5 Most Therapeutic Games on Xbox Series X|S

Many will gladly argue that video games are a form of therapy. Understandably so, given the fact that most games do indeed possess the ability to transport players to another world entirely—ones that build from fantasy and not the troubles that bind to reality. They're therapeutic, to say the least, and it's clear as to why so many are willing to immerse in them for a few hours at a time: to unwind, collect, and redistribute the senses accordingly.

Of course, it's just as easy to be consumed by a high-octane shooter as it is a soothing indie with scarcely any challenges these days. But if today, like us, you're leaning more towards indulging in the latter, then rest assured that there are, in fact, plenty of addictive indies that are equally, if not slightly more entertaining within reach. So, if it's some well-deserved downtime you're after, then look no further. Here are five therapeutic games you can pick up on Xbox Series X|S.

5. Donut County

Donut County is as charming as indie games come, and perhaps one of the most addictive titles to release under the Game Pass platform in years. It's remarkably simple, true. And yet, in the strangest of ways, its gameplay is also some of the most immersive we've seen in the puzzle-based genre in months. But what is it, exactly, and why are we head over heels in love with its simple yet effective style?

It's simple: Donut County is a harmless puzzle game in which you embark on various missions around said county, controlling a relatively small hole and using it to swallow objects, houses, and even landmarks into a bottomless abyss. And in that very abyss, as it goes, is the entire community, all of whom would rather be anywhere but the bottom of an ultraviolet pit. Your job in this whole conundrum, really, is to essentially consume the entire Donut, so to speak. Like I said — simple, yet surprisingly effective and therapeutic.

4. Unpacking

We'll be the first to agree that moving home isn't the most relaxing thing in the world. If anything, it's sort of a burden—a rollercoaster of a journey that's fueled by determination and frustration. In a video game format, though, it's much easier, and actually sort of calming. And while a game like Unpacking probably won't suit every player down to the ground, it'll definitely win over anyone who's even remotely interested in spending some time with a stress-free indie puzzler.

In Unpacking, your only real goal is to sift through moving boxes and tidy up, to the point of having every object stored away and neatly compressed. From a child's bedroom to a college dormitory, a temporary apartment to a forever home, your role is to flick through the years of one unnamed character and unpack every memory and trinket, using your keen eye for creativity and Feng Shui to make each living space sparkle. And yes, that even means excess space, such as the cabinets in the bathrooms.

3. Coffee Talk

If you'd rather not engage in lofty RPGs with bottomless quest chains and ludicrous amounts of NPCs, then you should definitely consider picking up Coffee Talk, a simple story-driven game in which you run a coffee shop that runs through the twilight hours until dawn. Your only real responsibility here, of course, is to brew coffee, decorate the cups with cappuccino art, and interact with a select few locals who have amazing stories to share with you as you whittle down your shifts.

Coffee Talk is perhaps one of the most relaxing games on the current market, and understandably so. If you enjoy lofi beats, the sound of rainfall, and the thought of brewing cups of coffee while engaging in intimate conversations with wholesome folk, then hey, you're certainly in for a real treat with this one.

2. Disney Dreamlight Valley

There isn't a Disney game in the world that doesn't come preloaded with a magical, beginner-friendly finishing touch, and Disney Dreamlight Valley truly is no different. At its heart, it's a life simulation game, and one that envelopes all the charming farming and sandbox elements that make up some of today's highest regarded sims. Its only major USP, of course, is its devotion to the Magic Kingdom and all its iconic folk, which alone makes it a perfect addition to any fan of the beloved Mouse.

In Disney Dreamlight Valley, you get the opportunity to rebuild the sacred valley from the grassy roots up. Along with a whole bunch of therapeutic tasks and compelling progression systems, the Valley also hands out the chance to venture out and reconnect with Disney's most famous figures and develop lifelong friendships. It's beginner-friendly, wholesome, and incredibly addictive, plain and simple. Oh, and not to mention the fact that it's also being updated on a daily basis, which means there's always more to explore and experience.

1. Townscraper

Granted, city-building games aren't naturally easygoing or void of any complex interfaces. Fortunately, though, Townscraper went ahead and removed all of the overbearing UI and went back to basics, which in turn led to an extremely forgiving and addictive gem of a sandbox game. And the best part is, it lets you build all the same structures and landmarks as a loftier city-building game, but with only one button at your disposal.

Townscraper is a point-and-click type of game, which means your only task, really, is to tap squares and build whatever your heart desires, be it a lakeside village, or a thriving metropolis that travels well beyond the clouds. It's entirely up to you, and as with any sandbox game that hands you the keys to a world of opportunity, there are no right or wrong answers—only make-believe boundaries.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five therapeutic games on Xbox Series X|S? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.