“Cozy” games have been on the rise in the gaming industry for the last few years. They’ve been riding a wave of popularity since the pandemic and seem to be many gamers’ peaceful getaway.
For those who aren’t familiar with Cozy games, they make up a modern subculture of gaming. They center around mechanics like task management, farming, character relationships and stress-free environments. These games provide beginners with an effortless and accommodating experience to introduce them to the world of gaming.
These games are a staple of many platforms, but all embody the same warm experience. There are many different titles of these games, like the ones below.
“Stardew Valley:”
The game is known for pioneering the small-town and farm-filled environment. “Stardew Valley” is one of the most popular indie titles of the genre with over 30 million copies sold worldwide.
“Animal Crossing:”
“Animal Crossing” has everything you need from island management to cute animal residents. This Nintendo title was one of the first of the genre after its initial release in 2001 on Nintendo 64.
“Good Pizza, Great Pizza:”
Many cozy titles reside on consoles like PC and the Nintendo Switch. But this pizza-making simulator is one of the most popular mobile cozy games on the market.
These chart-toppers have set the precedent for many aspiring titles in the cozy game industry. But what about lesser-known titles? Indie developers are constantly working to get their games to the top of the charts. So, here are some of the most underrated cozy titles you should add to your wishlist for this fall.
“Loddlenaut:”
Release Date: 2023 | Developer: Moon Lagoon | Steam
“Loddlenaut” introduces the player to a new–goopy–world through the eyes of an “interstellar custodian.” Clean up a polluted underwater planet while saving native “loddles” from the contaminated water. Spend time building up your deep-sea base and raising your newfound pets. This indie title started as a thesis project between NYU students Ricardo Escobar and Jin-Young Sohn. Their message of environment conservation shines through in this 2000s-inspired undersea story.
“Tiny Glade:”
Release Date: Sept. 24, 2024 | Developer: Pounce Light | Steam
“Tiny Glade” is exactly what it sounds like. You get to build your own piece of fantasy paradise. This cozy title lets you edit your build down to the last blade of grass along a cracked brick wall. From stables to kingdoms, bundle up in a blanket and let your imagination run wild. You can change the season, daylight, fauna and more to fit your fancy. A warm, flittery soundtrack follows your gameplay as you get lost in your next fairytale.
“Coffee Talk:”
Release Date: 2020 | Developer: TOGE Productions | Steam, Switch, PS4/5, Xbox One
Nothing says cozy like a warm coffee shop nestled within a bustling city-sphere. Serve coffee and tea to the “fantasy-inspired” locals and listen to all their surprisingly human problems. “Coffee Talk” has sold over 300,000 copies since its release in 2020. They also released “Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly” in 2023. This title lives up to its late-night lo-fi ambience with rainy nights and a relaxing soundtrack you can change in-game. Download this title to take a whack at making a warm Spiced Lady or Lemony Snippet for your next intriguing customer.
“Unpacking:”
Release Date: 2021 | Developer: Witch Beam | Steam, Switch, PS4/5, Xbox One, App Store
“Unpacking” has instituted itself as one of the most unique puzzle games of the cozy genre. The player follows an unseen character throughout some of the most important moments of their life–like childhood, college, new relationships and more–by simply unpacking their boxes. As you “unpack” this person’s life you learn more and more about them through their items. This title has a wonderfully paced story that averages about four hours in total. This succinct title leaves the player wishing they had just one more cardboard box to open.
“Spiritfarer:”
Release Date: 2020 | Developer: Thunder Lotus | Steam, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
“Spiritfarer” boasts all the staples of cozy gaming with a unique twist, you’re sailing to the afterlife. Whilst building up your boat and farming vegetables, you learn more and more about your lost spirit passengers and guide them towards their afterlife. This heartwarming title is full of well-written storylines, incredible art pieces and beautiful life lessons. “Spiritfarer” has sold around one million copies since its release. The game has overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.
“SEASON: A letter to the future:”
Release Date: 2023 | Developer: Scavengers Studio | Steam, PS4/5
Take in a beautiful world that’s destined to be washed away by a “mysterious cataclysm.” Play as Estelle, a curious young woman, who is biking to preserve the bittersweet memories of the world she knows. Meet strangers and learn their stories before recording them in a fully customizable journal. Build your own in-game time capsule as a new season quickly draws closer. Take your time to ask more and more questions about the world you’re soon to lose. “You should linger. It’s a game about lingering.” a member of Scavengers Studio said.
Fall weather is a favorite for many and it sets the perfect atmosphere for these newer titles. Take a night inside the next time the weather gets chilly and give one of these games a chance. Whether you want to meet some fantasy locals or guide spirits to their next step, you’re bound to find a game that suits your taste. Brew a warm drink and lose yourself in a new cozy world.
