Summary
There are plenty of video games on the market that are full of thrills, fast pacing, and plenty of action. While these types of games are fun in their own right, sometimes players want a chance to relax and enjoy storylines that are relatable. Slice of Life games have the appeal that they do because they oftenhave relaxing atmospheres and are great at eliciting certain emotionsfrom the player.
Related:The Best Real-Life Simulation Games, According To Metacritic
Though games in this genre can often be found in a visual novel format,Stardew Valley,Animal Crossing: New Horizons, andThe Sims 4are great examples that break that mold. There has been a surge of players looking for ways to take their minds off of real-world issues, and using gaming as a way to do that.Slice of Life gamesare becoming a go-to when it comes to finding something cozy and wholesome, and there are plenty of options to choose from.
Updated June 28, 2025 by Mark Sammut:In order to make it easier to play thebest slice of life games, each project’s specifications have been added, including links to store pages if they exist.
14House Flipper
InHouse Flipperplayers will work their way up the renovation ladder before they can purchase their first property. Players can take on various jobs from nearby residents, to upgrade their office and save up for their first big property purchase.
Jobs can range from cleaning up, painting walls, installing appliances, and furnishing the entire property. Players can knock down walls and completely recreate the spaces. InHouse Flipperplayers will use various tools and their trusty tablet to tackle any job that comes their way.House Flipperalso has several DLC available, that allow players to decorate apocalypse bunkers, gardens, and large mansions and factories.
13Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Even though debt is the primary objective ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsis paying off debt, it is still a great example of a Slice of Life game. Players are able to create their own island paradise in the latest installment of the franchise.
While players' island homes may have plenty of resources, other isles can also be explored by hopping on a plane. There are also plenty of adorable animals to meet and befriend. Players can also visit the islands of other playersmaking the deserted island getaway a little less deserted.
12Calico
Players can manage their own cat cafe inCalico.Calicois a day-in-the-life community simulation game full of adorable cats and friendly neighbors. While cats are the primary animal type in-game,there are plenty of critters to find and fill the shop with. The main task inCalicois to bring the town’s cafe back to life.
Players can unlock furniture and different recipes, and build their ideal café. There are also plenty of regions to explore, from snowy mountains to the big city.Calicois brimming with magic and players can even use potions to make their favorite character large enough to use as a ride.
11Planet Zoo
Fans of classic games likeZoo TycoonandPlanet Coasterwill enjoyPlanet Zoo. InPlanet Zoo, players are able to construct the ultimate zoo experience for the animals and guests. Unlike some games where animals just exist in the world, these animals have individual personalities.
Related:Planet Zoo: Things Every New Player Should Do First
Players are able to conduct research to betterunderstand the needs of each species to help them thrive.Planet Zoogives players the option to focus on the big picture or the smallest details. Players can also look forward to releasing future generations of animals back into the wild.
10The Sims 4
The Simsfranchise has been a fan favorite for years, andThe Sims 4continues that trend. The popular life simulation game allows players to unleash their imagination and create endless numbers of stories. InThe Sims 4players can customize their sims and watch and control all thebig and small life eventsthey experience.
Players are also able to build anddecorate their sim’s dream home, no matter how extravagant or simple it may be. Fan-made mods can also be added to the game to make an even more realistic gameplay experience.
9Haven Park
InHaven Park, players willhelp Flint take over his family’s park. The player will need to gather resources as they explore the map and rebuild the broken features. Players will also have to fill each campsite with various amenities to make guests happy.
Haven Parkalso has plenty of side quests hidden around the park such as hunting for treasure. There are also plenty of campers to meet along the journey each with their own unique personalities.
8Cozy Grove
Cozy Groveis a life simulation game that takes place on a constantly changing haunted island. Players take on the role of a Spirit Scout and must wander the island every day in search of hidden secrets. Players will also be tasked with helping the local ghosts around the island find peace.
Related:Games To Play If You Enjoyed Cozy Grove
In addition to camping and helping spirits, players can collect spirit animals, craft decorations, and much more.Cozy Grovealso has plenty of side quests that are designed to provide months of entertainment.
7Unpacking
Unpackingis a puzzle game that focuses on the experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and putting them into their new home. Players are able to decorate each room of their new home and create visually satisfying spaces.
In addition to decorating,Unpackingalso invites players to learn more about the protagonist’s previous life. Where otherslice of life gamesimmediately introduce players to the character they will live as Unpacking encourages players to discover who the character is through their belongings. Players will have a chance to uncover the character’s story through eight different houses.
6Stardew Valley
The widely popular country-life simStardew Valleygives players the chance to run their own farm. While building and maintaining the farm is one of the primary elements in the game, there are plenty of other things to do around the world. Players can talk with andpotentially date and marry some of the NPCsinStardew Valley.
There are also plenty of festivals to attend and mysteries to uncover.Stardew Valleyalso offers couch and online cooperative options, meaning players can experience the entire game with friends.
5Bugsnax
Players will explore a whimsical island full of adorable creatures made of food inBugsnax. Players will take on the role of a reporter, whose contact Elizabert Megafig has vanished leaving her camp in shambles. The residents of the camp have spread out around the island due to personal grievances with one another.
It is up to the player to help them overcome their disputes and personal hurdles, as well as to feed themBugsnax. Players can explore the island at their own pace, cataloging the various creatures in every region. During that process, they will find there areplenty of mysteries and the occasional boss fightspread acrossBugsnax’s world.
