The Top 20 Video Games for Stress Reduction Revealed

In a recent study commissioned by The Northerner, experts have come together to create a shortlist of popular cosy video games. These games were compiled through a variety of reputable articles and reviews, and a "percentrank formula" was used to calculate each title's "cosy score". The result is a top twenty list of the best games for reducing stress.

Uncover the Stress-Relieving Video Game Gems

Stardew Valley

This farming life simulation game takes players on a journey to a charming countryside. With its relaxing gameplay and beautiful visuals, Stardew Valley allows players to escape the stresses of daily life. They can tend to their farms, make friends with the villagers, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It has a cosy score of 9.4, making it the top game on the list. 2: The attention to detail in Stardew Valley is remarkable. From the changing seasons to the various activities available, every aspect contributes to the overall sense of relaxation. Whether you're fishing in the river or mining in the mountains, there's always something to do and enjoy. It's a game that truly allows players to unwind and forget about their worries.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

In this game, players create their own island paradise and interact with cute animal characters. The slow-paced nature of the gameplay and the ability to customize every aspect of the island make it a perfect stress-reliever. With a cosy score of 9.2, it comes in second on the list. 2: Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a sense of community and relaxation. Players can visit each other's islands, participate in events, and simply enjoy the company of their virtual friends. The calming music and the peaceful atmosphere of the game help to soothe the mind and reduce stress.

A Short Hike

This game takes players on a short hike through a beautiful forest. The simple gameplay and the stunning visuals make it a great choice for those looking to relax. It offers a unique experience that allows players to connect with nature and forget about their troubles. 2: A Short Hike allows players to explore at their own pace. There are no time constraints or difficult challenges, just a peaceful journey through the forest. The game's minimalist design and soothing music create a relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding.

Lil Gator Game

This cute and charming game follows the adventures of a little gator. With its bright colors and simple gameplay, it's a great game for kids and adults alike. It offers a light-hearted and fun experience that can help to take the edge off stress. 2: The Lil Gator Game is filled with cute animations and fun interactions. Players can help the gator explore different areas, solve puzzles, and make new friends. It's a game that brings a smile to your face and helps to distract from the stresses of life.

Strange Horticulture

In this game, players take on the role of a gardener and care for their virtual plants. The soothing nature of gardening and the beautiful visuals make it a great stress-reliever. It offers a unique and relaxing experience that allows players to connect with nature in a different way. 2: Strange Horticulture requires patience and care as players tend to their plants. Watching them grow and thrive can be a rewarding experience that helps to calm the mind. The game's peaceful atmosphere and gentle music create a perfect environment for relaxation.

Night In The Woods

This game tells the story of a young cat returning to her hometown. With its unique art style and thought-provoking story, it offers a deep and immersive experience. It can help players to reflect on their own lives and find some peace in the process. 2: Night In The Woods has a melancholic yet beautiful atmosphere. The game's exploration elements and character interactions allow players to connect with the story on a deeper level. It's a game that can touch the heart and provide a sense of comfort.

Dorfromantik

This game involves building and expanding a beautiful landscape. With its relaxing gameplay and charming visuals, it's a great choice for those looking to unwind. It allows players to create their own little world and enjoy the peacefulness of it. 2: Dorfromantik offers a sense of creativity and relaxation. Players can place different tiles to build their landscapes and watch as they grow and evolve. The game's simple mechanics and soothing music make it a perfect stress-reliever.

Coral Island

In Coral Island, players start a new life on a tropical island. The game's laid-back atmosphere and various activities make it a great stress-relieving game. It allows players to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea while also engaging in fun tasks. 2: Coral Island offers a variety of activities such as fishing, farming, and exploring. The game's colorful visuals and friendly characters create a welcoming environment that helps to reduce stress.

Unpacking

This game focuses on the process of unpacking and organizing. It offers a unique and calming experience that allows players to focus on one task and forget about their worries. 2: Unpacking has a minimalist design and a soothing soundtrack. As players unpack their virtual items, they can feel a sense of satisfaction and relaxation. It's a game that helps to clear the mind and bring a sense of order.

Mario Party Superstars

The classic Mario Party games are known for their fun and competitive gameplay. In Mario Party Superstars, players can enjoy the excitement of the party games while also taking a break from the stresses of life. 2: Mario Party Superstars brings together all the best elements of the Mario Party series. With its colorful characters and fun mini-games, it's a great game for family and friends to enjoy together. It offers a light-hearted and entertaining experience that can help to relieve stress.

Loop Hero

This game combines roguelike elements with a unique looping mechanic. The strategic gameplay and the ability to build and customize your own hero make it a captivating and relaxing experience. 2: Loop Hero requires players to make strategic decisions as they navigate through the game. The looping mechanic adds an element of challenge and excitement, while the relaxing gameplay allows players to focus on the strategy and enjoy the process.

Disney Dreamlight Valley

In Disney Dreamlight Valley, players can explore a magical world filled with Disney characters. The game's charming visuals and relaxing gameplay make it a great stress-reliever for fans of Disney. 2: Disney Dreamlight Valley offers a sense of wonder and nostalgia. Players can interact with their favorite Disney characters, complete quests, and explore the beautiful world. It's a game that brings out the childlike joy and helps to forget about the stresses of the real world.

Love, Ghostie

This game has a unique and heartwarming story. With its gentle gameplay and charming visuals, it's a great game for those looking for a touch of romance and relaxation. 2: Love, Ghostie takes players on a journey of self-discovery and love. The game's emotional story and beautiful art style create a memorable experience that can help to soothe the soul.

New Pokémon Snap

In New Pokémon Snap, players explore a beautiful world and take pictures of Pokémon. The game's relaxing gameplay and cute Pokémon make it a great stress-reliever for Pokémon fans. 2: New Pokémon Snap offers a unique and immersive experience. Players can explore different areas, take pictures of various Pokémon, and learn more about them. The game's peaceful atmosphere and charming visuals make it a perfect game for unwinding.

Coffee Talk

This game is all about having conversations with customers in a coffee shop. The laid-back atmosphere and the meaningful conversations make it a great stress-reliever. 2: Coffee Talk allows players to connect with the characters and learn their stories. The game's gentle music and the cozy setting create a relaxing environment that is perfect for taking a break and enjoying a cup of coffee.

A Little To The Left

This game has a simple and intuitive gameplay. It offers a relaxing experience that allows players to focus on the present moment and forget about their troubles. 2: A Little To The Left has a minimalist design and a soothing soundtrack. As players move through the game, they can feel a sense of calm and relaxation. It's a game that helps to clear the mind and bring a sense of peace.

Tavern Talk

In Tavern Talk, players engage in conversations with various characters in a tavern setting. The game's social aspect and the friendly atmosphere make it a great stress-reliever. 2: Tavern Talk allows players to interact with different characters and learn about their lives. The game's lively music and the cozy tavern environment create a fun and relaxing experience.

Story Of Seasons: A Wonderful Life

This game is a classic farming simulation game. With its rich gameplay and charming visuals, it offers a relaxing and immersive experience. 2: Story Of Seasons: A Wonderful Life allows players to build their farms, raise animals, and interact with the villagers. The game's slow-paced nature and the sense of community make it a great stress-reliever.

Donut Country

This game has a unique and challenging gameplay. It offers a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as players progress through the levels. 2: Donut Country requires players to use their skills and strategy to overcome the obstacles. The game's colorful visuals and catchy music make it a fun and engaging experience that can help to relieve stress.

Cozy Grove

In Cozy Grove, players explore a mysterious island and build their own cozy camp. The game's relaxing gameplay and charming visuals make it a great stress-reliever. 2: Cozy Grove offers a sense of adventure and relaxation. Players can collect items, build structures, and interact with the friendly spirits on the island. It's a game that allows you to escape and enjoy a peaceful time.