Some people love blasting enemies to relieve stress while others prefer the wonders of foraging, crafting, and exploring new lands.
If you’re the kind of gamer who likes to take it slow and steady, or you’re simply looking for a chill way to unwind, relaxing open world games are exactly what you need.
These stress-relieving games feature stunning visuals that can transport you to another world, a calming soundtrack to soothe your nerves, and uncomplicated gameplay that feels effortless.
Embrace the joys of slowing down and appreciating your surroundings with our top picks for chill open world games.
Table of Contents
1. No Man’s Sky
Genre: Science-fiction, Survival, Action-adventure, Shooting
Developer: Hello Games
No Man’s Sky is all about exploration and survival in a universe that’s not just vast – it’s procedurally generated, which means you’ll never run out of new places to discover.
With over 100 updates and a plethora of content since its launch, No Man’s Sky has evolved into an intricate universe filled with endless possibilities.
These days, the main attractions include ship-hunting and base-building. You can also adopt pets and take them for a ride around the cosmos. Plus, you can even manage your own small settlement in this intergalactic playground.
On the action front, you can choose to fight sentinels or engage in starship battles. Ground battles offer a bit more excitement, though they won’t necessarily give you the same rush as a dedicated shooter game.
Overall, No Man’s Sky won’t scratch the itch for dedicated FPS gamers, but fans of never-ending exploration, survival, and building will find it to be a great digital escape.
2. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
Genre: Adventure, Crafting
Developer: Prideful Sloth
This title offers a serene experience that revolves around exploration, crafting, and community-building without the typical combat-driven frenzy found in other games.
In Yonder, you find yourself shipwrecked on a charming island, and from there, you’re free to follow your own bliss.
While there is a main storyline, it takes a backseat to the real focus of the game: crafting. Crafting in Yonder is an absolute joy, providing a satisfying creative outlet.
Farming also plays a significant role in this laid-back world. You can build your own farms by cultivating crops and raising animals you’ve befriended in the wild.
And as you craft and farm away, you’re surrounded by gorgeous landscapes and ambient music to put your mind at ease.
In short, Yonder is an experience that’s as beautiful as it is relaxing – a haven for those craving a soothing open-world adventure.
3. Firewatch
Genre: Mystery, Adventure, Walking simulator, Narrative based
Developer: Campo Santo
Escape into the wilderness with Firewatch, a video game that invites you to experience life as a fire lookout named Henry.
Henry’s responsibilities include keeping an eye out for fires while basking in the beauty of Shoshone National Forest. His only connection to human life is some friendly banter with supervisor Delilah through a walkie-talkie.
It’s worth noting that Firewatch is by no means a traditional open-world game like Skyrim. Despite that, it grants you enough liberty to spend hours hiking until the unfolding mystery naturally takes center stage.
Our verdict: Firewatch is a relaxing exploration and compelling narrative experience, all rolled into one breathtaking game – the perfect choice for those who want to get lost in the woods.
4. Astroneer
Genre: Science Fiction, Exploration, Adventure, Sandbox
Developer: System Era Softbox
Astroneer takes players on a journey through vivid, colorful, and whimsical fantasy space environments.
In this chill open-world game, you’ll explore and craft your way through seven beautifully rendered planets, all presented in a low-poly art style.
Unlike space games that often lean towards survival horror, Astroneer provides a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. The primary goal here is to immerse yourself in exotic landscapes as you collect resources, open portals, and construct space structures.
What sets Astroneer apart is its lack of pressure to complete tasks and missions, giving you the creative freedom to interact with this quirky galaxy at your own pace.
While it might not be the best choice for players seeking thrilling combat or complex narratives, Astroneer is an absolute gem for those who crave a laid-back gaming experience.
5. Eastshade
Genre: Adventure, Atmospheric, Artistic
Developer: Eastshade Studios
Eastshade is a peaceful open world where you’re a wandering painter exploring a captivating island.
It encapsulates the essence of a tranquil island vacation, offering activities like fishing, rafting, and camping for a fully immersive experience. Photography enthusiasts will also love the game as it encourages players to seek out picturesque locations and capture stunning shots
But what makes Eatshade truly exceptional is its ability to combat the common open-world fatigue. With a comfortable walking speed and various travel-enhancing items, it keeps exploration fresh and enjoyable.
The quests in Eastshade are also cleverly designed, blending fetch quests with engaging puzzles, and they always feel important to the island’s inhabitants.
In summary, whether you’re drawn to atmospheric games or simply seeking a stress-free gaming experience, Eastshade is a must-play title.
6. Abzu
Genre: Adventure, Artistic
Developer: Giant Squid
Abzu is a stunning underwater adventure that’s perfect for exploring the deep sea without the threat of terrifying predatory creatures.
In Abzu, players are encouraged to protect and befriend the majestic marine life as they explore the vast, luminous blue depths of the ocean.
The game’s primary objective is to restore life to damaged oceanic areas, a task that unfolds with grace and tranquility.
One of Abzu’s standout features is its ethereal soundtrack. Whether you’re swimming alongside dolphins or uncovering hidden secrets in the ocean’s depths, the game’s soothing ambiance creates a sense of relaxation rarely encountered in gaming.
If you want to immerse yourself in a slow-paced underwater odyssey like no other, Abzu is an experience you can’t miss out on!
7. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
Developer: Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a classic example of a laid-back and immersive gaming experience.
You’re in Link’s shoes, on a quest to dig up Princess Zelda’s memories and take down the big baddie, Calamity Ganon. Hyrule is your oyster, and you’re free to wander, explore, and soak in the scenery.
Breath of the Wild also delivers on the puzzle front, tossing you into chambers where you’ve got to experiment and think outside the box. There’s no hand-holding here; it’s all about your wits and the tools at your disposal.
Despite all that, Breath of the Wild can be a polarizing game for Zelda players with some people loving it and others heavily dissing it.
But if you’re just looking for a chill open world full of cool puzzles, Breath of the Wild is definitely a title worth trying.
8. Outer Wilds
Genre: Mystery, Space horror, Action-adventure, Puzzle
Developer: Annapurna Interactive, Mobius Digital
Outer Wilds, at its core, is like taking a tour of a scaled-down solar system that doesn’t play by your rules.
During your journey, you meet the ‘Hearthians’ and solve mysteries left by the ancient ‘Nomai’ civilization. You’ll be doing all this while dealing with a 22-minute time loop that ends with a giant supernova, wiping the universe clean.
In short, there’s a lot going on in this game.
But the true beauty of Outer Wilds lies in exploring this curious universe as the soundtrack leads you through new planets and bizarre terrains. Players have likened it to an existential journey of discovery and enlightenment.
Although there is a time limit to your exploration, the urgency helps strike a good balance between relaxing and challenging to keep players engaged.
While Outer Wilds might not be for everyone, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who dare to explore and ponder the mysteries of the cosmos.
