Doom Eternal is the pure fantasy you can jump into anytime. It takes the already incredible combat of its predecessor and cranks it up with more mobility, more demons, and an arsenal that demands you stay constantly on the offensive. While it's not a game for a quiet moment, it's the absolute best choice when you just need to unleash some cathartic, high-octane chaos. | © id Software
Prison Architect gives you sandbox-style control to design and manage your own correctional facility from the ground up. It strikes a fascinating balance between careful logistical planning and the chaotic stories that unfold from your unpredictable inmates. The sheer level of detail and creative freedom makes it incredibly easy to get absorbed, whether you're optimizing a perfect prison or just watching the chaotic drama unfold. | © Introversion Software
Slime Rancher is a genuinely joyful and relaxing first-person adventure. Exploring its vibrant world to collect bouncy, adorable slimes is a constant delight. While the ranch management has its light challenges, the overall experience is pure, cheerful fun that's perfect for unwinding. It’s practically guaranteed to put a smile on your face. | © Monomi Park
Stardew Valley is a heartfelt escape where you can truly play at your own pace. Whether you want to master your farm, befriend the townsfolk, or just explore the mines, there's never any pressure to do it all. Its charm comes from the simple, rewarding rhythm of the days and the genuine sense of community you build. It's the perfect cozy world to return to whenever you need a break. | © ConcernedApe
Hades masterfully blends fast, fluid combat with a compelling story that actually makes each run feel meaningful. Dying is part of the fun, as every attempt lets you grow stronger and uncover more of the fantastic characters and world. The incredible art and music pull you right in, making it one of those games you can easily play for hours or just enjoy in a few quick, action-packed escapes. | © Supergiant Games
The Binding of Isaac is a wildly inventive and deeply weird roguelike that never gets old. Each randomized dungeon run combines different power-ups in crazy ways, making every attempt feel fresh and unpredictable. Its dark humor and satisfying gameplay loop make it incredibly easy to lose yourself in just one more attempt to conquer the basement. | © Florian Himsl
Islanders strips city-building down to its most relaxing, puzzle-like core. You simply place buildings on serene islands to score points and unlock the next beautiful location. There's no pressure or complex economies, just the satisfying click of finding the perfect spot. It's the ultimate low-stakes game for calming your mind in a few spare minutes. | © Grizzly Games
Risk of Rain 2 perfects that addictive loop of starting weak and becoming an unstoppable force. Each run is a fast-paced scramble to collect game-changing items, turning you into a god of chaos within minutes. It's a fantastic game to jump into solo for a quick blast, but the real magic happens when you team up with friends and embrace the beautiful, cooperative mayhem. | © Hopoo Games
Darkest Dungeon is a brutally rewarding test of your nerve and management skills. It masterfully blends turn-based combat with the constant psychological strain of keeping your adventurers from breaking under pressure. While the difficulty is punishing, overcoming each nightmarish dungeon creates a triumph you won't forget. Just be ready for the tension to follow you long after you stop playing. | © Red Hook Studios
Into the Breach is a perfect puzzle disguised as a turn-based strategy game. Each small, tense battle forces you to think several moves ahead, weighing the safety of your mechs against the survival of the city you're protecting. A single mission is a satisfying bite-sized challenge, making it incredibly easy to play for just a few minutes or get hooked for one more run all evening. | © Subset Games
RimWorld is a storytelling engine disguised as a colony management game. Every playthrough spins a unique tale of survival, tragedy, and bizarre triumph thanks to its incredible AI storytellers. While the depth of systems can feel overwhelming at first, it quickly clicks into an addictive loop where “just one more day” turns into hours. The massive library of mods also means your frontier saga never has to end. | © Ludeon Studios
No Man's Sky has transformed into a journey that truly lives up to its original promise. You can chart your own path, whether that's following the new storylines, building a home on a distant planet, or just exploring an endless universe of strange worlds. It's a uniquely relaxing experience where you set your own goals, making it perfect for unwinding and getting lost in the stars. | © Hello Games
Valheim is the kind of survival game you can enjoy at your own pace, whether building a lone Viking hall or raiding with friends. Even in early access, it offers a remarkably complete and atmospheric world full of mystery and rewarding challenges. It’s easy to sink hours into its cycle of crafting, exploring, and conquering, and regular updates make the adventure even more exciting. | © Iron Gate Studio
Slay the Spire is a perfect game to pick up for a quick run or lose an entire afternoon to. It's easy to learn the basics of building a deck and climbing the tower, but true mastery requires clever strategy and adaptation. Every choice matters, making each victory feel earned and every loss a lesson for your next attempt. | © Mega Crit
Celeste is a challenging platformer that somehow feels incredibly welcoming. The tight, responsive controls make every tricky jump a fair test of your skills, and the assist options ensure anyone can enjoy the climb. You'll be driven forward by its heartfelt story and the pure satisfaction of mastering each beautiful, pixel-art mountain peak. | © Maddy Makes Games
We all need those games you can just pick up and play. No huge commitments, no complicated stories, just fun for whenever you have a few minutes to spare. Here’s our list of the best casual games to keep on your device for exactly those moments.
