The joy of simple tasks – relaxing games that feel like a deep breath

With online experiences becoming increasingly overstimulating, and new opportunities for entertainment around each corner, it can feel incredibly difficult to find simple joys that relax instead of overwhelm.

 

If you’re looking for games that help you enjoy a moment of peace then you’re not alone – more and more players are looking for the exact same thing. These games vary from one genre to another but are typically built around the simplicity of repetition, simple tasks and satisfying outcomes, providing a digital deep breath that provides a respite from busy online worlds.

 

In this article, we’ll take a look at the games that soothe, and shine a light on the designers and studios that have placed a strong emphasis on providing an enjoyable experience.

 

Why simple task-based games feel so relaxing

 

The main appeal of these games is that there’s no rush or added stress to how they’re supposed to be enjoyed. Instead of failure being on a loop until the player can succeed, they’re made to be enjoyed at a pace that suits the player. The instructions are intentionally simple, such as tasks centered around watering plants, organizing rooms and painting walls. They mimic real-life tasks without the pressure or mess associated with real life, allowing players to simply unwind in complete peace.

 

These repetitive tasks that are light in nature are designed to calm a person’s nervous system and tap into a flow state, which can be best explained by a deep immersion in an activity. Flow state can be characterized by intense focus and a loss of self-awareness and time. They’re often accompanied by satisfying feedback loops, such as sparkles, shimmers, clicks and light sounds, which can trigger positive dopamine releases.

 

It’s important to note that these games, while minimalist in design, aren’t to be considered ‘lesser’ in any way. Rather, they’re minimalist because they don’t lead to the player becoming stressed, and instead encourage participants to focus on doing what they enjoy, which provides a soothing feeling of relaxation and satisfaction.

 

The unexpected joy of more menial games

 

Menial-themed games give players a sense of control without having to worry about completing everything all at once, which is often the case in real life. These games are tactile, simple and beautiful, in a strange way that goes against what we often associate with video games. Popular games based on the act of just tidying include PowerWash Simulator, Unpacking and A Little to the Left.

 

Stress-free gardening, farming and growing games have been popular for a while now and help slow down your daily life and create a natural rhythm that connects players with the real world. These games reward consistent input instead of intensity, as is often the case with video games. Perfect in short bursts, these games can be enjoyed in periods of as little as 10 minutes at a time. Popular games include Stardew Valley, Garden Galaxy and Viridi. The first of these three has really blown up in popularity over the last couple of years.

 

Embrace your creativity with non-demanding design tasks

 

These games are free from any puzzles or confusing tasks and instead encourage the player to release their inner child. The main emphasis in these games is to play and forget about anything else for a moment. If you’re somebody who enjoys spending time filling coloring books with beautiful designs, Townscaper, Doughnut County and Dorfromantik should suit you perfectly.

 

ASMR games that provide mental itch relief

 

For a release of ASMR-induced dopamine, these games are both visually eye-catching and filled with soft sounds that hit in all the right ways. They’re perfectly curated to provide a sensory experience unlike anything else, which can be taken up a notch with the use of noise-canceling headphones.

 

Popular games include ISLANDERS, ABZÛ and Moncage.

 

The simplicity and excitement of progressive jackpot slots

 

These games are simple in design but are perfect for players wanting to blow off some steam and lose themselves for a short while. These progressive jackpot slots are not intense and don’t require players to have any expert-level skills, although they do provide the opportunity to win huge amounts of money if lady luck happens to be on your side.

 

Popular games include The Slotfather, Mega Glam Life and Major Millions.

 

What do they all have in common?

 

As we’re sure you can see, these games have a lot in common, despite spanning several different genres. With minimal AI and a focus on removing any unnecessary clutter and junk, these games are satisfying and simple to play. There isn’t an emphasis on winning or losing – they focus on completion instead of competition, allowing players to enjoy these games at their own pace.

 

These games invite players to relax and immerse themselves without any expectation for them to meet unrealistic goals or compete with others. With our day-to-day lives centered around productivity and work-related events and networking, they’re the perfect reminder that doing less can provide an even more satisfying hit. We’re seeing more players move away from games that provide a hit of adrenaline and toward those that give a sense of balance and a gentle escape from the real world.

 

Where to find them

 

For players wanting to find titles that are more relaxing than exhilarating, exploring the “casual” and “hobby” categories on Steam can be a great place to start. Similarly, for those who enjoy playing indie titles, it can be worth heading over to Itch.io for microgames that, while short, can provide exactly what’s needed in enjoyable bursts. Those wanting a more traditional gaming experience may benefit from investing in a Nintendo Switch, as the game library is a goldmine for tranquil games that are neither stressful nor overwhelming.

 

If you’re looking for recommendations, it can be useful to search for popular creators online who specialize in this niche. YouTube and Kick are home to many of these gamers, while many are also active on social media platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter) and Reddit, and some may have their own communities on Discord.

 

Final thoughts

 

Not every game is designed to challenge the player or provide any sort of thrill. Often, the greatest reward is an opportunity to be at peace and lose yourself in the simplicity of everyday tasks. These games have the potential to turn your online experiences into relaxing rituals that are gentle and enjoyable.

 

At the moment, it could be argued that the most enjoyable genre of games isn’t those that are incredibly difficult or action-packed, but instead, those that help us relax and take a deep breath that lets us forget about our everyday worries. So, if this sounds like something you might enjoy, why not try swapping a fast-paced FPS session with something gentler?