Best Games To Play When You Need A Break

Let’s be honest, games are a fantastic way to unwind and forget about your problems. When life gets overwhelming, they offer a welcome escape for a few hours. Interestingly, some therapists are even starting to use games like Minecraft to connect with patients. While some games can be challenging, they often provide a surprisingly relaxing and freeing experience.

Everyone has those go-to games they love to play when they need to relax and unwind – I call mine ‘comfort games.’ They’re familiar, cozy, and perfect for when you just want to play without any stress. I’m going to share a few of mine, and maybe you’ll discover some new favorites or find that we already have some in common. Let’s take a look!

7. REPO

Just Silly Chaos With Friends

Gaming is definitely a social activity. One of the most relaxing things you can do is play a fun, casual game with friends. There are tons of games like that available now. I’ve been checking out YAPYAP recently, but for now, I’m really enjoying REPO. It’s similar to Lethal Company, but the funny character designs – especially the googly eyes and how their mouths move when you use voice chat – make it especially hilarious.

This game is guaranteed to make you laugh, even when you’re trying to be stealthy while being chased by monsters. The creature designs are wonderfully strange, so it’s best to go in knowing as little as possible – that way you’ll get the most fun and unexpected moments.

6. Baldur’s Gate 3

The Most Complete, Quality RPG Experience Out There

I’ve been playing Baldur’s Gate 3 since it was first released in Early Access, and I’m still completely hooked. The game has improved dramatically since then, and with so much depth, different character options, and meaningful choices, it’s become seriously addictive.

I’m a big fan of role-playing games, and when I want a truly immersive adventure, I always find myself playing something from Larian Studios. While Divinity: Original Sin 2 is excellent, I especially enjoy how focused on characters Baldur’s Gate 3 is – the dialogue and detailed character designs are fantastic. I also love the huge variety of weapons and the ability to combine different character classes, which lets me experiment with creating unique builds. It’s tempting to use powerful, game-breaking builds, but I prefer to come up with more interesting and unusual characters. I admit, I really enjoy playing a Smite Swords Bard, and if that’s predictable, I don’t mind!

5. Project Zomboid

A Frustrating Survival Game To Explore For Eternity

I’ve recently become completely hooked on a game called Project Zomboid, which has actually been around for quite a while. It’s a unique combination of things I love – the familiar, comforting feeling of The Sims, challenging survival gameplay, and the intense excitement of a horror game. The open world is massive and feels incredibly realistic, and I’m honestly surprised it took me so long to discover it. I’m a huge fan of survival games, but I don’t usually enjoy zombie games. However, Project Zomboid’s sandbox is so difficult, frustrating, and strangely addictive that I find myself constantly coming back for more.

Sometimes I jump right into the hardest difficulties and don’t mind getting frustrated when things get tough. Other times, I prefer to create a custom, easier experience where I can take my time, survive longer, and really learn how the game works. I really appreciate how customizable it is, and that’s what makes it so enjoyable and comforting.

4. Tiny Bookshop

Test Your Knowledge While Relaxing

If you love spending your free time gaming or reading, you should definitely check out Tiny Bookshop. It’s a charming indie game that seems simple at first, but it’s actually a lot like Stardew Valley in how it focuses on story and relationships. You’ll get to know the residents of Bookstonbury and help them with their issues, and they’ll often stop by your mobile bookshop. You’ll also be running a business, choosing which books to stock based on where you are, decorating your shop, and making sure you recommend the right books to customers.

As someone who loves to read, I was surprised by how many books I discovered in this game – books I actually wanted to find and read in real life! The game’s descriptions were so captivating. It’s a fantastic and relaxing way to discover new authors and genres you might not normally explore. The game is completely stress-free, with a lovely art style and calming music that really add to the experience.

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Chill Island Management In Real-time

Unlike many games that encourage fast-paced action, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is designed to be a relaxing experience. It operates on a real-time schedule, meaning you can only accomplish a limited amount each day on your island.

After finishing the game’s main story, you can really focus on building the island of your dreams. You can design layouts, plant flowers and trees, invite new villagers you meet on other islands, and even reshape the land itself. I especially enjoy the changing weather and how it reflects the real-time seasons. It’s a game you can pick up and play for a short while – maybe fifteen or twenty minutes – without feeling rushed or penalized for not being perfect. And it’s just incredibly charming, particularly when you’ve attracted all your favorite, adorable villagers to live on your island.

2. Stardew Valley

The Farm Must Grow, And The Money Must Come In

Stardew Valley is incredibly addictive – you can easily lose track of time while playing! It’s a game where hours fly by, and before you know it, your whole day is gone. What makes it so captivating is its simple but effective farming gameplay, combined with activities like mining and making wine. You can also build relationships with the townspeople by giving them gifts, adding another layer of enjoyment to the experience. It’s a game worth analyzing for its compelling and immersive design.

As you progress, you’ll gain access to a new farm on Ginger Island where you can grow any crop at any time of year. Whether you’re someone who loves to optimize everything or just enjoys a relaxing, charming retro game, Stardew Valley is incredibly addictive and a great way to boost your mood when you’re feeling down. It’s likely many people consider this their go-to comfort game, and with its availability on so many platforms, it’s easy to take with you wherever life leads.

1. Minecraft

The Two-Week Minecraft Phase Is A Real Phenomenon

Many people, including me, find themselves returning to Minecraft years after first playing it. It’s incredibly versatile – a creative playground with survival elements, set in a vast, ever-changing world filled with diverse landscapes and hidden dungeons. And that’s just the base game! The modding community has created huge packs that can transform Minecraft so completely, it feels like a brand new experience. I especially love playing with the RLCraft modpack.

One of the best things about Minecraft is that you can play it however you want, and time just flies by. You can relax and build anything you imagine in creative mode, or challenge yourself with a hardcore survival world. Playing with friends is also a blast – you can all just do your own thing or team up. Plus, there are huge servers with tons of different minigames, player-versus-player battles, obstacle courses, and even elaborate adventure maps. Whenever I need to unwind, Minecraft is always my go-to game.

2026-02-26 04:35