Adventurers who want a fun and thoughtful game experience blended with plenty of moments of relaxation are in luck since the medium provides a cornucopia of titles to choose from. Games likeSubmerged: Hidden Depths, which allow players to explore and adventure at their own pace, are plentiful and diverse. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that are juxtaposed with moments of simplicity, where time to unwind is just as fulfilling as discovering.RELATED:Video Games That Will Help You RelaxThese types of relaxing adventure games or “relaxploration” games cover a plethora of genres, themes, and presentational styles. No matter the type of player, there are sure to be games that throw them into strong adventures but also provide myriad moments to stop and smell the roses. Fans of “relaxploration” games should look no further than the following titles.
8No Man’s Sky
No Many’s Skyis a massive game, full stop. However, whatmakes this massive space adventureso epic is that players are able to enjoy the experience with a sense of exploration and ease, with no strings attached.
New space explorers are able to build bases, traverse the plethora of unique planets, or research the diverse flora and fauna of an ecosystem.No Many’s Skygives players the ability to create their own unique space adventure with little hindrance.
7The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildmight just be the pinnacle of “relaxploration” games. While the game does indeed have tough bosses, challenging enemy varieties, punishing shrines, and a host of survival elements to contend with, these apsects can all be enjoyed at leisure,
It’s no surprise that a game likeThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildcontinues togarner praise and attention for itsopen world. It’s a land begging to be explored by budding adventurers. If a point of interest lies in front of the player, it can be traveled to, all the while, experiencing pleny of surprises along the way.
6Slime Rancher
Slime Ranchertells players exactly what to expect right from the game’s title alone. Yes, the majority of time spent in this adorable world is tending to the plethora of slimes, however, that’s not all the game offers up.
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This game is about as relaxing as games come. Ranchers are able to gather up hordes of slimes, feed them, and care for them. On top of that, the cartoony world can be explored in order to gather materials to craft new items and upgrades. All of this, of course, can be done at the player’s discrection.
5Littlewood
Blending elements ofmany other farming and life-sim games,Littlewoodcarves out its own niche with a gorgeous pixel art style and fantastic ease of play.Littlewoodsimply aims to guide players from one day to the next with little stress or tedium.
Littlewoodgives new villagers the ability to enjoy each day in the game without a time mechanic, instead, letting the day be over once players have used up the energy they want. Plus, each tool is dynamically and automatically equipped when players step up to a tree, rock, pond, etc.
4The Vanishing Of Ethan Carter
The Vanishing of Ethan Carteris a truly unique first-person adventure game since it’s one that blends psychological horror elements, exploration, and serentiy with aplomb. While it might sound strange to count a horror-type game as relaxing, it’s because the developers give players the ability to explore the world as they see fit.
Taking place in a gorgeous and picturesque setting, investigators are able to travese this small open-world, solving mysteries, andpiecing together the supernatural elementsof the game’s tight narrative. Yes, there are some spooky elements, however, it’s the simple, disqueinting moments of taking in the sights that make this a great “relaxploration” game to experience.
3Grow: Song Of The Evertree
Grow: Song of the Evertreeis a stunning,artistically presented farming adventure game. Players take on the role of a fully customizable Everheart Alchment who must restore the titular Evertree.
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The Evertree is no basic tree but is instead a gargantuan magical tree that brings life to entire villages, countrysides, and kingdoms. Much like its predecessor,Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles,Grow: Song of the Evertreegives players a fantastical world to explore and rebuild, without too many threats or overarching challenges.
2A Short Hike
A Short Hikeis a super simple yet endlessly endearing and engaging mini-adventure where you play as a quirky bird who must hike to the top of a tall mountain in order to make an important phone call. This premise alone is what guides players through this sublime adventure.
There is no wrong way to playA Short Hike. As long as the player has enough golden feathers, the game’s stamina metric, then the summit can be scaled at any time. However, what makes this a great “relaxploration” game is that hikers are able toexplore the serene mountain location, speak to anthropomorphic inhabitants, complete quests, and even enjoy some mini-games.
1Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizonslikely needs no introduction given its prevalence not just in gaming but in pop culture in general. For the uninitiated,Animal Crossing: New Horizonsis a Nintendo Switch exclusive life-sim game that is brimming with relaxation, wholesome activities, and myriad ways to enjoy island life.
For many, the sheer idea of walking across their island, collecting bugs, fishing, chopping wood, and decorating a house is enough to bring a sense of calmness and ease. There is so much to do inNew Horizonsthat players are encouraged to check in each day to see what items are new in Nook’s Cranny, which new crafting recipes will be available, and even the potential to get a new villager to hang out with. Just try not to think about the giant debt owed to Tom Nook.
