In today’s fast-paced world, multitasking has become second nature to many of us. For gamers, this often means playing video games while watching TV. Whether you’re catching up on your favorite series or enjoying a movie marathon, certain games are perfect for this dual activity. These games typically require less intense focus, allowing you to enjoy both the game and the show simultaneously. Below, we’ve curated a list of 15 of the best Steam games to play while watching TV, each offering a unique blend of entertainment and relaxation.
Best Steam Games to Play While Watching TV
1. Stardew Valley
With its charming pixel art and relaxing gameplay, “Stardew Valley” is a perfect game to play while watching TV. The game’s farming, fishing, and crafting mechanics are engaging yet low-pressure, allowing you to easily split your attention. Whether you’re tending to your crops or exploring the mines, the soothing soundtrack and simple controls make it an ideal companion for your favorite shows.
Stardew Valley on stardewvalley
2. Slay the Spire
“Slay the Spire” is a deck-building roguelike that combines strategy and card game mechanics. Its turn-based nature means you can take your time with each move, making it perfect for playing while watching TV. The game’s strategic depth and variety of cards keep it interesting without demanding constant attention.
Slay the Spire on steampowered
3. The Sims 4
Life simulation games like “The Sims 4” are perfect for playing while watching TV. You can create and manage your Sims’ lives, build houses, and explore various careers without needing to focus too intently. The game’s sandbox nature among the best Steam games to play while watching TV allows for a relaxed playstyle, letting you enjoy the drama of your Sims’ lives alongside your favorite TV dramas.
4. Euro Truck Simulator 2
For those who enjoy simulation games, “Euro Truck Simulator 2” offers a unique and relaxing experience. The game involves driving trucks across Europe, delivering cargo, and managing your trucking business. The long drives and scenic routes make it easy to play while watching TV, providing a calming and immersive experience.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 eurotrucksimulator2
5. Civilization VI
“Civilization VI” is a turn-based strategy game that allows you to build and manage an empire. The game’s turn-based nature means you can take your time with each decision, making it perfect for playing while watching TV. Whether you’re expanding your territory, negotiating with other civilizations, or managing your resources, the game’s depth and complexity provide endless entertainment.
Civilization VI on civilization.2k
6. House Flipper
Read more: best video games to play while watching tv
“House Flipper” is a simulation game where you buy, renovate, and sell houses. The game’s straightforward mechanics and repetitive tasks make it perfect within the best Steam games to play while watching TV. Cleaning, painting, and decorating houses can be done at your own pace, providing a satisfying and relaxing gaming experience.
House Flipper on houseflippergame
7. Factorio
“Factorio” is a complex and addictive game where you build and manage automated factories. The game’s intricate mechanics and strategic planning make it a great choice for playing while watching TV. Setting up production lines, managing resources, and optimizing efficiency can be done at your own pace, providing a deeply satisfying gaming experience.
8. Terraria
“Terraria” is a sandbox adventure game that combines exploration, crafting, and combat. Its 2D pixel art style and open-ended gameplay make it easy to play while watching TV. Whether you’re building structures, mining for resources, or battling monsters, the game’s flexible nature allows for a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
9. Cookie Clicker
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For those who enjoy idle games, “Cookie Clicker” is a fantastic option out of best Steam games to play while watching TV. The game’s simple premise of clicking to produce cookies and upgrading your production facilities is both addictive and low-maintenance. You can easily play “Cookie Clicker” in the background while watching TV, making it a perfect companion for binge-watching sessions.
Cookie Clicker on orteil.dashnet.org
10. RimWorld
“RimWorld” is a colony simulation game where you manage a group of colonists stranded on a distant planet. The game’s storytelling and management mechanics are engaging yet not overly demanding, allowing you to enjoy the process of building and managing your colony while watching TV. The game’s procedural generation and variety of events keep it interesting and replayable.
11. Planet Zoo
“Planet Zoo” is a simulation game where you build and manage a zoo. The game’s detailed animal care and park management mechanics are engaging yet not overly demanding, allowing you to enjoy the process of creating a thriving zoo while watching TV. The game’s beautiful graphics and relaxing soundtrack add to the overall experience.
12. Cities: Skylines
“Cities: Skylines” is a city-building simulation game that allows you to create and manage a city in the number of best Steam games to play while watching TV. The game’s sandbox nature and detailed management mechanics make it ideal for multitasking. You can design city layouts, manage resources, and solve problems while keeping an eye on the TV, making it a rewarding and engaging experience.
13. Don’t Starve
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“Don’t Starve” is a survival game with a unique art style and challenging gameplay. The game’s day-night cycle and resource management mechanics make it engaging yet not overly demanding, allowing you to enjoy the process of surviving in a harsh world while watching TV. The game’s dark humor and quirky characters add to its charm.
14. Graveyard Keeper
“Graveyard Keeper” is a simulation game where you manage a medieval graveyard. The game’s dark humor and unique setting make it a fun and engaging experience. You can perform autopsies, craft items, and expand your graveyard while watching TV, making it a perfect game for multitasking.
Graveyard Keeper on steampowered
15. Stardew Valley
With its charming pixel art and relaxing gameplay, “Stardew Valley” is a perfect game to play while watching TV. The game’s farming, fishing, and crafting mechanics are engaging yet low-pressure, allowing you to easily split your attention. Whether you’re tending to your crops or exploring the mines, the soothing soundtrack and simple controls make it an ideal companion for your favorite shows.
Stardew Valley on stardewvalley
Conclusion
Combining the joy of gaming with the relaxation of watching TV can be a delightful way to unwind. From the charming world of “Stardew Valley” to the strategic depth of “Civilization VI,” these best Steam games to play while watching TV offer a perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation. Whether you’re managing a farm, building a city, or exploring a virtual world, these games provide endless enjoyment while allowing you to keep up with your favorite shows.
Are there any video games that are specifically designed to be played while watching TV?
While there aren’t many games specifically designed for this purpose, many simulation and idle games are well-suited for multitasking. Games like “Cookie Clicker” and “House Flipper” have simple mechanics and repetitive tasks that make them ideal for playing while watching TV.
What are some tips for effectively multitasking between playing video games and watching TV?
To effectively multitask, choose games that don’t require intense focus or quick reflexes. Simulation, idle, and turn-based strategy games are great options. Additionally, consider using a second screen or playing on a handheld device like the Nintendo Switch to make it easier to switch your attention between the game and the TV.
Can playing video games while watching TV affect my gaming performance?
It can, depending on the type of game you’re playing. Games that require quick reflexes or intense concentration may suffer if you’re dividing your attention. However, for more relaxed and low-pressure games, multitasking can be a fun and enjoyable way to unwind.
