Games

Best Action RPGs That Are Surprisingly Relaxing

Published

3 weeks ago

November 5, 2024

Christoph Rediske

Key Takeaways

Table of Contents

Gaming’s unique settings and music can create a soothing ambiance, drawing players into immersive worlds.
Some action RPGs like The Witcher 3 offer a surprisingly relaxing experience, perfect for clearing one’s mind.
Titles like Fable and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey provide cozy, immersive worlds filled with tranquil escapes.

Gaming can be a deeply soothing experience, often because of a game’s unique setting that resonates with certain players, drawing them in like no other game. It could be the atmosphere and music that create a comforting ambiance, or the gameplay loop, which offers a predictably pleasant rhythm, putting players in a state of flow as they explore maps, complete objectives, or scan through loot before heading off to new discoveries.

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Whatever the reason, some games are particularly effective at creating a sense of relaxation through immersive, cozy worlds, enchanting music, and a breezy, repetitive-yet-comforting gameplay. While different genres can appeal to different players seeking relaxation, this list explores some of the best action RPGs today that offer a surprisingly soothing experience, perfect for clearing one’s mind or escaping the daily grind.

1 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

A Dark, Tragic World That’s Surprisingly Soothing To Explore

Released: May 19, 2015
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

Despite the dark tone and tragic quests in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, its world is a stunning escape. The lands may be scarred by war, death, and hardship, but the developers crafted an open world that’s equally as beautiful and calming to roam. Velen boasts breathtaking sunsets, while Novigrad — buzzing with markets and shadowed alleys — remains one of the most intricate and immersive cities in gaming.

Exploration in The Witcher 3 is as relaxing as it is rewarding, with hidden treasures, side stories, and valuable discoveries around every corner. And, the game’s unique Slavic-folk soundtrack adds a hauntingly beautiful backdrop fans continue to cherish.

2 Titan Quest Anniversary Edition

A Unique, Sunny Take On The Diablo-Like ARPG With A Nostalgic Touch

Titan Quest

Released: June 26, 2006
Developer: Iron Lore Entertainment, Demiurge Studios

Titan Quest has always stood apart from other Diablo-style ARPGs with its bright, mythological setting. Combining a vibrant, colorful atmosphere with classic stories, characters, monsters, and locations, Titan Quest is among the most relaxing games of its kind. Exploring the lands of Greece, Egypt, and China is a visually rich experience, made even more enjoyable by the game’s soothing musical score.

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Yet Titan Quest is far more than a pleasant distraction. It holds its own against heavyweights like Grim Dawn, Diablo 4, and Path of Exile, delivering an impressive depth in character building and gear systems that can satisfy even the most hardcore loot enthusiasts, especially at higher difficulties. Hopefully, the upcoming Titan Quest 2 will retain the same core strengths that made the original such a beloved title.

3 Death Stranding

A Perfect Atmosphere Of Solitude And The Long Journey Ahead

Systems

Released: November 8, 2019
OpenCritic Rating: Strong

Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding stirred plenty of buzz even before its release, ultimately carving out a unique niche all its own. Often dubbed a “walking simulator” or “delivery simulator,” this definition isn’t far off, as players spend much of their time traversing beautiful, often desolate landscapes, with occasional combat engagements and, of course, Kojima’s trademark cinematic cutscenes featuring Hollywood stars.

While it may sound less exciting than it truly is, Death Stranding has a remarkable way of turning its gameplay into a deeply relaxing experience. The stunning visuals and Kojima’s exceptional taste in music lend the game a unique meditative vibe that no other title has quite matched. As fans look forward to Death Stranding 2, it’s exciting to wonder where the journey will lead next.

4 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Taking A Virtual Vacation To The Ancient Land Of Vine, Poetry, And Blue Waves

Released: October 15, 2018
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

Among the games of the Assassin’s Creed series, Odyssey stands out for its lighthearted, adventurous spirit, transporting players to a beautifully rendered Ancient Greece. Ubisoft has crafted perhaps the most immersive depiction of this setting to date, with mysteries, legendary creatures, and aesthetic details that bring the iconic era to life — from ancient temples and statues of gods to classic ships, weapons, and armor.

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With stunning graphics, an evocative soundtrack, and a finely tuned gameplay loop, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is a joy to play even in short sessions, consistently offering new activities, places to explore, and challenges to conquer. Each new island feels like a virtual getaway, providing a warm escape to sunny seas and ancient beauty — perfect for lifting spirits even on the darkest days.

5 Hogwarts Legacy

A Truly Magical Experience Full Of Surprises, Puzzles, And Collectibles

Released: February 10, 2023
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

For Harry Potter fans, Hogwarts Legacy feels like a dream realized, delivering an almost perfect rendition of Hogwarts Castle and its enchanting surroundings in an open-world format that’s as cozy as it is exciting. Setting the game in the past adds a charming, nostalgic quality, creating a world brimming with magic, hidden secrets, and soothing activities like gardening and collecting magical creatures.

With an overall tone lighter and more welcoming than the darker themes of some later Harry Potter novels and films, Hogwarts Legacy provides a truly relaxing magical experience each time it’s played. This game is especially enjoyable during long holidays, inviting players to dive into a beloved, endlessly fascinating world.

6 Fable: The Lost Chapters

A Cozy Fairy Tale Atmosphere With The Option To Be As Kind As An Angel

Fable Anniversary

Systems

Few action RPGs capture the fairy tale spirit quite like the Fable series, with the original game, Fable: The Lost Chapters (or Fable Anniversary), remaining one of the coziest titles out there. From its enchanting visual style and music to the way characters and players interact, Fable is filled with small, immersive moments that make its world feel genuinely responsive to every choice.

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True to the nature of a fable, the game allows players to embody either an angelic hero or a mischievous rogue, giving everyone the freedom to shape their character. It’s especially exciting to think about how the upcoming Fable reboot might build on these hallmarks. Judging by the teasers from Playground Games, it seems this beloved series is in promising hands.

7 Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Clearing Vast Maps And Mythical Regions Can Be Restful And Rewarding

Released: November 10, 2020
OpenCritic Rating: Strong

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla may have faced criticism for being somewhat bloated and repetitive, but with its refined gameplay and immersive Viking atmosphere, this entry offers hours of engaging yet relaxing exploration for action RPG fans. The game’s beautifully crafted multi-regional world, featuring expansive mythical realms, creates a sense of tranquility and isolation, further elevated by its ambient sounds and musical score.

Valhalla offers plenty of freedom and depth, allowing players to shape their experience as they see fit. Whether following the main story or thoroughly exploring every map and region for hidden treasures and valuable loot, players can tailor the journey to their preferences. And when in need of a break, there’s always the option to sail along the river with the rest of the crew, ready for whatever adventure awaits.

8 Ghost Of Tsushima Director’s Cut

Endlessly Beautiful Open World With Breathtaking Vistas And Soothing Activities

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut

Action-Adventure

Open-World

Systems

Released: August 20, 2021
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

Sucker Punch truly outdid themselves with the world of Ghost of Tsushima, crafting a vibrant landscape full of rich colors, fluttering leaves and blossoms, breathtaking vistas, and varied regions. One of the game’s standout features is its seamless navigation system, where animals, birds, and the wind guide players to points of interest, minimizing reliance on a mini-map.

Ghost of Tsushima offers calming side activities like composing haikus, bathing in hot springs, collecting flowers, practicing at bamboo strike sites, and meditating. These moments contribute to the game’s tranquil atmosphere, immersing players in the world of samurai culture and creating a deeply refreshing experience — something that the upcoming Ghost of Yotei promises to deliver as well.