Ever logged into Stardew Valley after a rough day to water your vegetables and listen to the soft in-game rain and… just felt the world melt away? Us too. Despite popular perception, gaming can be incredibly relaxing. But beyond the cozy vibes, relaxing video games have been shown to help manage stress, boost mood, and even foster supportive online communities.
Let’s take a look at how gaming can promote mental wellness and explore some of the best calming games out there!
Why Gaming Can Help Mental Health
While headlines often focus on negative stereotypes—gore, violence, and non-stop action—a growing body of research highlights how calming games can serve as a genuine form of self-care.
The American Psychological Association, for example, found that moderate gaming can reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. Similarly, a 2021 Oxford University study reported that people who play relaxing games like Animal Crossing often experience greater wellbeing than non-players, thanks to the sense of control and safe escapism these worlds provide.
But why do video games relax the mind? Psychologists point to three key factors:
- Flow state – immersive gameplay helps quiet racing thoughts by letting you lose track of time.
- Reward loops – small achievements (like catching a rare fish or completing a puzzle) provide motivating dopamine boosts.
- Agency and control – video games offer a sense of autonomy, letting you solve problems or explore freely—often a welcome break from real-life unpredictability.
And let’s be honest here, sometimes you just need to chop trees in Minecraft while listening to lo-fi beats to get through a stressful week.
The Best Calming and Mindful Games
When gamers are asked “What game do you play to relax?”, the answers are varied and sometimes surprising! Whether it’s a farming sim, a cozy puzzle game, or even a fighting RPG, there is no right answer – but here are some standout titles known for their soothing nature.
1. Stardew Valley
This couldn’t not be on the list, right? It’s the ultimate farming-life sim. You tend to crops, befriend villagers, fish at sunset, and decorate your cottage. There’s no pressure to “win”, making it ideal for mind relaxation.
2. Journey
Journey is a minimalist masterpiece. Glide across desert dunes and wordlessly connect with strangers on the same path – a meditative experience that proves less is more.
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Another one that had to make the list. Animal Crossing: New Horizons broadened the gaming community massively, bringing in a whole host of new players during the lockdown era for its anxiety-relieving gameplay.
Build your dream island, chat with adorable neighbours, and craft furniture! Just don’t forget to repay those bells to Tom Nook.
4. Minecraft
One of the best things about Minecraft? If survival mode gets too much, you can just switch to creative. No repercussions, just pure sandbox bliss. Sometimes the best way to relax is building a pixel-perfect castle with your headphones on.
5. Lo-Fi Chill Games (like Unpacking)
Hanging posters, placing books on shelves, and moving boxes; these may sound like mundane tasks, but Unpacking and similar lo-fi games transform them into calming, almost meditative rituals. See also: Sticky Business, A Tiny Sticker Tale, and Simpler Times.
6. Mobile Relaxation Games (like Sky: Children of the Light)
If you’ve not got a console or just want some on-the-go mobile gaming, there are plenty of relaxing games for iPhone and Android designed for short, meditative sessions. Try Alto’s Odyssey, Sky: Children of the Light, and Monument Valley.
Community Support in Online Gaming
Relaxing doesn’t have to mean playing solo, though it’s perfectly valid if it does for you! For many gamers, online multiplayer communities offer emotional support and genuine friendships. Whether it’s forming a guild in Final Fantasy XIV or chatting in a Genshin Impact Discord, shared play fosters safe, uplifting spaces that boost social wellbeing.
A systematic literature review in 2021 found a significant positive relationship between playing MMOs and social wellbeing. Another study from Texas A&M’s School of Public Health used social network analysis to examine the social structure of an online gaming site and found that many people feel a sense of support and community bonding.
And if you’ve ever received unexpected help from a stranger in Dark Souls or laughed through a chaotic Among Us lobby, you know that other gamers can be the lift you need.
Level Up Your Self-Care
By no means are we saying that gaming is a cure-all. For millions, though, it’s a powerful tool for relaxation and finding community. Whether you’re rearranging furniture in Unpacking, crafting in Minecraft, or gliding through A Short Hike, you’re engaging in mindful, relaxing escapism. We all need that from time to time.
So next time someone asks, “How can gaming be relaxing?” just hand them a controller. Let them help a soul move on in Spiritfarer or build a nation in Victoria 3 — and you might just see them lose track of time in the best way.
Turn Your Gaming Space into a Sanctuary
Part of gaming for mental wellness is creating a space that feels comforting and personal. Sure, burying yourself under a blanket can be its own kind of sanctuary – and that’s totally valid. But many gamers find peace in curating a cozy setup, with soft lighting, noise-cancelling headphones, console accessories, and art that reflects their vibe.
That’s where Displate’s metal posters come in. From cottagecore to lo-fi, tranquil vistas to dreamy fantasy art, we’ve got a whole collection inspired by your favorite relaxing games. Whether you want to wind down with Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, or just the mood they create – there’s a Displate to match your energy.
