Summary
- Cozy strategy games offer a relaxed pace for thoughtful decision-making without high-stress situations.
- Games like Diplomacy Is Not an Option and Manor Lords provide a serene, more meditative gameplay experience.
- From a slower pace in Civilization 7 to engaging combat in Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark, these games offer strategic depth with no rush.
If you’re a fan of strategy games but prefer to avoid the heart-pounding stress of high stakes, you're in the right place. Cozy strategy games are about using your brain without making your heart race. These games vary massively. Some of them are all about managing a farm, while others are about outsmarting your opponents.
4:27 Related2024's 8 Best Strategy Games
2024 was no slouch in the strategy game department (in fact, one game has 11 in it!).
PostsEither way, these games combine thoughtful decision-making with a more relaxed pace. Let's take a look at the best cozy strategy games that will keep you hooked without needing to sacrifice your sanity.
9 Diplomacy Is Not an Option
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Strategy Simulation Systems OpenCritic Reviews Critics Rec: 100% Released February 9, 2022 ESRB t Engine UnityWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALThis whimsical RTS game blends city-building with wave defense. There is some light resource management thrown in as well, and plenty of tactical decision-making. But the game has an overall cozy vibe, too, and works well if you're looking for something just a bit more fast-paced.
You play a minor noble who must expand and defend your territory while making tough strategic decisions, whether that's exactly what to build or fending off thousands of enemy troops.
8 Civilization 7
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Like Follow FollowedSid Meier's Civilization VII
Grand Strategy Turn-Based Strategy 4X 7.7/10 Released February 11, 2025 ESRB Everyone 10+ // Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Mild Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes Developer(s) Firaxis Games Publisher(s) 2K Engine Gamebryo Engine Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Cross-Platform Play Yes - all platforms, restrictions applyWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALCivilization 7 lets you build an empire from the ground up, but don't expect a fast-paced race at every turn. Despite the developers' attempt to speed things up, Civilization 7 is exceptionally slow-paced, just like other games in the series. If you play at an easier difficulty, it's easy to sit back and relax as you build wonders and conquer worlds.
This game can be played as a laid-back builder or a giant warzone. It all depends on your playstyle and goals. It's a great game to grab if you're looking for a true strategy game that's slower than most.
7 Tactics Ogre: Reborn
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Tactical Strategy 4.0/5 Released November 11, 2022 ESRB T for Teen due to Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes Developer(s) Square Enix Publisher(s) Square Enix Franchise Tactics OgreWHERE TO PLAY
PHYSICALTactics Ogre: Reborn takes you back to the golden age of tactical RPGs with a deeply engaging, turn-based combat system. This game absolutely feels like a classic (and for a good reason). You'll guide a group of warriors through an intricate political drama while battling across grid-based maps.
While this game involves a lot of strategy, it also has a slower pace. The detailed character progression and methodical battles really make the game more slow-paced than other RPGs. Plus, there is no rush! You can take your time and experiment with different tactics.
6 Into The Breach
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Like Follow FollowedInto the Breach
Turn-Based Strategy Released February 27, 2018 ESRB e Engine Proprietary EngineWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALInto the Breach is a puzzle-like, turn-based strategy game where every move feels satisfying. You control a squad of mechs (which is already a winning concept in our book) to defend massive cities from massive creatures. There isn't anything groundbreaking here, but the main draw is the very tight combat. Each move counts!
RelatedBest Cooperative Cozy Games
These co-op games are cozier than you'd think.
PostsUnlike most strategy games, each level is self-contained. So you don't have to worry about failing and messing up your whole playthrough because you went through the wrong door. It's great for those who like strategy shooters but dislike the pressure that often comes with them.
5 Slay The Spire
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Like Follow FollowedSlay the Spire
Roguelike Deckbuilding Released January 23, 2019 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Tobacco Reference Developer(s) Mega Crit Publisher(s) Humble Bundle Engine libGDX Steam Deck Compatibility VerifiedWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONSlay the Spire combines deck-building with turn-based strategy in a rogue-like format that makes each playthrough feel fresh. You'll spend your time navigating a spire filled with enemies and challenges, collecting cards along the way that determine your attacks and defense. It's a great deck-building game, and there is a lot of strategic depth involved.
There isn't an overwhelming pressure to 'win,' either. You can take your time building an awesome deck and experimenting with different combos.
4 Manor Lords
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Strategy City Builder Systems Released April 26, 2024 ESRB t Developer(s) Slavic Magic Publisher(s) Hooded Horse Engine Unreal Engine 4WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALManor Lords offers a surprisingly cozy strategy experience despite its medieval setting and complex mechanics. You take on the role of a feudal lord, building villages from scratch, managing resources, and caring for their citizens through changing seasons.
The game’s slower pace, serene landscapes, and attention to detail make it feel more like a living diorama than a high-stress RTS. While battles do exist, the heart of Manor Lords lies in its thoughtful (and often meditative) town planning.
3 Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark
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Tactical RPG Released April 30, 2019 ESRB T for Teen - Violence, Blood Developer(s) 6 Eyes Studio Publisher(s) 1C Entertainment Engine Unity Steam Deck Compatibility Verified PC Release Date April 30, 2019 Nintendo Switch Release Date August 19, 2019WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALFell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark is a tactical RPG that brings depth and nuance to slow-paced, grid-based combat. It's set in a medieval fantasy world, where you'll control a group of customizable characters. The game's focus is on tactical planning and character progression, as each character has different skills and weaknesses. You'll spend your time experimenting with different loadouts and ability combinations.
Related22 Best Tactical Strategy Games For Beginners
Getting into tactical strategy games can feel daunting at first, but these games can ease new players in while still providing a good challenge.
PostsThe world is richly built, and there is a nice story, too. The tactical mechanics go pretty far, making it a must-play for any tactically minded gamers.
2 Mini Metro
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Simulation Strategy Released August 11, 2014 ESRB e Multiplayer Online MultiplayerWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALMini Metro is a simple game that allows you to design subway systems for cities around the world. Your goal is to optimize all the different routes and manage trains to keep everything running smoothly. While this might sound stressful, the art style and relaxing soundtrack make this game feel more like a puzzle than a high-stress strategy endeavor.
Each level has its own unique challenges, and there is no time limit. So, you can take as long building the perfect subway system as you want. There is plenty to engage your brain without setting off the alarm bells every ten minutes.
1 Northgard
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Strategy City Builder 4.0/5 Released March 7, 2018 ESRB e Developer(s) Shiro Games Publisher(s) Shiro Games Engine Heaps.ioWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALIn Northgard, you'll guide a Viking clan through the harsh environments of a newly discovered continent. This strategy game is in real-time and focuses mostly on resource management and settlement building. The real-time nature makes it much slower than similar games since you can't respond to anything supremely fast.
It's a good blend of strategic thinking and management. You'll grow your village at your own pace and handle problems as they emerge. There is just enough depth to keep things interesting without making it overwhelming.
Next8 Best Cozy Games For Beginners
New to cozy games? Here are the best ones to start with!
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