13 Calm Games That Still Offer a Sense of Adventure

ByKristen Wood

If you love peaceful games but still want something to get lost in, this list is for you. These 13 cozy picks do just that, mixing calm gameplay with a sense of wonder. Happy gaming!

Spiritfarer

Animated scene of a forest market stall with a red canopy. Two anthropomorphic animals and a person are present. The stall is decorated with various items and signs.
Spiritfarer | Gameplay Screenshot

Guide spirits to the afterlife while managing your cozy boat and forming deep friendships. It’s gentle, emotional, and full of meaningful little adventures.

Eastshade

A screenshot of a forest with trees and a river.
Eastshade | Gameplay Screenshot

You’re a traveling painter exploring a beautiful island, capturing its landscapes on canvas. No combat—just exploration, kindness, and quiet wonder.

A Short Hike

Pixel art image of a small boat approaching a dock on a vibrant island with cliffs, trees, and a winding path. A compass in the corner indicates direction.
A Short Hike | Gameplay Screenshot

Climb a peaceful mountain at your own pace while chatting with quirky animals and gliding through the sky. It’s short, sweet, and quietly magical.

Dordogne

Illustrated scene of people shopping at an outdoor market with colorful stalls and produce. A checklist shows items like baguette and tomato seeds. Old buildings are visible in the background.
Dordogne | Gameplay Screenshot

Step into the watercolor world of a young girl exploring her childhood memories. It’s a soft and reflective journey about family, discovery, and the beauty of small moments.

TOEM

Isometric view of a city block with several buildings, staircases, benches, trees, and people interacting in a grayscale, cartoon-like style.
TOEM | Gameplay Screenshot

Use your camera to solve gentle puzzles and meet quirky characters in a hand-drawn black-and-white world. It’s chill, creative, and quietly adventurous.

The Stillness of the Wind

Isometric view of a cozy, softly lit room with wooden furniture, a dining table, kitchen area, and a small attic. A blanket or cloak is draped over a chair.
The Stillness of the Wind | Gameplay Screenshot

You live alone on a farm in a slowly emptying world. It’s quiet and a little melancholic—but there’s a peaceful rhythm to tending goats and receiving letters from afar.

Season: A Letter to the Future

Open book with a polaroid photo and doodles. Text reads: "Who was Dr. Fumio?" and "Take pictures and record audio to find the answer!" Three blank frames labeled as murals are shown.
Season: A Letter to the Future | Gameplay Screenshot

Travel through a stunning world on your bicycle, recording memories and meeting strangers before a mysterious change arrives. It’s meditative, emotional, and filled with wonder.

Carto

A character stands on a grassy ledge surrounded by deep, dark gaps, with trees and plants in the background, reminiscent of scenes from games like A Little To The Left.
Carto | Gameplay Screenshot

You play as a young girl who can rearrange the map to explore new areas. It’s relaxing, clever, and full of heart.

Lake

A female character in a blue postal jacket stands by a lake, with a forest and mountains in the background under a hazy sky.
Lake | Gameplay Screenshot

Take a break from city life to deliver mail in a quiet lakeside town. The story unfolds slowly, letting you soak in the peaceful vibes and small-town charm.

The Wild at Heart

A mystical forest scene with a stone monument covered in green vines, surrounded by purple flowers. Glowing lanterns hang from gnarled trees. Light filters through the foliage above.
The Wild at Heart | Gameplay Screenshot

Explore a magical forest with a group of sprite-like creatures. It has quiet Pikmin vibes, light puzzles, and a story that gently unfolds as you go.

Wanderstop

Two characters converse in a colorful, cozy interior with plants and mystical decor. A dialogue box says: "Say there, local citizen! Have you found yourself troubled lately by malevolent spirits?.
Wanderstop | Gameplay Screenshot

You run a tea shop in a dreamy forest while unpacking your own mysterious past. It’s calming and story-rich, with hints of magic and emotional depth.

Wytchwood

A whimsical beach scene with cartoonish characters, wooden walkways, a small boat, sea creatures, and various coastal plants along the shore.
Wytchwood | Gameplay Screenshot

You’re a swamp witch gathering ingredients and brewing potions in a fairytale world. The art is gorgeous, the humor is dry, and the vibe is calm but curious.

Garden Story

Pixel art game scene showing a village with a dialogue box from Lychee: "Sawp! You're new here, aren't you?" Characters and buildings are styled in a cute, colorful design.
Garden Story | Gameplay Screenshot

Take care of your village, make friends, and gently fight off some rot—as a brave little grape. It’s cozy and low-stress with light RPG elements.

Kristen is a writer, photographer, cookbook author and avid cozy gamer. Her work has been featured in various publications including Forbes, The Associated Press, Elle, Pure Wow, Chicago Sun-Times, and Willow & Sage Magazine.

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