Summary
Multiplayer games can offer memorable, action-packed experiences that encourage teamworkand/or hardcore strategy. Others offer frenetic and/or intense experiences that seek to thrill and excite, rather than provide an environment for players to enjoy each other’s company.
Certain cooperative experiences, however, allow players to relax. This typically combines accessible, intuitive gameplay mechanics and controls with a lighthearted tone and atmosphere.
Beat ‘em upsin general can be relaxing experiences thanks to their accessible arcade gameplay, but modern adaptations of this genre tend to be more laid-back thanks to the removal of limited lives.Castle Crashersis particularly free and easy thanks to its accessible controls, lightweight RPG mechanics, and cartoon style.
The simplicity ofCastle Crashers’gameplay combined with its charming cartoon style and zany personality makes it a particularly lighthearted experience. This lightheartedness plays a pivotal role in makingCastle Crashersa laid-back experience, despite its action-packed nature.
Despite being an at-timeschallenging action roguelike,Risk Of Rain 2is a surprisingly relaxing experience. In the game, players explore expansive open zones in search of loot, primarily passive upgrades, to create synergies and powerful builds. To progress to the next zone, players must find and activate a teleporter somewhere in the level.
Players can’t dawdle too long, however, as there’s a constantly ticking timer that gradually increases the difficulty of the run. This makes the experience somewhat less laid-back, but outside of the boss fights,Risk Of Rain 2is a fairly undemanding title. Furthermore, the soundtrack is frequently tranquil, offering a relaxing soundscape between the action.
Deep Rock Galacticisa first-person, run-based shooterthat tasks players with delving into procedural caves in search of various valuable resources. Players are frequently beset by swarms of violent alien bugs, and while that can be stressful, it serves only to break up the laid-back exploration.
The gentle ambiance at play while exploringDeep Rock Galactic’sprocedural caverns plays a large part in its relaxing tone, combined with the fact that the gameplay is relatively accessible. In co-op, this is even more so, as exploring the at-times mesmerizing caves with a friend is much less disquieting than it is alone.
For The Kingis a turn-based strategy RPG with a roguelike structure. In the game, players explore a vast overworld, defeating enemies and delving into dangerous dungeons to complete various quests.
For The Kinggives players control of a party of three adventurers, making the maximum player count a relatively low three. Furthermore, duos will have control of an uneven number of characters. However, the turn-based nature of the game, combined with the charming,low-poly art styleand calm fantasy soundtrack, makeFor The Kingan undemanding and relaxing experience to enjoy with one or two friends.
As is the case with mostsurvival-craft games,Terrariais a relaxing sandbox experience that allows players to enjoy the game at their own pace. There’s plenty of exploration to be done, mostly revolving around mining valuable resources underground, butTerrariais at its most laid-back when players are exercising their imaginations.
There’s plenty of combat to be done inTerraria, and a variety of bosses to defeat, but the game is constantly encouraging players to get creative. Still, there remains the possibility of losing valuable items and there are certain challenges to overcome. However, the charming graphics, soothing music, and accessible gameplay keepTerrariafrom getting too stressful.
Many if not allLEGOgames are tremendously relaxing experiences thanks to their expertly-crafted combination of accessible gameplay, focus on collectibles, and slapstick comedy.LEGO The Lord Of The Ringsis particularly relaxing thanks to its cozy atmosphere and source material that will be familiar to many.
The lovable characters and memorable locations meld well with the game’s open world, allowing players to explore Middle-earth as they collect all manner of shiny objects. For fans ofThe Lord Of The Rings, thisLEGOadaptation is particularly relaxing, thanks in large part to the power of potential nostalgia. However, the sheer accessibility of the game’s low stakes and undemanding gameplay are likely to makeLEGO The Lord Of The Ringsa laid-back experience for almost any player.
