11 Games to Play on World Mental Health Day

In case you missed it, the 10th of October was World Mental Health Day. Here at GameGrin, we're very conscientious of doing what's best to keep yourself happy! So, I thought I'd make a list of some games you can pick up if you're having a hard time mentally. Some snacks, a blanket, and a cosy game can do wonders for the mind! I've added all sorts of genres, from cosy and cute to silly and brainless! In alphabetical order, we start with…

Cosmonious High

• Genre: VR, Sci-fi
• Developer: Owlchemy Labs
• Publisher: Owlchemy Labs
• Check out the review!

When it comes to mental health, sometimes getting up and moving can do wonders! But that doesn't mean you have to go do chores or even go outside. Cosmonious High is a VR title that'll keep your mind entertained for hours as you attend classes, explore a wacky high school, and meet a cast of loveable characters! It's the ideal game to jump into if you have a VR and are feeling down (or not!).

Disney Dreamlight Valley

• Genre: Relaxing, Life Sim
• Developer: Gameloft
• Publisher: Gameloft
• Check out the preview here!

I know Disney Dreamlight Valley makes basically every single one of my cosy/relaxing listicles, but there's a good reason for it! I've already passed the 360-hour mark, and it's no surprise, as there are tons of activities to keep you entertained. Whether you want to grind for materials, unravel the story, or decorate, you'll find yourself busy here! Plus, it's chock-full of nostalgia, from Toy Story to Encanto.

Dorfromantik

• Genre: City Builder, Puzzle
• Developer: Toukana Interactive
• Publisher: Toukana Interactive

Dorfromantik is a title I've only recently come across and begun to enjoy, and I couldn't recommend it more if you're in dire need of something relaxing. Whether you want to just mindlessly decorate or focus enough to get a high score, the game gives for both, making it one of the best on this list!

Frog Detective Franchise

• Genre: Adventure
• Developer: Grace Bruxner, Thomas Bowker
• Publisher: worm club, SUPERHOT PRESENTS

Whilst the Frog Detective franchise is very short, these tiny adventures are lighthearted and full of silliness, which makes them a perfect title to pick up on a low-energy day, finish, and move on feeling much better than when you started.

Garden Galaxy

• Genre: Sandbox, Idler
• Developer: Anneka Tran
• Publisher: Anneka Tran

Garden Galaxy is possibly one of the cutest games I've played in a while, and although it's quite simple, this idle title works wonders to give you something to do every few minutes. All you do is collect items and decorate, and although it takes a while to amass enough items for it to start looking good, it's definitely worth the wait and gives you a short-term goal!

Hidden Through Time

• Genre: Hidden Object, Point & Click
• Developer: Rogueside
• Publisher: Rogueside
• Check out the review!

Hidden Through Time is a phenomenal hidden object title in itself, but even more so when it comes to one for a mental health break! This is because of its lenient play style that lets you come back to levels to finish them and gives you no penalty for clicking wrong or checking the clues!

Lil Gator Game

• Genre: Platformer, Casual
• Developer: MegaWobble
• Publisher: Playtonic Friends
• Check out the review!

Lil Gator Game is probably one of the most lighthearted and wholesome titles I've ever had the pleasure of playing, and despite how much I looked forward to it, it didn't disappoint! This adorable platformer will give you plenty to do and explore, offering a safe haven from stress.

Littlewood

• Genre: Life Sim
• Developer: Sean Young
• Publisher: SmashGames
• Check out the review here!

Littlewood takes place once the hero has won, and the whole premise is about helping them remember who they were and what happened. This life sim is relaxing and nuanced, and I think it's a phenomenal title to jump into if you just want to let the stress melt away. Especially recommended for fans of grinding to get achievements!

My Little Universe

• Genre: Exploration, Mobile Port
• Developer: Estoty
• Publisher: SayGames
• Check out the review here!

My Little Universe is a game I reviewed recently, and ever since I did, I've returned to it on my ROG Ally whenever I don't have the brain power to do much else than mindlessly grind materials. It's cute, it's simple, and it's great to boot up while cuddling your pet in bed!

Ooblets

• Genre: Farming Sim, Creature Collector
• Developer: Glumberland
• Publisher: Glumberland

Ooblets is a creature collector that really puts a quirky spin on everything it can. The battles are actually dance-offs, the sounds are cartoony and silly, and the animations are bouncy and colourful. If you like weird and bizarre but cute, this title will do wonders to keep your mental health soothed.

TOEM

• Genre: Puzzle, Adventure
• Developer: Something We Made
• Publisher: Something We Made

TOEM easily makes it to my top favourite games I've tried recently. This adorable monochrome indie title has us walking around and taking pictures to finish missions and meet quirky and hilarious NPCs. It might look simple, but I promise, this game will offer reprieve!

Time on Frog Island

• Genre: Adventure, Exploration
• Developer: Half Past Yellow
• Publisher: Merge Games
• Check out the review!

Lastly, another game that stayed with me after I reviewed it was Time on Frog Island. This silent title will have you running around an island trying to understand what the frog citizens need through wordless interactions. If you're looking for a calming puzzle title, this one will definitely hit the spot!

Thanks for checking out my list! I hope you found something to play whenever you’re feeling down.