Stressed? Frantic? Tense? Yeah, that makes two of us.
Our news feeds are continuously inundated with pretty dismal content, ranging from AI-generated imagery (no, that unidentified child did not make a small aircraft out of plastic bottles) and once-in-a-lifetime “Breaking News” notifications. While we should stay abreast of global goings-on, we also have to balance self-preservation and take advantage of occasional (albeit increasingly rare) downtime. The best method? Swapping your nightly “doomscroll” with something a little more tranquil.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to spend your night that doesn’t instill a feeling of impending doom, one of these 10 lighthearted titles may be a better way to soothe your anxieties.
PowerWash Simulator (2022)
PowerWash Simulator is among the most well-known “no thoughts, head empty” games available today. In this low-key job sim, players take on their own powerwashing biz, answering intermittent texts and some seriously off-the-wall work requests. Not only do PowerWash Simulator devs frequently introduce new DLC (both free and paid), but the viral title is getting a sequel sometime this year, though no date has been confirmed.
The oh-so-satisfying PowerWash Simulator is available for Windows PC as well as more recent Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles.
RollerCoaster Tycoon: Deluxe (1999)
“Balloon Stall 1” might not be a “really good value,” but this nearly 30-year-old game sure is. RollerCoaster Tycoon: Deluxe was first introduced to PC gamers in March 1999, and it’s still averaging hundreds of daily players on digital game distributor Steam (per SteamDB).
Not a console or PC gamer? That’s OK! While I’m a fan of the classic iteration from my childhood, the RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise extends far beyond the “family computer” version from the late 90s. Modern, mobile phone-optimized installments are available for both iPhone and Android users via their respective app catalogs.
Stardew Valley (2016)
Stardew Valley is probably the most-recognized “cozy” game of the last decade. Though its initial release was nearly a decade ago (unfathomable!), the adorable pixel farm sim reached new heights amid pandemic-era lockdown protocol.
Award-winning hit Stardew Valley is approachable for even the most gaming-averse. Not played a game since Pong? You’ll still be a regular farmhand before you know it.
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Date Everything! (2025)
Note: “Date Everything!” contains mature themes, so check out your go-to parent guide before playing this one in front of the kiddos.
Turn your brain off and embrace the zany with Date Everything!, an absurd dating simulator that pairs players with humanized household amenities.
I was fortunate enough to review this quirky, colorful, and inclusive sim head of its official release, and despite it being my first foray into the genre, I had an absolute blast. Like the desktop titles of our salad days, players rely mostly on point-and-click mechanics while making dialog decisions.
The Sims 4 (2014)
Like RollerCoaster Tycoon, The Sims is another game franchise that’s maintained hit status since my younger years. The latest iteration in the sandbox series, however, boasts a lengthy list of downloadable add-ons. Unlike the free base games, DLC will cost players a few bucks.
Most recently, publisher Electronic Arts and devs at Maxis breathed new life into the original games. Thankfully, no disc is needed this time.
Disney Dreamlight Valley (2022)
Fan of The Sims but want something a little more whimsical? Disney Dreamlight Valley is up your alley. Available on PC, Mac, Apple Arcade, and consoles, gamers get to embark on storybook-like quests, interact with their Disney faves, and explore vibrant, ethereal environments.
Disney Dreamlight Valley is a great game for the whole family. If you’ve got an Xbox Game Pass membership, you can download this one at no added cost.
American Truck Simulator (2016)
Get a closer look at American truck drivers’ continued economic contributions in sprawling job sim American Truck Simulator. Needless to say, truck driver tedium is far more tolerable from a home office.
Lug deliveries from coast to coast, construct and customize your very own big rig, and, if you’re lucky, slow down and sightsee at some recognizable locales across the U.S.
Mini Motorways (2019)
If you dabbled in town-builder SimCity at any point throughout the nineties, you’ll be able to hop right into Mini Motorways. I can tell you from personal experience, though, that this one has addictive properties.
Once you’ve chosen a location, players start with a slow-but-steady roadmap. As time progresses, players must continually modify, demolish, rebuild, renovate, rotate, and tinker to ensure travelers can get from A to B. Stave off traffic jams for as long as you can, because once flow slows, you’re finished!
Katamari Damacy REROLL (2018)
Real-world cleaning has never been as fun as it is in Katamari Damacy: REROLL (aside from PowerWash Simulator, of course). Direct a slow-moving, steadily-growing trinket magnet called a “katamari” through myriad maps. Cute 3D styling, hilarious maps, and an upbeat soundtrack really drive it home — or push it, rather.
Balatro (2024)
I’m no card shark, mind you, but the award-winning poker sim Balatro is still on rotation in my house. Made by solo developer Localthunk, this deckbuilder-roguelike tasks players with taking down tough enemy blinds using some unorthodox methods. The game’s widespread popularity means potential players can pick up the title just about anywhere.
Slide Balatro into your go-to game list alongside thinkers like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and Solitaire.
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A lifelong gamer raised on classic titles like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Croc, Stephanie brings her expertise of gaming and pop culture to deliver unique, refreshing views on the world of video games, complete with references to absurd and obscure media.
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