Players may categorize themselves as casual gamers for a multitude of reasons. Sometimes combat and real-time skill tests can be stressful, and those who don't get to play games too often would rather have a relaxed experience. Alternatively, for others, gaming is a social hobby which means they're looking for fun co-op adventures. Regardless of the reasons, gaming does not always have to be an intense experience, and there are hundreds of games that are accessible to those looking to avoid stats, difficult mechanics, and grinding.

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A great place to find these games is Steam. The platform has always been phenomenal for PC gaming, offering a wide range of titles in a multitude of genres. Oftentimes it's easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of games available on Steam, which can make it tough for casual gamers to know exactly what to play in their spare time.

9 Bread & Fred

Bread & Fred is a charming co-op game where players will control Bread and Fred - two penguin explorers - as they try to reach the summit of a snowy mountain. The game has a retro art style, with the two adorable penguins in their respective green and red outfits. Even if it may look like the perfect, relaxing game, Bred & Fred is far from calming. Players will have their work cut out for them as they climb, swing, and jump their way to victory, but not before falling over and over and over again.

Bred & Fred is a great platformer for gamers looking to jump into something quickly since the controls are not particularly difficult to master. The real challenge of this game, like most co-op platformers, is communication between the two players. There is a single-player mode, but that means gamers will have nobody to blame if it all goes wrong.

8 We Were Here

We Were Here is a series of co-op puzzle games in which players will have to work together to escape perilous situations. We Were Here is unique in its genre because it almost always has players split up, working through separate areas and communicating via walkie-talkie.

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We Were Here is the perfect series for casual gamers who want to sink a few hours into puzzle-solving and hysterical miscommunications. The controls are incredibly easy to understand, and the mechanics are limited enough to not bombard players with any overwhelming tasks. None of the games are particularly long, so multiple sessions won't be needed to beat them, making We Were Here the best choice for noncommittal gamers.

7 Alpaca Stacka

Alpaca Stacka is an adorable 3D adventure platformer where gamers get to play as a caring alpaca - Paz - who is trying to help out their chicken friends by stacking them on their backs and transporting them around the island. Featuring the most calming and sweet art, Alpaca Stacka has an overwhelmingly positive rating based on Steam reviews.

This game is fantastic for casual gamers who are looking for a stress-free, quick game that's completely free. Alpaca Stacka is exactly what it claims to be: a chill, fun game with cute designs and easy mechanics. Anyone would be hard-pushed not to be won over, and it only takes around 15 minutes to play - the perfect pre-bedtime gaming session.

6 Monster Prom

Monster Prom is not quite as spooky as it may sound but rather is a 2D dating sim where gamers are trying to charm a high school full of monsters. The goal of the game is to win a monster over so that they'll say yes when players ask them to prom.

Dating sims are a fantastic answer to casual gamers who don't love gameplay-heavy games but prefer the dialogue and story. Monster Prom is a great twist on classic dating sims, and its various expansion packs give players opportunities to date new and familiar characters. The conversation is smart and witty - if sometimes explicit. This is certainly a game for the adult gaming crowd, but a great way to spend a few hours.

5 Papers, Please

Papers, Please is a highly popular indie game released on Steam in 2013. It's a kind of simulation game, where gamers must play as a border control agent for a fictional communist state during a very tense political period. Although it sounds boring, Papers, Please combines the best of mechanics and story to create an addictive, enthralling game with multiple endings and changes to gameplay.

This is a great option for casual gamers who are looking for replayability and simple mechanics that will scale in difficulty. Checking the various criteria of each character is fun enough, but the clever and diverse storylines woven into the experience will easily make any player invested.

4 Overcooked 2

Overcooked 2 is an even better take on an already riotously fun co-op game. Players will have the chance to be chefs in various places around the world, cooking everything from sushi to burgers.

It's a great game to pick up with a friend after work or school. Although it may test the friendships of some gamers, the easy mechanics and fun nature of the game make it a brilliant choice for casual gamers looking for a silly, low-stakes experience. Each level is replayable, and the variety of maps and dishes makes it unrivaled.

3 Castle Crashers

Castle Crashers is one of the most timeless, arcade-style adventure games available in the Steam store. Playing with up to four friends, gamers will find themselves battling a variety of monsters to protect their kingdom and save the princess.

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Castle Crashers is full of good humor and entertaining levels. Outrageously easy to control, players can have a good old-fashioned run through the game, taking down enemies left and right with various weapons and differing difficulty. It's classic fun and has been substantially updated since its first release to add new mini-games and game modes.

2 OneShot

OneShot is a phenomenal adventure RPG with endearing characters, a tear-jerking story, and unique gameplay. Gamers will play as an unnamed child protagonist who is trying to save the world by restoring the sun. The art style is nostalgic but original, inspiring the exact emotions that the storyline will reinforce.

OneShot is a brilliant way for gamers to get into RPGs or just a wonderful game to spend a few hours completing. Even though there are melancholic elements, it is relatively stress-free and demands very little of the player mechanically. This makes it the perfect option to complete over a few sessions, or on a day off.

1 Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is likely not a surprising entry to most gamers. This incredibly successful indie game has been a topic of discussion in the gaming world since its initial release. Its charming pixel graphics and beautifully simple goals have made it incredibly popular to a wide range of players.

Stardew Valley is a farming sim where players get to explore the small but endearing Pelican Town and complete various tasks to live their best life. It is the ultimate game for casual players who are looking to complete tasks on their own time. It has everything, including romance, fishing, fighting, and a plethora of secrets. There's no better choice for gamers who want to chill and unwind during the rare moments they get to play a game.

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