12 games to help with anxiety and how to choose

Managing anxiety starts with knowing which tools help you regulate emotions when overwhelmed. Everyone’s tools are different — some people benefit from going for a jog, while others bundle themselves in cozy blankets. With a bit of experimentation and some patience, you’ll find methods that work for you.

In your search for strategies, consider playing games to help with anxiety. The right game might be able to refocus your attention on an engaging yet relaxing challenge. Mistplay offers plenty of titles¹ that fit the bill, like Monopoly GO and Wooduku. And while you unwind, you’ll earn points toward gift cards from your favorite retailers, like Amazon and Walmart.

In this article, we’ll cover 12 of our favorite games to soothe anxious minds and provide some tips on finding the right one for you.

What are games that help with anxiety?

When people think of games that help with anxiety, they generally turn to titles that provide a relaxing distraction. For example, some players find stress relief in games that keep their hands busy merging flowers and matching shapes. But this feeling isn’t just based on guesswork — research backs it up. 

How games reduce anxiety and stress

In 2021, a group of college students compiled gaming research from over 125 studies into a comprehensive review. Their goal was to see how gaming affects mental health, namely anxiety and depression. 

Results showed that a wide range of games support emotional regulation, reduce general anxiety, and promote goal achievement. Participants felt these impacts across genres, whether they played puzzle games or tower defense titles. 

Generally, players responded well to casual games that focus on creating a fun flow state. So, games that help with anxiety might feature repetition and gentle goals to help players lock in. Research also suggests that cozy visuals and soothing music have a positive effect on players.

Keep in mind that mental health needs vary from person to person — what may work for some may not for others. While self-regulation through digital or physical games may be helpful, it’s not a substitute for professional support.

Digital vs. physical games for anxiety relief

Anxiety relief isn’t limited to digital games. For instance, BioPsychoSocial Medicine published a study showing that playing a board game like Go improved anxiety symptoms. 

But when you’re anxious, it can be difficult to dig around for a deck of cards or clear space for a board game. Video games that help with anxiety are easier to pick up, and mobile apps bring these titles on the go, helping you regulate even when you’re not at home.

12 games that may help reduce anxiety

The best game to help with anxiety will be different for everyone — it’s more about genre and style than one particular game. Below are our top recommendations divided into four categories.

Calming puzzle and matching games

Calming puzzle and matching games give you a low-pressure goal to focus on. There’s always a right answer, it’s usually not too hard to find, and you get immediate feedback in the form of bright visuals or satisfying sounds. Their brain-boosting gameplay lulls you into a flow state that can help you relax. Here are our top picks in this category: 

• Wooduku is a puzzle game available on Mistplay that blends Tetris and Sudoku elements into one grid. It offers a relaxing vibe and mentally stimulating gameplay. 
• Merge Dragons! is a lightweight fantasy-themed merge game on Mistplay. Trek through a colorful forest and raise cute, magical dragons.
• Zen Match is a mahjong-inspired tile-matching game with peaceful visuals, music, and a customizable Zen room.

Cozy and low-pressure simulation games

Cozy, relaxing games can soothe the nerves and ease you into a sense of calm. They’re typically slow and methodical, with gameplay that involves long-term planning. This style of game encourages you to put your racing thoughts to a different use, like tending a garden, building a cozy little town, or taking care of virtual pets. Check out a few options we love: 

• Township is a city-building game available on Mistplay. Plan and decorate a functional town, complete with farms, roads, and houses.
• Gardenscapes is a match-3 game with several additional minigames that mix up gameplay as you renovate an old garden.
• Family Island is a calm survival game about a Stone Age family trying to get along while gathering food, building a home, and exploring a deserted island.

Anxiety distraction games for short breaks

Sometimes a quick, compelling distraction is all you need. These games deliver challenging gameplay in short bursts, with satisfying rewards that provide a cathartic sense of accomplishment. They're great when you’re feeling restless and need a predictable, engaging activity to focus on. Here are some titles to try: 

• Monopoly GO is a fast-paced form of Monopoly that’ll have you moving around the board, collecting properties, and building hotels in quick sessions through Mistplay.
• Mob Control is a competitive tower defense game on Mistplay that requires logic, timing, and quick thinking. Levels are challenging, and the in-game rewards are compelling.
• Block Blast! is a colorful Tetris-like game with a satisfying difficulty curve and no timer, so you can take all the time you want to complete levels. 

How to choose the right game for you

Your feelings are unique to you, so what soothes them will be, too. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of calming games for anxiety relief. You just need to find the right one (or ones!) that suit your patterns and emotional triggers. 

Here are a few factors to consider as you search for potential games to calm you down.

Avoid stressful game elements

As you’re searching for a game to help with your anxiety, avoid the following traits:

• Timers: Putting yourself on the clock might exacerbate anxious thoughts as your mind races to keep up.
• Violence: This is more of an individual preference, but some players may find game violence unsettling, even cartoonish violence. 
• Ads: While you’re trying to unwind, ads may become an unwelcome distraction, pulling you out of the game. Look for titles that don’t have commercials, and consider subscribing to your favorites to remove ads. 

Use game discovery tools to find calming games

A curated storefront like Mistplay can learn your preferences and recommend games that fit your tastes. Use it to organize your game library and highlight new options. You’ll earn rewards in the meantime, providing yet another sense of accomplishment while gaming.

Discover relaxing games on Mistplay

Finding the right methods to manage your anxiety can make all the difference in curbing stress. If gaming works for you, lean into it. Look for titles that suit your unique patterns, and give yourself permission to play when you need a distraction. 

Apps like Mistplay make this process even easier. Our game library features over 400 titles, so you’re sure to find one you love. Once you choose a favorite, log playtime to earn points toward gift cards from stores like Chipotle and Google Play. 

Download Mistplay to discover great games and earn gift cards for playing them, turning personal breaks and “me time” into steady progress toward a well-deserved reward. 

Let’s play!

‍

¹Games mentioned are for illustrative purposes, and selection may vary per region.

‍