Nowadays I find a lot of games feel like too much work and/or anxiety when I just want to relax for like, 30 minutes to an hour after a long day. On the other hand, the games specifically designed to help you unwind just feel boring imo.
In the past I’ve felt like Outer Wilds scratched this itch, cause the whole experience was engaging but generally relaxed. There was a mystery that kept me hooked and the exploration and movement was fun in and of itself. I also felt like Subnautica filled this role since it was very much at my own pace, with anxiety producing portions which could for the most part be avoided or minimized, and also there was a clear objective to fulfill, get off the planet.
So what games do you play when you just wanna relax?
I have several games for a lazy evening on the sofa, so it depends on the mood.
I hoard virtual cars, tanks and ships, so I pick CSR2 when I want to do an event there (daily boring grinding tasks are automated). When I want to shoot I either junp in World of Tanks Blitz or World of Warships Blitz.
When in a mood where I want to just tap around, I dust off Hay Day.
Gershwin Impact has been on the tablet, but after a few attempts to play it, it’s removed again. Looks nice, but not my style, yet.