Most Relaxing Games to Unwind With on Game Pass

5 August 2025

Let’s be real—life can get overwhelming. Between work, school, chores, and those never-ending to-do lists, sometimes we need an escape. Not some high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping battle royale. No, we’re talking about low-pressure, vibe-heavy, kick-back-and-relax kind of games. The good news? If you’ve got Xbox Game Pass, you're sitting on a goldmine of chill gaming experiences.

So, grab your comfiest hoodie, maybe a cup of tea (or coffee), and let’s dive into the most relaxing games to unwind with on Game Pass.

Why Relaxing Games Matter

Before we jump in, let’s talk about why chill games are so special. Unlike fast-paced shooters or competitive online games, relaxing games prioritize atmosphere, creativity, and slow-paced enjoyment.

Some offer meditative environments. Others lean heavily into creativity or storytelling. The goal? To help you unplug, breathe a little deeper, and melt stress away—one cozy session at a time.

1. Stardew Valley – Farming, Friendships, and Inner Peace

If there's one game that screams "relaxation," it’s Stardew Valley.

You inherit your grandpa’s run-down farm and build your own little slice of paradise. Fancy growing turnips? Go for it. Want to raise chickens, fall in love, or explore mysterious caves? You can. The pace is entirely up to you.

You’re not racing the clock or dodging bullets—you’re vibing with the seasons, tending to crops, and chatting with quirky villagers. It’s pure digital therapy.

Why it’s relaxing:
- Calm, pixel-art visuals
- Peaceful music that feels like a warm hug
- Progress at your own speed
- Zero pressure gameplay

2. Unpacking – Zen in a Cardboard Box

Ever moved into a new place and felt oddly soothed by organizing your stuff? That’s the entire premise of Unpacking.

You open boxes and decorate a room—shelves, books, plushies, toothbrushes—each item has a story. It’s part puzzle game, part life narrative. Something about placing objects in just the right spot hits a sweet spot in your brain.

Why it’s relaxing:
- No timers or scores
- Gorgeous pixel art with a serene color palette
- A subtle emotional narrative with zero dialogue
- Therapeutic and satisfying

3. PowerWash Simulator – Dirt, Be Gone!

You’d be surprised how calming it is to power wash virtual grime off patios and vehicles.

PowerWash Simulator is exactly what it sounds like. You use a pressure washer to clean gunk off everything from homes to amusement parks. It’s weirdly addictive and perfect for zoning out after a stressful day.

Why it’s relaxing:
- Repetitive, satisfying gameplay loop
- Zero enemies or time limits
- ASMR-style water sounds
- Progress is visual and deeply satisfying

4. Slime Rancher 2 – Bouncy Bliss

Slime Rancher 2 drops you into a colorful alien world full of squishy, giggling slimes. Your job? Collect, feed, and take care of them. Think Pokémon meets Animal Crossing but with way more goo.

It’s bright, it’s cheerful, and those slimes will absolutely steal your heart with their charm.

Why it’s relaxing:
- Gorgeous pastel visuals
- Light exploration and casual farming
- Adorable, stress-free gameplay
- A soundtrack that puts your mind at ease

5. Spiritfarer – Saying Goodbye, Gently

Spiritfarer is like a warm, emotional hug in video game form. You play Stella, a “Spiritfarer,” helping spirits move on to the afterlife. It sounds heavy, but it’s handled with so much grace and beauty that it soothes more than it saddens.

You sail across peaceful waters, build cozy homes for your spirit friends, and share meals with them. It’s about life, love, and letting go—and it’ll have you smiling through tears.

Why it’s relaxing:
- Deep, emotional storytelling
- Calming music and visuals
- Gentle gameplay and exploration
- Encourages mindfulness and reflection

6. Disney Dreamlight Valley – Cozy Meets Magical

Love farming simulators but want a bit more Disney magic? Dreamlight Valley is a blend of Animal Crossing and Disney charm. Build your dream village, hang out with Mickey, cook with Remy, or fish with Goofy.

It’s loaded with nostalgia and positive vibes—a perfect escape when the real world gets too loud.

Why it’s relaxing:
- Endlessly cozy atmosphere
- Familiar characters that feel like old friends
- Zero stress crafting and decorating
- Regular content updates keep it fresh

7. Lake – Small Town, Big Calm

Lake is like stepping into a Hallmark movie.

You play as Meredith Weiss, taking a break from city life by delivering mail in her quiet hometown. No drama, no explosions—just driving through wooded roads, chatting with locals, and enjoying the slow pace of life.

It’s a playable breather from the chaos of daily life.

Why it’s relaxing:
- Peaceful, slow-paced gameplay
- Beautiful lakeside scenery
- Emphasis on dialogue and connection
- Feels like a long scenic drive

8. Minecraft – Meditative Creativity Mode

Yes, Minecraft can be intense in survival mode. But flick it over to Creative Mode and suddenly, it’s a digital sandbox of serenity.

Build a castle, a treehouse, or an entire city. Watch the sunset from a pixelated cliff. With no enemies and infinite resources, it becomes a blank canvas for your imagination.

Why it’s relaxing:
- Build whatever, whenever
- Peaceful background music
- Limitless creativity with zero consequences
- Great for zoning out and unwinding

9. Townscaper – Art Without Effort

Townscaper isn’t just simple—it’s elegantly simple.

There’s no goal, no quests. Just place colorful blocks and watch buildings emerge. It’s like painting with architecture. Every click feels like art, and watching your little seaside city come to life is oddly calming.

Why it’s relaxing:
- No gameplay pressure, only creation
- Soft sound effects and minimal UI
- Gorgeous visuals and soothing atmosphere
- Ideal for micro-sessions or longer building binges

10. Tetris Effect: Connected – Mindful Block Dropping

Even if you've played Tetris before, you’ve never experienced it like this.

Tetris Effect pairs classic gameplay with stunning visuals and an ethereal soundtrack that reacts to your moves. It’s a hypnotic, rhythmic flow state that’s perfect for winding down—or zoning out completely.

Why it’s relaxing:
- Trance-like audio-visual design
- Adaptive music that syncs with your play
- Immersive and mesmerizing
- Easy to pick up, hard to put down

Bonus Pick: A Short Hike

Don’t have hours to spare? A Short Hike is perfect for a bite-sized break from reality. You play as a bird named Claire trying to reach the summit of a mountain. Along the way, you explore, meet charming characters, and discover tiny secrets.

It’s about the journey, not the destination—and every minute is filled with feel-good vibes.

Why it’s relaxing:
- Short, sweet, and heartwarming
- Peaceful exploration and gliding mechanics
- Wholesome dialogue and quirky characters
- Great for winding down in one sitting

Final Thoughts: Relaxation Is Just a Controller Away

Sometimes, we don’t want to fight bosses or climb leaderboards. Sometimes, we want to sit back, breathe, and let a game carry us somewhere calm.

Whether you're into farming, organizing, exploring, or just soaking in some pixelated sunsets, Game Pass has something to soothe your soul. So next time you boot up your console or PC, think about choosing peace over pressure. Your inner peace will thank you.

Because at the end of a long day, the most powerful tool for self-care might just be a controller and a cozy game world waiting to welcome you.