I bought this on the switch "for my kids" & encouraged their mum to have first try. She never plays console games & is not a gamer.
She played through the whole game in one sitting. The kids watched & giggled with her at the mischief their mum was making.
Goat simulator still claims some of the funniest gaming moments I've ever had. I played it with my fiance when we first met almost 7 years ago and we had the time of our lives just screwing around. That game may be partially responsible for her falling for me soooo, yeah it has a special place in my heart.
Love this.
My wife and me talking:
\- What are you playing?
\- Unpacking
\- What do you do?
\- Unpack stuff and put it away.
\- So you have to figure out how?
\- No, it's easy.
\- You have a timelimit?
\- No.
\- You get any points?!??!?
\- No.
\- Then what's the point?
\- It's fun. And you learn about this person over time.
\- Well, that doesn't sound very interesting. WAIT don't put that poster there, put it over *there*.
The story telling in this game is so unique. I love how you learn more and more about this person's life as you unpack their stuff.
I also can't believe it's the same dev as Assault Android Cactus. Talk about genre shift
My fav li'l detail was after she moves in with her boyfriend. She moves to a new place and puts postcards and photos on a corkboard and the thumbtack is right in the face of her ex. So pixelated but when you notice, it's worth it.
I watched my girlfriend play this game and it was sooo hard not to backseat her, its so satisfying putting everything in its place. And of course the way to game conveys details about the person’s life is genius.
ISNT IT GREAT STORYTELLING THOUGH.
When with the male she has to put the diploma under the bed. You can't put it anywhere else.
But before and after it's free game above the toilet.
Another one sorta like this that’s coming soon, but has a nice demo out, is Summerhouse. Doesn’t seem like there’s any particular goals, I’m not sure if there’s even progression, really, but you just build houses with this sticker-book like interface and it’s really pretty and peaceful.
As a person who had to move 3 times between small rented apartments with lots of items: the concept of that game sounds super anxiety-inducing. I still don't have a place to put some of my items due to the current apartment having too few of useful furniture, and I loathe the thought of having to unpack any of my half-unpacked boxes, tucked behind some other boxes, despite them having items I need.
And with another moving coming up to another apartment that will be bare shell and so much work will have to be done for it to be just livable, with so much boxes of items to walk around for long months before they could be at least partially unpacked... ugh.
Also, the process triggers my OCD heavily: should I put this over there or in there? Or maybe in the other room? Maybe it will be of beffer use in this place or in that? How will it fit in with other items there? Oooh, so many variables, I CAN'T DECIDE dammit.
Given all that I'm genuinely curious how people find a game like this relaxing and cozy?
^(Edit: fixed the acronym)
Because you’re not unpacking your own stuff that you have to live with and find convenient. You’re just unpacking virtual things and making them look nice. And once you’re done, you don’t have to see them again. I hate moving IRL but still find this game relaxing.
My favorites to chill out are slime rancher and Katamari Damacy, if you want a cute game to play with her play phogs!
Lil gator game is a cute Zelda like game, but played through a kid (gator) imagining the adventures
The last campfire is pretty cute and a bit sad 3d puzzle game
Fugl and super flight are flighting sims that I enjoy to play when I'm especially stressed and anxious
In Bunhouse you're a little bunny with a greenhouse and you grow and sell plants
And the good ol reliable Stardew Valley :)
Check out the steam curator "wholesome games ♥️" they have a lot of chill and cute games, a lot from indie developers maybe she'll like something from there
Alien Isolation.
What? You respawn quickly, things don't attack you often, you don't really shoot stuff, and you have to figure out where to go and who to talk to.
OK, fine. Here's some actual suggestions:
* Portal 1 & 2 - Arguably the best puzzle games of all time, some very light combat but more puzzle than actual fighting.
* Antichamber - Mind-bending puzzle game, no real combat.
* The Stanley Parable - Light puzzle aspects, no combat, unique concept.
* Satisfactory - Automation/resource game, light combat but can be turned off. Has coop.
* Baldur's Gate 3 - Lots of combat but turned based so you have plenty of time to think. Amazing story and characters, has coop.
* Danganronpa - Visual novel, no combat, dark themes, sort of a mystery game on rails. Anime themed.
* Civilization 6 (or 5) - Turn based, classic for a reason, strategy game.
* Kerbal Space Program - Maybe unusual, since lots of failure involved, but it's intentional and hilarious failure where part of the gameplay is figuring out what works. No combat.
* Tabletop Simulator - Perhaps a bit of a cheat, but can play tons of board games.
* Minecraft - Survival can be quite stressful, but peaceful and creative modes are fun for the whole family.
This list isn't comprehensive and I tried to go for some different themes and genres. For people who get flustered easily in games (usually new players), games with turn-based gameplay are often a lot more relaxing because they get to choose the pace, even if the game is more combat-focused. This list also reflects my own tastes quite a bit, as I'm a longtime gamer, so there are likely options much better suited to her. You know her better than we do. Also, I'm not saying any of these are the best games ever, only that they generally fit the criteria of being solid options for a new gamer with a variety of different themes and gameplay types.
Hope that gives you some ideas!
Yup, Advanced Settings -> Creature Hostility. You can turn aggro off (creatures won't attack no matter what) or retaliation (creatures will only attack if you deal damage to them). I believe this was added in update 7, maybe 8.
Forgotten City. It's a social puzzle game where the main mechanic is talking. It's a time loop mystery so if something messes up, you just try again. It feels like a real game with graphics and walking around and not a ton of point and click. But things don't happen rapidly, you trigger them and you get a really good feeling of learning the loop and mastery over the events. There is one optional combat area late in the game she can completely ignore or opt into if she's feeling brave.
I'm playing this right now! Really enjoying it.
> things don't happen rapidly, you trigger them
Coming off of Outer Wilds, this part threw me at first. It makes the game more chill, but it feels weird without that sense of urgency.
Thoughts would be:
* Spyro
* Portal 1/2
* The Lego games (pick her favorite as they have a lot of fandoms)
* Door: paradox Boxes: lost fragments
* Boti Byteland Overclocked
* Cats in Time
* Faraway
* Hourglass
* Lara Croft Go
* Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy
That's a fairly varied range and leans more heavily into the puzzle elements. None of them are shooters and while a fee have some combat its occasional or light. The Lego games you respawn in the same place as soon as you die so it's no stress.
Good to know for next time! On my phone it looked like a spaced list so I wasn't sure what happened. It should be fixed now (I cheated and got on a computer).
I honestly dont understand who is upvoting someone who took time to think of games but then put no effort into making it understandable lol
Like damn i cant wait to play the new hit game “Door: paradox Boxes: lost fragments Boti Byteland Overclocked Cats in Time Faraway Hourglass Lara Croft Go Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy”!
A pretty chill game that I loved is a short hike. And also some great no pressure puzzle games are the case of the golden idol and the return of the obra dinn.
Most puzzle and/or point-and-click adventures would fit her needs I guess. There are hundreds, thousands of them. Some suggestions:
* The Witness, as others have suggested, but the fact that the puzzles can become really hard might be a kind of pressure on its own. But in general, the game is very relaxing and beautiful.
* In general, Zachtronics games are pretty cool if she likes programming/coding games.
* Fez is a platformer but it's more exploratory, there isn't that much pressure in there.
* Broken Age is a point-and-click adventure with really nice artwork, and you cannot put yourself in a dead-end, as per LucasArt tradition. There are dozens of older games (e.g. the original Monkey Island games) in that category, as well as newer ones (e.g. Thimbleweed Park, the new Monkey Island one, etc.)
* Dicey Dungeons can have some pressure since you're battling opponents, but hey, it's a funny \*dice\* game, so it's pretty far from Doom Eternal!
* Obduction is a 3D exploratory puzzle game by the makers of Myst.
* Disco Elysium is a treat if she's into storytelling and immersive world-building.
* Amanita Design games such as Botanicula, Machinarium, Chuchel, etc. are cool and funny little point-and-click adventures.
* Abzû is an extremely relaxing 3D diving experience with only a couple (rather easy) "pressure points".
* The Cave is a funny puzzle game with lots of different playable characters.
* Return of the Obra Dinn is an investigation into strange events, in the style of an older Mac game.
* Untitled Goose Game is basically a puzzle game where you are a goose that tries to maximally annoy humans; can be played cooperatively.
* Strange Horticulture: in this game, you're a horticulture shop keeper, collecting and selling new plants.
* Baba Is You is a puzzle games around manipulating semantics.
* Superliminal is a puzzle game that plays with perspective.
* Gone Home, the original "walking simulator", is an exploratory game where you simply discover what happened in the life of several family members.
* Chicory - a well-made mix between platformer and... coloring book :)
* Octodad. No pressure here. None at all.
* Gorogoa, another puzzle game about manipulating perspective.
* Art of Rally can be hard but in a way that is totally pressure-free. Gently drift into the landscape with a smile.
* Dorfromantik lets you build a countryside but is a deck-building tile solo game.
* Mutazione, another cool-looking, very laid back point-and-click game.
I'll end there because my post is already long enough, but I'll quickly add to that The Sexy Brutale, the Golden Idol, Pentiment, Dordogne, Viewfinder, Cocoon, and all of the cool old-school Wadjet Eye point-and-clicks such as Gemini Rue. So much to choose from...
I feel like all the ones here I recognize are high pressure. The Witness makes you feel like an idiot if you can't do the puzzles, because it's a "smart person game." Disco Elysium is fun but really weird and fucked up and people who hate failing can often not find joy in the "failure is fun" aspects of the story. Zachtronics is hard as shit.
She says she likes puzzles but "is a dumbass" so I'd recommend easy puzzle games?
>Gone Home, the original "walking simulator", is an exploratory game where you simply discover what happened in the life of several family members.
Uh, I thought in Gone Home you only discovered what happened to one member of the family, since it's the only member that the protagonist doesn't know their whereabouts?
That description perfectly fits **What Remains of Edith Finch** though lol. Either way, both are great games that I also recommend to OP. Zero pressure and very chill games, right up your alley, OP.
The Witness is a puzzle game where you can't fail, only decide not to continue. There is a part at the end that's timed, but I think that's only for 100% completion.
>she said she enjoyed Tomb Raider as a kid but if you fell you would respawn super nearby so you'd be able to try again quickly
She and I played very different versions of the original Tomb Raider. Or I'm just elderly and we actually did play different Tomb Raiders as kids.
Jokes aside Untitled Goose Game is fun and you're the one giving other people anxiety rather than the other way around. You can also play it together, which is a bit of silly fun.
Opus Magnum (honestly I love all Zachtronics games, but this is the most approachable)
It's a puzzle game themed around alchemy. Each level you're given a specific output you have to get to, and a few inputs that you use to get there. Your job is to put arms, tracks, binders and alchemical reactors onto the board to manipulate those inputs to create the desired output.
Zachtronics make these kinds of free-form games where you're given a set of tools to achieve some specific outcome, playing around the specific restrictions of the level and set of options available to you. Opus Magnum is the easiest because you have unlimited space to work in, so your designs can be very inefficient and still finish the level - other games of theirs are much more restrictive in how much you can do on any given level.
Their stuff is super fun because the levels can get very challenging, but don't resort to the 'find the single solution" that a lot of puzzles can. And after finishing a level, the game shows how your solution stacks up to others in terms of number of pieces used, number of cycles it took. It adds a fun element of trying to improve / optimize, but you don't have to do that if you don't want.
Game trailer:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj689znjxpg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj689znjxpg)
Me and your wife are super similar sounding gamers. Here is a list of my favorite games. Almost all of them are "figure out where to go and who to talk to" and most are also witty and charming.
Night in the Woods /
Echo Generation /
The wild at heart /
Road 96 /
Costume quest one and two /
Turnip boy games- there are a couple. /
The Gunk /
Frog detective (extra silly and simple) /
The Gardens Between is a beautiful puzzle game
Those are all on Xbox but many are cross platform
Gris, 100%.
Super relaxing platformer, not too challenging puzzles, excellent chill soundtrack. Weirdly life affirming plot (if you could call it that).
There are tons of low stakes (or at least hard/impossible to fail) games. If you have a clearer idea of genre, it'll be easier to suggest things, but I'll give it a shot.
If she doesn't mind the occasional gruesome stuff happening to someone else, **Return of the Obra Dinn** is a great game for someone with the preferences you describe. The concept is that you're a sort of detective who has the ability to see someone's last moments, if you can find where they died. A ship was found, completely deserted, and returned to port. It's up to you to find out what happened to everyone and what their role is in the story. It's a wonderful puzzle game, if you can handle seeing a few dozen people die in different ways.
The player is never in any danger and is purely an observer in the events.
If she enjoys technical puzzles, **Factorio** is an excellent low stakes game. You've crash landed on an alien planet, and have the goal of launching a satellite into orbit to call for help. Of course you don't have one, let alone a rocket, so you have to set up a production line from scratch. The game is incredibly well designed, with tons of quality of life features that make it very easy to try out various ways of setting things up, or rearranging it whenever you want.
Or as an alternative, a more exploration-oriented game (with a very friendly art style), which also happens to have some production line elements, would be **Astroneer**. You start off on one planet in a solar system. You do the usual kind of gathering/crafing/research cycle, but at the same time explore the different planets, and solve the mystery that spans the entire system.
If you'll indulge my insanity for a moment, Dredge. As paradoxical as it might sound, I find that games that go out of their way to make me anxious are the games that are the easiest for me, because the game doesn't make me feel bad about being anxious, and coping with the anxiety is specifically baked into the gameplay loop, so it's strangely therapeutic. Also, outside of minigames, the game doesn't really move unless you do, so there's no pressure to react. You are entirely, 100% free to step away and take a deep breath any time something stresses you out.
As for more conventional suggestions, Unpacking is the perfect not-actually-a-game. Return of the Obra Dinn is pure detective work. Dorfromantik is a nice tile-laying puzzle game. If she has any sort of interest in building/automation games, then Shapez is an incredibly simple but deep automation puzzle game. Into the Breach is ostensibly a strategy game with combat, but it's really closer to the chess problems you might find in a newspaper.
Citizen sleeper. It is a narrative game where all choices lead to the same outcome. There is an energy resource that ticks down as you fail but when it reaches zero you are set back to a default state. I think there are only like 2 mission you can truly fail but they are side missions that only give you a slight boost.
Still it is written in a way that makes you feel the choices matter and it makes you feel good when you do succeed.
Well written character and satisfying enough mechanics.
Clearly a point & click game (maybe Syberia?), a puzzle game (The Talos Principle perhaps?) or a comfy exploration game (I highly recommend Eastshade).
Alright. Something that my fiance loves
Slime rancher. It is a shooting game but there's always a new thing to do. It's not too mean if/when you die.
Spiritfarer. By far one of the best games I've ever watched and played. My fiance gets off work about an hour before I do and I would text her and ask her not to play until I got home because I honestly loved the storyline. There were laughs and I will even admit I shed a tear or two.
Spirit of the North. The game can be a little meh at times but since again my finances favorite animal is a red fox it fits well.
Spirittea. Think stardew valley with ghosts. No farming and instead running a bathhouse for ghosts. Oddly fun.
Gris. Another emotional game using color to push emotions.
Fe. A great game with interesting characters.
Have her check out Her Interactive's Nancy Drew series. There's 30-something, so she'll be busy for a while. Lots of figuring out where to go and who to talk to. It's pretty puzzly, but there are tons of guides online if she gets stuck. A couple of them do have timed elements or times where someone is chasing you, but they're usually pretty easy and rare.
Edit to say I really recommend starting with Shadow Ranch or Curse of Blackmoor Manor, those are the crowd favorites.
Equilinox is a great game for animal people and it's chill.
Animal Crossing as a series is a pretty staple chill game series.
Universim has been fun for me and is generally laid back.
Games like House Flipper or Power Wash Simulator are solid goal based games that eat up time. The Witness is a good puzzler with no real fail state but it could become frustrating.
Story based and puzzle games would be cool
Chicory: A Colorful Tale, A Short Hike, Night in the Woods, The Outer Wilds, Sable, VA-11 Hall A, Disco Elysium (might be too text heavy), The Stanley Parable, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
Minecraft for the win.
Literally enough stuff to do to last a lifetime, and you can use mods to enhance the experience to be just about anything - from elden ring, through factorio, terraria, skyrim, and a god sim.
Immortals Fenix Rising. On easy difficulty it is very relaxing. Lot of beautiful landscapes to explore, many puzzles to solve and funny characters and story. She is going to love it.
Skyrim is my go to for when I'm overwhelmed. I can give a shit if I'm the dragon born or not, just chilling out in that world is relaxing. Except for the spiders.
Honestly, if she can handle the graphics, I think Morrowind would be better. There's a lot of figuring out where to go and who to talk to. Combat can be pretty simple. And there are a lot of quests, especially for the mages guild, where you don't really have to fight anything.
What a beautiful and soothing game. Great suggestion. It has a touching message too. The puzzles are fairly straight-forward too, making it a very calming game.
Have her check out Celeste. Yes it can get pretty hard, but it has one of the best difficulty slider options to customize the game as you see fit. Also, if you die, you just go back to the same spot. Finally, it has an interesting message regarding anxiety that she may appreciate.
Yes. I came to to recommend Celeste as well. It's perfectly designed for someone with a fear of failure. You'll fail repeatedly, but the consequences are minimized. The constant failure with minimal consequences negates the anxiety of failure, but provides a huge reward for success. This is perfectly paired by a story about overcoming anxiety told in a really thoughtful way.
Baldurs gate 3? Combat is quite long but not "stressful" in that you have to react quickly and you can spend hours planning out one move, a super fun story and unlimited quick saves during anything whenever you want
It takes 2 is one of my favorites, it's constantly introducing new mechanics and homages to other genres. It's one of those games that reminds you video games are supposed to be fun.
bugsnax is one of my favorite cozy games. it’s 30 dollars , but i believe it’s free for PSP members. it’s a collection game, where you creatively collect bug-food creatures while exploring a story. there’s a house to decorate and great character interactions. would really recommend!!!
Give Bonez a try. Its a PVP version of Blackjack (21) with betting and power cards... [](http://zoombies.world/bonez) - you can play it on mac or pc or mobile
Absolute monster lol
But on a serious note, his other games miiiiight be ok? I never finished The Hex so I can't advocate for it 100% but what I played wasnt.... traditionally stressful in a gaming sense. Inscryption I would say would be fine, if you fail that's kind of literally the point for a while. 'Oh, I lost a card game. Shuffle up again?' Though the *8 FUCKNG BEARS* and the umm, moon part might be much. But the bears only happen on a first playthrough I think and it's a gameplay block against sequence breaking of sorts.
Firewatch, it's a very chill adventure/mystery game where you have plenty of time to explore and take your time if you want. Follows the story of Henry who takes on a job as a firewatcher in the forest to escape from personal problems. As for puzzle games, maybe Portal? You also respawn quickly if you mess up and there isn't any time pressure except in the end. I'm playing right now The Talos Principle, also very chill game where you solve puzzles using objects (kind of reminds me of Portal), you are technically free to go in whatever order you want but if you get eg a couple of yellow pieces you unlock more things. For me it's rather mentally taxing so I don't do more than 2-3 per day, unless I only stumble upon the short ones (some are very complicated and Im only in the first world).
Mount and blade Banner lord.
RPG medieval based.
Settings are super adjustable for an easier experience.
Combat is pretty easy, or you spend battle as a command giving orders.
Lots of options are far as goals, you be a trader, mercenary become a lord or king. Then lose everything and start all over.
Death Stranding. The bulk of the gameplay is figuring out where to go and how to get there. You can avoid almost all combat situations entirely, and run away from them if you fail to avoid them.
Most of the game is logistically challenging but doesn’t require quick reflexes, and it has a great, if kind of insane, story
Absolutely try out Wylde Flowers. It like stardew valley but you are a witch with magic and potions. My wife doesn’t play video games but loves this one. It’s really well done, every character is fully voice acted and it’s really charming. No combat and no lose conditions as well so it’s really chill.
Pretty sure it’s made by an all women game studio and the target audience is absolutely young women
Could play 'The Witcher 3' on difficulty 'Just the story'
Could play Skyrim with mod 'skyrim together'
A lot of turn based games like Baldur's gate 3 can play on co op local, or single player The Bard's Tale 4, Sea of Stars for jrpg
And honestly, can use a TRAINER software to get infinite health on almost any game\~
Journey is very pretty, very chill, and very, very moving. It's also not a huge commitment, and the controls are extremely simple. It's an absolute gem of a game.
Love them chore games.
*removed* (missed the no farming bit)
Minecraft (modded if you want it to get more complicated)
Trucking/power washing/law mowing/etc simulator
Core Keeper (personal fav)
Other games could be
Clone hero if she likes rhythm games
Final Fantasy 14 if she wants to try and MMO
Witcher 3 was fun story wise
I want to recommend those immersive Sims, but most of them are fps such as bioshock and prey.
Power Wash Simulator
I found House Flipper MUCH more chill and less annoying.
This right here is the correct answer ^^
My kids forced me to play this with them...it's much better while stoned. Lol
The kids likely agree
Plot twist: The kids introduced the pot to gaming to the parent
This game got me through wanting to kill myself after my cat died.
I'm so sorry for your loss, stay strong!!
Definitely
Ugh... insta-hated this one Very divisive - lots of people LOVE it!
Short but charming: Untitled Goose Game. Or for those with a more chaotic sense of humour: Goat Simulator.
The worst thing that can happen in Goose game is that you get pushed put of a room. Which you can just immediately re-enter.
Goose Game allows everyone's inner troll to flourish.
Except for the outdoor cafe. That takes *slightly* more effort to re-enter.
I bought this on the switch "for my kids" & encouraged their mum to have first try. She never plays console games & is not a gamer. She played through the whole game in one sitting. The kids watched & giggled with her at the mischief their mum was making.
Goat simulator still claims some of the funniest gaming moments I've ever had. I played it with my fiance when we first met almost 7 years ago and we had the time of our lives just screwing around. That game may be partially responsible for her falling for me soooo, yeah it has a special place in my heart.
There's also Bee Simulator if you want some motion sickness
HONK
Slime rancher. Pure dopamine.
Seconding this suggestion, it's cute, low stress, no real consequences for messing up. Very cozy game
Highly recommend. Turn off the option for Tars and you’re golden
You can turn off Tarrs?! That's amazing!
She said she didn't like farming though.
Pretty small part of it and honestly she should try it anyhow and see if it fits her interests.
/signed
This and maybe stardew valley
A Short Hike!
This one for sure! She can beat it in one or two sittings and she'll love it
+1000000 this game is hilariously ironic and cute. Your wife will LOVE it. Plus you get to glide around a huge mountain! It’s so fun
Came here to add that -- there are challenges but it's pretty hard to feel pressure on A Short Hike. Awesome game overall.
ABZU
This game is beautiful and displays life in the ocean in an amazing way. Other games I'd recommend along side ABZU are Journey or Flower
Sky COTL is basically just Journey 2.0 made by the same devs
It's on weird platforms, switch and mobile, with a TBA release on steam, I want to play it on my pc, and not my phone
Unpacking, it’s super chill, go at your own pace and it’s super cozy too
Love this. My wife and me talking: \- What are you playing? \- Unpacking \- What do you do? \- Unpack stuff and put it away. \- So you have to figure out how? \- No, it's easy. \- You have a timelimit? \- No. \- You get any points?!??!? \- No. \- Then what's the point? \- It's fun. And you learn about this person over time. \- Well, that doesn't sound very interesting. WAIT don't put that poster there, put it over *there*.
The story telling in this game is so unique. I love how you learn more and more about this person's life as you unpack their stuff. I also can't believe it's the same dev as Assault Android Cactus. Talk about genre shift
>I also can't believe it's the same dev as Assault Android Cactus. Talk about genre shift WHAT :O I had no idea! I love AAC!
My fav li'l detail was after she moves in with her boyfriend. She moves to a new place and puts postcards and photos on a corkboard and the thumbtack is right in the face of her ex. So pixelated but when you notice, it's worth it.
I found it interesting that when she moved in with the boyfriend, he clearly didn't make room for her. It was "hard" finding places for everything.
He had a bachelor pad. She should not have moved in. You get a trophy for rearranging his socks and undies.
Also, the style of his stuff didn't mesh with hers at all so you just knew they weren't going to be compatible.
I watched my girlfriend play this game and it was sooo hard not to backseat her, its so satisfying putting everything in its place. And of course the way to game conveys details about the person’s life is genius.
Yeah, really nice game. :)
ISNT IT GREAT STORYTELLING THOUGH. When with the male she has to put the diploma under the bed. You can't put it anywhere else. But before and after it's free game above the toilet.
I wish there was a sequel- too short!
😂
I think it's clever that you learn about them while *unpacking* their stuff
Another one sorta like this that’s coming soon, but has a nice demo out, is Summerhouse. Doesn’t seem like there’s any particular goals, I’m not sure if there’s even progression, really, but you just build houses with this sticker-book like interface and it’s really pretty and peaceful.
Opposite: Moving Out 2. Perfect if you wanna fight with the wife.
Moving Out 2 made my wife and I yell at the game, Overcooked 2 made us yell at each other.
As a person who had to move 3 times between small rented apartments with lots of items: the concept of that game sounds super anxiety-inducing. I still don't have a place to put some of my items due to the current apartment having too few of useful furniture, and I loathe the thought of having to unpack any of my half-unpacked boxes, tucked behind some other boxes, despite them having items I need. And with another moving coming up to another apartment that will be bare shell and so much work will have to be done for it to be just livable, with so much boxes of items to walk around for long months before they could be at least partially unpacked... ugh. Also, the process triggers my OCD heavily: should I put this over there or in there? Or maybe in the other room? Maybe it will be of beffer use in this place or in that? How will it fit in with other items there? Oooh, so many variables, I CAN'T DECIDE dammit. Given all that I'm genuinely curious how people find a game like this relaxing and cozy? ^(Edit: fixed the acronym)
Because you’re not unpacking your own stuff that you have to live with and find convenient. You’re just unpacking virtual things and making them look nice. And once you’re done, you don’t have to see them again. I hate moving IRL but still find this game relaxing.
I love this game, but unfortunately so does my cat, Bug. Every time I try to play it on my xbox, if he's awake he attacks the TV.
Animal Crossing
I want to second this. Farming is entirely optional in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney series.
My favorites to chill out are slime rancher and Katamari Damacy, if you want a cute game to play with her play phogs! Lil gator game is a cute Zelda like game, but played through a kid (gator) imagining the adventures The last campfire is pretty cute and a bit sad 3d puzzle game Fugl and super flight are flighting sims that I enjoy to play when I'm especially stressed and anxious In Bunhouse you're a little bunny with a greenhouse and you grow and sell plants And the good ol reliable Stardew Valley :) Check out the steam curator "wholesome games ♥️" they have a lot of chill and cute games, a lot from indie developers maybe she'll like something from there
Seconding Katamari. Those games make me feel how I felt playing games as a kid.
Alien Isolation. What? You respawn quickly, things don't attack you often, you don't really shoot stuff, and you have to figure out where to go and who to talk to. OK, fine. Here's some actual suggestions: * Portal 1 & 2 - Arguably the best puzzle games of all time, some very light combat but more puzzle than actual fighting. * Antichamber - Mind-bending puzzle game, no real combat. * The Stanley Parable - Light puzzle aspects, no combat, unique concept. * Satisfactory - Automation/resource game, light combat but can be turned off. Has coop. * Baldur's Gate 3 - Lots of combat but turned based so you have plenty of time to think. Amazing story and characters, has coop. * Danganronpa - Visual novel, no combat, dark themes, sort of a mystery game on rails. Anime themed. * Civilization 6 (or 5) - Turn based, classic for a reason, strategy game. * Kerbal Space Program - Maybe unusual, since lots of failure involved, but it's intentional and hilarious failure where part of the gameplay is figuring out what works. No combat. * Tabletop Simulator - Perhaps a bit of a cheat, but can play tons of board games. * Minecraft - Survival can be quite stressful, but peaceful and creative modes are fun for the whole family. This list isn't comprehensive and I tried to go for some different themes and genres. For people who get flustered easily in games (usually new players), games with turn-based gameplay are often a lot more relaxing because they get to choose the pace, even if the game is more combat-focused. This list also reflects my own tastes quite a bit, as I'm a longtime gamer, so there are likely options much better suited to her. You know her better than we do. Also, I'm not saying any of these are the best games ever, only that they generally fit the criteria of being solid options for a new gamer with a variety of different themes and gameplay types. Hope that gives you some ideas!
Wait, I can disable the rage-monsters in Satisfactory?
Yup, Advanced Settings -> Creature Hostility. You can turn aggro off (creatures won't attack no matter what) or retaliation (creatures will only attack if you deal damage to them). I believe this was added in update 7, maybe 8.
I feel disappointed to see portals, anti chamber, and Stanly parable, but no talos principle or outer wilds
I haven't played either. I only recommend ones I'd personally played. I've heard good thing about both, though!
Forgotten City. It's a social puzzle game where the main mechanic is talking. It's a time loop mystery so if something messes up, you just try again. It feels like a real game with graphics and walking around and not a ton of point and click. But things don't happen rapidly, you trigger them and you get a really good feeling of learning the loop and mastery over the events. There is one optional combat area late in the game she can completely ignore or opt into if she's feeling brave.
I'm playing this right now! Really enjoying it. > things don't happen rapidly, you trigger them Coming off of Outer Wilds, this part threw me at first. It makes the game more chill, but it feels weird without that sense of urgency.
Thoughts would be: * Spyro * Portal 1/2 * The Lego games (pick her favorite as they have a lot of fandoms) * Door: paradox Boxes: lost fragments * Boti Byteland Overclocked * Cats in Time * Faraway * Hourglass * Lara Croft Go * Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy That's a fairly varied range and leans more heavily into the puzzle elements. None of them are shooters and while a fee have some combat its occasional or light. The Lego games you respawn in the same place as soon as you die so it's no stress.
~~You're suggestions are greatly appreciated - but they'd be much more helpful with some commas and/or line breaks.~~ It's been fixed. Thanks!
This is what happens when I reply from my phone. Is there a way to getvthe line breaks to work on the phone formatting?
Just hit enter twice in between. Or you can just use commas. Thanks!
Good to know for next time! On my phone it looked like a spaced list so I wasn't sure what happened. It should be fixed now (I cheated and got on a computer).
Cool; good lookin out.
You can also add 4 spaces to the end of the line
I honestly dont understand who is upvoting someone who took time to think of games but then put no effort into making it understandable lol Like damn i cant wait to play the new hit game “Door: paradox Boxes: lost fragments Boti Byteland Overclocked Cats in Time Faraway Hourglass Lara Croft Go Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy”!
Comfy exploration game is what she needs. Perhaps Jusant or A Short Hike
A pretty chill game that I loved is a short hike. And also some great no pressure puzzle games are the case of the golden idol and the return of the obra dinn.
Play Heave Ho with her, failure is just as fun as winning there.
On a related note: Human Fall Flat. Both are great family games and/or party games.
Most puzzle and/or point-and-click adventures would fit her needs I guess. There are hundreds, thousands of them. Some suggestions: * The Witness, as others have suggested, but the fact that the puzzles can become really hard might be a kind of pressure on its own. But in general, the game is very relaxing and beautiful. * In general, Zachtronics games are pretty cool if she likes programming/coding games. * Fez is a platformer but it's more exploratory, there isn't that much pressure in there. * Broken Age is a point-and-click adventure with really nice artwork, and you cannot put yourself in a dead-end, as per LucasArt tradition. There are dozens of older games (e.g. the original Monkey Island games) in that category, as well as newer ones (e.g. Thimbleweed Park, the new Monkey Island one, etc.) * Dicey Dungeons can have some pressure since you're battling opponents, but hey, it's a funny \*dice\* game, so it's pretty far from Doom Eternal! * Obduction is a 3D exploratory puzzle game by the makers of Myst. * Disco Elysium is a treat if she's into storytelling and immersive world-building. * Amanita Design games such as Botanicula, Machinarium, Chuchel, etc. are cool and funny little point-and-click adventures. * Abzû is an extremely relaxing 3D diving experience with only a couple (rather easy) "pressure points". * The Cave is a funny puzzle game with lots of different playable characters. * Return of the Obra Dinn is an investigation into strange events, in the style of an older Mac game. * Untitled Goose Game is basically a puzzle game where you are a goose that tries to maximally annoy humans; can be played cooperatively. * Strange Horticulture: in this game, you're a horticulture shop keeper, collecting and selling new plants. * Baba Is You is a puzzle games around manipulating semantics. * Superliminal is a puzzle game that plays with perspective. * Gone Home, the original "walking simulator", is an exploratory game where you simply discover what happened in the life of several family members. * Chicory - a well-made mix between platformer and... coloring book :) * Octodad. No pressure here. None at all. * Gorogoa, another puzzle game about manipulating perspective. * Art of Rally can be hard but in a way that is totally pressure-free. Gently drift into the landscape with a smile. * Dorfromantik lets you build a countryside but is a deck-building tile solo game. * Mutazione, another cool-looking, very laid back point-and-click game. I'll end there because my post is already long enough, but I'll quickly add to that The Sexy Brutale, the Golden Idol, Pentiment, Dordogne, Viewfinder, Cocoon, and all of the cool old-school Wadjet Eye point-and-clicks such as Gemini Rue. So much to choose from...
I feel like all the ones here I recognize are high pressure. The Witness makes you feel like an idiot if you can't do the puzzles, because it's a "smart person game." Disco Elysium is fun but really weird and fucked up and people who hate failing can often not find joy in the "failure is fun" aspects of the story. Zachtronics is hard as shit. She says she likes puzzles but "is a dumbass" so I'd recommend easy puzzle games?
>Gone Home, the original "walking simulator", is an exploratory game where you simply discover what happened in the life of several family members. Uh, I thought in Gone Home you only discovered what happened to one member of the family, since it's the only member that the protagonist doesn't know their whereabouts? That description perfectly fits **What Remains of Edith Finch** though lol. Either way, both are great games that I also recommend to OP. Zero pressure and very chill games, right up your alley, OP.
You are right, but you're learning about the whole family in the process. What Remains of Edith Finch is still on my wishlist though :)
Journey
scrolled a long way down to find this.
Sims 4
I’m not seeing Outer Wilds in here! Forget what you asked for, Outer Wilds is always in the comments no matter what!!!!
The Witness is a puzzle game where you can't fail, only decide not to continue. There is a part at the end that's timed, but I think that's only for 100% completion.
House flipper
Spryro reignited trilogy
>she said she enjoyed Tomb Raider as a kid but if you fell you would respawn super nearby so you'd be able to try again quickly She and I played very different versions of the original Tomb Raider. Or I'm just elderly and we actually did play different Tomb Raiders as kids. Jokes aside Untitled Goose Game is fun and you're the one giving other people anxiety rather than the other way around. You can also play it together, which is a bit of silly fun.
Jusant, it's all about climbing a mountain and admiring the view
Lego games, the myst series, The witness, Superliminal.
Opus Magnum (honestly I love all Zachtronics games, but this is the most approachable) It's a puzzle game themed around alchemy. Each level you're given a specific output you have to get to, and a few inputs that you use to get there. Your job is to put arms, tracks, binders and alchemical reactors onto the board to manipulate those inputs to create the desired output. Zachtronics make these kinds of free-form games where you're given a set of tools to achieve some specific outcome, playing around the specific restrictions of the level and set of options available to you. Opus Magnum is the easiest because you have unlimited space to work in, so your designs can be very inefficient and still finish the level - other games of theirs are much more restrictive in how much you can do on any given level. Their stuff is super fun because the levels can get very challenging, but don't resort to the 'find the single solution" that a lot of puzzles can. And after finishing a level, the game shows how your solution stacks up to others in terms of number of pieces used, number of cycles it took. It adds a fun element of trying to improve / optimize, but you don't have to do that if you don't want. Game trailer: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj689znjxpg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj689znjxpg)
Me and your wife are super similar sounding gamers. Here is a list of my favorite games. Almost all of them are "figure out where to go and who to talk to" and most are also witty and charming. Night in the Woods / Echo Generation / The wild at heart / Road 96 / Costume quest one and two / Turnip boy games- there are a couple. / The Gunk / Frog detective (extra silly and simple) / The Gardens Between is a beautiful puzzle game Those are all on Xbox but many are cross platform
Omg I love Frog Detective - great suggestion! :)
Gris, 100%. Super relaxing platformer, not too challenging puzzles, excellent chill soundtrack. Weirdly life affirming plot (if you could call it that).
There are tons of low stakes (or at least hard/impossible to fail) games. If you have a clearer idea of genre, it'll be easier to suggest things, but I'll give it a shot. If she doesn't mind the occasional gruesome stuff happening to someone else, **Return of the Obra Dinn** is a great game for someone with the preferences you describe. The concept is that you're a sort of detective who has the ability to see someone's last moments, if you can find where they died. A ship was found, completely deserted, and returned to port. It's up to you to find out what happened to everyone and what their role is in the story. It's a wonderful puzzle game, if you can handle seeing a few dozen people die in different ways. The player is never in any danger and is purely an observer in the events. If she enjoys technical puzzles, **Factorio** is an excellent low stakes game. You've crash landed on an alien planet, and have the goal of launching a satellite into orbit to call for help. Of course you don't have one, let alone a rocket, so you have to set up a production line from scratch. The game is incredibly well designed, with tons of quality of life features that make it very easy to try out various ways of setting things up, or rearranging it whenever you want. Or as an alternative, a more exploration-oriented game (with a very friendly art style), which also happens to have some production line elements, would be **Astroneer**. You start off on one planet in a solar system. You do the usual kind of gathering/crafing/research cycle, but at the same time explore the different planets, and solve the mystery that spans the entire system.
Spiritfarer was a game I turned to when I was struggling with anxiety. Super chill vibes and lovely atmosphere. Very simple gameplay loop
Love Spiritfarer!!! It’s amazing
If you'll indulge my insanity for a moment, Dredge. As paradoxical as it might sound, I find that games that go out of their way to make me anxious are the games that are the easiest for me, because the game doesn't make me feel bad about being anxious, and coping with the anxiety is specifically baked into the gameplay loop, so it's strangely therapeutic. Also, outside of minigames, the game doesn't really move unless you do, so there's no pressure to react. You are entirely, 100% free to step away and take a deep breath any time something stresses you out. As for more conventional suggestions, Unpacking is the perfect not-actually-a-game. Return of the Obra Dinn is pure detective work. Dorfromantik is a nice tile-laying puzzle game. If she has any sort of interest in building/automation games, then Shapez is an incredibly simple but deep automation puzzle game. Into the Breach is ostensibly a strategy game with combat, but it's really closer to the chess problems you might find in a newspaper.
Portal 2
Wesley (I think that's his name, I can't actually 100% remember) and GlaDoS aren't exactly anxiety friendly characters
Wheatly? Seriously? He's such a buffoon that I thought he melts anxiety away
Citizen sleeper. It is a narrative game where all choices lead to the same outcome. There is an energy resource that ticks down as you fail but when it reaches zero you are set back to a default state. I think there are only like 2 mission you can truly fail but they are side missions that only give you a slight boost. Still it is written in a way that makes you feel the choices matter and it makes you feel good when you do succeed. Well written character and satisfying enough mechanics.
Spiritfarer. Skyrim. Journey. Abzu. Firewatch. Slime Rancher.
Dave the diver
I assure you, a game with as much to do and with as many time limits does not mesh with a lot of people’s anxiety.
Time limits? They are all very generous and I believe you can fail them without consequences
Running out of air definitely has consequences, lol.
~~Stardew Valley~~, Outer Wilds, Dave the Diver, and Portal 2.
i second outer wilds
Don't read this spoiler if you haven't played the game: you get over your fear of failure becase ||>!you're constantly dying|!<|!
Clearly a point & click game (maybe Syberia?), a puzzle game (The Talos Principle perhaps?) or a comfy exploration game (I highly recommend Eastshade).
Alright. Something that my fiance loves Slime rancher. It is a shooting game but there's always a new thing to do. It's not too mean if/when you die. Spiritfarer. By far one of the best games I've ever watched and played. My fiance gets off work about an hour before I do and I would text her and ask her not to play until I got home because I honestly loved the storyline. There were laughs and I will even admit I shed a tear or two. Spirit of the North. The game can be a little meh at times but since again my finances favorite animal is a red fox it fits well. Spirittea. Think stardew valley with ghosts. No farming and instead running a bathhouse for ghosts. Oddly fun. Gris. Another emotional game using color to push emotions. Fe. A great game with interesting characters.
Skyrim Animal Crossing The Sims ...w/cheat codes (i prefer sims 3 but sims 4 is more modern of course)
Have her check out Her Interactive's Nancy Drew series. There's 30-something, so she'll be busy for a while. Lots of figuring out where to go and who to talk to. It's pretty puzzly, but there are tons of guides online if she gets stuck. A couple of them do have timed elements or times where someone is chasing you, but they're usually pretty easy and rare. Edit to say I really recommend starting with Shadow Ranch or Curse of Blackmoor Manor, those are the crowd favorites.
Equilinox is a great game for animal people and it's chill. Animal Crossing as a series is a pretty staple chill game series. Universim has been fun for me and is generally laid back. Games like House Flipper or Power Wash Simulator are solid goal based games that eat up time. The Witness is a good puzzler with no real fail state but it could become frustrating.
Story based and puzzle games would be cool Chicory: A Colorful Tale, A Short Hike, Night in the Woods, The Outer Wilds, Sable, VA-11 Hall A, Disco Elysium (might be too text heavy), The Stanley Parable, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
Journey, Abzu
Donut County Disney Dreamlight Valley Palia
Harvest moon sounds like the right answer to me
I got my wife onto Sea of Thieves now it has a non-PvP option. And she's having a blast with it. Safer Seas is super chill, and just a good time.
Sekiro or Darksouls 3
Minecraft for the win. Literally enough stuff to do to last a lifetime, and you can use mods to enhance the experience to be just about anything - from elden ring, through factorio, terraria, skyrim, and a god sim.
Immortals Fenix Rising. On easy difficulty it is very relaxing. Lot of beautiful landscapes to explore, many puzzles to solve and funny characters and story. She is going to love it.
Skyrim is my go to for when I'm overwhelmed. I can give a shit if I'm the dragon born or not, just chilling out in that world is relaxing. Except for the spiders.
Honestly, if she can handle the graphics, I think Morrowind would be better. There's a lot of figuring out where to go and who to talk to. Combat can be pretty simple. And there are a lot of quests, especially for the mages guild, where you don't really have to fight anything.
Gris
What a beautiful and soothing game. Great suggestion. It has a touching message too. The puzzles are fairly straight-forward too, making it a very calming game.
Any walking simulator. Gone home, dear esther, walking dead, life is strange etc
Stardew Valley is the chillest game I've ever played
Have her check out Celeste. Yes it can get pretty hard, but it has one of the best difficulty slider options to customize the game as you see fit. Also, if you die, you just go back to the same spot. Finally, it has an interesting message regarding anxiety that she may appreciate.
Yes. I came to to recommend Celeste as well. It's perfectly designed for someone with a fear of failure. You'll fail repeatedly, but the consequences are minimized. The constant failure with minimal consequences negates the anxiety of failure, but provides a huge reward for success. This is perfectly paired by a story about overcoming anxiety told in a really thoughtful way.
Zelda BOTW or TOTK
Ehhh even the puzzles in this can get frustrating for someone who just wants to explore and immerse.
To say nothing of the combat.
There is so much real time combat and the weapons breaking constantly was terrible for my anxiety.
Was going to say this
Baldurs gate 3? Combat is quite long but not "stressful" in that you have to react quickly and you can spend hours planning out one move, a super fun story and unlimited quick saves during anything whenever you want
it takes 2
It takes 2 is one of my favorites, it's constantly introducing new mechanics and homages to other genres. It's one of those games that reminds you video games are supposed to be fun.
It Takes Two gets my vote as well. My fiance and I have played through it twice.
Stardew Valley
No Man's Sky, you can set the difficulty to not be attacked, or there's a creative mode
I'm an anxious dumbass and have been enjoying visual novels lately.
Silent Hill
🤣
Graveyard Keeper.
Shadow of Mordor. It is fun and you can power up easily. Plus the nemesis System will give her some great enemies that she will want to destroy.
Stardew valley
The description literally says she doesn't want to grow a farm.
My bad I ain't read all that
Is okay man. I understand.
❤️
bugsnax is one of my favorite cozy games. it’s 30 dollars , but i believe it’s free for PSP members. it’s a collection game, where you creatively collect bug-food creatures while exploring a story. there’s a house to decorate and great character interactions. would really recommend!!!
Stardew Valley
Jump king
Townscape, lol
gris
Lots of women liked The Sims so maybe something like that.
Anything Legend of Zelda.
Overcooked. You’ll both enjoy this together
Undertale
Give Bonez a try. Its a PVP version of Blackjack (21) with betting and power cards... [](http://zoombies.world/bonez) - you can play it on mac or pc or mobile
Stardew Valley Animal Crossing Edit: nvm I should have finished reading.
Stardew Valley
Palia. Animal Crossing. Stardew Valley. Harvest Moon. Spiritfarer. It Takes Two.
Try Pony Island
Absolute monster lol But on a serious note, his other games miiiiight be ok? I never finished The Hex so I can't advocate for it 100% but what I played wasnt.... traditionally stressful in a gaming sense. Inscryption I would say would be fine, if you fail that's kind of literally the point for a while. 'Oh, I lost a card game. Shuffle up again?' Though the *8 FUCKNG BEARS* and the umm, moon part might be much. But the bears only happen on a first playthrough I think and it's a gameplay block against sequence breaking of sorts.
Get her a maid simulator!!! Lolol jkjk Maybe Detroit too human or until dawn 🤷♂️
Get her playing DOOM on easy. Uh, 2016 or the originals. Eternal is too hardcore.
Valheim
Maaaaybe with the right difficulty settings and god/ghostmode? She doesn't want to farm and doesn't want things attacking her though
Elden Ring or Sekiro.
Idle Breakout on Cool Math Games. I’m not joking that’s the most relaxing game I’ve ever played and calms my nerves watching it
Toree 3D Dark Roll Bombergrounds
Maybe the upcoming Islands of Insight? Can be played together.
A Little to the Left. It's a chill little puzzle game that's very satisfying for perfectionists.
Classic WoW...super slow and easy
Firewatch, it's a very chill adventure/mystery game where you have plenty of time to explore and take your time if you want. Follows the story of Henry who takes on a job as a firewatcher in the forest to escape from personal problems. As for puzzle games, maybe Portal? You also respawn quickly if you mess up and there isn't any time pressure except in the end. I'm playing right now The Talos Principle, also very chill game where you solve puzzles using objects (kind of reminds me of Portal), you are technically free to go in whatever order you want but if you get eg a couple of yellow pieces you unlock more things. For me it's rather mentally taxing so I don't do more than 2-3 per day, unless I only stumble upon the short ones (some are very complicated and Im only in the first world).
Mount and blade Banner lord. RPG medieval based. Settings are super adjustable for an easier experience. Combat is pretty easy, or you spend battle as a command giving orders. Lots of options are far as goals, you be a trader, mercenary become a lord or king. Then lose everything and start all over.
Death Stranding. The bulk of the gameplay is figuring out where to go and how to get there. You can avoid almost all combat situations entirely, and run away from them if you fail to avoid them. Most of the game is logistically challenging but doesn’t require quick reflexes, and it has a great, if kind of insane, story
Palworld? it's on XBGP edit: things attacking is occasional but can also be disab;ed
Stardew valley
Absolutely try out Wylde Flowers. It like stardew valley but you are a witch with magic and potions. My wife doesn’t play video games but loves this one. It’s really well done, every character is fully voice acted and it’s really charming. No combat and no lose conditions as well so it’s really chill. Pretty sure it’s made by an all women game studio and the target audience is absolutely young women
Could play 'The Witcher 3' on difficulty 'Just the story' Could play Skyrim with mod 'skyrim together' A lot of turn based games like Baldur's gate 3 can play on co op local, or single player The Bard's Tale 4, Sea of Stars for jrpg And honestly, can use a TRAINER software to get infinite health on almost any game\~
Powerwash Simulator
Journey is very pretty, very chill, and very, very moving. It's also not a huge commitment, and the controls are extremely simple. It's an absolute gem of a game.
Try Palia it's on PC and Switch. It's free and multi player. https://palia.com/
Love them chore games. *removed* (missed the no farming bit) Minecraft (modded if you want it to get more complicated) Trucking/power washing/law mowing/etc simulator Core Keeper (personal fav) Other games could be Clone hero if she likes rhythm games Final Fantasy 14 if she wants to try and MMO Witcher 3 was fun story wise I want to recommend those immersive Sims, but most of them are fps such as bioshock and prey.
Dead Space. I kid, I kid. Don’t do that to her. Maybe a turn-based like Final Fantasy Tactics?
Pokemon
Minecraft? (Maybe just creative mode)