Multiplayer games like Fall Guys and Overcooked have a reputation for being extremely stressful. Multiplayer games, whether you're fighting against other players or working together for a common goal, can be challenging and anxiety-inducing.
But amongst the sea of nerve-wracking multiplayer video games lie a couple of titles that aren't taxing, laborious, and frustrating. These games might see the gamers play alongside each other to cultivate a bustling farm or go across the galaxy to harvest resources from various planets. On Reddit, users have shared their top picks for the least stressful video games that allow multiplayer gameplay.
Deep Rock Galactic
Gamers who don't want to feel frazzled might stay away from Deep Rock Galactic since it's a first-person shooter video game. However, the game's difficulty settings can be adjusted and allow for relaxing co-op play.
In a Reddit thread, user VHD_ highlights how players can adjust the game's difficulty and set it to "comfortably challenging." In this mode, players are encouraged more to explore the map and mine for resources. The game also has a friendly community, so it's highly unlikely that players will encounter toxic players.
No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky is a sandbox game from developer Hello Games. The game puts an emphasis n exploration. While players are forced to walk during the early stages of the game, collecting resources and fixing the ship allows players to explore the infinite procedurally generated universe of No Man's Sky.
Gamers can invite their friends to join their party to complete nexus missions, go pirate hunting, and even build an intergalactic megabase. Reddit user M4zur reveals that playing the game in "creative mode" makes it a more fun multiplayer experience as they're not forced to grind for resources and just go on exploration journeys to discover cool locations.
Astroneer
Astroneer's premise is somewhat similar to the exploration game No Man's Sky. But in the System Era Softworks game, players found it to be more focused on base building and crafting, and also have a more relaxed gameplay.
Players can also use the Terrain tool to reshape the landscape of the planet and mine resources. On Reddit, TRX808 notes, "Astroneer is super comfy and there aren't many threats to die from other than oxygen." They add that while the game is fun to play with friends, it also holds up well when played alone.
Super Animal Royale
Battle royale games can also be relaxing — if they have cute and adorable graphics. Reddit user alajet remarks that Super Animal Royale is "a decent and entertaining title" where players can "relax." They also add that the game allows for relaxation, unlike other battle royale titles that are littered with hackers and cheaters.
In Super Animal Royale, players can team up as a squad of four to control cute animals as they fight their way across an abandoned safari park. Its adorable top-down graphics and less tense gameplay cultivate a non-stressful gaming experience.
Sky: Children Of The Light
In the indie game Sky: Children of the Light, players assume the role of winged children. The main objective of the game is to figure out the location of the spirits found in the game's various locations. Finding the spirits give players access to cosmetic items like capes, masks, and hairstyles.
The game was recommended by Reddit user sharevideos789 who also took note of Sky: Children of the Light's multiplayer aspect, stating that they enjoyed playing with their "buddies." Gamers will also run into other players in Sky: Children of the Light and will be encouraged to help each other in order to fully immerse themselves in the open world game.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is an award-winning indie game by solo developer ConcernedApe. The story of the game follows the main character who feels burned out with their city life. However, their life suddenly turns around after their grandfather bequeaths them a farm to nurture and cultivate.
Initially released as a single-player game, Stardew Valley integrated co-op gameplay in 2018. Up to four players can work together to bring the farm back to life. Reddit user a_woman_provides exclaims that they "love Stardew Valley" — so much so that they spent more than "300 hours in the game."
Fallout 76
Fallout 76 can be a stressful game to play alone. But playing with friends and other players can take the load off and even make it a relaxing game. KatuaTH points out in a Reddit thread that Fallout 76 is a low-stress multiplayer game, however, it might take a while for players to "collect materials and build a base."
Vault dwellers can complete challenges with their friends to quickly earn atoms, whether it's killing a robot or harvesting a plant. To make the game more exciting, gamers can look for devastating weapons in Fallout, such as the Plasma Gun and Alien Blaster.
Black Desert Online
The sandbox MMO Black Desert Online features a huge variety of classes for gamers to choose from, such as Warrior, Tamer, Ranger, Sorceress, Musa, Valkyrie, and Ninja. Black Desert Online is similar to the open world survival game Rust in the sense that it can have tough PVP mechanics. But unlike Rust, Black Desert Online doesn't have building features and doesn't force players to grind scrap.
On Reddit, JohnnyJayce comments that Black Desert Online can be a great relaxing multiplayer game if players choose to do chill activities such as "fishing, gathering, and battling PvE monsters with their friends."
Moon Hunters
Reddit user kostrubaty found the roguelike co-op RPG "Moon Hunters" to be less taxing compared to other games. In Moon Hunters, a group of up to four players must go on a treacherous adventure to bring back the moon and put a stop to an evil cult. Players can choose from six different characters who have their own unique skills and strengths.
The indie game from Kitfox Games has a non-linear ending and was positively received by both gamers and critics for its relaxed gameplay, interesting narrative, and gorgeous visuals.
Puzzle Pirates
Puzzle games are the perfect game genre for those who want to take things slow and avoid action-heavy sequences. In Puzzle Pirates, gamers can play with their friends to collect loot from merchants and brigands. Puzzle Pirates also has a variety of puzzle games that represent pirate activities such as sword fighting and sailing.
In a Reddit thread, user Magic_Sandwiches explains that Puzzle Pirates allows players to go out with "a crew to battle computer-controlled enemy ships." Puzzle Pirates is a laid-back multiplayer game for gamers who want to avoid stressful adventure games.