10 Best Low-Stress Strategy Games

Although I tend to play a lot more active genres than strategy, even I’ll acknowledge it’s an important and satisfying genre on occasion. But many strategy games are so hardcore that you end up more stressed after playing than before. Which is why we put together this list.

Though everything on this list is some variety of strategy game, they’re all low-stress. Meaning you won’t finish a play session enraged or feeling like you’re stupid.

So whether you’re looking for something with tactics, tower defense, simulation, or something a bit different, we have you covered. It’s time to get comfortable and talk about some of the best low-stress strategy games!

10

Chroma Squad

Go Go Colorful Actors

I don’t always fly my nerd flag high, but here goes — I was a huge fan of Power Rangers when I was growing up. I collected the toys, watched the show religiously, and adored the movie. So when I saw Chroma Squad took inspiration from it and made a tactical adventure, I was pretty much sold.

Even though many tactical games are stressful, there’s a minimum of stress in Chroma Squad. It’s all about stunt actors turned directors trying to make their own TV show. And while there is combat here, there’s also tons of customization.

You can hire actors, craft new gear, and even make giant cardboard robots! It’s all backed up by a colorful, pixelated aesthetic that is sure to put a smile on your face.

9

The Wandering Village

Onbu and I

Generally speaking, you don’t associate post-apocalyptic with low stress. Yet that’s exactly what we got in The Wandering Village, an adventure set on the back of a giant named Onbu, who’s your only chance for survival in a contaminated wasteland.

Part of the reason this game feels so cozy is that it has a sort of Studio Ghibli aesthetic. And though there are threats to navigate, the game is much more about building your village and finding new ways to survive together.

If you’re not feeling like a good neighbor, you can always be more parasitic to Onbu, but there’s also the option to be a good citizen. Either way, you’ll enjoy a laid-back, meandering journey through this beautifully destroyed world.

8

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted

Keep on Growing

Even though Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted didn’t get quite the reception I expected, I personally loved the game. It took everything I enjoyed about the original version and brought it back bigger, better, and more well-animated in HD.

There’s just something magical about this laid-back yet challenging tower defense. Playing it, I fall into a sort of happy trance where I’m clicking along, thinking several steps in advance, and gleefully enjoying it as my plants rip apart the colorful hordes of zombies.

It’s a bit like when I play Tetris, though admittedly Replanted is far more complex in many ways. My favorite part about this updated adventure is the rogue-like flair of Adventure+, though Cloudy Day and R.I.P. modes are also fun new challenges. The only downside to the game is that it plays best with a keyboard and mouse, making it harder to enjoy on consoles.

7

Mini Metro

Keep The Trains Running

Taking the train can be hectic, as any commuter from New York can attest. But there’s also something strangely relaxing about commuting in a spiderweb of complex routes to your destination. And despite the hubbub, Mini Metro is a very low-stress train simulation game.

The game has you managing a subway map that’s constantly growing, and keeping the people traveling happy. It’s all up to your designs and where you draw the routes, and features more than two dozen real-world cities.

Perhaps part of the game’s magic is that it’s very simplistic and low-key, featuring a very minimalist style. Combined with a soundtrack that responds to your actions and randomized city growth, this is one unique strategy game.

6

Let’s Build a Zoo

Noah’s Mutated Ark

I’ve always been a bit of a mad scientist at heart. So when I discovered that Let’s Build a Zoo doesn’t just let you build and maintain enclosures, but also splice DNA to make your own animals, I was fascinated.

You can create some truly absurd hybrids that would make Dr. Moreau proud, but that’s only part of the game. This laid-back simulation has you play god with every aspect of your zoo, including what the animals eat and what the mascots wear.

Heck, you can even play the game as a crooked owner or do things right. Every choice is yours, which takes a lot of the drama out of the adventure. Just try not to create another Jurassic Park situation while you’re at it.

5

Dorfromantik

Zen Landscapes

There are plenty of highly stressful city builders. Dorfromantik just isn’t one of them. It’s so relaxing, it’s practically zen, and backed up by colorful tiles.

The game is just about placing tiles to build giant vistas of interconnected beauty and life. If you want a bit more challenge, you can aim for a high score, but it’s all up to you.

Best of all, for a low-stress adventure, there’s no combat or resource management to worry about in Dorfromantik. You just have to get comfortable and start playing god.

4

Is This Seat Taken?

Everybody Loves Public Transit!

Let’s just admit it — people can be pretty quirky. We all have different tastes and annoyances. So, trying to seat them according to those preferences sounds like a real challenge, but it’s a surprisingly fun one in Is This Seat Taken?

It may be complicated, but this logic game is also one with zero stress or timers to worry about. The more you play, the more you’ll learn about the people you’re helping, and gradually unlock more and more scenarios.

My favorite part about Is This Seat Taken? is the cartoony and silly art style, which really breathes life into a game that could otherwise be minimalist or uninspired. It comes together in a fantastic package that’s a joy to play.

3

Wargroove 2

Lost in the Groove

One of the first tactical series I played was Advance Wars. It featured delightful characters and fun scenarios to play, and made tactical thinking fun. So when it got a spiritual successor in Wargroove and its sequel, I rushed to play both.

After doing so, I found this to be the perfect relaxing tactical adventure to spend hours and hours playing. Wargroove 2 manages to improve upon pretty much every element of the original. There are tons of Commanders to change things up, lots of new modes, and a quirky story mode to experience.

Sure, the game can be a challenge, but it’s never one that feels overwhelming. Make a mistake, learn from it, rinse and repeat. There’s nothing like permadeath or that sort of drama to worry about, at least not in the main mode.

Backed up with rambunctious music and gorgeous artwork, Wargroove 2 is a wonderful low-stress strategy experience.

2

SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition

Robots in Space

I really wasn’t sure I would be a fan of the original SteamWorld Heist. It took the robots I loved in SteamWorld Dig and threw them not only into space, but into a new genre.

Despite that, I loved the game on 3DS, but it was even better when it came to Nintendo Switch in SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition.

The mission-based gameplay is a lot of fun, and you have as much time as you need during your turns. Just use them wisely, since your team of robots only has so much energy to move and attack. Perhaps the best part of the game was using ricochet and other specialty shots to get the advantage.

Best of all, SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition threw in some DLC to add even more content to the adventure, meaning this is one strategy game you can spend a lot of time playing.

1

Pikmin 4

This Corp Needs Rescuing

Generally, I’m not much for real-time strategy. I get stressed out when I feel like I’m on the clock. Which is why it’s so remarkable that the Pikmin games take that anxiety away, specifically in entries like Pikmin 4.

Part of the reason Pikmin 4 is low-stress is that you have a lot of different minions to help you out, from standard ones like Red and Blue Pikmin to newcomers like Ice and Glow Pikmin this time round.

But perhaps the main reason the game feels so cozy is that you finally get your own puppy in Oatchi, who can carry objects, attack enemies, and even break stuff for you. It also doesn’t hurt that you can customize how your character looks and even upgrade their gear to make life easier.

Mix all that with a delightfully weird visual style and hypnotic and charming musical design. This is a truly great strategy game, and one that will keep you playing just to explore this weird, wonderful world.