Derek_omori
Competitive gaming can be mentally exhausting. Fast-paced, high-stakes matches demanding quick reflexes, strategy, and teamwork, CS:GO players often find themselves drained after a long day of practice or tournament play.
So, how do they unwind after such intense sessions? Surprisingly, many top-tier CS:GO professionals turn to cozy, relaxing games to recharge and destress.
For many Counter-Strike pros, cozy games offer the perfect mental reset, providing a peaceful escape. Here’s why even the most competitive CS players embrace these slower-paced, low-pressure titles to unwind – and which games they’re turning to when they need a break.
What Do Pro Players Play?
Believe it or not, some of the best CS:GO players are avid fans of cozy games. Here’s a look at a few pros who’ve shared their love for these relaxing titles:
s1mple – Minecraft
Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, widely regarded as one of the greatest CS:GO players of all time, has shared that he enjoys winding down with Minecraft.
After a long day of intense gameplay, he turns to the blocky, creative world of Minecraft to relax. The ability to build, explore, and create without any pressure allows him to escape the mental demands of Counter-Strike and find peace in a slower-paced environment.
NiKo – Football Manager
Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, another CS:GO legend, has revealed that he enjoys playing Football Manager when he’s looking for a break.
Although it’s more of a simulation game than a cozy title, Football Manager is still a low-pressure, strategic game that allows NiKo to take a step back from the fast-paced action of CS:GO.
It gives him a chance to relax and immerse himself in the management and decision-making aspects of the game, without the constant need for quick reflexes.
gla1ve – Stardew Valley
Andreas “gla1ve” Rossander, the in-game leader for Astralis, is another pro who enjoys cozy games. He’s mentioned Stardew Valley as a game he plays to unwind.
The laid-back farming and crafting gameplay of Stardew Valley provides a perfect contrast to the high-energy, strategy-filled gameplay of Counter-Strike. Whether it’s tending to crops or building relationships, Stardew Valley allows gla1ve to de-stress and relax in a low-stakes environment.
Xyp9x – The Witcher 3
Known for his calm demeanor on the Astralis roster, Xyp9x has also admitted to enjoying The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt during his downtime.
While it’s a bit more action-oriented than other cozy games, The Witcher 3 offers plenty of slower moments that focus on exploration, story, and character development.
After a day of CS:GO matches, Xyp9x enjoys immersing himself in the fantasy world of The Witcher, letting the immersive storytelling take his mind off the competitive grind.
jamjam – Slime Rancher
Even players from less high-profile teams have embraced cozy games. jamjam from Heroic has mentioned that he enjoys playing Slime Rancher, a colorful, peaceful game where players collect and care for adorable slimes.
The relaxing, no-pressure environment makes it the perfect game for winding down after the demands of CS:GO.
Why Cozy Games Are So Popular
Cozy games offer a much-needed break from the intense, competitive nature of Counter-Strike. They allow players to relax, recharge, and take their minds off the constant focus and high-stakes FPS matches.
Often focusing on creativity, slow-paced exploration, or simple tasks, these games create a relaxing environment where the stress of winning or losing takes a backseat.
If you're feeling burnt out from the grind, cozy games could be just what you need. Spending a Nintendo Switch card on something like Animal Crossing or Slime Rancher can offer a welcome break from the grind.
Be Kind, Unwind
The pressure of CS’s intensity can take a toll, and even the best players know that relaxation is key to maintaining peak performance. So, the next time you need a mental reset, growing some radishes may do more good than breaking your keyboard in a fit of rage-quit.