12 Low-Stress Games That Still Spark Joy

ByKristen Wood Updated on

Not every game needs high stakes or fast reflexes to be fun. Sometimes, the most joyful moments come from simple, stress-free play—where you’re free to explore, create, or just exist.

These 12 low-stress games are perfect for when you want to relax, recharge, and still feel that little spark of joy along the way.

Teacup

An illustration of a house in the woods.
Teacup | Gameplay Screenshot

Play as a shy frog preparing for a tea party by visiting sweet forest neighbors. It’s wholesome and utterly relaxing.

Assemble with Care

A camera labeled "U2G LENAX" with a screwdriver inserted on top, surrounded by batteries, a mirror layout diagram, and coffee cups on a pink tile surface.
Assemble with Care | Gameplay Screenshot

Fix broken items and connect with people’s stories. It’s gentle, beautiful, and full of heart.

Littlewood

Pixel art town scene in winter with snow-covered roofs, buildings, and people. A fountain is centered, flanked by decorations and animals. Day 16 of Winter displayed at the top.
Littlewood | Gameplay Screenshot

Rebuild a quiet village after saving the world. No battles—just cozy life sim vibes.

Cloud Gardens

A small floating island with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, a clock sign, a bulletin board, and a vending machine. A treehouse is perched atop the tallest tree where children often play plant games.
Cloud Gardens | Gameplay Screenshot

Grow plants among abandoned objects. It’s dreamy, creative, and wonderfully calming.

My Time at Portia

A person runs through a yellow field toward cows and a horse, with a barn, fences, and large, dome-like structures in the background under a blue sky.
My Time at Portia | Gameplay Screenshot

Craft, build, and explore a charming town with friendly faces. There’s always something to enjoy at your own pace.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

Game menu screen for "Alba: a Wildlife Adventure" featuring options like Continue, Save Slots, Settings, and Exit Game, with a scenic background of a castle on a hill.
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure | Gameplay Screenshot

Save animals, clean up nature, and explore a sunny island. It’s light, hopeful, and full of feel-good moments.

Spiritfarer

A group of various anthropomorphic animals stand together, facing a glowing archway, surrounded by trees and soft light.
Spiritfarer | Gameplay Screenshot

Guide spirits to the afterlife in a beautiful, heartfelt game. It’s deep but never overwhelming.

Wilmot’s Warehouse

Colorful blocks with various icons are stacked and clustered over a black background with outlined shapes of machines and conveyor belts at the bottom.
Wilmot’s Warehouse | Gameplay Screenshot

Organize and sort a warehouse of colorful goods. It’s oddly satisfying and quietly rewarding.

Calico

Two characters in colorful outfits stand by a wooden house with a heart symbol and paw print. A speech bubble explains the house serves as an animal shelter. A large cat is walking nearby.
Calico | Gameplay Screenshot

Run a cat café filled with magic, friendship, and fluffy animals. It’s cute, chaotic, and full of joy.

LEGO Builder’s Journey

A small, floating blocky island features a waterfall, trees, pipes, and a figure standing on a raised platform, all constructed in a voxel art style.
LEGO Builder’s Journey | Gameplay Screenshot

Piece together touching puzzles in a world made of bricks. It’s soothing and visually stunning.

Cozy Grove

A screenshot of a game with abundant foliage, including plants and trees, that is comparable to "Unpacking.
Cozy Grove | Gameplay Screenshot

Help friendly ghost animals and slowly bring color back to an island. Gentle, real-time pacing keeps things relaxed.

Dorfromantik

A cozy 3D model of a city on a pink background, perfect for Nintendo Switch gamers.
Dorfromantik | Gameplay Screenshot

Place tiles to build peaceful landscapes. No scores to chase—just a lovely rhythm of quiet creation.

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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