Jan 23, 2024 9:00 AM

The Best Cozy Games

Forget stressful leaderboards and time-sensitive missions. These games let you play at your own pace.

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Screenshot of the game 'Baldur's Gate 3' featuring an elflike character holding a glowing light

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It’s the perfect time to start playing cozy games. And by cozy games, I mean the opposite of what you might think. For some, video games are about loud noises, intense competition, and cutthroat leaderboards. These cozy games embody the opposite feeling. They’re mindless but not uninvolved; inviting but not harrying. They’re meant to evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and peace. In my opinion, they're best enjoyed solo alongside a cup of tea.

I’ve always loved cozy games, but the colder months are my favorite time to play them. Take a chance and add a few to your gaming library. It’s important to note that “cozy” is relative—if it makes you feel warm and fuzzy, then it’s cozy. These are my favorites.

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Updated January 2023: We've added three new games to our roundup.

Courtesy of Sprout Studios
Adventuring, but Cozy
Sun Haven
If Stardew Valley (it's listed below!) was bigger and had more of a magical, fantasy feeling, you'd get Sun Haven. The map is immense, and there are many characters you can build relationships with. The storyline is rich and also very much play-at-your-own pace—if you don't have potatoes growing on your farm in Spring 1, you're not going to be set back by a year. My favorite part of Sun Haven is the skill tree. If you'd rather use a bow and arrow than a sword, there's a skill for that. Or if you'd like to focus on foraged goods instead of farming, you can tailor to that play style.
Even though I hate the fishing minigame with all of my might, if you've put a lot of hours into Stardew and you're looking for something new, Sun Haven is definitely worth a playthrough. Just beware of giant, path-blocking Snaccoons.
Available on Steam (PC, Mac)
$25 at Steam
Courtesy of ConcernedApe
Farming, but Cozy
Stardew Valley
A cozy game roundup would be completely remiss without Stardew Valley. It’s iconic, a certified classic, but it’s still receiving updates to keep things fresh. The formula is probably one you’re familiar with: Your character leaves the Big City to take care of the family farm. But while Stardew Valley is a wonderful farming simulator, it’s so much more than that. You can go fishing, dig up treasures, build relationships with other characters, take part in seasonal events, and take down a capitalist regime. All in a day’s work.
Available on Steam (PC, Mac, Linux), Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, Apple App Store, and Google Play
$15 at PlayStation
$15 at Xbox
$15 at Steam (PC)
$15 at Amazon (Switch)

Courtesy of TapBlaze
Pizza, but Cozy
Good Pizza, Great Pizza
If we're in the same TikTok algorithmic circles, you've probably seen game streamers playing this title live. Good Pizza, Great Pizza is a cute cooking game on its surface, but there's a compelling story behind the characters that are ordering. It's just hectic enough to keep things interesting, and there's a huge online community if you get stuck or want some advice.
Unlike most other games, GPGP doesn't suffer on a tablet. I like playing on my iPad with my Apple Pencil. The game is available for the Nintendo Switch, but the controls are wonky and it doesn't get as many updates. We've linked it, but you may want to consider playing on another platform.
Available on Apple App Store, Google Play, Steam (PC, Mac), and Nintendo Switch
$10 at Steam
$10 at Nintendo eShop
Buy at iOS App Store
Buy at Google Play Store
Courtesy of Larian Studios
Dungeons and Dragons, but Cozy
Baldur's Gate 3
When you think about Baldur’s Gate 3, the first thing that pops into your mind probably isn’t “cozy,” but hear me out.
Whether you spent your day battling mind flayers or goblins, or you went trekking through dangerous dungeons, each day in Baldur’s Gate 3 (WIRED Review) ends with a campfire, pajamas, and snacks. It’s a bit of game design that provides a sense of safety, a sense of home even though our heroes spend the bulk of the game on the road. And it gives you a dedicated place to just unwind, talk with your companions about the latest goings-on (and hot goss).
Not to mention, the game features really granular difficulty options, so your time outside camp can be as chill or un-chill as you want it to be. I like to play it at a brutal, punishing difficulty level, because it makes returning to camp every night feel that much more relaxing—like when you go into a warm, cozy café after a long walk in bitter winter cold. —Jaina Grey
Available on Steam (PC, Mac), GoG, PlayStation, and Xbox
$60 at Steam Store (PC)
$70 at PlayStation Store (PS5)
$60 at GOG
$70 at Microsoft Store (Xbox)

Courtesy of Nintendo
Island Development, but Cozy
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
I already wrote an entire love letter about this game, but suffice it to say that Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of the coziest games I’ve ever played. Your character is in charge of developing a deserted island. There are seemingly endless customization and decoration options, and as you progress, you’ll meet more neighbors and unlock more activities. (I've got lots of starter tips here!) Highlights include collecting bugs and fish, renovating your home, and decorating your island to perfection. It kills me that Nintendo stopped adding new content to the game, but if you haven’t put hundreds of hours into it like I have, welcome to your new favorite hobby. (As with all things, it might not be for everyone.)
Available on Nintendo Switch
$60 at Amazon
$60 at Walmart
$60 at Best Buy
Courtesy of Humble Games
Moving, but Cozy
Unpacking
This sweet title is only a few hours long, but it is so, so worthwhile. The narrative-driven gameplay revolves around unpacking boxes and sorting their contents into various environments. It’s a masterpiece. The sound design is incredible, as is the story. It made our list of the Best Nintendo Switch Games. I can’t go into too much detail without risking spoilers, but if a genie came out of a lamp and granted me three wishes, one of them would be to play this game again for the first time.
Available on Steam (PC, Mac, Linux), Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, Apple App Store, and Google Play
~~$20~~ $10 at Amazon (Switch)
$20 at Xbox
$20 at PlayStation
$20 at Nintendo

Courtesy of Iceberg Interactive
Detective Work, but Cozy
Strange Horticulture
It’s one of the simpler options on the list, but no less fun. You play as the proprietor of a plant store. Collect and identify maps, solve puzzles, and piece together the eerie storyline bit by bit. The point-and-click gameplay isn’t too intensive, and it’s refreshing to play a detective title that doesn’t have too much pressure or intensity as a motivational factor. It's also a little bit creepy.
Available on Steam (PC, Mac), Nintendo Switch, and Xbox
$15 at Xbox
$15 at Steam (PC)
$15 at GameStop (PC)
$15 at Nintendo
Courtesy of Nintendo
Memories, but Cozy
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Many WIRED staffers love this game. It's similar to other life sims, but the NPCs are various Disney characters. Lest you feel like the game will be too childish, the dialog is grown-up and sometimes a little dark. There are oodles of quests and decoration items, plus hours of unlockable content. The game launched globally on December 5. Originally, it was going to be released as a free-to-play title, but the developers recently announced that this will not be the case. It's still worthwhile in my opinion (even if I'll be planting pumpkins 'til I’m 50).
Available on Steam (PC), Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and Apple App Store
$40 at Amazon (PS5)
$40 at Amazon (Switch)
$40 at Amazon (Xbox)
$40 at Steam (PC)

Courtesy of EA
Life, but Cozy
The Sims 4
Okay, maybe your experience with The Sims has been more about removing pool ladders and forcing your crushes to marry you than it has been about being cozy. But have you considered making your Sims knit? Or raise farm animals? Or grow plants? If you remove some of the pressures the game tries to place on you, then The Sims can be extremely cozy. I’ve spent hours just building houses. With oodles of inexpensive expansion packs (I rank many of them here), plus the option for mods, you can achieve that comforting feeling in many different ways. Best of all, the base game is free.
Available on Steam (PC), Origin (Mac), Xbox, PlayStation
Buy at Xbox
Buy at Steam
Buy at PlayStation
Buy at EA
Courtesy of Cozy Bee Games
Cooking, but Cozy
Lemon Cake
In her dedicated rave, WIRED reviewer Brenda Stolyar described Lemon Cake as “a mixture of Stardew Valley, Cooking Mama, and Diner Dash in one—but more subdued.” Your goal is to fix up a bakery while keeping your customers happy. It's not too hectic or frenzied, but there are some strategy elements and unlockables to keep things interesting.
Available on Steam (PC), Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation
$30 at Nintendo
$20 at Xbox
$20 at PlayStation
$15 at Steam

Courtesy of Studio Drydock
Spell-Casting, but Cozy
Wylde Flowers
This title is similar to other life simulators on this list. You control the main character, Tara, as she navigates life in a new town. You’ll take care of a farm, mine in dungeons, develop relationships with the townspeople, and unravel a mystery with your coven. (Surprise! You’re also a witch!) The magical vibes of this game lend a fresh feel to the genre, which—while still fun—can feel a bit formulaic. Wylde Flowers is also available on iPhone with an Apple Arcade membership.
Available on Steam (PC), Nintendo Switch, and Apple Arcade
$25 at Steam
$25 at Nintendo
Courtesy of Popcannibal
Penpals, but Cozy
Kind Words
This chill and relaxing game is all about writing kind letters to real-life people. Strangers will share a concern or ask for advice, and you’ll write anonymous replies, customizing the letters with stickers or different stationery. You can also request letters and receive some kind words in return. Every note is different, but in my experience, they’re all touching. Lo-fi beats playing in the background complete the vibe. If you like giving advice, or you just want to spread kindness, this cozy game is as feel-good as it gets.
Available on Steam (PC, Mac, Linux)
$5 at Steam

Courtesy of Nintendo
Ghosts, but Cozy
Cozy Grove
Sometimes life simulation games give you too many options at once. Your character sprints from farm to general store to fishing hole and back again, and somewhere along the way, you burn out. Cozy Grove actively encourages you not to play too much. The game only progresses so much in a given day, so unless you want to cheat (and risk bricking your save file), you can’t overdo it. Nobody will get mad at you. Nobody will guilt trip you. Your ghost bear friends will be there to give you badges and ask you to collect their mail or some seashells. What could be cozier?
Available on Steam (PC), Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and Apple Arcade
$15 at Amazon (Switch)
$15 at Best Buy (Switch)
$15 at Xbox
$15 at PlayStation

Louryn Strampe is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED covering a little bit of everything. She especially loves discounts, video games … and discounted video games. She previously wrote for Future PLC and Rakuten. She currently resides in northern Illinois with two fluffy cats.

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