Summary

  • Organizational games offer a peaceful virtual escape with no time limits, perfect for relaxation and unwinding stress.
  • Titles like Cats Organized Neatly and Sun Haven provide cozy, low-stakes gameplay with charming aesthetics and engaging mechanics.
  • House Flipper, Two Point Campus, and Unpacking offer rewarding experiences in simulating real-life tasks, promoting creativity and relaxation.

When real life becomes too hectic, some video games are a great way to sit down, relax, and unwind. Organizational games are a great way to compartmentalize and allow players to clear their heads in a virtual world. There are some video games made especially for relaxing, allowing players to feel organized and refreshed. These titles have no time limits, so players can take their time and go at their own pace without external pressures.

X Wholesome Games To Play After Animal Crossing New Horizons Cover
13 Wholesome Games To Play After Animal Crossing New Horizons

After enjoying Animal Crossing: New Horizons, players should check out these other wholesome games to occupy their time.

Their peaceful atmosphere, calming visual aesthetic, and soothing soundtracks are chilled and cozy for players to experience, and a delight to play. After all, players don't want to slice up foes and engage in high-pressure combat situations where their lives are on the line all the time. Sometimes, the idea of playing a title and not worrying about meeting goals or getting the highest score is enticing in and of itself, with many organizing games being perfect for fans of such experiences.

Updated June 8, 2024 by Ritwik Mitra: There's something about simple and charming organization games that fans can't get enough of. The allure of such titles is hard to describe, with players loving the way these titles help them unwind and enjoy some low-stakes gameplay that doesn't have the fate of the world hinging on their actions.

This niche of gaming is occupied with several stellar titles, and players are spoiled for choice when it comes to a stressbuster that's easy to get into and features some nice organization gameplay to get that lovely dopamine rush when they arrange or build something in a tidy manner.

18 Cats Organized Neatly

Metacritic User Score: 6.8

Cats Organized Neatly-1
Cats Organized Neatly
Display card tags widget
Puzzle
Display card system widget
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Display card community and brand rating widget

Released
October 12, 2020
Platform(s)
PC, Nintendo Switch
Developer
DU&I
Genre(s)
Puzzle

Crazy cat people and lovers of feline friends will adore Cats Organized Neatly, a Tetris-inspired puzzle game all about fitting these adorable cats into their perfect position on the board. There are over 80 levels to complete to keep players engaged.

These kitty cats are gorgeously hand-drawn with meticulous detail and come in all different shapes and sizes. Cats Organized Neatly has easy-to-understand mechanics; all the player needs to do is place these cool cats onto a board, rotating them to fit as required. If that isn't enough, there's a similar game by the same developers, called Dogs Organized Neatly, for players wanting a puppy fix!

17 Sun Haven

Metacritic User Score: 7.0

Sun Haven festival
Sun Haven
Display card tags widget
Life Simulation
RPG
Display card system widget
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Display card community and brand rating widget

Released
March 11, 2023
Platform(s)
PC
Developer
Pixel Sprout Studios
Genre(s)
Life Simulation, RPG

Some cozy games let players mess around with multiple gameplay loops at their pace, making them a blast to get into if players want a jack-of-all-trades that lets them experience a game exactly how they want. Such is the case with Sun Haven, which is a title with a charming art style that lets players engage with tons of systems.

This makes for a great time as players build their farms, manage crops, form bonds with other people, and engage in some low-stakes combat from time to time. It's a great title that's perfect for players looking to unwind after a long day. The title's endearing nature adds to its relaxing nature, making it a worthwhile experience.

16 House Flipper

Metascore: 67

House Flipper Demolition
House Flipper
Display card tags widget
Simulation
Display card system widget
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Display card community and brand rating widget

Released
May 17, 2018
Platform(s)
Android, iOS, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
Developer
Empyrean, Frozen District
Genre(s)
Simulation

For people who aren't aware, the act of flipping houses entails that players renovate run-down properties via a myriad of functions before selling these improved domiciles at a profit. This is pretty common in the real estate market, making it all the more intriguing that a game strives to emulate this gameplay loop and succeeds somehow.

House Flipper is a fun game where players can take their time as they clean up houses, repaint walls, set up adequate flooring, and make houses livable once again. It's a simple game that doesn't demand too much from the player, with the sequel being a marked improvement in every way.

15 Zoo Tycoon: Ultimate Animal Collection

Metascore: 70

Zoo keeper stands at the entrance of a zoo in Zoo Tycoon
Zoo Tycoon: Ultimate Animal Collection
Display card tags widget
Simulation
Management
Display card system widget
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Display card community and brand rating widget

Released
October 31, 2017
Developer(s)
Asobo Studio
Platform(s)
PC, Xbox One
Genre(s)
Simulation, Management

Zoo Tycoon is one of the most beloved simulation games out there, allowing people to form and manage their own zoo. Ethical reasons aside, there was always something entertaining about forming the perfect gym with great exhibitions while dealing with any events or dangers as they cropped up.

10 Cozy Woodland-themed Games
10 Cozy Woodland-themed Games

These cozy woodland-themed games are perfect for playing while winding down from a long stressful day.

While the 2013 Zoo Tycoon had its fair share of issues, it still had some charm left over from the classic 2001 release despite its unnecessary simplifications. The Ultimate Animal Collection adds more content to the game, letting players form the zoo of their dreams and attract as many visitors as possible.

14 The Sims 4

Metascore: 70

residential rental lot type in the sims 4
The Sims 4
Display card tags widget
Simulation
Display card system widget
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Display card community and brand rating widget

Released
September 2, 2014
Developer(s)
Maxis
Platform(s)
PS4, Xbox One, PC
Genre(s)
Simulation

When real life gets too stressful, players can launch The Sims 4 and let all their troubles melt away. This free-to-play life simulation game allows players to take on a virtual life of their own, building houses, creating characters, and spending a lifetime with them.

The Sims 4 is about creating the perfect life, with every decision - big or small - entirely down to the player. For a relaxing experience, the player can create and organize their own house for as long as their heart desires and build their dream life from scratch. Sure, the game may have been disappointing at launch, but EA spent a long time patching its issues, adding new content via expansions, and letting the game stand out as a feature-rich life simulation game that has no equal.

13 My Time At Portia

Metascore: 73

A character riding a horse towards a homestead in a field in My Time at Portia
My Time at Portia
Display card tags widget
Action RPG
Life Simulation
Display card system widget
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Display card community and brand rating widget

Released
January 15, 2019
Developer(s)
Pathea Games
Platform(s)
Android, iOS, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
Genre(s)
Action RPG, Life Simulation

A gem of a title that helps players immerse themselves in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is emerging from the underground to rebuild society. Exploring environments that are overgrown and setting up farms makes for a great time, with the zen nature of My Time at Portia making it clear why so many people love what this title brings to the table.

Players are under no pressure to slowly help rebuild society from the ground up, with the gameplay systems being easy to understand and a lot of fun to engage with. My Time at Portia may not be a revolutionary title, but the game executes its concepts with great finesse and helps players melt away their stress in no time.

12 RollerCoaster Tycoon 2

Metascore: 74

aerial view of a theme park in rollercoaster tycoon 2
rollercoaster_tycoon_2
RollerCoaster Tycoon 2
Display card tags widget
Simulation
Display card system widget
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Display card community and brand rating widget

Released
October 15, 2002
Platform(s)
PC
Developer
Chris Sawyer Productions
Genre(s)
Simulation

RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 is a great game that needs no introduction. This game tasks players with creating a successful and bustling amusement park with its fair share of theme park rides, including the titular rollercoasters.

RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 can be pretty hectic for players who are new to this game, but people who know what they're doing can set up everything early on and just sit back as the dough comes rolling in. Slowly expanding the park and its facilities become easier over time, making this game pretty rewarding.

11 A Little To The Left

Metascore: 75

a little to the left
A Little to the Left
Display card tags widget
Puzzle
Point-and-click
Display card system widget
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Display card community and brand rating widget

Released
November 8, 2022
Platform(s)
PC, Switch
Developer
Max Inferno
Genre(s)
Puzzle, Point-and-click

A Little To The Left is a methodical and relaxing puzzle game in which players must organize everyday household objects into aesthetically pleasing neat piles. However, players must keep an eye out for the crazy cat with an inclination for chaos! There are over 75 different puzzles to keep players entertained for hours!

Featured image of simulation games with replay value
7 Simulation Games With The Most Replay Value

Simulation games have a lot of replay value because of how immersive it can be on a real-life activity, and these are some of the best examples

With its pastel color palette and pleasing soundtrack, A Little To The Left is one of the most relaxing organization games on the market. There is even a Daily Tidy Delivery task featuring a randomly generated puzzle every day for any players that thrive on that sense of satisfaction from tidying.

10 PowerWash Simulator

Metascore: 75

powerwash simulator seventh heaven screenshot overlay photoshop Remake Final Fantasy 7 remake
PowerWash Simulator
Display card tags widget
Simulation
Display card system widget
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget Display card main info widget Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Display card community and brand rating widget

Released
May 19, 2021
Developer(s)
FuturLab
Genre(s)
Simulation

PowerWash Simulator is the perfect game to relax and unwind, offering a surprisingly therapeutic experience. The ultimate goal is for players to powerwash a variety of objects and environments, getting them squeaky and sparkling clean. Players can earn money per job completed and can purchase different tools and upgrades to clean every nook and cranny thoroughly.

Nothing parallels the sweet and immense satisfaction gained from power-washing a whole subway station and restoring it to its former glory. Although not a traditional organization puzzle game, PowerWash Simulator is still a satisfying game to scratch that itch for tidiness with its fundamentally simple gameplay and mechanics.

9 House Flipper 2

Metascore: 79

Player holding a vacuum in House Flipper 2
  • Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
  • Released: December 14, 2023
  • Developer(s): Frozen District, Empyrean
  • Genre(s): Simulator

The first House Flipper title was pretty fun to mess around with, even if there were some facets of the gameplay that needed to be polished up. So, it's easy to see why people who loved what this title strove to achieve would be more than okay with a sequel that fine-tunes these mechanics to make them more fun to get into.

House Flipper 2 is a major improvement over the first game, letting players engage with a wealth of interesting options as they save a house from the brink of ruin and turn it into a magical space to live in. There's something oddly addictive about decorating a house, setting up rooms, and making it look as amazing as possible that makes this title so relaxing.