Top 16 best relaxing games for iPhone and iPad (iOS)

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We are going to guide you through a collection of hand-picked games ideal for kicking back on a lazy Sunday afternoon and even on a day-to-day basis.

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the selection of games you’ve curated here is truly remarkable. Each title offers a unique and immersive experience, showcasing the incredible creativity and innovation within the gaming industry.

Among the tranquil games for both iPhone and iPad that we’ve compiled, you’ll find various genres catering to diverse preferences. Whether your taste leans towards role-playing games (RPG) on iOS or idle games, you’re likely to discover a fitting selection in our collection, excluding shooter games due to obvious reasons.

Let’s define what’s a relaxing game – stress-free, cosy?

For each individual, the concept of a “relaxing game” is different. For instance, I consider aRPGs fairly relaxing – but that’s probably not the case with most players, so we’ve tried to steer clear of titles that have too many “mechanical requirements” (let’s call them that). So, we’ve based our list on three main features:

  • Is the game visually pleasant? – the aesthetic aspect is probably the most important factor. If it looks clunky, it probably won’t let you relax as much, therefore it’s not a good fit for our list.
  • Is it too challenging? – if a title requires too much thinking ahead, planning, and strategising, chances are it’s not a title you’ll see here. The games we want to showcase are the epitome of relaxation; a mobile experience where you can just indulge whenever you want to escape the mundane.
  • Can you enjoy playing casually? – again, for obvious reasons we want to pick games that don’t require heaps of time invested into it in order to be enjoyable in the slightest.

Since you have a solid understanding of our chosen path, let’s unwind now and explore some top-notch, stress-relieving games designed for both iPhone and iPad!

1 My Oasis

Available on:
iOS + Android
Find out more about My Oasis

My Oasis – A 3D Relaxation Haven for Your Gaming Pleasure

Experiencing my Oasis goes beyond just playing a game; it’s essentially a remarkable encounter that offers a perfect escape after a tiring day at work or study. It’s designed to bring joy and brighten up your day.

2 Cats Are Cute

Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Cats Are Cute

Although it may not be visually stunning with its mostly black-and-white graphics and select pops of color, Cats Are Cute excels in other areas. The game’s design seamlessly integrates with its theme by featuring cats, kittens, and structures, which you gradually unlock, creating a cohesive world within the game.

Essentially, the game Cats Are Cute allows you to gather and enhance a variety of adorable feline companions. You can also breed these cats and construct a city, where each cat brings its unique building. You’re free to decorate these buildings as you wish, arranging them to create a visually appealing urban landscape!

3 Life in Adventure

Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Life in Adventure

Surprised to find a text-based RPG among the list, aren’t you? But let me clarify, Life in Adventure is not what you might initially think. It’s a remarkably tranquil game on iOS designed for extended play. With enchanting background music and numerous distinct interactions, it’s a delightful, soothing experience that offers a visual treat!

4 Sky: Children of the Light

Available on: iOS + Android + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about Sky: Children of the Light

Enjoy a captivating and tranquil family game that takes you on an exhilarating journey through the breathtaking landscape of Sky, filled with lofty peaks and mystical, magical woodlands, all illuminated by the gentle glow of light. This game is renowned as one of the most stress-free experiences for numerous reasons, with its stunning visuals being a key factor. In fact, it’s been recognized among the top aesthetically pleasing games for iOS devices!

To fully immerse yourself in the captivating 3D environment, we suggest experiencing it on a larger screen like an iPad, while wearing headphones for optimal enjoyment. The haunting melody played through your headphones will effortlessly pull you into the vibrant world.

5 Viridi

Developer: Ice Water Games
Publisher: Ice Water Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Viridi

There’s nothing more tranquil than nurturing and providing a permanent residence for captivating succulents adorned with vibrant foliage in charming terracotta pots. However, it’s not just about watching them grow; you can personalize your plants by giving them names, switch up the planter designs, and occasionally welcome visiting tiny creatures!

6 Purrfect Tale

Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Purrfect Tale

As a gamer, I’d say Purrfect Tale isn’t overly taxing, but it does need consistent engagement, at least once a day. You can immerse yourself in an entirely new lifestyle filled with stunning visuals, a plethora of cats, and daily tasks. It might sound monotonous, but trust me, it’s far from it. Each day brings new adventures and the company of adorable feline friends!

This game offers a serene escape into a world filled with companionship – friends, family, and adorable cats! Customize your space as you wish, and even style the characters in one-of-a-kind ensembles. It’s an unadulterated source of happiness!

7 ALTER EGO

Developer: Caramel Column
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about ALTER EGO

To begin with, Alter Ego might not offer the same level of relaxation and joy as other games on this list; instead, it caters to those who find tranquility in reading and introspection. This game encourages self-discovery, which can sometimes be an intense experience rather than a relaxing one for some individuals.

Nevertheless, we’ve included it on the list for those who truly appreciate self-discovery. It’s a captivating title that some users have referred to as a blend of “Undertale,” “Doki Doki Literature Club,” and an “idle clicker.

8 Empty.

Publisher: Dustyroom
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Empty.

As a gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by the serene charm of Empty – a tranquil puzzler that revolves around matching and coloring. The simple joy of twisting objects to blend seamlessly into the backdrop is nothing short of mesmerizing, and until you’ve experienced the true essence of relaxation through Empty, you haven’t truly played a calming game.

This title is packed with possibilities for repeated play, it’s almost hard to believe! Instead of opting for an ordinary coloring game or digital coloring book, consider trying out Empty instead!

9 ELOH

Publisher: Broken Rules
Available on: iOS
Find out more about ELOH

Discover another charming puzzle game gracing us with its arrival, this time boasting sound as its central feature. ELOH stands out among games for its exceptional Original Soundtrack, a fact that earns it a spot on our list. As a premium title, it may cost more than some of the others, but if you’re drawn in by the trailer, it’s undeniably worth the investment!

With its distinctive graphics and fun-loving style, this game stands out as a special addition to your collection of calming iOS games – perfect for unwinding on the go!

10 Stardew Valley

Publisher: Chucklefish
Available on: iOS + Android + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about Stardew Valley

Have you imagined we wouldn’t discuss the most tranquil game in existence without mentioning it? Absolutely not! If you’ve been with us for a while now, you’d know we have a fondness for Stardew Valley. It’s hard to believe that such a multifaceted game was developed by just one individual.

Should you not be acquainted with it, this game is essentially a farming simulator but offers so much more than merely planting and gathering crops. You can personalize your farm, broaden its scope, forge friendships and interactions with the inhabitants of Stardew Valley, and ultimately have a delightful experience. The game doesn’t produce any moments that cause stress, and the tranquil atmosphere and characters make it perfect for unwinding and having fun.

11 The Kreator

Available on: iOS
Find out more about The Kreator

A tranquil game featuring calming music and user-friendly mechanics, boasting a significant influence on your relaxation levels. In other words, The Kreator offers another serene adventure, allowing you to orbit the world in a quest to discover your own narrative, and reveal what lies ahead.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by all the intricate details this game has to offer. Once I dive into its immersive world, I find myself compelled to return time and again. In fact, I bet you’ll struggle to tear yourself away from it the first time you play!

12 Journey

Developer: thatgamecompany
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Available on: iOS
Find out more about Journey

A journey is essentially an exciting and brief expedition, one that can be experienced either alongside another person (often unknown) or solo. There’s no dialogue, no distractions that detract from the sense of satisfaction you feel as you traverse this sandy realm. It carries a raw, primitive appeal, stirring feelings of happiness and anticipation as you engage in play. The volume should be cranked up to its maximum during gameplay, and we’ll leave it to you to discover why.

The game Journey has received overwhelming praise from both gamers and critics, as well as recognition from various museums and art organizations. This acclaim led to its entry into the Guinness World Records as the indie game with the most awards – currently 118. Consequently, Journey is a deserving addition to the list of top-rated relaxing games for iPhone, and it’s likely to remain popular for years to come.

13 My Little Terrarium 4+

Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about My Little Terrarium 4+

Have you ever pondered about designing a miniature garden ecosystem, filled with lovely plants and creatures, in a compact glass container? The game titled “My Little Terrarium” invites you to cultivate such a tiny green haven. A skillful gardener ensures daily watering of his greens, so remember to keep up with that routine. Furthermore, each new pet you acquire within the game has its unique backstory waiting to be discovered. Oh, and let’s not forget that this entire world is enclosed within a glass bottle! Although we didn’t explicitly mention it in the title, isn’t the name itself hinting at that?

14 Flower

Developer: thatgamecompany
Available on: iOS + PlayStation Vita
Find out more about Flower

In the game Flower, created by Thatgamecompany, you guide the wind as you journey through stunning floral landscapes. Move at your leisure through diverse locations, engage with the surroundings, and alter them to achieve complete harmony within them. It’s an immersive experience that can be appreciated by individuals who may not typically consider themselves gamers, making it a truly artistic masterpiece.

To add some context, this marks the third game developed by Thatgaming Company, which suggests they excel at creating visually appealing, immersive games with a primary emphasis on sensory experiences and exploration.

15 Alto’s Adventure

Developer: Snowman
Publisher: Snowman
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about Alto’s Adventure

In Alto’s Adventure, you’ll find stunning visuals, user-friendly controls, well-designed characters, and a gameplay that’s hard to resist. What sets it apart is its intuitive interface – open the game, tap once, and you’re immersed without navigating through menus or dealing with item purchases and upgrades. This snowboarding journey takes you to some extraordinary locations that will linger in your memory for quite a while.

16 GRIS

Developer: Nomada Studio
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Available on: iOS + Android + Nintendo Switch
Find out more about GRIS

Immerse yourself in the mind of a young woman battling inner struggles as you journey through Gris, an engaging experience filled with joyous and breathtaking moments. This game offers no harm, no loss, no battles – just a serene exploration of a visually stunning world that’s captivating to behold. The artistry is flawless, every detail meticulously crafted, yet you’ll view it all from a 2D perspective. As the girl’s gown changes hues throughout, so too will your abilities grow, allowing you to delve deeper into this enchanting realm.

For art lovers or those with a passion for it, we wholeheartedly endorse Gris. If you have a game controller, feel free to use it!

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2024-12-05 17:49