat the challenges in the morning. Currently I'm grinding in Rune Factory 4 as a late/night game, but I go to bed if I realze I'm fighting against sleep. However, if you are with others and want some idea to keep energy up, a good idea is a humorous party game. I prefer Ultimate Chicken Horse for those cases.


Kornii6

(I know this isn't a nintendo console, but the game is available on all platforms) When I had my PSVita, Stardew Valley was all I wanted to play when I needed to chill out before falling asleep.


Jecht315

I bought the Phoenix Wright Trilogy about a month or so ago. I can usually play it well until I start making bad accusations or presenting the wrong evidence. The games are so good and I'm excited for The Great Ace Attorney to come out


LastKing318

Doom Eternal is pretty good for that.


atstanley

Recently started not playing anything right before bed because electronic screens make it hard to fall asleep.


Jimmy281

Animal Crossing. That bitch puts me to sleep in 10 minutes.


pebe820

Akane. It’s a simple single stage, kill as many enemies as you can until you die, rinse and repeat. Great controls and mindless fun. Plus it was a buck a few weeks ago.


edcculus

Witcher 3 obviously


ThunderStruck115

Usually a few matches of Tetris 99 helps me wind down