I've just started Snake Pass and it's a no bullshit old-style puzzle platformer (think PS1 platformers such as Croc, Crash Bandicoot or Rayman) with a unique movement mechanic that feels very chill. There's little in the way of worldbuilding though

I don't play Tetris usually but when I get bored or just wanna relax then I play Tetris[Highest Score: 500k in 8 Hours]

C&C Generals World Builder. I just make maps while I'm in discord.

It's stimulating enough that it keeps my mind from wandering from a conversation, but brainless enough to be engaged in the conversation.

I'm also partial to Minecraft. Just decorate a little section then log off until tomorrow

Harvest Moon /Story of Season games.

Stardew Valley.

Diner Dash series of games.

I play Hades, but I cheat.

It's super fun to see what kind of ridiculous combinations of powers and weapons you can create when you aren't worried about money or resources in any way shape or form.

I had a Hermes Build for Max speed that did bonus damage based on speed bonuses, Ares for Blade rift when dodging, and some Athena for some invulnerability.

Sprinting around the levels like the flash and absolutely nuking everybody with blade rifts is just too much fun.

Why are there so many suggestions of Zelda BotW over TotK imo this thread? I've only played the latter but my understanding is it's pretty much the same game with more to do. And since Nintendo games rarely go on sale you are probably looking at a very similar price tag.

Im going to hijack op post.

Im looking for game to chill just like OP described, but im looking for something with online multiplayer. Ideally something like a builder like minecraft or no man sky, where I can just connect and find randomly people and help them build shit. I dont want to have to search for specific servers to interact with people, something that would randomly put me in worlds with other people.

Sky Children of the Light (solo player)

Dwarf Fortress.

Theme Hospital.

The Sims.

Games that I can mostly play hands off.

Nethack or DROD

Just starting to get into genshin impact, though, and it seems pretty cool.

Mars First Logistics & Animal Crossing

Recently got back into my childhood favorite, Simcity 2000.

It's just a classic for me. Amazing city builder with a chill soundtrack. Super rewarding planning out your city and watching it develop across the map. And it's super stress free if you just play with disasters off

I have several games for a lazy evening on the sofa, so it depends on the mood.

I hoard virtual cars, tanks and ships, so I pick CSR2 when I want to do an event there (daily boring grinding tasks are automated). When I want to shoot I either junp in World of Tanks Blitz or World of Warships Blitz.

When in a mood where I want to just tap around, I dust off Hay Day.

Gershwin Impact has been on the tablet, but after a few attempts to play it, it's removed again. Looks nice, but not my style, yet.

Apart from trackmania which was already named it's certainly slay the spire. I often do both TTD and the daily in sts. If I didn't always end up trying to go for sub 35min points it'd actually be relaxing probably.

Basically Loopy in Simon Tatham's Puzzles, available on Linux, Windows, and Android (F-Droid), when I don't want to be stressed.

Otherwise I just play some retro/old school games like Final Fantasy (started IV a few days ago), (Free)Doom, AssaultCube or Cave Story when on my laptop.

BeamNG

Car/truck driving simulator with the best crash physics you'll ever see. Great to just drive, off-rod, modify cars, race or just smash cars up. The game is only limited by your imagination.

Spend hours downloading / messing with proton / configuring, and then play for 15 minutes...

At this point I'm almost convinced I just like the setup process.

Otherwise probably quake.

For me, it is Nova Drift. It has been the game I go to when I just want to relax and chill.

I play Tibia. It's an old 2d MMORPG with endless grinding. Loads of quests and a playerbase where the average age is like 28.

Not a long or super replayable game like some of these answers but Jusant is super chill.

Diablo II Resurrected. I've been playing it (Diablo II) for 20 years now. Even though I know the game inside out, a new rare rune drop can still make my day. I usually listen to podcasts meanwhile.

Vampire Survivors was tons of fun until I unlocked pretty much everything, but it also goes great with podcasts.

Clone Hero. Even though I only have a keyboard (so say goodbye to the fast strum bits), It often takes me from 'I just want to chill' to 'this song was FIRE'.

Bloons td6 is pretty cool and laid back.

Either ACNH or TotK

Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person on here who plays Hollow Knight. When I want to chill, I like to start a new game and just go through the early-mid game exploration phase. No pressure, skip bosses if I feel like it. Just run around and enjoy the atmosphere and music. Love it.

So what games do you play when you just wanna relax?

Solitaire

Pokemon Fire Red or Dark Souls