Despite being a leisurely activity, gaming can be an intense and high-stress experience. It depends on the title in question, but avoiding bullets, jumpscares, and missteps isn't exactly the most low-maintenance quality they can have. That being said, there are more than a few games that exist to give players a break and allow them to unwind and escape.

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The goals are simple, the enemy encounters and story are either optional or nonexistent, and the player should have more control than normally given. Whether that's taking care of a virtual farm or just exploring an open environment, there are plenty of games where the player can cut loose.

10 Minecraft

Minecraft steve

It's no question that Minecraft is a global phenomenon enjoyed by millions of players across the globe. And while there is a survival mode where the player can fall prey to creepers, skeletons, and other blocky baddies, most play the game simply to create and explore.

There are hundreds of worlds created by hundreds of users for the player to explore, and it's nice to know they also have the ability to create their own and share them with the fanbase.

9 Skyrim

jenassa leaning against a post in whiterun market

Granted, there will be some combat involved, but how can one play Skyrim with the powers of the Dragonborn and not feel like a god among men? Keep in mind also, that the story quests and battles are all optional.

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Skyrim is one of those games where the player literally has the freedom to do whatever they want. That's what makes the game so replayable. Simply put, exploration is the name of the game and this game does it well.

8 The Sims Series

sims 4

Ever wonder what it's like to control the world? Well, The Sims fits that tall order exactly. With four entries in the popular PC series, players can build their own community of gibberish-speaking characters and watch their lives play out before their eyes.

Players can watch their Sims grow, have kids, get jobs, and even have encounters with alien life forms. The possibilities are practically endless — and that's not even mentioning all the mods possible in these games.

7 Super Mario Odyssey

super mario odyssey

Mario has always been a warm and inviting character, and Super Mario Odyssey is his best adventure in years. So, why wouldn't anyone want to explore and play with these large open worlds? Honestly, one of the game's best features is giving the player multiple kingdoms to explore.

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From the vibrant jungles of Fossil Falls to the concrete jungles of New Donk City, variety truly is the spice of life in this Mario title. Tie it all together with some cartoony antics and it's quite a fun way to unwind.

6 Terraria

terraria the destroyer boss fight

Terraria has been called the SNES game fans never had. Part side-scroller, part world builder, part RPG, and part ant farm, this game offers some unique ways to build a life with a 16-bit coat of paint.

There are definitely some Minecraft-inspired elements to this game, but it's still very different from its 3D counterpart. Simultaneously, it gives the player less and more to work with in terms of tools and abilities. At the very least, it's a unique alternative

5 Harvest Moon Series

Game Boy Harvest Moon GB In Home In Color
Harvest Moon GB In Home In Color

Farming simulators in the gaming community are nothing new, but one of the original titles to fit that mold was Nintendo's Harvest Moon franchise. The premise was simple: choose a character, build a farm, sell your produce at the market, get married, raise livestock, rinse, and repeat.

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Whether intended or not, this series laid the groundwork for a number of indie titles that were to come. From the cozy, cottagecore aesthetic to the romance options and quests, is it any wonder this game is so influential?

4 Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley Flower Dance

Speaking of which — if there's one game that can be considered a perfect successor, it's Stardew Valley to Harvest Moon. Stardew Valley offers a similar plot and layout but goes the extra mile by throwing in other activities than sharecropping.

Not only can players build a farm, but they can mine for valuable ores, explore an enchanted forest, go fishing, hunt for monsters, and take on quests from other villagers. Needless to say, there's plenty to do.

3 Animal Crossing Series

Kapp'n in Animal Crossing

Who knew going into debt to a raccoon could be so satisfying? Exploring a cute little community inhabited by friendly animal characters is a great way to decompress from a long day, or even just unwind from a more intense video game. What better way to cleanse the soul after brawling with demons in Doom: Eternal?

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There are few who aren't familiar with the Animal Crossing formula, but there's never been a better time to jump into the cuddly fray, especially with some of its newer additions.

2 Abzu

Abzu swimming up into school of fish

Its simple approach paired with its gorgeous designs makes it more of an experience than just a game on its own. Abzu is perfect for those who just want to float around and explore an underwater wonderland. Half exploration game and half diving simulator, this game is as mellow as it is incredibly beautiful.

Players can have their own tropical reef to explore at their leisure, and without the need for a wetsuit. Joking aside, Abzu has an almost meditative quality beneath the bubbles and virtual sealife.

1 Journey

journey
Via gamingbolt.com

Regarded as one of the best indie games of all time, Journey, like Abzu, is more of an experience than it is a game. There's little in terms of action, but there's definitely a narrative to it at the same time. Simply put, the story uncovers itself on the trip from A to B.

As the Traveler, players will explore ancient ruins, snowy peaks, and barren deserts to uncover what happened to his people. No dialogue, no big reveal, just a character, a goal, and a journey there.

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