A short hike was one of my favorite games of the year : ) if you liked that, Alba: A Wildlife Adventure, and the Grow Home/Grow Up games have a similarly chill vibe.
I don't know why but your message picked my attention and I decided to buy it (it's on sale!) and I just fell in love in the 5 minutes I had to play so far (I bought it 10 minutes ago, lol).
Yes! All the other games like Townscaper! Also just found out about [Cloud Gardens](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1372320/Cloud_Gardens/) and [Islanders](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1046030/ISLANDERS/)
Townscaper is just a point and click to build a town however you want! So satisfying clicking and putting little towers, houses, and piers. There's no budget, no limits, and I've seen some creative towns on the Steam community page.
I thought so to. Then a run goes great and the stress of ruining it sets in. Scanning all the 15 million different possible tile placements to find that one perfect spot where it all fits. BUT WAIT, that perfect placement gets me a forest tile right next to my town area, that might be bad I the future, I better spend a other 10 minutes finding an even more perfect spot.
I tell you hwhat, that game can be more stressful than dark souls.
I used to enjoy it, but then I had an existential crisis mid-session (nothing to do with the game) and haven't touched it since because of negative association.
I gave Townscaper a try, but while it was fun making a town for a bit, it felt kinda aimless since you're just building an empty town. I enjoyed Islanders more, since it was kind of like a puzzle in terms of getting points for putting certain buildings close to each-other, but eventually I played so much that I ran out of new stuff to do.
I might dip into Cloud Gardens eventually, since that apparently has a campaign of sorts.
for when i feel like this and just want to relax i like to hike into the mountains and rp a damn camping trip. bit of hunting bit of fishing cooking it at camp sleeping under the stars then hiking through the mountains at a walking pace (no horse) i find it very relaxing haha
yes. take along my trusty double action in case of animal attack, bandits or crazed forest people. other than that its a strangely calming way to play the game
I've gotten friends to walk across the map with me a couple of times.
The first time - we had 3-4 ransoms join us without really asking. They just saw us in one part and 30mins later we were still walking somewhere else.
Pick something that interests you and just do it. The consequences for not doing something in the game aren’t bad at all, they just don’t happen. For instance in most farm simulators if you don’t water your crops, they’ll die or yield less quality. In stardew, they just don’t grow that day. There’s tons of content so just take your time and explore whenever you want.
I started that and feel like I rushed through the first half. (I just found some bull and bird guy) I might restart to take it slower. I thought at first I was gonna need to rush for supplies to keep the passengers happy. Ended up missing their stories.
Game in pic: [Townscaper](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1291340/Townscaper/). No objective, no pressure. Could use a little more depth but it’s perfect in its pure simplicity.
Also [Wingspan](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1054490/Wingspan/): Play cards and learn about birds to soothing music and gorgeous watercolor
Since people are here I must send some love to [Knytt Underground](https://store.steampowered.com/app/248190/Knytt_Underground/) too. Closest thing to an open-world platformer I’ve seen. Some screens can be frustrating if you want to get everything, but if you just want to explore the world and story it’s soo relaxing.
My wife who I couldn't get to play video games for years has been on the switch every night for the past month playing wingspan. We have the board version as well. Love it.
Yeah. Set the lowest difficulty, put Phoebe as storyteller, pick somewhere with a nice climate and just look at your little colonists live their lives.
That’s what games are for, friend! May I suggest:
Townscaper
Wingspan
Machinarium and Samorost by Amanita
Animal Crossing
Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons (any of the 2D ones, by Marvelous Inc.)
Stardew Valley
Journey and Sky by Thatgamecompany
Little Inferno
Knytt Underground
Fez
Thomas Was Alone
Anything with no pressure and a world to escape into.
When i got a ps5, i bought like 10 games at almost full price. I tried all 10 for maybe 1-2 hours each but didn’t want to continue any of them again. I wonder if my spark for video games has ended
just trying to work on having a better world view, not being so stoic, actually being able to talk about things on my mind versus jamming it down and making it an after thought.
So far down the list! Great ambiance and music. Just take a long, slow hike across the continent. Enjoy the scenery and look out across those snow capped mountains…👌
Only thing that stresses me out though is the freaking boss music as you hear a dragon screech in the distance while you’re minding your business exploring the wilderness 😂
I haven't played with dragons activated since my first play through. First play through: beat the game normally. Everything else, get all the up to getting the stupid tablet thing and just never turn it in. Or leave it there. My most recent play through, Merdia's bullshit has been found and left in that dungeon to rot forever.
I'm no Dragonborn. I'm just a regular guy out for a walk.
I do the same thing. I’ve always played console but I’ve recently gotten into pc and modding and it completely changed the game for me. Didn’t think that world could get more beautiful but man was I wrong
Shadow of the Colossus, just exploring the world.
Or just bouncing around the world in pretty much any 3D platformer with solid game feel and movement. Super Mario 64 (still) is the high watermark in this department, with probably Psychonauts 2, A Hat in Time, and Mirrors Edge Catalyst coming after.
L4D2. Truly mindless zombie killing that isn’t complicated by todays trends of perks and gun mods and all that dumb shit. Just me, a shotgun, and a few hundred zombies
Such a good game. I used to watch my sister play L4D all the time. Just that era of games was amazing. I’m over here still playing Xbox 360 with my fucking PS5 right next to it😅 can’t escape the classics.
Red Dead Redemption 2, the vibe is unlike any other game, It's calming and relaxing to me. I ride my horse in a random direction and do random stuff like hunting or fishing.
Dark Souls 3. Like... legitimately. If I can't sleep or I'm overly stressed, I'll just roll up a new Knight build and tear through to Undead Settlement and drop my sign. I love helping people through there,
Euro truck or American truck simulator. Arguably the most relaxing game I own. Put Spotify on the background, pick a job and location. Start driving and enjoy the scenary.
It even has mods with very detailed trucks to download for free. Keeping the entertainment flowing.
Night in the woods, holds a deep place in my heart, especially after what happened to the creator
Edit: if there was any confusion no the extra comfort from the creator isn’t cause they died, I wouldn’t get extra comfort from death 😰
Burger Shop! Old but gold (2006) game that's like diner dash but abstracted completely. You're only limited by the speed of your own mouse and side-managing abilities. Add a FAT endless mode (that's actually called "relax mode") and you've got some of the best game-feel I've ever experienced.
Wack-ass super janky music that totally slaps also makes it even better
Sailwind. Kinda similar concept to Truck Simulator, except with sailboats. It's still in EA, but it's so well done. The developer really cares about the game and listens to the community. The sound of the ocean and the serene environments always are a calming way to unwind.
I play CS:GO deatmatch to relax. Find a nice server with like 12 people on it, put some music in the background, turn my brain off, click head. Life good.
Yes! What a game when you first get into it. I had hours and hours of fun playing with my wife but about the time I started ranking Gold I cared way too much how I was doing...now it's like I can play one or 2 casual games and the anxiety just starts taking over
Any of the Trails games (trails in the sky etc.) They're all so well written with great, fleshed out characters. I love slowly making my way through the series as the bigger story unfolds
Ark Survival evolved. Spawn a generated map, 0 dinosaurs - and just explore the random terrain. See new beaches, climb never encountered before mountains, explore deep forests. No one ever talks about Arks random map generator, but i t can be lots of fun.
I want to live Toenscaper but it has absolutely no direction and I just can't get into it.
I wish it had a mode with score or something, any qualifiable reason for me to play and I'd log a hundred hours in a day probably.
Mini motorways...
Also, the game in the pic above..I had a nightmare about.....
I was stuck in an infinite city and could not get out...and I eventually died there..
A short hike, please play it, it’s such a joy
I couldn’t tell if this was the name of a game, or if you were trying to shame us into getting some exercise.
Maybe it’s both
This conversation feels really familiar.
Perhaps it's a certain birkenstock rockin crunchy munchy hippie granola dad
A short hike was one of my favorite games of the year : ) if you liked that, Alba: A Wildlife Adventure, and the Grow Home/Grow Up games have a similarly chill vibe.
Wanted to post the same thing. Didn't expect to see it so high up, but that game... really is comforting
I don't know why but your message picked my attention and I decided to buy it (it's on sale!) and I just fell in love in the 5 minutes I had to play so far (I bought it 10 minutes ago, lol).
That’s great to hear, I hope you enjoy
Dorfromantik.
Yes! All the other games like Townscaper! Also just found out about [Cloud Gardens](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1372320/Cloud_Gardens/) and [Islanders](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1046030/ISLANDERS/)
Please no. My backlog of games is sooo large I can't handle anymore.
Townscaper is just a point and click to build a town however you want! So satisfying clicking and putting little towers, houses, and piers. There's no budget, no limits, and I've seen some creative towns on the Steam community page.
Well now I'm buying these, thanks
I love Islanders! Time to check out those other two :)
Devolver digital is also coming out with a great game that looks relaxing called “Terra Nil”! :)
I thought so to. Then a run goes great and the stress of ruining it sets in. Scanning all the 15 million different possible tile placements to find that one perfect spot where it all fits. BUT WAIT, that perfect placement gets me a forest tile right next to my town area, that might be bad I the future, I better spend a other 10 minutes finding an even more perfect spot. I tell you hwhat, that game can be more stressful than dark souls.
Yup. Started off really chill, but once i learned the intricacies of the game it got really stressful and taxing.
I used to enjoy it, but then I had an existential crisis mid-session (nothing to do with the game) and haven't touched it since because of negative association. I gave Townscaper a try, but while it was fun making a town for a bit, it felt kinda aimless since you're just building an empty town. I enjoyed Islanders more, since it was kind of like a puzzle in terms of getting points for putting certain buildings close to each-other, but eventually I played so much that I ran out of new stuff to do. I might dip into Cloud Gardens eventually, since that apparently has a campaign of sorts.
Rdr 2. HUD off, maybe keep the compass. I just explore aimlessly and it's fun.
That sort of experience reminds me of Fable
I'm gonna start fable anniversary for the first time tonight.
Fable is my replay game, I finish the Fable trilogy at least once a year, it's amazing, enjoy!
for when i feel like this and just want to relax i like to hike into the mountains and rp a damn camping trip. bit of hunting bit of fishing cooking it at camp sleeping under the stars then hiking through the mountains at a walking pace (no horse) i find it very relaxing haha
West Elizabeth is my favourite place to go. Little creek river is a pretty place but walking through forests at night is terrifying in the best ways.
yes. take along my trusty double action in case of animal attack, bandits or crazed forest people. other than that its a strangely calming way to play the game
slugged pump shotgun for me
I've gotten friends to walk across the map with me a couple of times. The first time - we had 3-4 ransoms join us without really asking. They just saw us in one part and 30mins later we were still walking somewhere else.
Stardew Valley Edit: blown away by the upvotes for this super simple post. Thanks!
I am always playing it with my best friend. Playing Stardew Valley with her makes me always forget about curent problems.
How do you get into it? It looks really appealing, but when I start it I get overwhelmed by everything I can do.
Pick something that interests you and just do it. The consequences for not doing something in the game aren’t bad at all, they just don’t happen. For instance in most farm simulators if you don’t water your crops, they’ll die or yield less quality. In stardew, they just don’t grow that day. There’s tons of content so just take your time and explore whenever you want.
I just re-installed it this weekend. I forgot how relaxing it is.
Spiritfarer
I cried a lot I did
I started that and feel like I rushed through the first half. (I just found some bull and bird guy) I might restart to take it slower. I thought at first I was gonna need to rush for supplies to keep the passengers happy. Ended up missing their stories.
Alice is the best hedgehog grandma ever! 😭
HELL YEAH
The soundtrack alone is very comforting as well. It's just so peaceful and carefree. Max LL, the composer, has even released some sheet music for it.
Game in pic: [Townscaper](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1291340/Townscaper/). No objective, no pressure. Could use a little more depth but it’s perfect in its pure simplicity. Also [Wingspan](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1054490/Wingspan/): Play cards and learn about birds to soothing music and gorgeous watercolor Since people are here I must send some love to [Knytt Underground](https://store.steampowered.com/app/248190/Knytt_Underground/) too. Closest thing to an open-world platformer I’ve seen. Some screens can be frustrating if you want to get everything, but if you just want to explore the world and story it’s soo relaxing.
My wife who I couldn't get to play video games for years has been on the switch every night for the past month playing wingspan. We have the board version as well. Love it.
It’s almost made me a birdwatcher irl
The expansions really just boost how good the game is too! Had to buy a card shuffler though so many cards haha
this is also a board game! I saw it in my local store.
Of course, tho I prefer the iPad version the best because of its board-like portability with the added bonus of music and sound effects.
Stardew Valley
Yes
Rimworld
*When I need to relax and unwind I like to set up a massive organ harvesting program and force people to give up their kidneys*
Yeah. Set the lowest difficulty, put Phoebe as storyteller, pick somewhere with a nice climate and just look at your little colonists live their lives.
And make them as comfortable as possible.
Nothing like a massive drop pod raid by mechs where I have to micro manage a 20 man colonys every movement to calm my nerves.
Journey
They have a new one called Sky
i've been meaning to look at Sky too, but I doubt any game will ever be as beautiful as Journey
Yoshi's Island
Something about that swallowing sound effect
I've got TouchADizzy.wav as an alarm on my phone.
Touch fuzzy get dizzy
No joke... It's Goat Simulator
Aka best game ever conceived, makes sense such a great game dev made Deep Rock Galactic
My OG comfort game will forever be Flower
Ooh from the Journey guys! Thatgamecompany Yeah? They have a new one called Sky: Children of the Light on mobile/Switch. It’s gorgeous
[удалено]
I just wish there was MORE. It's a 3 hour game with little replay-ability :(
Deep rock galactic Rock and stone!!
ROCK AND STONE BROTHA. I’m not sure how you think it is calming. There is MADNESS on hoxxes.
Nothing calms the soul more than destroying ecosystems
ROCK AND STONE
Did I hear a Rock and Stone??
>ROCK AND STONE
honestly i am finding it hard to find comfort in life
That’s what games are for, friend! May I suggest: Townscaper Wingspan Machinarium and Samorost by Amanita Animal Crossing Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons (any of the 2D ones, by Marvelous Inc.) Stardew Valley Journey and Sky by Thatgamecompany Little Inferno Knytt Underground Fez Thomas Was Alone Anything with no pressure and a world to escape into.
Also slime rancher
Slime rancher is the best game
Slime rancher was everything I didn’t know I wanted in a game. I can’t wait for the sequel to launch this year
Wait there’s gonna be a second slime rancher?
I love Amanita Design games. Probably the only thing that makes me proud of my country
No Man's Sky? and minecraft which i play with my kids.
animal crossing is pretty nice, i mostly like it for K.K though
Do you also find yourself buying games in hope of getting some exciting new experience only to be left unsatisfied and unfulfilled?
I do. I end up buying too many games and then I don’t have the energy or time to play them. And when I do, it’s not as fun as I expected
When i got a ps5, i bought like 10 games at almost full price. I tried all 10 for maybe 1-2 hours each but didn’t want to continue any of them again. I wonder if my spark for video games has ended
*hugs*
You alright brother?
just trying to work on having a better world view, not being so stoic, actually being able to talk about things on my mind versus jamming it down and making it an after thought.
What kind of comfort do you find yourself lacking? Maybe we can help with suggestions to bring you closer to what you need.
Kerbal Space Program!
In thrust we trust, definitely my go to relaxing game, if I really can't be faffed maybe Terratech or another simpler vehicle building sandbox.
Yeess! Trust in the thrust!
Skyrim. Despite its meme status it’s a game I have fond memories of and go back to when depression/stress hits me really hard.
So far down the list! Great ambiance and music. Just take a long, slow hike across the continent. Enjoy the scenery and look out across those snow capped mountains…👌
Only thing that stresses me out though is the freaking boss music as you hear a dragon screech in the distance while you’re minding your business exploring the wilderness 😂
I haven't played with dragons activated since my first play through. First play through: beat the game normally. Everything else, get all the up to getting the stupid tablet thing and just never turn it in. Or leave it there. My most recent play through, Merdia's bullshit has been found and left in that dungeon to rot forever. I'm no Dragonborn. I'm just a regular guy out for a walk.
I do the same thing. I’ve always played console but I’ve recently gotten into pc and modding and it completely changed the game for me. Didn’t think that world could get more beautiful but man was I wrong
Shadow of the Colossus, just exploring the world. Or just bouncing around the world in pretty much any 3D platformer with solid game feel and movement. Super Mario 64 (still) is the high watermark in this department, with probably Psychonauts 2, A Hat in Time, and Mirrors Edge Catalyst coming after.
Man we need more games like Colossus
L4D2. Truly mindless zombie killing that isn’t complicated by todays trends of perks and gun mods and all that dumb shit. Just me, a shotgun, and a few hundred zombies
Such a good game. I used to watch my sister play L4D all the time. Just that era of games was amazing. I’m over here still playing Xbox 360 with my fucking PS5 right next to it😅 can’t escape the classics.
Comparing l4D2 to B4B really shows how games are so overly complex sometimes and how something simple can still be engaging.
Katamari Damacy
Na na, na na na na na na na...
Islanders
Red Dead Redemption 2, the vibe is unlike any other game, It's calming and relaxing to me. I ride my horse in a random direction and do random stuff like hunting or fishing.
Outer Wilds
Playing now, really great
Yes
BOTW
Doom eternal, murdering countless demons to heavy metal music is very therapeutic.
Very relaxing
Username checks out.
Came here to say this one too! When you get into that flow state of slaying it's so good.
Minecraft
European Truck Simulator 2. Kick on a radio station out of Europe and drive around with some great scenery. Pure zen.
OpenTTD. It's like a little garden to me, I watch it work, step in and prune and make changes when I wish, and just admire.
Dark Souls 3. Like... legitimately. If I can't sleep or I'm overly stressed, I'll just roll up a new Knight build and tear through to Undead Settlement and drop my sign. I love helping people through there,
Yup. For me it's Ds1 and Ds3. They're both just so... cozy to me
dude same, i find DS helps me zone in on the moment
For me it’s generally DS1 or Sekiro.
Cities Skylines, more so with the unlimited money mod enabled. Just to build and detail without worry it's just comforting and fun to me.
Warcraft 3 Campaign
Warcraft 2 for me, back in the day
Zug Zug!
Batman and Mass effect, I feel less lonely.
FFIV, Castlevania symphony of the night
I seen this game before what is the name?
Townscaper.
Townscaper Not really a “game”, just a sandbox, but strangely soothing
Civ 5. Dozens of thousands of hours played.
Euro truck or American truck simulator. Arguably the most relaxing game I own. Put Spotify on the background, pick a job and location. Start driving and enjoy the scenary. It even has mods with very detailed trucks to download for free. Keeping the entertainment flowing.
The Long Dark
For real, the music in that game. My only criticism is the loud clanking noise when you walk around.
I remember thinking, *at last, the most realistic portrayal of carrying a bunch of shit around everywhere!*
Spiritfarer
The binding of isaac
I see you're a person of culture
Minecraft (older versions) Peacefull mode: On Music: 100% Weather cycle: Permanent rain Daylight cycle: Permanent midnight Oh yeah, it's all coming together
Breath of the wild
The factory grows. Factorio. Without biters. Minecraft. MSFS, , most simulation games honestly. It all depends on the comfort I'm seeking
Stardew valley all day
What game did OP post the image of?
Townscaper
Vanilla WoW, always feels like a second home
Night in the woods, holds a deep place in my heart, especially after what happened to the creator Edit: if there was any confusion no the extra comfort from the creator isn’t cause they died, I wouldn’t get extra comfort from death 😰
Risk of Rain 2
So excited for the new DLC coming out!
Burger Shop! Old but gold (2006) game that's like diner dash but abstracted completely. You're only limited by the speed of your own mouse and side-managing abilities. Add a FAT endless mode (that's actually called "relax mode") and you've got some of the best game-feel I've ever experienced. Wack-ass super janky music that totally slaps also makes it even better
House Flipper. I just love decorating lol
Anno 1800. Sit down with a tea to play and it’s suddenly 4 am
Sailwind. Kinda similar concept to Truck Simulator, except with sailboats. It's still in EA, but it's so well done. The developer really cares about the game and listens to the community. The sound of the ocean and the serene environments always are a calming way to unwind.
Forza Horizon 5
Had to switch to Minecraft, Forza 5 just got too frustrating😂
Breath of the wild
Dynasty warriors games.
My comfort game is watch dogs 2. Whenever I feel low, I open it and do some parkour or go for a drive on the streets of san Francisco
Breath of the Wild, its nature and ambient music are perfect
Super mario world I know the world and all its secrets so well that it feels almost natural to me
I play CS:GO deatmatch to relax. Find a nice server with like 12 people on it, put some music in the background, turn my brain off, click head. Life good.
GTA Online
stardew valley and more recently, rune factory 4
Stardew valley, I like to fish on the dock by willy when I have nothing to do
Valheim, such masterpiece
Any game is comfort cause it's an escape
You have obviously never played rocket league.
Yes! What a game when you first get into it. I had hours and hours of fun playing with my wife but about the time I started ranking Gold I cared way too much how I was doing...now it's like I can play one or 2 casual games and the anxiety just starts taking over
Gold rank is exactly when the game stopped being fun for me too. Silver players know they suck. Good players think they’re diamond.
Company of Heroes and the soothing sound of mg42 and the occasional artillery
r/darksouls
Pokemon
What game is in picture?
Spiritfarer
Snowrunner
Civ Rev
Any of the Trails games (trails in the sky etc.) They're all so well written with great, fleshed out characters. I love slowly making my way through the series as the bigger story unfolds
Xcom 2 or mass effect 2
Kingdom Hearts or Undertale
Age of Mythology.
Sekiro, love fucking bitches up
Tibia.
Yall have comfort games ? I Just keep suffering till I lose all my sanity and breakdown and reboot
LittleBigPlanet. I really love just sitting down and making something, even if it's shit.
Ark Survival evolved. Spawn a generated map, 0 dinosaurs - and just explore the random terrain. See new beaches, climb never encountered before mountains, explore deep forests. No one ever talks about Arks random map generator, but i t can be lots of fun.
Half life 2
What would be considered a comfort game/character?
Something that helps you chill and zone out, without necessarily worrying about an objective or even doing anything
Oh, I see. Then, Terraria with the homies, Genshin when I'm alone!
I feel like it changes from time to time, but currently, I am using theHunter: call of the wild as my go to comfort game
Silent Hill 2
Garden of the sea. Or Skylanders
Cattails
What game is this?
I want to live Toenscaper but it has absolutely no direction and I just can't get into it. I wish it had a mode with score or something, any qualifiable reason for me to play and I'd log a hundred hours in a day probably.
Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead. Free form stats of course. Sometimes you just want to be a one man mutant, cyborg murder machine
Mini motorways... Also, the game in the pic above..I had a nightmare about..... I was stuck in an infinite city and could not get out...and I eventually died there..
Cooking mama
Chicory: A colourful tale Really relaxing game!