During the holiday season, many of us find ourselves finally free to indulge in our favorite pastime: video games. It’s a perfect time to dive into cozy games—those relaxing, stress-free titles that offer as much creativity and intrigue as any action-packed blockbuster.
Whether you’re sifting through an ever-growing backlog or scouring the Xbox store for something fresh, there’s a dazzling array of cozy games awaiting your discovery. We’ve categorized them to suit any mood, so wrap yourself in a warm blanket, grab your favorite mug of cocoa, and get ready to explore.
Fun on the Farm
Farming sims sit at the heart of cozy gaming, offering peaceful escapes where you can cultivate crops, make new friends, and embark on lighthearted adventures. If you’re after a setting with zero conflict or perhaps a mild challenge, there’s something here for everyone.
Stardew Valley
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
In Stardew Valley, you’re tasked with breathing new life into your grandfather’s neglected farm. As you till the soil and expand your homestead, you’ll develop skills in farming, fishing, and more. Plus, you can form friendships, start romances, and even play with up to eight friends. With the recent 1.6 update introducing loads of new content, it’s a great time to either visit or revisit this beloved game.
Lightyear Frontier
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Yearning for some cosmic-scale farming? Lightyear Frontier lets you craft the ultimate farmstead on alien soil with your very own customizable mech. Perfect for those who love both farming and sci-fi adventures, it offers online multiplayer so friends can join the fun. Uncover the planet’s secrets and be part of a galactic ecosystem!
Coral Island
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Swap the hectic city life for a tropical paradise in Coral Island. Nurture crops and animals while mingling with a cast of over 70 unique characters. Embrace the outdoors by fishing, catching bugs, or exploring the depths of the coral reef. It’s a joyful way to soak up sunshine from your gaming chair.
Comfy, Cozy Puzzles
If you’re less inclined to farm, how about a relaxing puzzle game? These allow you to unwind with charming visuals and serene gameplay that won’t tax your brain too much.
Botany Manor
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Step into the shoes of Arabella Greene in Botany Manor and bring life back to the manor gardens. Solve botanical puzzles by using clues and unlock more of the manor’s secrets as you progress. It’s not just about flora; it’s also a journey into Arabella’s life story.
A Little To The Left
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Experience the joy of tidying up with A Little To The Left. Reorganize everyday items in over 100 quirky, satisfying puzzles. Ideal for those who find beauty and peace in clean, organized spaces.
Strange Horticulture
Available on: Cloud, Console
In this uniquely dark but cozy mystery, you own an unusual plant shop in the town of Undermere. Use your growing collection of flora to influence Strange Horticulture‘s narrative and unlock the mysteries of this creepy yet charming town.
Light-hearted Adventures
If you’re after something interactive but not too intense, spring for these easy-going adventures. Wander through engaging worlds, complete light quests, and enjoy some non-combat action.
Lil Gator Game
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Explore an idyllic island as a lovable little gator in Lil Gator Game. With quests around every nook, this delightful, low-key game lets you uncover secrets at your own pace while making new friends aplenty.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Dungeons of Hinterberg promises a balance of excitement and relaxation. As Luisa, explore dungeons and engage with the community in the stunning setting of Hinterberg. You choose how to spend each day—exploration or relaxation.
Little Kitty, Big City
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
In Little Kitty, Big City, roam the urban landscape through a cat’s eyes. Befriend strays, tackle quests, and leave your mischievous mark all over town. It’s a curious exploration with plenty of charm.
Spiritfarer
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
In Spiritfarer, navigate themes of mortality with warmth and care. Play as Stella, an afterlife ferrymaster, and help guide spirited friends to their next destination, all while managing your boat, farming, and crafting. You can even bring a friend along!
Jusant
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Climbing takes the spotlight in Jusant, an action-puzzle adventure where reaching new heights isn’t just about the destination. Relax and enjoy breathtaking scenery as you ascend, finding your way through stunning vistas.
A Short Hike
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
As a charming little bird in A Short Hike, traverse the calming beauty of Hawk Peak Provincial Park to reach the summit. The journey is filled with exploration, discovery, and companionship.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Disney Dreamlight Valley merges life simulation with exploration in a magical universe. Befriend Disney and Pixar characters, embrace adventures with them, and work together to restore harmony to Dreamlight Valley.
Cozy Narrative Delights
For a mix of storytelling and easy gameplay, these narrative-rich games create worlds where your imagination thrives, with stunning visuals to match.
Chicory
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Unleash creativity in Chicory, a game where you solve puzzles and uncover stories using the power of art. Discovering what happened to famous artist Chicory is just the beginning.
Toem
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Toem‘s enchanting black-and-white world invites you to see life through a camera lens. Meet quirky characters and solve puzzles in a game that’s as much about the joy of the journey as it is about the destination.
Harold Halibut
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
In Harold Halibut, explore a retro-futuristic underwater habitat, interact with fascinating beings, and unravel secrets through a beautifully crafted claymation adventure.
Satisfying Cleanups
Who knew cleaning could be so cathartic? These games let you tidy up and organize to your heart’s content without lifting a finger off your game controller.
PowerWash Simulator
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Pressurize your stress away in PowerWash Simulator. Clean a variety of settings, from vehicles to vast outdoor spaces, while uncovering stories tied to each area as you restore them to perfection.
House Flipper
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Channel your inner renovator in House Flipper. Purchase rundown properties, refurbish them into dream homes, and let your creative instincts run wild.
Unpacking
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Follow someone’s life journey through their belongings in Unpacking. This puzzle game combines organization with storytelling as you find the perfect spot for each item, revealing moments from the character’s life.
Nostalgic Cozy Favorites
A walk down memory lane is often the coziest of journeys. Reconnect with these revitalized classics and experience the 90s’ magic anew.
Spyro: Reignited Trilogy
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Fly and glide through Spyro’s remastered worlds to save the Dragon Realms once more. This trilogy rekindles the joy of classic platforming with updated graphics for modern gamers.
Crash Bandicoot: N’Sane Trilogy
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Relive the zany antics of Crash Bandicoot, revamped for today’s consoles. Spin through a vivid melange of the first three games, offering old and new fans a dynamic adventure.
Return to Monkey Island
Available on: Cloud, Console, PC
Set sail with Guybrush Threepwood in Return to Monkey Island, where familiar point-and-click gameplay meets fresh storytelling. Navigate comedic twists and tricky puzzles in this beloved series’ latest adventure.
With these cozy titles, your holiday period is set to be more relaxed and enjoyable. So delve into these diverse worlds, and let the cozy vibes carry you through the season.
