Everyone deserves a good night's sleep. It can be tough, however, to power down and drift off into dreamland after a long day of slaying giants or racing cars. But what if there's a solution to gamers’ night-time woes? Thankfully, there are many games people can check out that are the perfect remedy for gamers who need a little extra help winding down.
15 Video Games That Will Help You Relax
Not all gamers are seeking high excitement or thrills. Sometimes, it's better to chill out with the relaxing gameplay these titles have to offer.
From relaxing fishing trips to bedtime tales, each of these games has its own unique way of lulling the player into a deep slumber. So, whether the player is an adrenaline seeker or a casual gamer, it's time to grab the controller and get ready to drift off into a peaceful, gaming-induced slumber.
Updated on December 18, 2023, by Ritwik Mitra: Most people advise that looking at a screen before sleeping is not recommended. It messes with a person's circadian rhythm and can ultimately lead to one's sleep being of lower quality than intended. So, the idea of playing a game before sleeping may sound counterproductive, but that isn't necessarily the case. In fact, there are several video games players can check out that'll help them relax right before they need to doze off.
15 Animal Crossing: New Horizons
A Cozy Simulation Game Where Players Can Create The Island Of Their Dreams
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Released
- March 20, 2020
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
Animal Crossing is a popular series that has supplied hit after hit on Nintendo consoles. However, even the series' biggest fans couldn't have expected New Horizons to be such a massive hit, releasing around a time when people were salivating for social contact in any form.
Even now, after the COVID lockdowns have been lifted, there's something quite alluring about New Horizons that keeps fans coming back for more. Players can spend a few minutes decorating their island before hitting the hay, even with the dearth of content that people have been complaining about.
14 VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
Bartending And Interacting With Unique Personalities In A Cyberpunk Dystopia
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
- Released
- August 16, 2014
- Developer(s)
- Sukeban Games, Wolfgame
- Genre(s)
- Visual Novel
A combination of a visual novel and a bartending minigame, VA-11 Hall-A is a great experience that fans will enjoy if they love good writing and unique visual design. The game's pixel art shines, and it helps that the title's charm emanates from every patron who requests a drink from the player.
Even if players mess up an order, there's no pressure — they can just restart without any penalties. This low-stakes gameplay coupled with the many thought-provoking stories told in the title make it clear why VA-11 Hall-A is beloved by anyone who gives this unique game a shot.
13 A Short Hike
A Simple, Charming, And Short Game
A Short Hike
A brief yet charming game that is full to the brim with colorful characters and a simple gameplay loop, A Short Hike shows indie gaming at its best. The game was made by just one man and managed to enchant numerous players all over the world with its relaxing exploration. Players control an anthropomorphic bird on the noble quest to get some much-needed cellphone reception.
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To accomplish this goal, they have to collect feathers that let them glide and climb for longer durations. It may seem like a boring game for some, but the great visuals and pleasant nature make it a relaxing, satisfying game that fans can invest some minutes in before calling it a night.
12 Minecraft
A Relaxing Survival Game
Minecraft
- Released
- November 18, 2011
- Developer(s)
- Mojang
- Platform(s)
- 3DS, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360
- Genre(s)
- Sandbox, Survival
The indie phenomenon that is Minecraft is a name that pretty much everyone is pretty familiar with. The game has become a massive facet of pop culture, cultivating a simple yet interesting gameplay loop. Players try to survive in a harsh world where they need to feed and protect themselves in a gameplay session that can go on for hours on end.
Of course, players who just want to enjoy the relaxing aspects of this game can tweak its options to achieve this. Minecraft's serene atmosphere and fun crafting systems mean that players can have a gem of a time as they collect materials and build structures that let them utilize their imagination to its fullest.
11 Baba Is You
An Ingenious Puzzle Game
Baba Is You
The idea of changing the very code of a game itself to complete a puzzle is one of the most ingenious ways to play a game. It's clear to see why players love Baba is You so much. The title starts out simple and makes its gameplay loop pretty clear...only for later levels to challenge a player's intelligence.
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It isn't the worst thing for players to spend some time before bed figuring out a tough puzzle, before finding the solution and going to sleep with a satisfied smile on their faces. Puzzle fans will love Baba is You, although players who get frustrated upon experiencing a roadblock may not find it to be the most relaxing title around.
10 Undertale
The Ultimate Bedtime Story
Undertale
Undertale is one of the most unique games on the market, and it's no surprise that it doubles as a great game for helping players fall asleep. With its charming characters, calming music, and mellow pace. The game could be a great bedtime story filled with humor, heart, and a few surprising twists that will keep players engaged, but also relaxed enough to fall into a peaceful slumber.
Whether the player is exploring the world, solving puzzles, or bonding with the game's quirky cast of characters, Undertale is a delightful way to wind down before bedtime.
9 Stardew Valley
Never-Ending Peacefulness
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a peaceful and calming game that is perfect for winding down before bed. With its charming pixel art style and gentle pace, players can relax and focus on building their own farm, growing crops, and caring for their animals. The open-ended nature of the game means there is always something to do, but never any pressure to do it.
Whether gamers want to spend their time exploring the wilderness, chatting with the locals, or simply watching the seasons change, Stardew Valley is a soothing and enjoyable experience that is sure to help the player fall asleep.
8 Flower
Tranquillity At Its Best
Flower
Flower is a peaceful, calming, and beautiful game that is sure to help players wind down and fall asleep after a long day. The game takes the player on a journey through a variety of lush and colorful environments, with simple gameplay mechanics that allow the player to simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Flower's atmospheric soundtrack and peaceful gameplay are guaranteed to put the player in a tranquil state of mind.
7 ABZU
Under The Sea Dreaming
Abzu
ABZU is a beautiful, meditative experience that's perfect for winding down late at night. Players control a diver exploring the ocean depths, discovering new creatures and habitats as they progress. The peaceful soundtrack and serene environments make for a relaxing, stress-free gaming experience.
As the player floats along and takes in the sights and sounds of the underwater world, it's easy to let the worries of the day melt away. Before the player knows it, they'll be lulled into a peaceful sleep.
6 Proteus
A Procedurally Generated Meditation
Proteus is another game that is perfect for winding down before bed. Its peaceful and meditative gameplay, paired with its stunning visual design, creates a dreamlike atmosphere that's sure to help the player relax. The player explores a procedurally generated world, discovering new sights and sounds as the game progresses. The game is completely open-ended and has no objectives or goals, allowing the player to simply wander and take in the environment at their own pace.
The soft, atmospheric soundtrack also adds to the calming atmosphere of the game, making Proteus a great option for anyone looking for a relaxing gaming experience to help them fall asleep.