In our fast-paced world, multitasking has become a way of life for a lot of us. For gamers, this usually means diving into video games while also watching TV. Whether you’re binging your favorite series or enjoying a movie marathon, there are certain games that fit perfectly into this setup. These games often don’t require too much intense focus, which makes it easy to enjoy both the gameplay and the show at the same time. We’ve put together a list of 15 of the best Steam games to play while watching TV, each providing its own unique mix of entertainment and chill vibes.
Best Steam Games to Play While Watching TV
1. Stardew Valley
With its delightful pixel art and easygoing gameplay, “Stardew Valley” is just one of the best Steam games to play while watching TV. The farming, fishing, and crafting elements keep you engaged without feeling overwhelmed, so you can enjoy your show without missing a beat. Whether you’re busy taking care of your crops or venturing into the mines, the calming soundtrack and straightforward controls make it the perfect backdrop for your TV time.
Stardew Valley on stardewvalley
2. Slay the Spire
“Slay the Spire” is a deck-building roguelike that mixes strategic elements with card game mechanics. Since it’s turn-based, you can really take your time on each play, which makes it a great option for those moments when you want to catch a show. The game’s depth and the wide range of cards keep things engaging without requiring your full focus all the time.
Slay the Spire on steampowered
3. The Sims 4
Life simulation games like “The Sims 4” are ideal for those moments when you’re also glued to the TV. You get to design and oversee your Sims’ lives, construct homes, and try out different careers without having to pay super close attention. Its sandbox style makes it one of the best Steam games to play while watching TV, allowing you to enjoy the ups and downs of your Sims alongside your favorite shows.
4. Euro Truck Simulator 2
For simulation game lovers, “Euro Truck Simulator 2” delivers a one-of-a-kind and laid-back experience. In this game, you get to drive trucks all over Europe, haul cargo, and run your own trucking business. The lengthy drives and beautiful scenery create the perfect backdrop for playing while you watch TV, making it a soothing and engaging way to unwind.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 eurotrucksimulator2
5. Civilization VI
Civilization VI is a strategy game where you get to create and oversee your own empire. Since the gameplay is turn-based, you can think through each move at your own pace, making it a great choice for those moments when you want to keep an eye on the TV. Whether you’re working to expand your borders, engage in diplomacy with other civilizations, or juggle resource management, the game’s rich layers of strategy ensure that you’ll always have something fun to dive into.
Civilization VI on civilization.2k
6. House Flipper
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“House Flipper” is a simulation game that lets you purchase, renovate, and sell homes. Its simple mechanics and repetitive activities make it an ideal choice among the best Steam games to play while watching TV. You can clean, paint, and decorate at your own speed, ensuring a rewarding and laid-back gaming experience.
House Flipper on houseflippergame
7. Factorio
“Factorio” is a captivating and intricate game where you’re in charge of building and overseeing automated factories. The detailed mechanics and strategic elements make it an ideal option to play while enjoying some TV time. You can set up production lines, handle resources, and improve efficiency at your own speed, resulting in a truly rewarding gaming experience.
8. Terraria
“Terraria” is an adventurous sandbox game where you can explore, craft, and fight. Its charming 2D-pixel art and open-ended gameplay make it perfect for multitasking while you watch your favorite shows. Whether you’re constructing buildings, gathering resources, or taking on monsters, the game’s laid-back nature ensures a fun and enjoyable gameplay experience.
9. Cookie Clicker
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For fans of idle games, “Cookie Clicker” is one of the best Steam games to play while watching TV, especially for multitasking while catching up on your favorite shows. The concept is straightforward: you click to make cookies and then upgrade your production capabilities. It’s engaging yet low-key, allowing you to enjoy the game in the background while you binge-watch, making it an ideal game to play alongside your TV sessions.
Cookie Clicker on orteil.dashnet.org
10. RimWorld
“RimWorld” is a colony simulation game where you oversee a group of settlers trying to survive on a distant planet. The way the game tells stories and its management mechanics are captivating but not too taxing, letting you relish the experience of building and running your colony while catching up on your favorite shows. Plus, the game’s procedural generation and the diverse events ensure there’s always something fresh to keep you coming back for more.
11. Planet Zoo
“Planet Zoo” is a fun simulation game that lets you construct and oversee a zoo. The game strikes a great balance with its intricate animal care and park management systems—it’s engaging without being too overwhelming. This means you can have a great time growing a successful zoo while enjoying your favorite shows. Plus, the stunning graphics and soothing soundtrack really enhance the experience.
12. Cities: Skylines
“Cities: Skylines” is a city-building simulation game that lets you create and run your own city, making it one of the best Steam games to play while watching TV. Thanks to its sandbox style and in-depth management features, it’s perfect for multitaskers. You can lay your city’s design, handle resources, and tackle challenges—all while keeping an eye on your favorite shows, which makes for a fun and rewarding experience.
13. Don’t Starve
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“Don’t Starve” offers a distinctive survival experience with its one-of-a-kind art style and gameplay that presents a good challenge. The alternating day and night cycles, along with resource management elements, keep things interesting without being too overwhelming. This balance lets you dive into the survival experience, sometimes even while enjoying your favorite show. Plus, the game’s dark humor and quirky characters really add to its appeal.
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
Tetris Effect: Connected is a visually stunning and immersive version of the classic puzzle game Tetris, featuring beautiful, dynamic backgrounds and soundscapes that react to gameplay. The game introduces a variety of new modes, including “Connected,” where players can team up in multiplayer to clear lines together. The soundtrack is designed to be highly reactive, with music and visuals evolving as players progress through levels, creating a captivating experience. it is truly one of the best Steam games to play while watching TV.
Stardew Valley on stardewvalley
Conclusion
Mixing the fun of gaming with the chill of watching TV can be a fantastic way to relax. Whether you’re getting lost in the charming landscapes of “Stardew Valley” or diving into the complex strategies of “Civilization VI,” these best Steam games to play while watching TV strike the right balance between entertainment and relaxation. From managing a farm to constructing a city or exploring vast virtual worlds, these games offer non-stop enjoyment while you enjoy your TV time.
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.
