Summary
- Cozy games are the best way to unwind after a stressful day.
- While many of the coziest games are life or farming simulators, the category spans multiple genres, including platformers, puzzlers, and more.
Cozy games are entering a renaissance, with titles like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing pioneering the genre. As the gaming industry grows, a demand for relaxing, therapeutic gameplay becomes more and more apparent. Indie developers across the globe have answered the call, putting out titles that pride themselves on meditative gameplay while prompting emotional attachment to NPCs.
Related8 Best Short Cozy Games
Need to relax but don't have much free time? Here are the best short cozy games you can beat in just a few hours.
PostsWhether the ideal cozy game consists of task-based satisfaction or projecting personal feelings onto a melancholy storyline, there are options suitable for gamers of all backgrounds. The genre is very flexible, populated with RPGs, platformers, point-and-click adventures, life sims, and much more. These are the games to play after a long day of work, on rainy days, and when you just don't feel like crawling out of bed.
Updated on March 19, 2025, by PJ Molloy: Video games are a great way to escape the overwhelming and scary challenges of everyday life. If you need to get away from the stress of it all, check out the must-play cozy games we've added to the list.
EDDA Cafe Visual Novel
A Heartwarming, Time-Bending Romance
CloseWhat if you could go back in time to undo your biggest regret? That's the theme explored in EDDA Cafe Visual Novel. The story follows Mina, who is haunted by guilt after losing the love of her life. When she encounters a mysterious man on the street, he invites her to a coffee shop that can send people to the past. Could this be her only chance at redemption?
Everything about the game is beautiful, from its deeply touching story to its incredibly charming art style. Mina's journey is sure to tug at the heartstrings, so be prepared to shed some tears by the end.
A Castle Full Of Cats
Spot The Hidden Kittens
CloseA self-proclaimed "Catvania," A Castle Full of Cats blends hidden-object puzzle-solving with Metroidvania exploration. You explore a semi-open gothic castle brimming with well-hidden kittens. The goal is to investigate each room and find enough felines to unlock the next area. Keep an eye out for branching paths, too!
The game is perfect if you need to shut off your brain for a while. The gameplay tests your observational skills without getting too challenging, creating a stress-free and lighthearted experience. Bonus points for the adorable cats.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
Animal Crossing Meets Sanrio Characters
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Like Follow FollowedHello Kitty Island Adventure
Adventure Life Simulation Systems 5.5/10 Released July 28, 2023 ESRB E For Everyone Developer(s) Sunblink Publisher(s) Sunblink Engine Unity Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Franchise Hello KittyWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALWhat could be cozier than hanging out with your favorite Sanrio characters? Hello Kitty Island Adventure is a wonderful mix of life simulation and open-world exploration. You can decorate and furnish your house, befriend your neighbors, go fishing, and cook some tasty meals.
If you'd like some adventure, you can explore the vast open world, from the ocean's depths to the top of a volcano and everything in between. There are plenty of puzzles and quests to keep you engaged for hours. You can play online co-op!
Infinity Nikki
Be The World's Most Fashionable Adventurer
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Like Follow FollowedInfinity Nikki
Adventure Open-World Dress-Up RPG Systems 8.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 80/100 Critics Rec: 88% Released December 5, 2024 ESRB T For Teen // Blood, Violence Developer(s) Papergames, Infold Games Publisher(s) Papergames, Infold Games, Fearless Engine Unreal Engine 5WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALInfinity Nikki perfectly blends open-world exploration with fashion elements to create the coziest adventure game in recent memory. Take control of the titular Nikki, who's on a quest to explore the whimsical world of Miraland. Along the way, you can dress her in different outfits to access various abilities.
Since the gameplay is light on combat, you're free to enjoy the gripping story, take in the stunning world, and design the most adorable outfits in a stress-free environment. Nothing is better than being a hero and looking fabulous.
Webfishing
Catch Some Fish With Friends
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Like Follow FollowedWebfishing
Multiplayer Simulation Indie Systems Released October 11, 2024 Developer(s) Lamedeveloper Publisher(s) Lamedeveloper Engine Godot Multiplayer Online Co-Op Number of Players 1WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALFishing is one of the most relaxing things you can do in a video game, and Webfishing adds a social element to it. Create or join a server, talk to your friends through in-game chat rooms, and work together to catch fish in a peaceful lake.
Need a break from fishing? Grab a guitar and serenade your friends, or explore the forest for secrets. The charming low-poly graphics and accessible gameplay ensure every second is nice and calming. You may even make some friends along the way!
TCG Card Shop Simulator
Run Your Own Game Store
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Like Follow FollowedTCG Card Shop Simulator
Simulation Management Systems 6.5/10 Released September 15, 2024 Developer(s) OPNeon Games Publisher(s) OPNeon Games Engine Unity Number of Players 1 Steam Deck Compatibility Playable Early Access Release September 15, 2024WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALRunning a real-life store is hard, but TCG Card Shop Simulator turns it into a delightfully relaxing experience. The goal is to open your own game store to sell a Pokemon-inspired trading card game called Tetramon. From there, you can customize the shop, host tournaments, and earn money to buy upgrades.
4:58 Related9 Best Cozy Games You've Never Heard Of-
Some of the most underrated cozy games you need to check out!
PostsIf you like collecting cards, this game is right up your alley. In addition to selling booster packs, you can open them up to find rare cards and add them to your personal collection. Overall, it's incredibly rewarding to turn your tiny shop into a thriving business, and you get to trade cards while you're at it.
Duck Detective: The Secret Salami
Solve A Mystery In This Pun-Filled Adventure
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Like Follow FollowedDuck Detective: The Secret Salami
Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 79/100 Critics Rec: 83% Released May 23, 2024 ESRB E For Everyone Due To Mild Language Developer(s) Happy Broccoli Games Publisher(s) Happy Broccoli Games Engine UnityWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALCozy mysteries are perfect for cuddling up with, and it doesn't get cozier than Duck Detective. Take control of a crime-solving bird trying to catch the lunch-stealing Salami Bandit. Using your powers of de-duck-tion, you must investigate the crime scene, question witnesses, and figure out the culprit's identity before they strike again.
If you like silly humor, you'll love this pun-filled mystery and its goofy cast of characters. On top of the laughs, you also get some satisfying puzzles and a few good plot twists. Short, charming, and funny from start to finish, Duck Detective is ideal for anyone looking for a relaxing story.
A Short Hike
A Calming 3D Platformer
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Like Follow FollowedA Short Hike
Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 87/100 Critics Rec: 100% Released April 5, 2019 ESRB E For Everyone Developer(s) Adam Robinson-Yu Publisher(s) Adam Robinson-Yu Engine UnityWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALA Short Hike is a stress-free 3D platformer with collect-a-thon elements. You control a bird named Claire, who explores the serene Hawk Peak Provincial Park. Scattered throughout the world are golden feathers that expand your moveset, allowing you to reach new areas. The goal is to find enough of them to reach the top of the park's mountain.
However, there's no rush to get to the end goal. You're free to explore the game's open-ended world, take on side quests, go fishing, and chat with the park's charming visitors. It's a very calming experience that allows you to take your time and adventure however you like.
One Night, Hot Springs
An LGBTQ+ Visual Novel
If you're looking for good LGBTQ+ representation, One Night, Hot Springs is an excellent choice. It's a slice-of-life visual novel about a trans woman named Haru and her emotional experience at a birthday party. As she and her friends open up about their struggles for the first time, the night becomes a deep and meaningful conversation about bullying, mental health, and gender identity.
As you learn more about the characters, you can't help but sympathize with what they're going through. It's a touching yet cozy story that many can relate to. Even better, it's free to play on Steam.
