5 Relaxing Indie Games to Play When You Just Need to Shut Off Your Brain

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Fast-paced, demanding games can be really enjoyable – think popular shooters or challenging RPGs. But when life gets hectic, whether during the holidays or a busy period at work or school, you sometimes just want a game that lets you unwind. That’s where cozy games come in. And right now, I think independent developers are making some of the best ones – games designed for relaxation, not intense challenges.

Everyone finds relaxation in games differently. Some people enjoy the slow pace of farming simulators, while others prefer story-focused visual novels. As someone who loves cozy indie games, I’ve played many of these types of relaxing games when I need to unwind. I want to share some of the best options for when you just want to chill and de-stress.

5) Coffee Talk

Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Price: $12.99

This game is at the end of our list for a couple of reasons. It’s probably the one you’re already familiar with, and because it’s a visual novel, you’ll need to do a fair amount of reading. If you prefer to unwind without a lot of text, that might not be ideal. However, if you love reading and enjoy a good story combined with simple gameplay, Coffee Talk could be exactly what you’re looking for.

You play as a barista at a late-night cafe where magical creatures come to relax and share their stories. You’ll make drinks for them while listening to what’s happening in their lives. Making the drinks is easy to learn, but still keeps you involved in the game. And if you enjoy this, there’s a sequel called Coffee Talk 2: Hibiscus and Butterfly, with Coffee Talk Tokyo planned for release in 2026.

4) Kokoro Kitchen

Platform(s): PC

Price: $11.99

If you love games about cooking, especially ones featuring treats like lemon cake, you should check out Kokoro Kitchen. As a big fan of cooking simulations, I’ve been really enjoying it! It does involve a bit of time management – you need to watch your food so it doesn’t burn, and keep your customers happy. Some might find that stressful, but I think it adds a good level of challenge to the relaxing gameplay loop.

In Kokoro Kitchen, you manage a restaurant inspired by Asian cuisine, preparing and cooking a range of tasty dishes. The game features beautiful food presentation, and unlocking new recipes reveals even more stunning visuals. As you play, you’ll meet customers and gradually learn the story behind the restaurant. It’s a relaxed management experience, offering plenty of time to save dishes and forgiving customer patience.

3) Minami Lane

Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch

Price: $4.99 (also included in Xbox Game Pass Premium)

This charming little game is affordable and doesn’t overstay its welcome. You’ll build a small community and complete objectives in each level. It’s relaxing to play, with calming music and visuals. You can even pet cats, and it actually helps you progress! While there’s some strategy involved, it’s simple to pick up and play. The easy point-and-click controls make it accessible for everyone.

In Minami Lane, you’re in charge of a bustling street! You decide what shops to open and what they sell, trying to keep the locals happy. Each day brings new challenges and events announced in the daily newspaper. Despite the management aspects, the game is surprisingly calm and relaxing – perfect for unwinding.

2) Cinnabunny

Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch

Price: $24.99

I was immediately hooked when I discovered this game! A life simulator where you bake and play as a cute 3D bunny? Yes, please! And thankfully, unlike many recent cozy games, Cinnabunny actually delivered on its promise. If you like relaxing life sims with a bit of farming and lots of recipes to collect, you absolutely should try this one.

Cinnabunny is a cozy game with a lot to offer, even though it’s played at a relaxed speed. You’ll develop skills like gathering mushrooms and mining as you play, and even bake goods to sell or give away. Your main goal is to earn enough money to provide a better life for your rabbit family. Plus, you can create a unique bunny character to play as! It’s a charming game that’s available on PC, and as of December 11th, 2025, you can also play it on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

1) Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends

Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Price: $14.99

If you enjoy charming games and food themes, but aren’t keen on actually cooking in a game, Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends could be ideal. The sushi is made automatically – your role is simply to serve it! Serving involves a puzzle-like matching of customer orders with the sushi as it passes on a conveyor belt. It’s quick-paced enough to be engaging, but still maintains a relaxed and enjoyable feel, unlike many fast-action RPGs or shooting games.

I’ve been playing this game called Rolling Hills, and it’s seriously adorable. You’re a little robot named Sushi Bot who wants to make sushi – how cool is that? The graphics are really cute and 3D, and honestly, just rolling around town as a robot is kinda relaxing. But it’s more than just that! You get to help the people in town, and as you do, you grow your sushi restaurant and the whole village! It’s a mix of a life sim and a time management game, and it’s perfect when you just want to chill out and have some cozy, feel-good fun.

Hey everyone! I’m curious – what game do you fire up when you just need to chill and de-stress? Let me know in the comments, and let’s chat about it over on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-05 00:43