10 Best Low-Energy Games to Help You Rest Easy (Nintendo Switch Edition)
I’ve hit that point in the year where everyone suddenly wants me to be “on”. Work’s buzzing, family group chats won’t stop pinging, and there’s always someone somewhere insisting I show up to an event wearing something sparkly. I’m shattered.
This post is for informational purposes only. Please read my disclaimer for more information.
It’s a busy time of year right now and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably craving a day at home and a game that won’t demand every last brain cell.
And because I’m super drained, and I’m sure you’re starting to feel it too, I won’t write 30+ low energy games you have to shift through to find one you like. Let’s keep this short. I’ve compiled only the most relaxing games I gravitate to when I’m burning out.
The reason I wanted to do this post for the Nintendo Switch is because when I’m exhausted no ounce of me wants to sit bolt upright at a desk for hours. I want to have my jim-jams on, a pair of fresh fluffy socks and crash out, nose down in my duvet. I’ll probably do a similar post for Steam Deck soon too since we’re on the topic of handheld games. I know there’s a lot more demos on there I’d like to share with you too.
And if you’re feeling so drained you barely want to step outside right now, please know there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s okay to say no to the drinks, reschedule meetups or take that sick day. Prioritize you and your well being.
Until I’ve had my me time i don’t feel human. I can’t enjoy myself. I only end up run down with some cold bug going around. I hope I can help you feel a bit more grounded with one of these games today. I’ve listed some lovely “brain-off” cozy games that will let you escape from the world for a bit.
What Types Of Games Are Low Effort And Gentle?
Personally, I find games that I can just pick up for 1 or 2 hours are perfect. Ones that don’t expect me to come back every day or risk missing out on new items or events. That rules out Stardew Valley doesn’t it? And that explains why I’ve not played Palia in some time now too.
This is what I usually look out for in low-energy games:
- Cozy builders — the sort where I can build a base, tend a garden, or decorate a house without the stress of needing to go fetch something for a villager or be in bed by 2am.
- Simple puzzle or match-style games — gentle snacks for my brain which I can dip in and out of without worrying about losing progress, but these tend to be more so on mobile.
- Slow management games — ones where I can make my own choices, watch things grow, tweak a few bits here and there, and just enjoy watching the NPC’s potter about in the world I built for them. Perfect for days when I have the dreaded brain fog but still want to feel a little productive.
Top 10 Easygoing Switch Games for Low-Energy Days
The Two Point series of games (Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus) are my go-to management games to feel in control when my life is anything but. As the museum curator, you design your very own museums to create the ultimate guest experience. Coordinate Experts on expeditions where you’ll discover new Exhibits to keep your museum fresh and entice droves of knowledge-hungry guests. This is all while you keep your Exhibits safe, rooms clean, staff happy… and children off the dinosaur bones.
Two Point Museum is available on Nintendo Switch 2
It doesn’t matter how many times I play this zen game, Unpacking is a big comfort for me when I’m not feeling well. Unpacking is a sweet story of love and discovering who you really are. There’s no hand-holding here. You need to discover the story for yourself by pulling items out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, Unpacking is a satisfying game that will live on in your heart long after you stop playing.
Unpacking is available on Nintendo Switch, Steam, Xbox & PlayStation
3
Classic RollerCoaster Tycoon
I grew up on these games so when the remastered version came out to switch I was ecstatic! Now I get to take a trip down memory lane as I enjoy designing and building roller coasters and rides, landscaping parks and managing the staff and finances to keep my guests happy and the money flowing in. Undoubtedly, playing this on PC is the best way to enjoy it but I mostly play handheld these days so I’ll take it where I can.
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic is available on Nintendo Switch, Steam, iOS & Android
I can’t stop recommending this cozy game to everyone I meet! You play as Tara, who moved in with her grandma to help manage her farm. Relax as you tend crops, care for animals, fish, craft, and more throughout the day. But as night falls, meet with the coven, learn to fly your broomstick, brew potions, control the seasons and even transform into a cat! The day can run pretty fast though so I prefer to switch it to cozy mode in the settings for a more relaxed pace.
Wylde Flowers is available on Nintendo Switch, Steam & iOS
5
Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator
Before I had my own garden this cozy game became my sanctuary from city life. Garden Life is a relaxing gardening game where you create your dream garden in a peaceful, colourful world. Plant and add ornaments at your own pace, transforming an overgrown forgotten plot into a flourishing community garden. You’re not restricted by grids so you can place plants wherever you like and each one grows in its own unique way. There’s nothing more relaxing to me than a bit of gardening.
Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator is available on Nintendo Switch, Steam, PlayStation & Xbox
6
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
If you’d rather play a puzzle game than dive into a management sim, I really recommend Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. It’s one of those games that looks sweet and simple at first glance, and honestly, it stays that way for the most part. Each level is a tiny diorama you can spin around and peek into, almost like a little toy set. You’re just guiding Toad around, pulling levers, spotting hidden paths, and scooping up treasure. Very chill. Very cute. What I love most is how quick the levels are. You can finish one in a few minutes.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is available on Nintendo Switch
7
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
You probably wouldn’t think this about me, but I’m a bit of an achievement hunter sometimes. I get my kicks from checking off every last hidden item. And that’s one big reason Super Mario Galaxy (and its sequel Super Mario Galaxy 2) remain on my top list of comfort games.
If I’m being honest, on a day when I’m wiped out, this kind of game feels like the hug I need. It’s colourful, dreamy, and just playful enough to feel like I’m doing something, without needing energy I don’t have.
Super Mario Galaxy is available on Nintendo Switch
8
Tiny Bookshop
Nothing says easy gaming than running a quaint secondhand bookshop by the sea. Leave your stress behind in this gentle narrative game while you stock shelves with different books, enjoy scenic locations, and get to know the locals. You can even read the books!
Tiny Bookshop is available on Nintendo Switch & Steam
A Little to the Left is one of those cozy puzzle games that will make you scratch your head but laugh at the same time. I pick this up when I want to tune out the outside world. You need to sort, stack, and organize household items by arranging them to complete the puzzles, all while keeping an eye out for a mischievous cat with an inclination for chaos. Check out this playful and intuitive puzzler with 100+ satisfying messes to tidy.
A Little to the Left is available on Nintendo Switch & Steam
10
Undusted: Letters from the Past
In Undusted: Letters from the Past released recently and it’s such a hidden gem that I don’t hear enough people talking about. You are tasked with cleaning long-neglected dirty objects. As you clean each belonging, you will learn the backstories behind the various objects placed in each chapter.
Adora returns home after her mother’s passing. She starts to clean long ignored items within the house. As each object is restored to its pristine condition, the items start whispering memories of the past to her. As she cleans more items, she discovers forgotten and even hidden stories. If you’re a fan of collecting old, antique items I think you’ll love this.
Undusted: Letters from the Past is available on Nintendo Switch & Steam
Honorable Mentions: Stress-Free Switch Games to Try
I’ve included the following games because they used to be my fav games for switching off but I haven’t picked them up in some time. So here are 5 stress-free Switch games you may also like to play.
- Haven Park — a sweet little adventure where you waddle around fixing campsites, chatting to campers, and taking things nice and slow. Great for those who love the outdoors!
- Disney Dreamlight Valley — a cheerful life sim full of familiar faces, cozy quests, and decorating. Great for fans of Disney.
- Spiritfarer — a tender, heartfelt adventure where you ferry spirits, build a quaint boat, and unwind with characters that will live on in your heart.
- A Short Hike — a breezy mountain walk, full of charming characters and gentle exploration. Take your time and enjoy the sights. Similar to Haven Park.
- Cozy Grove — a soft, story-led island decorating game where you help cute ghostly bears while soaking in its gentle, day-by-day rhythm.
More Cozy Games to play:
10 Relaxing Games to Pretend Things Aren’t as Bad as They Really Are
Life got you down? If you’ve been looking for a ‘brain off’ game to play but don’t want it to become your whole personality, these are the ones I recommend.
Complete 100+ Best Cozy Games on Switch
I’ve spent endless hours rotting on my sofa after work with some chill Nintendo Switch titles, and in this list, I’m sharing the best cozy games on Nintendo Switch to play this year, plus over 100 games you’ll want to wishlist for later.
As an INFP, Wendy is always late for her house. Her wardrobe is stuffed with snuggly jim-jams, and her hot water bottle is her best friend. Wendy enjoys playing a little bit of everything, but she'll always prefer to unwind with simulation and management games.
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