I know some people adore Graveyard Keeper, but, wow, that game is just not for me one bit.
Progression is just so… disjointed. Build this. Ok now build this. But first you have to build that. But to build THAT you need to build this other thing. Ok, but to get that, you have to collect these. But to collect THOSE you have to unlock… and it’s just that over and over for at least the first several hours. I found it really frustrating and gave up.
Ooohh Terra Nil, that’s a good choice as well.
I wasn’t able to really GET INTO Outer Wilds until I played it on the Steam Deck lying down. I genuinely think THAT ONE PLANET is not chill. But the rest of it sure seems pretty chill.
Unpacking. Nuff said.
I feel this is the only proper answer to this question thusfar. Dave the Diver? Awesome game. Not chill. Stray? MOSTLY chill, but the snark levels aren’t.
PWS is the literal chillest game possible. No timers. No enemies. Just grab a hose, and clean stuff at your pace, and you can’t lose.
I found that when I turned the timer and oxygen off, it’s a completely different game. It’s super chill, take your time, perfect relaxing dad game. But with coolant reactors, still give you one little challenge if you want.
With the timer and oxygen and one life no res, it’s stressful as hell.