Looking to unwind? Here are the 10 best relaxing RPGs to chill out with in 2026
If you are looking to unwind after a stressful day, the best relaxing RPGs are always there to lend a helping hand. In fact, some of the best RPGs of all time are the ones that don't ask you to memorize complex mechanics or panic about time-locked events. Instead, these are titles that give you the freedom to play as you want, and without punishing consequences, are the ones that you can easily sink hundreds of hours in.
However, with so many games out there and plenty of upcoming RPGs also on the horizon, you may be wondering what the best relaxing experiences actually are. Well, that's where we come in. After hours of debating the vibe of certain RPGs (which you can read more about in our FAQ section), a selection of RPG experts on the GamesRadar+ team and I have found the top 10 titles that you can unwind with and play today.
The best relaxing RPGs, starting with...
10. Avowed
Release date: February 18, 2025
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Avowed has a great story and approachable combat, and with no stamina bar or overencumbernace holding back exploration it's easy to just chill out and put in a few hours into it at a time. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, you play as an envoy of Aedyr, sent to investigate a mysterious plague threatening the Living Lands. Despite it being a more linear option than open-world offerings like Skyrim, as we mention in our Avowed review, the game never feels "restrictive".
It's easy to jump on a side quest whenever you please, and thanks to a ton of fast travel points and an intuitive map, backtracking and doing as you please outside of the main story never feels annoying either. Avowed also really rewards exploring. Taking my time searching for chests and discovering new hidden secrets was a highlight in my own save file. You can quickly lose yourself in the world and drop in and out of the main storyline comfortably, too.
9. Pokemon: FireRed & LeafGreen
Release date: February 27, 2026
Platforms: Switch, Switch 2
OK, so Pokemon is one of the most linear games on this list, and you'll need to follow the story tightly in it. However, despite its more rigid structure, it's still a very relaxing and meditative RPG. Whenever I have felt anxious, Pokemon has been a solid go-to, since the premise of catching Pokemon and training them is the perfect blend of repetitive and fun.
Sure, you can lose fights and Pokemon: FireRed & LeafGreen can be trickier than more recent entries, but healing up your pokemon for free, and the fact that there is always more Pokemon around to make you more powerful, really lower the stakes. Pokemon: FireRed & LeafGreen are some of the best Pokemon games of all-time, and paired with a cute pixelated art style and upbeat music, it's a great option to chill out with in short bursts as well.
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter8. Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom
Release date: March 23, 2018
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom is an open-world fantasy JRPG that not only has some magical world-building, but also one of the most charming aesthetics that can ease any form of anxiety. You follow Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, who, after being usurped, must create a new kingdom. You'll have to explore, fight, and follow a colorful story that left me smiling throughout my own time with it.
While Studio Ghibli wasn't involved with the sequel, unlike the first game, former Ghibli character designer Yoshiyuki Momose did return, and the art is just as magical and stunning as a result. Exploring a world that feels straight out of a Ghibli movie feels like a warm hug, and as you wander through the overworld (that has relatively easy battle encounters), it's easy to just tune out and simply enjoy the cartoony vibes. In our Ni no Kuni 2 review, we say that playing this game is "like shooting sunshine right into your veins". It's wholly worth your time.
7. Fallout: New Vegas
Release date: October 19, 2010
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
Fallout: New Vegas isn't just the best Fallout game of all-time (fight me), but it's also the most stress-free one (as long as you avoid Quarry Junction, aka Deathclaw land). What makes it the perfect RPG to chill out with is how it really doesn't expect anything from you. You are a courier that can decide the fate of New Vegas, or, if you please, ignore it completely and just wander around the Wasteland.
There are no time limits, no massive pressures, and plenty for you to do without touching the main quest for hours. The Mojave Desert lets you have free reign to do as you please, and I've spent many hours just listening to Radio New Vegas while walking about. A big thing to note, however, is that nothing feels like a chore either, since every action has consequences. So, despite being relaxing and never pushing you down one set path, New Vegas also still feels meaningful. A fulfilling and carefree apocalyptic experience if there ever was one.
6. Rune Factory 4 Special
Release date: December 7, 2021
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
In terms of cozy RPGs, Rune Factory is an institution, and despite my love for all the recent entries in the fantasy series, Rune Factory 4 Special is still top dog. Originally a 3DS game that's now playable on a ton of consoles, the RPG has you taking on the role of a hero suffering from amnesia who becomes the ruler of Selphia. While there is a grand story for you to follow, Rune Factory is the kind of RPG that expects you to take your time and do whatever you want.
Everything has a levelling system (walking, sleeping, fishing, etc). You can farm, romance NPCs, fight monsters, tame monsters, or spend your days crafting. It doesn't matter how you choose to spend your time because you'll be rewarded no matter what. This dynamic completely takes away any need for planning or stressful sessions worrying about your actions. I also find it very meditative to sink into just leveling up everything.
5. Cyberpunk 2077
Release date: December 10, 2020
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Switch 2, Xbox Series X
This may be a controversial pick since FPS mechanics tend to be pretty stressful, but hear me out: Cyberpunk 2077 is a great game to chill out with. Playing as mercenary V, you find yourself saddled with a biochip containing the consciousness of rockstar and terrorist Johnny Silverhand. You'll need to work together to save your life, cruising around Night City, and exploring a futuristic world in the process.
While there is definitely high-intensity action in this RPG, the pace is generally relaxed. You can do missions whenever you want to do them, and there is also no one route in how you complete them, either. I often found myself playing Cyberpunk almost like a stealth game, and when I specced my V, I basically became unstoppable, largely taking away any struggle. There are also no time constraints, giving you the freedom to do as you please and take things as they come. For more details, read our Cyberpunk 2077 review.
4. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Release date: March 3, 2017
Platform(s): Switch, Switch 2
Like most of the RPGs listed here, what makes Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild such a relaxing game is largely thanks to the freedom of its open world and non-linear approach to storytelling. After waking up from a long sleep, it's up to your Link to save the day, but the setting of Hyrule becomes your oyster from then on.
I spent hours just paragliding around Hyrule, trying to activate all the towers I could before even progressing with the story. In fact, sometimes I would just play for the sake of riding my horse around, discovering new locations while outrunning robots shooting lasers in my direction. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is designed to let you take things at your own pace, to get distracted and lead you down avenues. Sure, the world may not be in the best shape and needs your help, but it will wait for you. If you want to know more about one of the best open-world RPGs, you can also read our five-star The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild review for more information.
3. FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Release date: May 21, 2025
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Switch 2, Xbox Series X
FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time is very much a slow-paced RPG that is great for anyone looking for a stress free experience where they can grind without expending too much brain power. You play as an archaeologist's assistant who is caught up in a time-travelling adventure to save the world. That may sound heavy, but don't worry, this game doesn't have any time constraints, and instead encourages you to explore a ton of content in tandem with the overall main story.
FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time has 14 Unique Lives (basically character classes) for you to pick and level up, each with their own missions. You can unlock all of these, and honestly, I'd recommend it, as it was one of the most captivating aspects about my personal playthrough. Finally, it's also on the easier side of things, so if you want an RPG that doesn't require a big learning curve or for something that you can tune out of from time to time, this one is perfect.
2. Dragon Quest 11 S – Definitive Edition
Release date: September 27, 2019
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
As we mentioned in our glowing Dragon Quest 11 S – Definitive Edition review, this is a "must-play RPG" in general. However, it's also one of the greatest to chill out with if you're after an easy story to follow and some snappy turn-based combat. Unlike most turn-based offerings that can get complex, it keeps things simple thanks to linear leveling, and only a few customization options.
Without a ton of mechanics to memorize you can relax and follow the classic story that sees you set out to defeat a dark ancient evil and restore peace. I will say that despite being light-hearted in a lot of ways, there are some sad moments. While I personally believe that this just enhances the story, if you are looking for an experience that won't play with your feelings, this may not be for you. It's still relaxing, though, and one of the best JRPGs ever made, so I really recommend that you take the plunge.
1. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Release date: November 11, 2011
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Switch 2, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is the best example of an RPG where you have absolutely no rules or expectations holding you back. It's a fantastical open world where you can do whatever you want (whenever you want), making it easily the most chilled-out RPG. Sure, the opening of the game is somewhat stressful as you are attacked by a dragon and escape execution, but after that, you can explore the vast land of Skyrim at your own pace.
Dive into dungeons, join some guilds, become a thief, or a humble potion maker. It really is up to you. Heck, you don't have to do the main quest at all if you don't want to and you'll still have 100 hours of content to keep you busy. It can feel like a fun vacation in game form. And, if you need more convincing, you can read our near-perfect Skyrim Special Edition review for more information.
Best Relaxing RPGs FAQs
How do we pick our entries for the best RPGs to chill out with?
There are plenty of RPGs that you can relax and chill out with. In fact, what one person finds stressful, another can find relaxing. However, for these entries, I've taken into account my own personal experience as well as other genre experts on the GamesRadar+'s team. We've prioritized RPGs that have made all of us feel relaxed and are our go-to games when we want to unwind.
We also always keep in mind that these recommendations are for gamers to play right now. So, while both new games and classics are considered, we are always measuring picks next to modern standards. So if some trailblazers are missing, it's likely due to the fact that they just missed out compared to newer offerings.
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