12 Night Owl Games That Keep You Company After Dark

ByKristen Wood Updated on

Ever find yourself wide awake while the rest of the world is sleeping, just searching for something to keep you company through the quiet hours? Whether you’re a certified night owl or you just love gaming after dark, there’s something uniquely comforting about losing yourself in a great game when the lights are low and the world feels calm.

Here are 12 Night Owl Games that will keep you company, spark your imagination, and make those long, peaceful nights feel just a little less lonely.

Stardew Valley

A purple building with a clock is surrounded by trees, fences, flower petals, and colorful balloons. Several characters stand outside on green grass.
Stardew Valley | Gameplay Screenshot

Nothing beats tending crops and making friends in the middle of the night. Stardew Valley’s gentle rhythm and cozy vibes make it perfect for winding down after a long day.

Spiritfarer

A large turtle with trees on its back emerges from the water near a wooden pier at sunset; two characters stand on the pier with a speech bubble that says, "She's here.
Spiritfarer | Gameplay Screenshot

This heartfelt adventure about guiding spirits to the afterlife is surprisingly soothing. Its nighttime atmosphere is especially magical when you’re sailing under the stars.

Unpacking

A neatly arranged bedroom with a computer desk, stuffed animals on the bed, and a note reading, "Classes start Monday! Uni, here I come!" dated January 2004.
Unpacking | Gameplay Screenshot

Sorting through boxes and finding the perfect spot for every item is oddly satisfying. It’s a calming, almost meditative experience—ideal for late-night sessions.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Two cartoon alpaca characters sit at a decorated wedding table with pink and white flowers and elegant place settings.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Gameplay Screenshot

The island never really sleeps, and there’s always something peaceful to do after dark. Catch some bugs, chat with your villagers, or just listen to the waves.

Coffee Talk

Illustration of a person with green hair sitting at a cafe counter, drinking coffee, with a laptop and notebook nearby. The words "Coffee Talk" appear on the image. The cafe has a cozy ambiance.
Coffee Talk | Gameplay Screenshot

Serve up warm drinks and even warmer conversations to quirky customers in a late-night coffee shop. It’s like a cozy chat with friends when you need it most.

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

Explore a charming island at your own pace as you search for cell service and make new animal friends. It’s short, sweet, and perfect for a peaceful night in.

Eastshade

Rocky shoreline with red plants in the foreground, overlooking a calm sea under a cloudy sky. Sunlight brightens the scene, with some trees and rocks near the water's edge.
Eastshade | Gameplay Screenshot

Play as a traveling artist, painting beautiful landscapes and chatting with locals in a dreamy, calming world. Exploring Eastshade after midnight feels extra serene.

Firewatch

A dry, orange-tinted landscape features a tree, rocks, and red objects near a small body of water. Sparse grass grows around the area, and a misty sky is visible in the background.
Firewatch | Gameplay Screenshot

Lose yourself in the mystery of the wilderness as you patrol a lonely forest with only your radio for company. The quiet nights are both haunting and comforting.

Night in the Woods

Four anthropomorphic animals are seated in a living room. One animal, sitting on the right side, says "There are like 50 better explanations for all of this" in a speech bubble.
Night in the Woods | Gameplay Screenshot

Join Mae as she returns to her hometown and reconnects with old friends. The late-night adventures and heartfelt conversations hit different when you play after dark.

Gris

An illustrated scene depicting a fantastical castle with overgrown plants under a large full moon in a starry night sky, evoking the mystical aesthetics of games like Monument Valley.
Gris | Gameplay Screenshot

This visually stunning platformer takes you on an emotional journey through grief and hope. Its calming music and dreamy visuals are perfect for a nighttime escape.

Kind Words (lo fi chill beats to write to)

A vibrant screenshot of a delightful game set in a lively park, reminiscent of games like unpacking.
Kind Words (lo fi chill beats to write to) | Gameplay Screenshot

Write and receive encouraging notes from strangers to the backdrop of lo-fi beats. It’s a gentle, uplifting experience that’s especially nice when you need some company late at night.

Journey

A figure in a red cloak glides through an ancient, crumbling stone structure in a desert landscape. The sky is overcast, and the scene has a warm, sandy color palette.
Journey | Gameplay Screenshot

Embark on a silent pilgrimage across shifting sands and ancient ruins. Playing Journey after hours feels like you’re sharing a secret world with just one other traveler.

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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