Best relaxing games for beginners
The best relaxing games for beginners are Monument Valley, Journey and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. None of them punish mistakes.
Games where nothing goes wrong if you stop for a cup of tea.
| Game | Level | Plays on | Tried & tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Valley | 1 · Gentle | Computer, Phone / tablet | 99.1 · Hall of Fame |
| Journey | 2 · Easy | PS5, Computer, Phone / tablet | 97.7 · Hall of Fame |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2 | 95.6 · Hall of Fame |
| Stardew Valley | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 95.5 · Hall of Fame |
| Townscaper | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 95.3 · Hall of Fame |
| Minecraft | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 93.8 · Proven favourite |
| A Short Hike | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 92.8 · Proven favourite |
| Forza Horizon 5 | 2 · Easy | Xbox, Computer | 92.3 · Proven favourite |
| Tetris Effect | 2 · Easy | PS5, Computer | 92 · Proven favourite |
| Dorfromantik | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 89.3 · Proven favourite |
| Two Point Hospital | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 87.5 · Well liked |
| Gris | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 87.1 · Well liked |
About each game
Monument Valley. Beautiful optical-illusion puzzles; about two hours.
Journey. Two-hour wordless trip across a desert. No way to fail.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Life on an island at your own pace. Real-time clock encourages a short daily visit.
Stardew Valley. Restore a farm and befriend villagers. Lots to learn but no rush.
Townscaper. A toy rather than a game: click to build pretty towns. No goals, no failing.
Minecraft. Creative or Peaceful mode removes danger. Great for playing with grandkids.
A Short Hike. Climb a mountain in an afternoon. Very gentle introduction to 3D movement.
Forza Horizon 5. Open-world driving festival with rewind and heavy assists. Very welcoming.
Tetris Effect. Classic Tetris with music and visuals; has relaxed 'chill' modes.
Dorfromantik. Place hexagon tiles to build peaceful villages. Calm, no time limits.
Two Point Hospital. Run a silly hospital. Light-hearted management.
Gris. Gentle 2D platformer about grief. No dying.
Not sure which one? Answer seven questions and we will match games to you.