Does playing video games stress you out? Isn’t that weird? Games are supposed to relax you.
Here’s my friendly PSA for all my fellow cozy game lovers: cozy games are not just farming simulators like Stardew Valley, in the same way that competitive games are not just Valorant (hey, have you seen the highly competitive Farming Simulator League?)
I get it—we all love the idea of escaping into a world where you’re gifted a massive, dreamy piece of land and somehow become a millionaire while balancing your social life, side projects, and friendly chats with magical spirits, sprites, goddesses, or even dragons. But let’s be real—cozy gaming is so much more than that! Some of us are here for that Cooking Mama, Fashion Dreamer, or even SIMS life.
So, before we jump in, let’s clear the air: what exactly is a cozy game?
Cozy games are all about relaxing, chilling out, and leaving your stress at the door.
They’re supposed to be like a warm, comforting blanket, wrapping you in a cocoon of fun and relaxation. But here’s the catch—what feels cozy can be so different from one person to the next. What makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside might feel overwhelming, or worse, boring to you.
Cozy gaming also depends a lot on where you’re playing.
We’ve got console players, PC gamers, and mobile users, and trust me—the cozy game options on each platform are endless. There are so many incredible games to explore and recommend that it’s hard to narrow it down!
When people ask me for cozy game recommendations, my go-to question is always: What kind of cozy are you craving today?
Because, let’s face it, what feels relaxing one day might be totally different the next. Even the most classic farming sim can feel like too much sometimes, but you still want something that’s visually delightful and repetitive enough to snap you out of a bad mood.
Here’s how I like to break it down, with some recommendations based on what your brain’s feeling today:
Simulation Games
If you’re just tired of planting crops and watering plants, business-simulation games offer that same relaxing vibe, but with a fresh twist! You can manage shops, bake goodies, or even run a cozy café.
Set in the captivating world of the Touhou Project, this delightful game centers around the charming Youkai Mystia Lorelei and her ambitious dream of running the finest Izakaya in all of Gensokyo! I had an absolute blast managing every detail, from carefully curating an array of mouthwatering dishes to immersing myself in the creative process of unlocking new character stories. Exploring mystical areas to forage for rare ingredients helped me uncover a vast range of unique recipes, all contributing to making my izakaya the ultimate dining experience in Gensokyo!
Graveyard Keeper is an immersive cemetery management game where you not only build and oversee your graveyard but also delve into side ventures like farming, alchemy, and even organ harvesting. The real highlight of the game for me is grappling with ethical dilemmas—deciding between moral or shady choices—and witnessing the amusing, often bizarre consequences of those decisions. The eerie atmosphere might make it seem dark or grim initially, but the quirky humor woven into the characters’ dialogue and narrative adds an unexpected charm. It’s a thrilling balance of creepy and comedic!
Task-based Games
These games are all about repetition and simplicity. You work through different levels by completing tasks, moving forward in a game that might have a story, but with little to no side quests to stress about. Perfect when you need something chill yet engaging.
Sticky Business is a relaxing, creative simulation game where you manage your very own sticker shop. As the shop owner, you’re not just crafting adorable, quirky, or stylish stickers to sell—you also unlock heartwarming side stories about your customers, learning what drives their unique preferences and requests. With a variety of tools and customization options at your fingertips, you can let your creativity flourish, designing stickers in a fun yet controlled environment. The game’s cozy, laid-back atmosphere invites you to explore endless design possibilities while building meaningful connections with your clientele, making each sticker not just a product, but a personalized expression.
This game puts you in the shoes of a busy cashier trying to juggle more than just scanning groceries. Along with running the register, you’ll need to keep an eye out for robberies, maintain friendly relationships with your customers, and avoid selling expired or damaged goods. On top of that, you’ll get swept up in the drama of their personal lives as they share stories and problems while checking out. It’s a quirky, fast-paced game full of humor and challenges as you try to keep both the store—and your sanity—running smoothly!
Story-based Games
If you’re in the mood for a good narrative, these games immerse you in an unfolding story, where you interact with a beautiful, art-filled world. There’s usually not much choice involved, but the storytelling, art, and animations will make the journey worth it.
Stray puts you in the paws of a lost cat exploring a mysterious, long-forgotten city. Roam the city’s heights and depths, fend off threats, and solve its ancient mysteries. Experience life through a cat’s eyes—be stealthy, playful, and sometimes cheeky as you interact with curious droids and dangerous creatures in this enchanting adventure.
Spiritfarer is a cozy, heartfelt management game where you play as Stella, a caring Spiritfarer who helps guide spirits to the afterlife. Sail a beautiful, customizable boat through enchanting seas, befriending unique spirits along the way. You’ll fulfill their final wishes through activities like farming, cooking, fishing, and crafting, sharing special moments before gently leading them to the Everdoor, the gateway to the afterlife. With its charming art style and emotional depth, Spiritfarer offers a warm, thoughtful experience that celebrates life, love, and letting go.
Puzzle-based Games
These are the games that give your brain a light workout. They make you think, but without the pressure of timers or high difficulty. Visually satisfying, these games help you unwind while keeping you gently engaged.
A Little to the Left is a delightful and relaxing puzzle game where you sort, stack, and organize everyday items into satisfying, pleasing arrangements. As you tidy up, you’re also piecing together your own life, bringing a sense of calm and order to your surroundings. With over 75 charming levels, each puzzle offers a soothing challenge that lets you unwind while enjoying beautifully designed, everyday objects. This cozy game invites you to find joy in the little details and embrace the peaceful art of organization.
Unpacking is a short calming game where you organize belongings and decorate new homes, blending block-fitting puzzles with cozy interior design. You piece together clues about a character’s life through their items and how they arrange their space. It’s a unique, intimate experience that tells a story through the simple yet satisfying process of unpacking.
Open-world Games
Want to get lost in a world of exploration and creativity? Open-world games let you wander, build, and interact in expansive universes. Often these games have RPG elements with rich lore and storylines, giving you the freedom to play at your own pace.
This a cozy favorite that gained immense popularity during the pandemic, offering endless customization for your island paradise and the chance to collect charming designs and play with friends. With the Happy Home Paradise DLC, you can now design vacation homes for clients on new, beautiful resort islands, adding even more creative fun to your island life. Whether you’re decorating homes or enjoying your own island, it’s a warm, engaging escape from the everyday.
“My Time Game” series kicked off with the hit My Time at Portia and has since expanded with My Time at Sandrock, and now they’ve just announced a new project, My Time at Evershine.
These games are known for their memorable NPCs, incredible customization options, and expansive stories that offer plenty of ways to play and explore. My Time at Sandrock even introduced a multiplayer setting, adding a new layer of engagement and fun. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of My Time at Evershine to see what new adventures and features it will bring!
Your Next Cozy Gaming Adventure Awaits!
Cozy games come in all shapes and sizes—they’re whatever makes you feel good.
Whether it’s running a charming bakery, solving delightful puzzles, or designing the perfect life for your virtual villagers, there’s something out there that’s just right for you. There are still a lot more to include, so go ahead, explore and find your cozy fit!
If you’re looking for more cozy game recommendations or want a cozy gaming buddy, join me on my streams. Cozy games are my absolute favorite!
