Relaxing, low pressure games with focus on exploring and/or building?

[StaceyPowers]

I'm looking for suggestions for low-pressure, predictable games.

My partner likes playing video games, but it takes next to nothing for him to rage quit. And when he rage quits he does it for months at a time, not days.

What annoys him the most are:

• Puzzles
• Getting lost
• Overpowered enemies

Or anything in general that causes a disruption to the expected experience. Like, he usually enjoys Skyrim, but he can get really destabilized if he gets lost in a dungeon or has to solve a puzzle.

Can anyone recommend any games that might suit him? He enjoys exploring and activities that involve building in some fashion (i.e. building and decorating in Skyrim).

I was thinking No Man’s Sky might be a fit, but I haven’t played it. PS3 or PS4 recommendations are preferred, but PC is okay.

@DylanC tagging you because you are a particularly good source of recommendations.

[The Blackangel]

Something that is relaxing are some of the classics. My top two recommendations are Q*Bert and Galaga. They’re simple games, and extremely relaxing. Also the original Diablo would be another good one. It’s on PS1 and PC. But if you’re wanting something else then try AOE2. Exploration and building are both involved in success. None of the games I’m suggesting are new, but I think they would be a good idea for him. You can also try to get him into one of the older Final Fantasy games. Nothing after FF X2. You know I would personally recommend FF8, but he might enjoy another one more.

[Shagger]

A great example I can think of is the "My Pet Dungeon" mode from Dungeon Keeper 2. At your own pase, without risk of attack, make the perfect dungeon within the games mechanics. No challenge? Wrong. You have to unlock the privileges with some challenges that lock certain privileges behind paywal... wait, no, doing stuff in game . I know that's mad these days.

War of the Overworld, the spiritual successor to Dungeon Keeper, also has this game mode. Buy it. Play it. But also, pay for it. It wouldn't be right if I didn't point out this feature is a paid DLC, but I swear this game is worth it.

[LadyDay]

I would say an obvious one is The Sims. Relaxing, intricate building, nothing too challenging to rage quit over, nothing unexpected, at least unless you purposefully intend it to happen. 

[LadyDay]

The Sims 4  preferably. 

[skyfire]

I think GTA has the possible future of being the open world exploitable game. Imagine if GTA becomes task based SIMS like game. It'd be surely fun. 

[Crazycrab]

No Man's Sky with all the improvements since it launched.  The aforementioned "My Pet Dungeon" DLC for War for the Overworld is really good as well.

Edited December 8, 2019 by Crazycrab

[skyfire]

No man's sky is good enough for the starters but after some time it does get boring. 

[The Blackangel]

You may laugh at this one, but if you have an N64 laying around, or an emulator, you could try Banjo Kazooie. Yes it's a children's game, but it's also very relaxing to play. It's really cutesy but it's also really easy.

[skyfire]

Check out Fishing Life on android. The game is extremely calm. You catch fish and there are some good sounds in the background. 

[kingpotato]

Animal Crossing games, my girlfriend is currently playing animal crossing new leaf, its a very simple game