The past two years have been a real rollercoaster. From lockdowns to remote work and adapting to the new (not so) normal, it’s been a wild ride.

Now that 2022 is drawing closer, it’s time to relax. And what better way to chill out than by playing some top-rated video games?

Video gaming is the ultimate escape, and the good news is that not all games are packed with heart-racing action and violence. Even medical experts recommend certain video games for adults battling with their stress levels.

Let’s delve into the best relaxing video games that will help you get through 2022 and beyond.

The Key Features of Relaxing Video Games

Each video game is different from the next, but many of the more relaxing titles have a few key features in common. When you’re trying to find a game to relax and unwind with, look for these characteristics to help you make a good pick:

• Relaxing video games are easy to learn and to play. They are approachable rather than challenging.
• These games are cooperative rather than competitive. This means that you will work with other players rather than playing against them.
• The most relaxing titles are those that are non linear and don’t involve levels and leaderboards.
• The best video games for relaxation are peaceful and upbeat, rather than violent or stressful.
• They are easily accessible across multiple platforms, allowing you to play them whenever you feel a need to unwind.

The most relaxing games often focus more on calm music, colorful visuals, and attractive scenery than they do on plots and action. These features create the perfect escape from reality.

Of course, it’s important to remember some gamers find high-paced, competitive video games relaxing too. These are simply guidelines. The games you choose to chill out with are up to you!

The 7 Best Relaxing Games to Play in 2022

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a legendary game when it comes to relaxed, cooperative gameplay. Researchers from Oxford University have even studied this game, and discovered that multiplayer games can positively affect your well-being.

Most gamers love the timeless nature of this game. It’s stress free and does not impose time limits. Instead, you can choose an avatar and wander around the island, fishing, decorating, hunting, and getting to know your fellow players at your own pace.

Donut County

Donut County is a beloved puzzle game with a difference. Instead of playing as a character, you will take the form of a raccoon-built hole that tries to swallow other characters as they pass. The more characters you engulf, the larger you become. This is a humorous game that provides plenty of novel laughs and no time limits. Play it on PC, consoles and handhelds—whichever platform you would prefer.

What the Golf?

What the Golf? is a laid-back golf-themed video game that reviewers have said is best played in small increments. This is a single-player game that provides a humorous take on the traditional game. Navigate the green and encounter oddities and unexpected surprises (think exploding cats!) that make classic golf so much more engaging and accessible.

A Short Hike

Do you love nature but can hardly find the time or the energy to get out and about in your spare time? This video game allows you to traverse the wilderness while enjoying a bird’s-eye view of nature’s splendor. It’s playable on handheld consoles and PCs.

Play as a bird and fly over Hawk Peak Provincial Park, meeting unique and intriguing characters along the way. The game even allows you to pick different paths, marvel at the scenery, and create your own nature-inspired adventure without having to swat at any mosquitoes!

Tetris

Tetris was originally released as a pioneering computer game back in 1984. Since then, dozens of unique versions of the original classic have hit the market. This entertaining single-player game is easy to play, while being just challenging enough to keep you engaged for hours.

One study by researchers at the University of California even found that overworked people often feel more positive and less stressed out after playing a few levels of Tetris. Play it on computers, handheld devices, and even your smartphone or tablet to unwind in 2022 and beyond.

Untitled Goose Game

This is a highly amusing puzzle game with a delightfully simple premise. You’re an aggressive goose who wanders through a village annoying everyone and everything in your path. You can dig up gardens, honk at unsuspecting passers-by, steal people’s lunch, and even scare people who are simply trying to enjoy a cup of coffee in peace.

There are no time limits and no restrictions as to how much mischief you can get up to in Untitled Goose Game. Play for as long as you’d like on consoles, PCs, and handheld devices to release some tension.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The latest iteration of the Legend of Zelda series allows you to explore the beautiful landscapes of Hyrule and embroil yourself in magical adventures to your heart’s content. You will play as Link to scale towers and shrines, wander through village streets, mosey through stables, and move entirely at your own pace as you gather and hunt all the materials you need to survive.

The game pairs vibrant visuals with no time limits and an endless map to explore, and is optimized for consoles and handheld devices for easy any-time access.

Game ON

Video games are one of the best ways to relax and escape from the responsibilities of everyday life. And there’s plenty of science to prove it!

Choose the most comfortable spot in the house, kick back and start playing. These 7 relaxing games will help you unwind and regain your zen while exploring unique virtual worlds whenever and however you choose.