Times are tough. Prices rise, developers shift away from the Russian market, hardware updates stall, and the outlook feels dim. All of this drains energy and dampens optimism, even for the most cheerful gamers. Yet some games manage to lift spirits, offering a welcome distraction. This collection spotlights those titles that can recharge the mood.
ABZU. Rest at the bottom of the ocean
Watching water flow is endlessly soothing. Imagine suit up in a diving rig and plunging so deep that stress stays on the surface. ABZU offers that meditative experience, and the gameplay trailer alone provides a sense of calm.
In a sense, ABZU may not feel like a traditional game. It reads more like an interactive art piece, inviting players to explore the sea with no enemies or time trials in sight. Adventure becomes a invitation to slow down, quiet the mind, and drift into tranquility.
Defeat Sabre. Relaxing flow
Beat Saber is a VR staple for decompressing after a long day. The player lowers resistance, tunes into the rhythm, and lets instinct take over. Beginners should start with simple tracks to avoid needless stress and to experience a smooth emotional reset.
Music in Beat Saber spans many tastes, from rock anthems to traditional tunes. Tracks quickly spark a surge of momentum and focus, making it easy to shed worries as the music carries the pulse of action.
flower. A flower that brings back inner peace
Flower stands out as a work of art—beautiful, peaceful, and deeply relaxing. The journey starts with a lone petal carried by the wind, sweeping through meticulously drawn environments and gathering flowers along the way. Describing the gameplay in words falls short; the trailer speaks clearly enough.
The developers pursued immersion with minimal distractions, delivering a simple, enjoyable, soothing experience. Flower earned widespread acclaim, including recognition as the best independent project of its year at a major awards show in 2009.
unpack. nice order
Unpacking may seem straightforward at first glance: a small apartment, boxes everywhere, and the task of placing items just so. Yet this concept proves surprisingly satisfying and calming—the simple act of organizing items can be oddly soothing.
With hardware prices climbing, Unpacking also benefits from modest system requirements. Moving small things from boxes to shelves can calm the nerves on nearly any computer, provided the processor supports basic features and the graphics hardware is compatible with older shader models.
Trip. beautiful desert
Journey offers a gentle escape for players carrying heavy emotions. The game invites a quick dip into its world, where stress dissolves, thoughts settle, and feelings soften. In difficult times, such titles gain particular value.
Every aspect of Journey is soothing: visuals are serene, sound design is captivating, and the gameplay acts as a form of meditation. Even with scarce challenges, the act of exploration remains compelling, and encounters encourage calm rather than conflict.
Survivors of vampires. Action like meditation
A game about eradicating evil can still feel tranquil. Armed with countless creatures and persistent danger, the hero should be on edge, yet the gameplay remains accessible and engaging, producing a sustained sense of flow from the first session.
The core of Vampire Survivors lies in movement and positioning. The hero dodges, collects items, and relies on automatic weaponry, reducing the need for complex inputs. System requirements stay low, and the game even runs in a browser.
VER: Changing tides. Pacifying Post-Apocalypse
FAR: Changing Tides presents a flooded world where travel happens over water. The protagonist forges onward, seeking survivors and bearing witness to a calm, meditative rhythm despite a harsh setting.
Throughout the journey the player solves simple puzzles, monitors the ship’s dimensions, and navigates a sequence of obstacles. Difficulties tempt thought, yet never become overwhelming. The soundtrack deserves special note; music adapts to action, slowing as the moment slows, guiding the player toward tranquility.
Relaxation toys against stress. Minigames that relieve stress in minutes
Anti-stress tools for mobile play offer quick reprieves for travelers and commuters. These tiny experiences are surprisingly effective at clearing the mind and lowering tension, even if they seem simple at first glance.
Developers present a suite of tiny joys: spinning gears, activating a spinner, tending a small lawn, and more. They don’t require long sessions, yet they provide a refreshing shift in perspective when needed most.
shadowmatic. Anti-stress in your pocket
Shadowmatic offers a pocket-sized escape for the workday. The mechanic is simple: rotate objects to cast shadows that form a meaningful image. A meditative mood accompanies the process, helping focus and relaxation as the puzzle comes together.
When the final silhouette clicks, it’s a small triumph reminiscent of major in-game victories. In a crowded mobile market, Shadowmatic stands out as a value-packed relaxation tool.
gibberish. One of the hottest projects of 2021
Wartales is an RPG about survival in a harsh world. Bandits prowl the roads, villagers struggle, and wild beasts roam. Yet the gameplay remains surprisingly soothing, offering a calm pace even amid danger.
Players begin with a squad of mercenaries chasing simple desires: food, shelter, fair pay, and better gear. Multiple paths exist to solve problems, from cunning heists to honest work or alliance building, each promising a different, engaging experience.
Exploration unfolds in real time, with resource gathering, missions, and NPC interactions. When danger arises, combat shifts to a measured, tactical rhythm that avoids overwhelming stress. The overall design emphasizes thoughtful play over frenetic action, making it a compelling option for stress relief.
Many well-developed mechanics contribute to Wartales being notably engrossing. It’s easy to lose track of time, finding oneself pulled into the world for longer stretches than intended.
And which titles help through tough days? Share your thoughts in the comments; a conversation can be soothing in itself.
What is the best game in the collection?
Source: VG Times