Ambient/relaxing games [+mandatory giveaway]

Stardew valley is a stressfree experience.
Ps. I like the cat!

I enjoyed more Forza Horizon 4 than The Crews, but I like all of those... I'd also mention some other driving games like American Truck Simulator and Snowrunner fitting that feeling, at least for me.

Little Inferno is my pick for this topic.

Here 3 ideas, hope you like :)
Lake
Raft
Tinykin

I personally find Stardew Valley to be a VERY stressful experience that requires all my attention lmao. So much to manage and time is always running against you. It's up to your personality ig.

For me: Brotato, Islanders, Unpacking, Dorfromantik, VS which you already mentioned.
If I'm being honest my actual "chill" games are Grim Dawn and Hades (0 heat) where I blast through enemies with my overpowered characters. Much more relaxing than any cozy game lol.

I'll add PowerWash Simulator, Superflight, Euro Truck Simulator 2 to this thread. The others mentioned are good options as well.

Powerwash Simulator, for sure. Does wonders for someone like me that has trouble sitting still and focusing.

Dorfromantik

Whenever I need to unwind, I fire up another round of Paint it back. Due to its workshop support, it's filled with endless content above the actual game's content. It's my most played game on Steam (*blush*).

Rimworld but on the slowest time setting
Dyson sphere program is pretty chill since you aren't forced to go fast and you can make progress at your own speed

Proteus
The Unfinished Swan

I have quite a few :) Relaxing games are my specialty

Meadow
Everything
Garden Galaxy
Littlewood
Parkitect (Especially sandbox mode)
Parkasaurus
Spellcaster University
The Sims 4
Dinkum (The music in this game is really nice though)
SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator There's also a free version
Book of Travels

While I haven't really played Minecraft before (I really want to though) that seems like a perfect game to relax with and zone out :)

I also agree with the Powerwash Simulator suggestion!

Mini Metro, Freeways

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1114130/My_Koi/

flower
https://store.steampowered.com/app/966330/Flower/

Not my type of game but I see it highly recommended on almost every youtube channel I follow for the exactly same reason you're looking for – very relaxing and satysfying while you can listen to the podcast:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1290000/PowerWash_Simulator/

I should mention that reviewers often say it is not their cup of tea either but they, weirdly, enjoyed it nonetheless.

I like games like luminous, tetris, or bejewel. I love them. But for me they are very casual and can just play on and off and till have fun.

Viridi, a free game about growing and maintaining succulent plants in a pot. Simple, easy and relaxing.

I love The Planet crafter exactly for that. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1284190/The_Planet_Crafter/
I don't know if that is your type of game but it's very relaxing and ideal to just mute and have your own music on. And if you are in doubt, there is a nice demo availlable https://store.steampowered.com/app/1830840/The_Planet_Crafter_Prologue/

And thanks for the giveaway!

I remember Cloudpunk was super chilly in terms of flying around Nivalis with its cool Blade Runner-like soundtrack. Plus, they're doing a life sim in the city.

Other than that, maybe some jigsaws, but here I'd need recommendations myself, so far I only enjoyed those on jigidi.

Hej bro :*

ETS2 and Stardew Valley, My Time at Portia/Sandrock, especially in the late game, are my top.
Then titles such as Cities: Skylines, Transport Fever or any tycoon game, could also be considered suitable.

I usually do that with JRPGs like Grim Dawn/PoE/Diablo, just grinding a bunch of mobs for loot.

Then rogue-likes like Wizard of Legend/Brotato/Dead Cells,/Rogue Legacy, where you go into the flow and turn off your brain.

Recently found this Omega Strikers game, it's like soccer with magic spells, this is a competitive game but it's also casual and relaxing, you don't really tire yourself out and you don't regret a whole hour if you lose, like you do with MOBAs or competitive shooters :D

Also I play Teamfight Tactics for chilling, an auto-chess game.

Civilization VI and its prequels are rather relacing to play.

PGA Tour 2k21

Fez is a pretty chill platformer, as it's more about puzzles and exploration.

Baldurs Gate, Icewind Dale, and Pathfinder Kingmaker, are all rpg's where you spend time reading and strategizing, rather than hack/slash.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/516750/My_Summer_Car/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1290000/PowerWash_Simulator

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1330460/Becastled