Best Relaxing Strategy Games

Not all gamers crave an adrenaline-fueled, stressful gaming experience that leaves them on the edge of their seats. Some gamers prefer a more relaxed kind of game, or even a game that plays itself, where they can simply watch. Often, these are casual gamers, people who can only commit to short playing sessions and want to play something simply for some light entertainment.

Strategy games, with their slower gameplay, are obvious choices for these types of gamers. Most strategy games have a pause function, or they progress so slowly that the player can spend long periods away from the keyboard with no detrimental impact. Beyond that, there are strategy games that strive to be more relaxing than other games in the genre, such as the games listed below.

7 Rusty's Retirement

A Journey Of Exploration

Games don’t come much more relaxing than Rusty's Retirement, an idle farming strategy game where much of the gameplay can be left to take care of itself automatically. That being said, it is possible to play the game normally, instead of letting it play itself.

Related

The 10 Most Unorthodox Strategy Games Of All Time

Whilst some players might think most strategy games play in a similar way, there are still quite a few games that offer a unique twist on the genre.

Posts

By  Harry Ted Sprinks

There is a story-driven narrative that players can choose to follow. This involves helping Rusty work out what has happened in relation to a number of odd local events that have interrupted his quiet retirement. Due to the fact the player can play this game for long periods AFK, it can easily become background noise for a relaxing afternoon.

6 Terra Nil

Save The Ecosystem

The player begins Terra Nil facing a barren, desolate landscape, and are faced with the task of rebuilding a healthy, sustainable ecosystem. There is no combat in this game, and players are free to relax and enjoy the experience at their own pace.

There are several different biomes for the player to progress through and rebuild their ecosystems. This is done by procuring strategic resources, researching eco-friendly technology, and building the infrastructure needed to nurture nature back to life. The game is deeply relaxing, despite its existential themes, due to its slow gameplay and pleasantly engaging take on environmental issues.

5 City Bus Manager

Manage A Bus Company

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS
• Released: November 10, 2022
• Developer: PeDePe GbR
• Genre: Casual Game, Strategy

City Bus Manager is a laid-back, relaxed management game where the player has to keep a bus company in business and make a profit doing so. This means setting up routes and schedules, buying and upgrading vehicles, and managing customer satisfaction.

The game is made more difficult by small setbacks such as traffic jams, low demand for service, and even the weather. This is an oddly compelling little game, simple to play but engaging nonetheless, and it's perfect for gamers who want a relaxing time without having to deal with constant mouse clicks and notifications of more involved strategy titles.

4 Fabledom

A Charming City Builder

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
• Released: January 27, 2023
• Developer: Grenaa Games, Greena Games
• Genre: Strategy, Casual Game

Strategy game fans who like a relaxed city-building experience will find Fabledom a good fit. This is a game that has been designed to be fun and amusing, and doesn’t take itself very seriously. The characters have, well, character, are often quirky and entertaining. The city-building and aspects are very well-defined too.

Related

Best 4X Strategy Games For Co-Op

Players can team up with their friends and build strategies together in these 4X strategy games that feature robust co-op modes.

Posts 1

By  Evan Arnoldi Sebayang

The setting is what really shines in this game though. The player inhabits a fairy tale fantasy world, alongside neighboring factions. These factions can be engaged with via trade and limited diplomacy. This is a surprisingly deep game considering its relaxed nature, and is well worthy of a place on this list.

3 Planet Coaster

Turn A Planet Into A Theme Park

In this strategy simulation game, the player is tasked with designing, constructing, and then managing a complete, planet-wide theme park. This involves landscaping the ground, planning and building rides, and maintaining a high satisfaction score with park visitors. Of course, the park must make a profit as well to keep running and growing.

Planet Coaster is a relaxing game on so many levels. The pace of gameplay is set by the player, and they can build their amusement park as slowly as they like. Furthermore, it is relaxing, and almost hypnotic, to sit and just watch the park functioning and visitors enjoying the rides. The game's unhurried pace alone makes it a relaxing experience.

2 Cities: Skylines 2

Strategic Urban Planning

This city-builder requires the player to plan a city strategically to ensure that facilities and amenities are available city-wide. This takes some careful placement of core infrastructure for efficient infrastructure. This laid-back, cerebral style of gameplay can be relaxing for some people.

Related

Best Isometric Strategy Games, Ranked

Isometric graphics are intertwined with the strategy video game genre. These are the titles that marry the two the best.

Posts 2

By  Elizabeth Orchard

Every city needs proper zoning. Public services need to be established, and supporting infrastructure constructed. Once the city has begun attracting residents, ongoing issues such as poor traffic flow need to be addressed as well. This is a complex game, improving considerably over the first game, Cities: Skylines. The key to success is building a financially viable, sustainable urban area that needs minimal maintenance. The speed of gameplay can be as slow as the player wishes, making it a perfect choice for people looking for a relaxing strategy game.

1 The Settlers: New Allies

The Settlers Are Back

The Settlers: New Allies is an up-to-date title that is based on the popular Settlers franchise, which has been dormant for the last few years. As with most other Settlers games, the player is tasked with leading a small group of settlers through the process of establishing a colony and expanding their realm.

All of the Settlers games have been relaxing, with laid-back gameplay and little urgency. The Settlers: New Allies is a little more complex, with more advanced features than previous games, but it is still a relaxing experience. It's always good to see an older franchise still alive and kicking, but when it's latest entry is as well-put-together as this, it's even better.

More

10 Strategy Games Where You Can Play As The Roman Empire

These 10 games offer a great variety of turn-based and real-time gameplay, where you build your own Roman Empire from the ground up.

Posts

By  George W.L. Smith