Matching items in these peaceful puzzle games is the ideal way to unwind for a few minutes, no matter where you are or how busy life has become. Shift items around and yourself into a lower gear with some meditative match-and-merge fun.

Solitaire mahjong has been a popular pastime for millions of people for centuries. Zen Match pairs its familiar gameplay with a gentle soundtrack and relaxing visuals. Tap tiles to add them to your shelf and reveal any tiles underneath the chosen piece. Choose carefully to avoid running out of room by forming sets of three matching tiles, and aim to clear each level’s goal.

In need of some peace after a break-up and a stressful time at work, Lily moves to her late great-aunt’s house. Join her on her journey to find zen by helping restore the house and garden, one task at a time. To fix things up, you must complete levels by tapping matching adjacent blocks of two or more. As you clear each group, other blocks will fall down, letting you set up high-scoring combos to achieve each level’s objectives. See your puzzle prowess turned into a beautiful new home!

There’s a factory full of things to sort out here – and it’s your job to get them sorted. Tap objects – from various foodstuffs to musical instruments and rubber ducks – and form sets of three to clear them from the screen and complete each level’s objectives. The objects are all 3D, which makes seeing the remaining items jostle around as you dig through the collection super-satisfying to watch. As you master matching, you’ll go from the factory to the beach, sky and space!

A matching game fit for royalty! Help King Robert make his castle snazzy by clearing levels of match-3 puzzles. Completing each level’s objectives before your moves run out earns you stars, which you can use to give the castle some much-needed TLC. Match greater numbers of items to gain helpful items such as helicopters and TNT, helping you to clear levels even more effectively. It’s a royally relaxing time.

Fancy a bit of friendly competition? Match Masters brings match-3 puzzles to a multiplayer stage, challenging you to rack up the highest score against your opponent. With limited moves each turn, you’ll need to match carefully. You can match four or more items to earn extra moves, extending your window to score, and set off boosters to increase your score, too. As competitive games go, this feels calm and comfortable, and offers you a new way to test your puzzle skills.

One of the original match-3 games is still one of the best. Match sets of candy to clear your way through each level and complete orders of specific items. Make use of special candies made by matching bigger sets to clear even faster and aim for that shining golden crown! Stuffed with colourful candies and delicious puzzles, Candy Crush Saga is the perfect way to fill your spare moments with something sweet!