When it’s cold or rainy outside, it can be hard to motivate yourself to be productive. However, it can also be tough to think of something to occupy yourself with while you procrastinate on your homework. If you’re looking for something relaxing to busy yourself with, playing video games may be the perfect way to unwind. And while there’s no judgment if Fortnite or GTA is more your style, here are some cozier, more relaxing games to try your hand at.
- unpacking
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This one was heavily endorsed by HC Pitt’s editor, Alison. (Editor’s note: hi, this is Alison.) And it will not disappoint. The gameplay is exactly what the title suggests—unpacking. You play as someone who is moving into a new house; you get to go through dozens of boxes and place each item exactly where you want it to go in each room. The style of the graphics is super cute, and it can be easy to spend hours organizing every little item until you have the perfect setup. It’s essentially the perfect game to satiate your OCD. If that sounds a little too boring, there’s also a subtle storyline to follow as you watch the unpacker grow up and move from place to place. The game costs about $20 and can be played on most platforms, including PC, Switch, Xbox, PlayStation and mobile (for half the price!) And depending on how nitpicky you are about your organization, it’s easily a game you can finish in one or two sittings.
- Stray
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As an avid cat person, I may be a little biased when it comes to recommending this game. But I truly think cat lovers and haters alike will enjoy this one. It is a story-driven adventure game where you play as an adorable orange cat in a futuristic world. You can explore the world, communicate with robot characters, solve quests and ultimately help to restore the land to what it once was. The graphics are also phenomenal—every detail adds a layer of depth and dimension that makes for really incredible gameplay. This game is a little more expensive at $30 and is also available on several platforms, including PC, Xbox and PlayStation. This one is also not a super long game, so you could probably sit down and finish it in one sitting if you’re determined.
- slime rancher
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This game is utterly adorable. It’s a sort of futuristic farming simulator where you play as a rancher in a world full of slime creatures. You can explore and unearth different types of slimes and different areas on the map while you take care of your own slimes and expand your ranch. There is also a storyline to follow as you read the rancher’s letters as well as clues left around the map by the previous owner of the ranch. The game allows for plenty of creativity and exploration while also providing the option for some good old-fashioned mindless gameplay. The game costs $20 and is available on pretty much all platforms, including PC, Switch, Xbox, PlayStation and more. Slime Rancher 2 was also released recently, so there is plenty more content to explore if you get tired of the first game.
- Potion Craft
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If you loved playing Little Alchemy as a kid, this is the game for you. Potion Craft is an alchemy simulator where you play as an alchemist in medieval times. You are tasked with collecting different ingredients that you can use to experiment and create different potion types to satisfy your customers. This game gives you a lot of freedom to play around with different types of potions, build up your shop’s reputation with the townspeople and decide what kind of alchemist you want to be. It is a super relaxing, chill game that can be easy to spend hours playing. The game also costs about $20 and is available on most platforms, including PC, Switch, Xbox and PlayStation.
- Stardew Valley
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I’m finishing this list off with what is one of my favorite games (and my current obsession). Stardew Valley is a super cute pixel-graphic farming simulator. You can customize your own little farmer, plant crops, raise animals, go fishing, battle monsters in the mines, and form relationships with other characters. The possibilities are truly endless with how you want to play this game—and it is completely addicting. Another one of my favorite things about this game is that you can play it with friends! There is an option for couch co-op split screen—or you could also just hop on your own devices and join the same world to build your farm together. Stardew Valley is usually $20, but it’s actually on sale right now for $15 (so snatch it up while you can!) The game is available on pretty much every platform, including PC, Switch, Xbox, PlayStation and mobile. It is the ultimate cozy game to spend hours on.
Hopefully one or two of these relaxing games piques your interest and gives you a way to unwind—or just something to spend your extra time on. All there is to do now is grab your device and (optionally) a few friends and get ready to settle in for a chill night with some of these cozy games!