This certainly isn’t what I expected to be posting so soon on my blog. But, it’s been a rough couple of weeks (and year, let’s be honest). To cope, I’ve recently been trying to play a chill game or two in my evenings, rather than some of my usual favorites. Don’t get me wrong, games in general can be relaxing, but sometimes I need something with much less stress or challenge. Here are some that I’ve been playing, along with what platform(s) you can find them on. Enjoy.

My measly Spring Year One farm in Stardew Valley.

Stardew Valley

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Vita, Android, iOS.

I never would have imagined that I would like a farming game so much. And yet, Stardew Valley is so much more than a farming game. It’s a light dungeon crawler, a slice-of-life sim, and a visual novel. But at its core, it is a very chill game; the entire game can be played at your own pace. The soundtrack is relaxing, and the atmosphere rather cheerful.

Getting ready to restore someone’s handheld console in Assemble With Care.

Assemble With Care

Platforms: Windows, iOS

Assemble with Care is short and soothing. It’s a simple puzzle game with a heartfelt story at its center, where your job is to carefully restore broken items. The puzzles are far from stressful, too; everything is practically laid out for you fairly simply. Just sit back and enjoy the tinkering.

Talking to a villager at the start of A Short Hike.

A Short Hike

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Switch

A Short Hike is just that: a short (hour or two) walk up a mountain. The soundtrack and colors are soothing, and the scenery is something to behold. During one of the most stressful times of my year, this provided a wonderful moment of respite.

One of the many views in Explore Fushimi Inari.

Explore Fushimi Inari

Platforms: Windows

This is another short one. Missing the experience of exploring another part of the world? This walking simulator is perfect for replicating just that. And it’s free – give it a try!

Honorable Mentions

These are still great games, but if I wrote about every single one, this post might never end. Thus:

  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch)
  • Monument Valley (iOS and Android)
  • Alba: A Wildlife Adventure (Windows, macOS, iOS – coming to Switch Spring 2021)

As always, I’m looking for new games to play – especially chill ones. If you have a favorite that I haven’t listed here, feel free to let me know in the comments.

All screenshots captured by me.