We Played 14 Cozy Games and These Are the Ones We Can’t Quit

ByKristen Wood Updated on

Not every game needs explosions or intense battles to leave a mark. Cozy games shine through soft visuals, heartfelt stories, and relaxing mechanics—offering a kind of quiet magic that lingers.

These 14 games are the ones that truly stood out and continue to draw players in.

Dinkum

A character in a cozy video game holding a bug net in a lush garden with plants and a compass on the screen.
Dinkum | Gameplay Screenshot

An Aussie take on the life sim genre, blending farming, mining, fishing, and town-building. It’s like a warm, outback version of Animal Crossing with endless things to do at your own pace.

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

Step into the shoes of a weary warrior running a magical tea shop. A gentle game about rest, reflection, and finding peace after burnout.

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

A wordless platformer that’s visually stunning and emotionally rich. Every movement feels like part of a painting.

Assemble With Care

A camera labeled "U2G LENAX" with a screwdriver inserted on top, surrounded by batteries, a mirror layout diagram, and coffee cups on a pink tile surface.
Assemble with Care | Gameplay Screenshot

Fix broken objects—and broken hearts—through soothing puzzles. Short, but surprisingly moving.

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 kind letters from strangers while lo-fi music plays. It’s not just cozy—it’s healing.

My Time at Portia

A cartoon-style character runs across a grassy field holding a chicken, followed by another character and more chickens; lush trees and a large structure are in the background.
My Time at Portia | Gameplay Screenshot

Craft, build, farm, and make friends in a post-apocalyptic town that somehow feels peaceful. There’s always something meaningful to do.

Witchy Life Story

Illustrated potion-making scene with a cauldron, flowers, bottles, candles, and mystical symbols. Text reads, "Niesha wants a potion for 'artistic greatness.'.
Witchy Life Story | Gameplay Screenshot

Play as a young witch preparing for a harvest festival. A little bit of spellwork, a lot of cozy vibes.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

A character in a red hat overlooks a scenic coastal landscape at sunset in a stylized video game environment.
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure | Gameplay Screenshot

Spend a summer helping animals and cleaning up nature on a sunny island. It’s gentle and uplifting from start to finish.

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

You’re a grape trying to bring peace back to the village. It’s wholesome, colorful, and a great slow-paced adventure.

Littlewood

Pixel art town scene in winter with snow-covered roofs, buildings, and people. A fountain is centered, flanked by decorations and animals. Day 16 of Winter displayed at the top.
Littlewood | Gameplay Screenshot

What happens after you save the world? You build a town, fish, craft, and live a quiet life. It’s relaxing and endlessly sweet.

Dordogne

Illustration of a sunlit European street with people walking, buildings with shutters, stairs, a market stall, and greenery. Shadows and light create a lively atmosphere.
Dordogne | Gameplay Screenshot

Hand-painted visuals bring this childhood summer story to life. Soft, nostalgic, and full of wonder.

Bear and Breakfast

A bear and a rat character converse in a cartoon-styled game; Gus the rat says, "There ain't a smell in the world that can disgust me.
Bear and Breakfast | Gameplay Screenshot

Run a cozy bed-and-breakfast as a bear. It’s cute, clever, and surprisingly full of heart.

Cozy Grove

A top-down view of a whimsical, brightly-lit garden scene from a video game, featuring crops, trees, lanterns, and various interactive objects, with a character near the center.
Cozy Grove | Gameplay Screenshot

Think Animal Crossing with friendly ghosts. Daily tasks, gentle storytelling, and a hand-drawn art style make it feel like a warm hug.

Lake

A tranquil lake surrounded by pine trees and mountains under a clear sky, with "Lake" written across the image.
Lake | Gameplay Screenshot

Deliver mail, reconnect with old friends, and enjoy the calm of a lakeside town in the ’80s. No stress, just stories.

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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