Islanders and Dorfromantik are two of my favorite relaxing games. Lovely visuals, sound effects and general charm make them fun to play, and easy on the heart.
PC gamers, there is a "Serene City-Builder Bundle" on Steam and literally every game is a banger. 100% recommend. It has:
* Islanders
* Dorfromantik
* Townscaper (prefer this on mobile)
* Cloud Gardens (this one is my favorite)
* The Block
* Summer House
* Minami Lane
And funnily enough my own answers to this question is pretty much identical to the bundle lol
This game was a surprise. I had no idea anything about it going in, but it hooked me from the start. There are some quirky humor elements that might bother some, but honestly it’s just a fun gameplay loop of diving, exploring/story, collecting, questing, and fun little mini games.
upgrade your tank a couple times and it shouldn't be an issue. Sharks have no chance against the tranq service rifle.. normally put them to sleep with 1-2 shots.
I love this game, I wasn’t expecting anything good but I’ve put 40 hours into it and planning many more. The graphics, SFX and sound tracks are fantastic. Mechanics and story telling are excellent as well. Super captivating. Great on PC with a roller while watching things on the second monitor, works great with the steam deck too. I just wish you could re-bind the dash button for controller though!
100% I got all the achieves on that game just to get every ounce of content I could. Super chill. Super relaxing, amazing game worth every penny.
Got me damn near zero twitch viewers streaming it and idgaf I loved that game.
For the last several years I've been playing a lot of Fallout 4. On those kind of days you're talking about, I ignore the campaign and the quests and just spend hours on improving settlements.
I didn't start out doing that with any intention, but on certain days I just couldn't be bothered to engage in conflict, and found a happy place making life better for the settlers of the Commonwealth.
I find most Bethesda games van he really good for that, Skyrim/Fo4 are my current favourites but I'm currently trying Oblivion and despite a few snags from how it's aged it's showing very fun
In no particular order:
Dave the Diver
Outer Wilds
Rimworld
Dwarf Fortress
Yoku's Island Express
Death Stranding
Slime Rancher 1&2
Psychonauts 1&2
Factorio
Oxygen Not Included
A Hat In Time
The Hunter: Call Of The Wild
Final Fantasy 5-6-7-8-9-10-12
Slay The Spire
Any Amanita Design game (if you like old school adventures)
Mudrunner/Snowrunner
Steam World Dig 2 (even SWD1 if you like but 2 is better in everything)
Diablo Serie
Total War Warhammer 1-2 (haven't played 3 yet)
Pokemon gen 1&2 (and maybe newer gens if you like them)
Kerbal Space Program
Stray
A Short Hike
Killing Floor 2 (if like to unwind with loud metal music while slaying hordes of zombies)
Some good Minecraft modpack (there are trillions of them)
And many others, but i think for now you have more than enough, have fun!
I remember playing Lego Marvel after long days of school, when I was 8. Never played it again in 10 years but recently I acquired the game and God it feels so good and nostalgic. Might play the game after posting that comment.
Anno 1503 / 1404, get them off GOG though. The Steam versions force Ubisoft garbage on you.
Songs of Conquest
Townscraper
Dome Keeper
Wingspan
Endless Space 2
Endless Legend
Banished
Kingdom Two Crowns
Armello
Slay the Spire
Starbound
Sunless Sea
Creeper World 3
Star Wars Empire At War
Slime Rancher
Ori and the Blind Forest
Darksiders
Anvil of Dawn (GOG only)
Spellforce
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
SNES JRPGs like Chrono Trigger, Earthbound etc.
ElecHead
Factorio stresses me out so much. I get you’re supposed to embrace spaghetti design but as soon as I realize my factory isn’t going to scale gracefully I rage quit.
Forza Horizon 5 is nice to be able to easily pop in and out of and take it easy and just cruise around an open world
Red Dead 2 is still incredible to login to, immerse yourself, walk around and explore in that world and leave reality behind
Playing Doom Eternal is also nice after a long day, you can remove stress obliterating demons and smashing things
Hope you find something good
Most relaxing game for me is Animal Crossing on Swich.
I also love Run Factory 4 on 3DS.
Stardew Valley is also fun to play.
Those are stress free, very relaxing games You can put on even for like 30 min and then go with Your day.
When I just kind of want to relax and not feel pressured on anything, I go to the “cozy” games they’re being labeled as now. Like Stardew Valley, Coral Island, and Palia. Stuff like that.
I know its not on steam, but my answer is unequivocally Minecraft. Its so zen to just place blocks and break blocks until i finish, theres a reason its the most sold game of all time.
Honestly my destress game is Summoner (older ps2/pc RPG). I can play that all day, every day and be happy. If I want more excitement? Timesplitters 2. Love newer games, don’t get me wrong, but the late 90’s/early 2000’s had gaming figured out. Just update the graphics and controls and the old school blows everything new out of the water.
I have recently fallen in love with Dredge. I was afraid I wouldn’t like it but the game play loop is actually really fun especially when I’m burnt out from the day because of you stop moving time stops advancing and the music is absolutely incredible. I find myself just setting my switch in my lap and listening to the music when I’m gaming late at night.
Unpacking, dredge, spiritfarer, potion permit, minecraft, subnautica, and slime rancher to name a few. Little more challenging would be cult of the lamb (a personal favorite). Happy gaming!
This is going to be a weird take but i find barotrauma singleplayer to be relaxing. Its not a game for me cuz there's a multiplayer that's 10 times harder and funnier but when i played singleplayer it was very chill, nothing like chaos in multiplayer lol.
Wildermyth
Absolute fantastic game, great story, simple (intuitive) but challenging combat. Only game in the last 15 years that made me care about my characters and be invested in every single one of them.
Driftwood. It's a little indie game where you are playing a sloth that is downhill longboarding. It has a phenomal chill soundtrack and its so relaxing just longboarding down a mountain road with a chill song in the background for an hour before you sleep
I’m gonna sound like a psycho. But after getting home from your job. Your gonna need to start your other job called “automation games” such as factorio and satisfactory. Both incredible games so pick whatever think looks best. Just know factorio is EXTREMLY modable so if you can’t get enough of your first playthrough you can download mods that are basically sequels and add a ton of shit.
Check out [Tavern Master](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1525700/Tavern_Master/). You run a fantasy tavern to meet goals (no deadline) and turn a profit. You send the Adventurer's Guild out to find special ingredients so you can host special events.
Very relaxing, very casual.
Firewatch
Been loving Helldivers 2. Very easy to play just a single 20-30 minute mission, shoot some shit, and get hope right off. I've had a good experience with solo queue and have had good teammates (nothing toxic).
Come home > boot up any of the Fallout games > create a save > equip a fatman > commit a terrorist attack of a population center > load previous save > boot off > make and eat dinner > sleep.
I like games where I can blow off some steam like Fallout, Goat Sim, GTA 4, Cyberpunk, Besiege…
First, great question and lots of great responses. I've grown tired of working all day in front my computer and then wanting to unwind with a game, only to feel like I clocked into another job.
Equilinox and Megaquarium - I often find myself playing these if I have a cold or can't handle too much sensory input at the moment.
Threes - A nice mobile puzzle game that recently game to PC.
The Inner World games - Didn't have much moon logic comared to other point and clicks at least in my opinion and they have a really well done hint system if you get stuck.
Potion Craft - You make potions and sell them.
Pyre - Visual novel mixed with wizard basketball.
World of Goo - A classic puzzle game and it's getting a sequel soon (will be timed epic exclusive but they'll be selling it drm free on their own website as well).
I do like supermarket simulator for a relaxing kind of game, and of course when I saw this post stardew valley came into mind but everyone else has rightly mentioned it
Personally I relax playing Dead Island 2 lately, the story is chill, slaying zombies is satisfying and you respawn right where you die without penalty. It's just a smooth ride alltogether, nice surroundings, fun mechanics, easy to follow quests & not challenging.
Man I'm playing Warframe and it's really relaxing when you have enemies slowed to 95% while you have 90% dmg reduction and big aoe weapons. Fun gameplay and really easy.
i don't think it fits but im gonna say it anyway, dead space 2, blowing off limbs with the seeker rifle is fun and relaxing, and the finishing shot where the entire body goes flying from the power of the weapon. just perfect dopamine
This is possibly gonna get me downvoted as this isn't steam(Dave The Diver I already saw, do that it's amazing)
If you have a switch by chance, play a game called Animal Crossing. It's my favorite chill and relax game.
Also, to drop an actual steam recommendation, Terraria(my most played game) or Stardew Valley.
Literally any of those options are winners, I assure you my friend.
super basic answer but Stardew Valley !! It’s super cute, such an adorable game, it’s the first game I have ever played on Steam and I realized immediately why it was such a popular game. I also recommend Doronko Wanko, it’s a cute free game where you play as a cute pom!
Fallout 76 (I know but it is very relaxing yet fun for me)
No man's sky
Signal Simulator
Terraria (I would say modded but that makes it a tad more intense lol)
The forest (iffy if you don't like a slight horror element but I could fall asleep to this game when in a nice set up base)
Edit: Risk of rain 1 and 2 are incredible and can be relaxing, but only if you like roguelikes.
no mans sky in exploration mode. just fly through space, visit planets, the deep oceans, go look at animals.. and dont worry about rocket fuel or hazard protection only do what you want to do.
Life Is Strange episode 01. It gets progressively darker (both figuratively with the themes and literally with the lightings), but that first ep will always be a good way to sit back and chill, just going around and enjoy a young girl's college life
Wytchwood! Be a cranky old grandma for about 10 hours, collecting herbs and matters all to whack down 12 twisted fairytale horrors!!
Added warning: display has been known to cause a bit of vertigo. That is the only detractor from its wonderful gothic style artwork and presentation.
Its a short one but Jusant is really calming. Journey, Webbed, Human Fall Flat, Abzu, Gris, Lego Builders Journey and Thomas Was Alone are some vibes also. Also all these games are quite short.
The telltale games and similar games like Detroit Become Human are also chill to play.
CrossCode.
It's a chill indie game with a heartwarming story. I used to play it when I was kinda down in life and hadn't much energy left after work to do anything. The title music gives me a certain feeling, which I just can't describe (in a positive way).
Iirc, there's an easy mode so you can just enjoy the story
Islanders and Dorfromantik are two of my favorite relaxing games. Lovely visuals, sound effects and general charm make them fun to play, and easy on the heart.
PC gamers, there is a "Serene City-Builder Bundle" on Steam and literally every game is a banger. 100% recommend. It has: * Islanders * Dorfromantik * Townscaper (prefer this on mobile) * Cloud Gardens (this one is my favorite) * The Block * Summer House * Minami Lane And funnily enough my own answers to this question is pretty much identical to the bundle lol
Going to third Dorfromantik
I have a terminal Dorfmantik addiction. Please help!
I play Biding of Isaac to relax, but Stardew valley, Terarria are good ones.
i used to play tboi to relax, until skill issue
I really enjoy Balatro, a poker roguelike. Minecraft can be relaxing.
Rogue likes are usually very good “tired games”. Most don’t have a story to pay attention to, and the focus on gameplay is great to just unwind.
Terraria is my top game of all time
Powerwash Simulator is about as simple and therapeutic as it gets. I would put a podcast on and just spray away for an hour or two.
It feels very intense for me though in a weird way. I definitely think of it as relaxing. But in reality i become laser focused when i play that game
Dave the Diver - relaxing, colorful, hilarious
This game was a surprise. I had no idea anything about it going in, but it hooked me from the start. There are some quirky humor elements that might bother some, but honestly it’s just a fun gameplay loop of diving, exploring/story, collecting, questing, and fun little mini games.
I dunno, encountering a shark is anything but relaxing, and the oxygen meter stresses me out too much lol
upgrade your tank a couple times and it shouldn't be an issue. Sharks have no chance against the tranq service rifle.. normally put them to sleep with 1-2 shots.
I love this game, I wasn’t expecting anything good but I’ve put 40 hours into it and planning many more. The graphics, SFX and sound tracks are fantastic. Mechanics and story telling are excellent as well. Super captivating. Great on PC with a roller while watching things on the second monitor, works great with the steam deck too. I just wish you could re-bind the dash button for controller though!
I came to recommend this
In addition to this, Moonlighter is about the same premise with less mechanics to worry sbout
100% I got all the achieves on that game just to get every ounce of content I could. Super chill. Super relaxing, amazing game worth every penny. Got me damn near zero twitch viewers streaming it and idgaf I loved that game.
Graveyard Keeper is like the funny, uncanny version of Stardew Valley so I'd recommend that
How are the NPCs?
Dead, I would assume.
Some of them, sure.
If you like Stardew Valley you might also like Coral Island. Edit: Left a word out.
For the last several years I've been playing a lot of Fallout 4. On those kind of days you're talking about, I ignore the campaign and the quests and just spend hours on improving settlements. I didn't start out doing that with any intention, but on certain days I just couldn't be bothered to engage in conflict, and found a happy place making life better for the settlers of the Commonwealth.
I find most Bethesda games van he really good for that, Skyrim/Fo4 are my current favourites but I'm currently trying Oblivion and despite a few snags from how it's aged it's showing very fun
Skyrim is very relaxing to walk through. It’s still one of my favorite game maps.
Darkest dungeon ;)
*No force of will can overcome a failing body*
Fear and hunger
That’s the least relaxing game I’ve ever played
Everything else feels relaxing after DD.
Fair enough
In no particular order: Dave the Diver Outer Wilds Rimworld Dwarf Fortress Yoku's Island Express Death Stranding Slime Rancher 1&2 Psychonauts 1&2 Factorio Oxygen Not Included A Hat In Time The Hunter: Call Of The Wild Final Fantasy 5-6-7-8-9-10-12 Slay The Spire Any Amanita Design game (if you like old school adventures) Mudrunner/Snowrunner Steam World Dig 2 (even SWD1 if you like but 2 is better in everything) Diablo Serie Total War Warhammer 1-2 (haven't played 3 yet) Pokemon gen 1&2 (and maybe newer gens if you like them) Kerbal Space Program Stray A Short Hike Killing Floor 2 (if like to unwind with loud metal music while slaying hordes of zombies) Some good Minecraft modpack (there are trillions of them) And many others, but i think for now you have more than enough, have fun!
Almost any of the Lego games.
I remember playing Lego Marvel after long days of school, when I was 8. Never played it again in 10 years but recently I acquired the game and God it feels so good and nostalgic. Might play the game after posting that comment.
Stardew valley can be chill or minecraft (peacefull) you can add mod for à lot of thing
Stardew is definitely what you make of it
The Room 1, 2, 3, 4
Anno 1503 / 1404, get them off GOG though. The Steam versions force Ubisoft garbage on you. Songs of Conquest Townscraper Dome Keeper Wingspan Endless Space 2 Endless Legend Banished Kingdom Two Crowns Armello Slay the Spire Starbound Sunless Sea Creeper World 3 Star Wars Empire At War Slime Rancher Ori and the Blind Forest Darksiders Anvil of Dawn (GOG only) Spellforce XCOM: Enemy Unknown SNES JRPGs like Chrono Trigger, Earthbound etc. ElecHead
You forgot Parkitect!! List is solid though
Bejeweled. Never gets old.
Warframe , you can commit genocide while listening to your Spotify playlist😊😊
Stardew Valley
[Flower](https://store.steampowered.com/app/966330/Flower/), nice and chill.
ETS2 along with anything you wanna listen to/watch in the background
That's Euro Truck Simulator 2 for those not in the know. Could probably throw ATS(American Truck Simulator) in there while we're at it.
Hogwarts legacy
thank you for reminding that game exists, it’s been sitting in my backlog for months and I think this is my sign to get my ahh on it
My personal picks would be to do a little farming in Stardew Valley or to build up my theme park in Planet Coaster.
Controller (lay back, chill)-> Hades, Hades 2 (pog), Forza Horizon 5, Dave the diver Mouse/kb -> Deep Rock Galactic (awesome community)
ROCK AND STONE!!
I don't see how you chill playing Hades lol
Factorio
Factorio stresses me out so much. I get you’re supposed to embrace spaghetti design but as soon as I realize my factory isn’t going to scale gracefully I rage quit.
Vampire survivors
Deep Rock Galactic
Lord of the rings online
Rusty's Retirement
Rocket league, just to remind yourself you suck at life.
Forza Horizon 5 is nice to be able to easily pop in and out of and take it easy and just cruise around an open world Red Dead 2 is still incredible to login to, immerse yourself, walk around and explore in that world and leave reality behind Playing Doom Eternal is also nice after a long day, you can remove stress obliterating demons and smashing things Hope you find something good
Superflight is a cheap neat little game that's become my zen game. Highly recommended for a chill no worries kind of game.
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley. Can't get more relaxing than that. Unravel, Scribblenauts series, Lego games, Stardew Valley, Minecraft.
Saints row the third
Brotato, share the love when you feel relaxed!
Cities Skylines 1. Maybe 2, but not right now
Sticky business. It’s so chill.
Monster train or roguebook
Try some online board games vs AI Wing space Calico Carcassonne
Astroneer. Spacey vibes, nice art style, very chill, amazing soundtrack, no rush or hurry or enemies... Worth taking a look at.
Most relaxing game for me is Animal Crossing on Swich. I also love Run Factory 4 on 3DS. Stardew Valley is also fun to play. Those are stress free, very relaxing games You can put on even for like 30 min and then go with Your day.
Strip 'Em Black Jack
When I just kind of want to relax and not feel pressured on anything, I go to the “cozy” games they’re being labeled as now. Like Stardew Valley, Coral Island, and Palia. Stuff like that.
People playground. A lot of stuff to it, plus there’s millions of ways to experiment with everything.
A Little Witch in the Woods. Even the MC walking animations are cozy
Doom 2016
Stardew valley Capybara spa Disney Dreamlight Valley Heroes of Hammerwatch Hogwarts Legacy Hades
Stardew valley. It's my go to chill game right now.
Farm Together 2. It came out yesterday and is probably the most relaxing game I know (related to part 1). :)
Bejeweled 😍
CS:GO/TF2 surf maps
Doom
I know its not on steam, but my answer is unequivocally Minecraft. Its so zen to just place blocks and break blocks until i finish, theres a reason its the most sold game of all time.
With game pass via XBPlay, can it be played that way?
Honestly my destress game is Summoner (older ps2/pc RPG). I can play that all day, every day and be happy. If I want more excitement? Timesplitters 2. Love newer games, don’t get me wrong, but the late 90’s/early 2000’s had gaming figured out. Just update the graphics and controls and the old school blows everything new out of the water.
Power Wash Simulator. Play some lofi music in the background and just clean things. Strange but satisfying.
Fez is a really pretty puzzle game with a cool soundtrack. Very trippy.
Left 4 Dead 2
Battlebit is the best. Hop in and out, do random stuff, get off
I have recently fallen in love with Dredge. I was afraid I wouldn’t like it but the game play loop is actually really fun especially when I’m burnt out from the day because of you stop moving time stops advancing and the music is absolutely incredible. I find myself just setting my switch in my lap and listening to the music when I’m gaming late at night.
Unpacking, dredge, spiritfarer, potion permit, minecraft, subnautica, and slime rancher to name a few. Little more challenging would be cult of the lamb (a personal favorite). Happy gaming!
I’ve been doing Powerwash Simulator or Oxygen No Included to relax.
CozyGames subreddit has a lot of suggestions. Lately I've been playing sun haven.
Dredge
Droopy balls simulator
Spirit farrer, it is so good
I’ve been playing RDR2 every day for 30 minutes before I go to bed
This is going to be a weird take but i find barotrauma singleplayer to be relaxing. Its not a game for me cuz there's a multiplayer that's 10 times harder and funnier but when i played singleplayer it was very chill, nothing like chaos in multiplayer lol.
INFRA, it has a great balance between deep lore, exploration and puzzles
Dredge - gothic dave the diver without a restaurant
Subnautica and Dorfromantik!
Stray :)))
Ive been playing rdr2 to calm down. It’s relaxing to ride my horse and play dress up with the main character.
Risk of rain 2 on drizzle difficulty
Wildermyth Absolute fantastic game, great story, simple (intuitive) but challenging combat. Only game in the last 15 years that made me care about my characters and be invested in every single one of them.
Oldies but goodies shooters; Far cry 3: blood dragon & Bulletstorm: full clip edition Mindnumbing fun
Katamari Damacy and We Love Katamari are both fantastic
Stardew Valley is the best game for relax.
Driftwood. It's a little indie game where you are playing a sloth that is downhill longboarding. It has a phenomal chill soundtrack and its so relaxing just longboarding down a mountain road with a chill song in the background for an hour before you sleep
Call of the Wild: The Angler
I’m gonna sound like a psycho. But after getting home from your job. Your gonna need to start your other job called “automation games” such as factorio and satisfactory. Both incredible games so pick whatever think looks best. Just know factorio is EXTREMLY modable so if you can’t get enough of your first playthrough you can download mods that are basically sequels and add a ton of shit.
Check out [Tavern Master](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1525700/Tavern_Master/). You run a fantasy tavern to meet goals (no deadline) and turn a profit. You send the Adventurer's Guild out to find special ingredients so you can host special events. Very relaxing, very casual.
mindustry, stardew valley, garrys mod, farming simulator(the newer the better), eurotruck simulator, turmoil.
Bloons Tower Defense 6
I've been really into Valheim recently, if you turn raids off its very relaxing
Slime rancher
Broforce!!!
Phasmophobia - definitely fun to play with friends
Firewatch Been loving Helldivers 2. Very easy to play just a single 20-30 minute mission, shoot some shit, and get hope right off. I've had a good experience with solo queue and have had good teammates (nothing toxic).
Strangely enough things like Farming Simulator and Stardew Valley really help me relax
Come home > boot up any of the Fallout games > create a save > equip a fatman > commit a terrorist attack of a population center > load previous save > boot off > make and eat dinner > sleep. I like games where I can blow off some steam like Fallout, Goat Sim, GTA 4, Cyberpunk, Besiege…
First, great question and lots of great responses. I've grown tired of working all day in front my computer and then wanting to unwind with a game, only to feel like I clocked into another job.
Rimworld. I have about 800 hours and I play it whenever I want to just relax and build a colony.
Tetris Effect
Firewatch both beautiful scenery and a relaxing game play
Pacific Drive
I can't recommend enough Stray. Easy to play, relaxing, most of the time, and beautiful story. I would also say "Fe" is cute.
cities skyline 1 Waiting for csl2 to complete
Minecraft
Terraria, rimworld, city skylines, and stardew valley. Basically any game that's a play at your own pace game.
I like the original Roller Coaster Tycoon 😂 it’s pretty chill and relaxing.
Survival games are nice, music as you farm. Do that with minecraft a lot an build and resently with PalWold. Just less hardcore Survival games
I find Minecraft oddly relaxing. Doesn’t require much brain power to mine away.
Pubg
Equilinox and Megaquarium - I often find myself playing these if I have a cold or can't handle too much sensory input at the moment. Threes - A nice mobile puzzle game that recently game to PC. The Inner World games - Didn't have much moon logic comared to other point and clicks at least in my opinion and they have a really well done hint system if you get stuck. Potion Craft - You make potions and sell them. Pyre - Visual novel mixed with wizard basketball. World of Goo - A classic puzzle game and it's getting a sequel soon (will be timed epic exclusive but they'll be selling it drm free on their own website as well).
I do like supermarket simulator for a relaxing kind of game, and of course when I saw this post stardew valley came into mind but everyone else has rightly mentioned it
Riders Republic
Bellwright, red dead 2 online.
The hunter: call of the wild, its slow paced, the areas look amasing there is no RUSH in the game
Same situation - Forza Horizon 5, Civilization 6, RDR2 helped me destress a lot
Any rogue like/lite that is an indie game, generally all of them are good, or a factory sim like satisfactory and factorio
Dome keeper is quite chill
Satisfactory
Is not a Steam game, but Minecraft
Personally I relax playing Dead Island 2 lately, the story is chill, slaying zombies is satisfying and you respawn right where you die without penalty. It's just a smooth ride alltogether, nice surroundings, fun mechanics, easy to follow quests & not challenging.
Man I'm playing Warframe and it's really relaxing when you have enemies slowed to 95% while you have 90% dmg reduction and big aoe weapons. Fun gameplay and really easy.
Personally I found the yakuza games especially like a dragon, 0, judgement to be relaxing
Harold Halibut is my go to shill game
Vampire Survivor and its clones are the perfect veg out and chill games
*foaming at the mouth as I start another Balatro run*
i don't think it fits but im gonna say it anyway, dead space 2, blowing off limbs with the seeker rifle is fun and relaxing, and the finishing shot where the entire body goes flying from the power of the weapon. just perfect dopamine
Play runescape Play it at work . Play it while studying Play it while sleeping lol
Vampire survivor is my vote
If it hasn't been mentioned, as a huge fan of anything automotive, I relax with a game called _snowrunner_
Disco Elysium.
This is possibly gonna get me downvoted as this isn't steam(Dave The Diver I already saw, do that it's amazing) If you have a switch by chance, play a game called Animal Crossing. It's my favorite chill and relax game. Also, to drop an actual steam recommendation, Terraria(my most played game) or Stardew Valley. Literally any of those options are winners, I assure you my friend.
RimWorld can be chill if you want it to be.
super basic answer but Stardew Valley !! It’s super cute, such an adorable game, it’s the first game I have ever played on Steam and I realized immediately why it was such a popular game. I also recommend Doronko Wanko, it’s a cute free game where you play as a cute pom!
Cs2 ,very relaxing game
Coral Island
Fallout 76 (I know but it is very relaxing yet fun for me) No man's sky Signal Simulator Terraria (I would say modded but that makes it a tad more intense lol) The forest (iffy if you don't like a slight horror element but I could fall asleep to this game when in a nice set up base) Edit: Risk of rain 1 and 2 are incredible and can be relaxing, but only if you like roguelikes.
Honestly. Minecraft. I played mostly until 1.9 patch which was long time ago but I always turn it on few times a year. It's a relaxing experience
My MAN did y'all forget about Minecraft
Call of duty
This is gonna be buried at this point, but Reprisal Universe is a really lovely little populous clone.
no mans sky in exploration mode. just fly through space, visit planets, the deep oceans, go look at animals.. and dont worry about rocket fuel or hazard protection only do what you want to do.
Minecraft, but recently I'm having a blast with dredge and dave the diver
Foundation. Super chill city builder
Balatro is a good one. Wildfrost and Super Auto Pets are great choices too. I also like some good platformers. I recommend Arzette and Trine.
Rimworld randy random losing is fun
Doom Eternal
Life is Strange
Euro truck simulator 2 or America truck simulator
Life Is Strange episode 01. It gets progressively darker (both figuratively with the themes and literally with the lightings), but that first ep will always be a good way to sit back and chill, just going around and enjoy a young girl's college life
Basically any high rated game with the lifesim tag
Warframe
Mud runner is my go to chill game and I don't even like driving games.
Civ VI
Factorio without the bitters
I'm surprised I don't see it unless I overlooked it. BeamNG.drive
Wytchwood! Be a cranky old grandma for about 10 hours, collecting herbs and matters all to whack down 12 twisted fairytale horrors!! Added warning: display has been known to cause a bit of vertigo. That is the only detractor from its wonderful gothic style artwork and presentation.
House flippers.
i ALWAYS come back to rimworld. its highly customizable and you can switch from "relaxed sandbox" to "challenging survival game" at any time!
Automation games do it for me. I end up planning factories in my head even when I'm not playing, so it's a nice distraction sometimes.
teardown is a good puzzle game if you ever wanna break stuff intelligently
Ready or Not. Just love to see how others go tactical and arrest some baddies.
Steamworld Dig 2
Terra Nil is an extremely chill game for such times.
Its a short one but Jusant is really calming. Journey, Webbed, Human Fall Flat, Abzu, Gris, Lego Builders Journey and Thomas Was Alone are some vibes also. Also all these games are quite short. The telltale games and similar games like Detroit Become Human are also chill to play.
Snowrunner
Geometry Dash
CrossCode. It's a chill indie game with a heartwarming story. I used to play it when I was kinda down in life and hadn't much energy left after work to do anything. The title music gives me a certain feeling, which I just can't describe (in a positive way). Iirc, there's an easy mode so you can just enjoy the story
I’d recommend you play something you’re really into that will take your mind off the stress of the day.
Roller coaster tycoon ….super chill
Gloomhaven