15 laid back games that feel fresh and different

ByKristen Wood Updated on

If you’re in the mood for something calm but not repetitive, these games bring a fresh twist to the usual cozy formula. They experiment with art styles, storytelling, or gameplay in ways that feel new without adding stress. Each one offers a laid-back experience that still manages to stand out.

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Untitled Goose Game

In a garden scene reminiscent of cute steam games, a person watches a honking goose on grass as its companion strolls nearby on the pavement. A blue bucket, potted plant, and birdbath provide a charming backdrop to this delightful tableau.
Untitled Goose Game | Gameplay Screenshot

You play as a mischievous goose causing low-stakes chaos in a quiet village. The puzzles are simple, and the humor keeps everything light. It’s relaxed, a little silly, and unlike anything else.

Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation.

TOEM

A black-and-white cartoon-style game scene reminiscent of Games Like A Little To The Left, featuring characters strolling around a waterfront area with a large fish statue in a small fountain, surrounded by various buildings and wooden docks.
Toem | Gameplay Screenshot

A black-and-white world where you solve problems by taking photos instead of fighting or collecting. It’s slow, thoughtful, and encourages you to notice small details. The whole experience feels refreshingly different.

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Available on Steam, GOG, Epic Games, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Donut County

A giant coffee cup with a donut stands in a park with a winding road, palm trees, and several animals. A purple truck and a city skyline are in the background under a yellow sky.
Donut County | Gameplay Screenshot

You control a growing hole in the ground, swallowing up everything in sight. The concept is weird in the best way, and the gameplay stays simple and fun. It’s short, clever, and easy to enjoy.

Available on Steam, GOG, Epic Games, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

A child in a red hat sits on a rock in a desert-like landscape with cacti, small plants, and birds flying in the sky, engaging in imaginative plant games alongside a curious partridge.
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure | Gameplay Screenshot

Instead of quests or combat, you focus on helping animals and cleaning up a small island. The goals are simple but meaningful. It feels optimistic and quietly rewarding.

Available on Steam, Epic Games, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Gorogoa

A crow sits on a tree branch beside a blue bowl on a pedestal, with a single red fruit hanging from a leafy branch in the background, in a cityscape setting.
Gorogoa | Gameplay Screenshot

A hand-drawn puzzle game where you move and layer panels to solve intricate visual challenges. It’s calm but makes you think in completely new ways. Every moment feels carefully designed.

Available on Steam, GOG, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation.

A Short Hike

Pixel art scene of a snowy mountain trail. Two characters talk near a cabin; one says "but you seem a little unprepared." Snow-covered trees and ice spikes are visible.
A Short Hike | Gameplay Screenshot

A small open-world game that captures the feeling of wandering without a plan. You can climb, glide, or just explore at your own pace. It’s light, open, and quietly memorable.

Available on Steam, GOG, Epic Games, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Sable

A person walks toward a campfire in a desert landscape, surrounded by scattered objects and colorful patterns. Rocky formations and a distant archway are visible in the background.
Sable | Gameplay Screenshot

A coming-of-age story set in a vast desert with a striking, artistic style. There’s no combat—just exploration and discovery. It feels like a peaceful journey rather than a traditional game.

Available on Steam, Epic Games, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Eastshade

A serene lake scene reminiscent of games like Tiny Glade, featuring a wooden dock surrounded by lush greenery, pink trees, and distant mountains under a bright sun.
Eastshade | Gameplay Screenshot

You explore a beautiful world as a painter, capturing landscapes instead of battling enemies. Conversations and exploration drive everything forward. It’s calm, immersive, and visually unique.

Available on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Assemble with Care

Illustration of an open toolbox with various tools and supplies. Adjacent text reads: "I'm a restorer by trade. Bringing our most beloved possessions back to life is what I love to do.
Assemble with Care | Gameplay Screenshot

You repair broken objects while learning about the people who own them. The mechanics are simple, but the storytelling adds depth. It’s gentle, focused, and satisfying.

Available on Steam.

Mini Motorways

Menu screen of "Mini Motorways" game with options to Play, Options, and Exit. Minimalist road and building design visible.
Mini Motorways | Gameplay Screenshot

Design road systems that adapt to a growing city in real time. It’s simple to learn but keeps you engaged as things evolve. The clean visuals and steady pace make it easy to unwind.

Available on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Townscaper

A colorful, densely packed coastal town with variously colored buildings and red roofs stands surrounded by water, reminiscent of the charming aesthetics found in games like Tiny Glade. Birds gracefully soar in the sky above this picturesque scene.
Townscaper | Gameplay Screenshot

A freeform building game with no objectives or pressure. You click to create colorful towns that grow in organic ways. It feels more like playing with a creative toy.

Available on Steam, GOG, Epic Games, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox.

Cloud Gardens

An overgrown industrial area with rusty vehicles, shipping containers, and various debris covered by plants and vines.
Cloud Gardens | Gameplay Screenshot

You place plants over abandoned urban spaces, letting nature slowly take over. There’s no rush—just quiet experimentation. It’s a peaceful mix of nature and design.

Available on Steam, GOG, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox.

The Stillness of the Wind

Isometric view of a cozy, softly lit room with wooden furniture, a dining table, kitchen area, and a small attic. A blanket or cloak is draped over a chair.
The Stillness of the Wind | Gameplay Screenshot

A slower, more reflective experience of daily life in isolation. You tend goats, complete small tasks, and read letters from afar. It’s calm, but carries a thoughtful tone.

Available on Steam, GOG, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox.

Strange Horticulture

A cozy screenshot of a game on the Nintendo Switch console featuring a map and various in-game items.
Strange Horticulture | Gameplay Screenshot

You run a plant shop, identifying mysterious plants and helping unusual customers. The gameplay revolves around observation and deduction rather than action. It feels cozy with a slightly mysterious edge.

Available on Steam, Epic Games, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery

An artist paints at an easel in a cozy, sunlit studio filled with paintings, plants, and sketches. The words "Behind the Frame" appear above in stylized text.
Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery | Gameplay Screenshot

A short, story-driven game about painting and creativity. You complete small art tasks while uncovering a quiet narrative. It’s soft, relaxing, and visually beautiful.

Available on Steam, Epic Games, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation.

Kristen is a writer, photographer, cookbook author and avid cozy gamer. Her work has been featured in various publications including Forbes, The Associated Press, Elle, Pure Wow, Chicago Sun-Times, and Willow & Sage Magazine.

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