11 Cozy Games You’d Never Expect to Be Cozy

Not all cozy games come with pastel palettes and farming. Some are weird, wild, or even a little spooky—but somehow still manage to wrap you in comfort.

From unexpected genres to strange settings, here are 11 games that prove cozy can come in all shapes and pixels.

Stardew Valley (Skull Cavern)

A character approaches a bear in a snowy landscape in Stardew Valley. Dialogue box reads: "That smell... come closer..." with an illustrated portrait of the bear.
Stardew Valley | Gameplay Screenshot

The combat levels in Stardew aren’t cozy… or are they? Some find the dungeon grind oddly relaxing.

Red Dead Redemption 2

A group of people wearing Western-style clothing ride horses on a dirt path with trees and hills in the background.
Red Dead Redemption II | Gameplay Screenshot

Between gunfights? Fishing, camp chores, and watching sunsets feel like a frontier spa day.

Death Stranding

A soldier walks through a dark, burning trench filled with debris, barbed wire, and lifelike doll figures, with smoke and fire visible in the background.
Death Stranding | Gameplay Screenshot

Delivering packages across breathtaking landscapes with chill music? Surprisingly peaceful.

Minecraft (Hardcore or Survival Mode)

A first-person view in Minecraft shows a lush jungle biome with tall trees. The HUD displays a health bar and a hunger bar, with the player having no items in the quick-access inventory slots.
Minecraft | Gameplay Screenshot

Even under pressure, some find the survival aspect deeply immersive and relaxing.

Dark Souls III

Dark Souls III | Gameplay Screenshot

Yes, it’s brutal. But its quiet moments, lore-rich world, and methodical rhythm are a comfort to many.

Subnautica

A futuristic underwater base with glass tunnels is surrounded by glowing sea creatures and a submarine; the word "Subnautica" appears in the top right corner.
Subnautica | Gameplay Screenshot

Terrifying depths aside, building a sea base and floating through coral reefs can be very soothing.

The Long Dark

A frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered trees and hills under a clear blue sky. Russian text is visible in the upper left corner. Game interface icons are at the bottom.
The Long Dark | Gameplay Screenshot

Harsh and cold, yet the solitude and survival mechanics can feel deeply calming.

No Man’s Sky

A futuristic spacecraft is landed on a yellow grassy field with robots and drones nearby under a bright sky with distant mountains.
No Man’s Sky | Gameplay Screenshot

Exploring infinite planets solo feels like the ultimate peaceful sci-fi escape.

Fallout 4

A video game character in a trench coat and hat stands in a dimly lit, old-fashioned street with neon and wood signs. A health bar and compass are visible on the screen.
Fallout 4 | Gameplay Screenshot

Post-apocalyptic chaos aside, settlement building and wandering empty zones have cozy potential.

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

A video game scene shows a player aiming a rifle at two armed soldiers in a dense jungle, with a weapon status HUD visible on the lower right.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain | Gameplay Screenshot

Base management, animal rescue, and silent stealth missions are oddly tranquil.

Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla

A Viking longship approaches a riverside village with a church and stone buildings, as armed figures watch from the shore under a pastel sky.
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla | Gameplay Screenshot

When you’re not raiding, just strolling through snowy villages or fishing is pure calm.

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