Summer is here, and it's time to take a step back from our usual busy lives to relax for a while. What better way to enjoy these lazy, sunny days than with some cozy games. These games offer peace and tranquility, allowing you to play stress-free at your own pace.

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From exploring islands to farming slimes in vivid colors, each game brings a bit of summer warmth to your screen. Some feature sunny settings, while others boast calm gameplay. All of them are perfect for relaxing indoors when it's too hot outside.

8 Stardew Valley

Farm Life With A Touch Of Magic

Stardew Valley

RPG Simulation Released February 26, 2016 Developer(s) ConcernedApe Platform(s) PC, Xbox One, Android, iOS, PS4, Switch Powered by Expand Collapse

Stardew Valley is perfect for summer with its sunny farm setting. You escape to a sun-drenched town inheriting your grandpa's old farm, you grow melons, raise chickens, and enjoy the seasonal festivals. The game captures the essence of lazy summer days with fishing in sparkling rivers, exploring, and maybe finding love.

Summer brings the vibrant Luau festival where you can impress villagers with your stew pot contributions and as the fireflies begin to twinkle by night, you might find romance blossoming like the summer crops. Whether you're tending to your farm or cooling off in the mines, Stardew Valley gives you a cozy virtual summer gateway.

7 Spiritfarer

Manage A Boat In Afterlife

Spiritfarer

Platformer Indie Games Simulation Released August 18, 2020 Developer(s) Thunder Lotus Games, Kowloon Nights, Canada Media Fund Platform(s) Xbox One, Stadia, PC, PS4, Switch Powered by Expand Collapse

Spiritfarer brings you the joy of a summer boat trip. You sail across sparkling waters as the ferrymaster for the deceased, turning your boat into a floating summer camp for spirits. You fish, cook meals, and build cozy cabins for your spirit friends to keep them happy.

Each spirit brings a unique story, from a friendly hedgehog to a lion with a passion for fine dining. You can hug them when they’re not feeling alright. As you guide souls to the afterlife, you'll explore sun-soaked islands and uncover the bittersweet joys of saying goodbye.

6 A Short Hike

A Delightful Adventure In Miniature

A Short Hike

Adventure Released April 5, 2019 Developer(s) Adam Robinson-Yu Platform(s) PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One Powered by Expand Collapse

We all crave more freedom from our monotonous daily routines. Imagine flying and soaring through the mountains, plunging into cool lakes, and chatting with fellow animals. This is what A Short Hike offers.

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It's like a summer day at camp: you explore a compact island, but the adventures are endless—whether you're scaling peaks, hunting for treasure, or racing with others. Embrace the freedom of a carefree summer day. This small journey captures the magic of an ideal summer day, complete with a soothing lo-fi soundtrack.

5 Dorfromantik

A Serene World-Building Dream

Dorfromantik

Puzzle Systems Released March 25, 2021
Where to play Close

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Platform(s) PC, Switch Developer Toukana Powered by Expand Collapse

Transform lazy summer afternoons into serene world-building sessions. Craft picturesque landscapes tile by tile and watch them transform according to your imagination as you progress.

Create winding rivers perfect for lazy rafting, dense forests ready for exploration, and charming villages that you would love to visit and stay in on a calm summer day. As you expand your world, you will unlock new tiles and add more features, like windmills, castles, and train tracks. It's the perfect game to relax and build a virtual vacation for yourself.

4 Slime Rancher

A Joyful Romp In A Colorful World

Slime Rancher

Adventure Simulation Released August 1, 2017 Developer(s) Monomi Park Platform(s) Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One Powered by Expand Collapse

Dive into an unreal and soothing summer on the Far Range. Here, you farm; but unlike other farming games, you don't raise animals, you ranch slimes instead.

Use your vacuum to collect slimes as you explore the world, feed them their favorite food to produce valuable plorts, and earn money for upgrades or special trades. The game is bright and vivid, mirroring the summer time energy, and there is so much to explore—from slime science to mystery gordos. It's perfect for getting active on a lazy summer day.

3 Moonglow Bay

A Touching Tale Of Grief And Community

Moonglow Bay is set in a summer beach town, where you play as a grieving fisherman determined to revive both a struggling seaside town and his late partner’s business. You go fishing on sunny days and cook the fish you catch.

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The art style and tone of the game are warm and perfectly capture that summer feel. As you rebuild the community and your own life, you get to uncover local mysteries, including the story of a sea monster and many more. It is a blend of peaceful fishing and quiet mystery.

2 Lake

Mail Woman For A Summer

Lake

Adventure Released September 1, 2021 Platform(s) PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Developer Gamious Powered by Expand Collapse

Lake takes you back to the summer of '86 in a peaceful Oregon town, where you can trade your fast-paced city life for a temporary gig as a mail carrier. Behind the wheel of a classic delivery truck, you'll witness the scenic beauty of the town, with bright skies and landscapes that are almost impossible to see in the cities where most of us live.

Build real connections with the locals, befriend the enthusiastic video store owner, or rally to save the cat lady’s home. Your choices shape this nostalgic summer tale, all set to a mellow soft rock soundtrack.

1 Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

Save The Wildlife Summer

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

Adventure Released December 11, 2020 Platform(s) PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Mobile Developer Ustwo Games Powered by Expand Collapse

A wildlife adventure set on a sunny island, Alba: A Wildlife Adventure casts you as Alba, a girl on her summer vacation. You take photos of animals, clean beaches, and save a nature reserve.

The tone of the game is very bright, complemented by cheerful sounds, making it the perfect summer game. With over 60 animals to find using your smartphone camera, you can explore the outdoors, help animals, and enjoy the tranquility of nature. The game is short but ideal for a relaxed summer day. Additionally, for each copy sold, the makers plant a real tree.

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