During the holiday season, while everyone talks about unplugging and reflecting, we all know it’s the perfect time to dive into some amazing video games. And what could be more fitting for this period than cozy games? These are the kinds of games that are all about relaxation without the stress but remain just as creative as their high-octane counterparts.
Whether you’re sifting through your backlog hoping to find a hidden gem or browsing the Xbox store for something new, I have a list of wonderful, tried-and-true games perfect for a cozy session. These are sorted into easy categories to make sure you find exactly what suits your mood. So, make yourself a hot drink, tuck under a big blanket, and let’s explore.
Fun on the Farm
Farming simulators have been the heart and soul of cozy gaming, providing tranquil worlds where you can cultivate crops, spend time with friends, or embark on adventures. Whether you crave a peaceful gaming escape or a slight challenge, these games have something for everyone.
Stardew Valley
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
In Stardew Valley, you inherit your grandfather’s worn-out farmland and transform it into a thriving homestead. You’ll develop key skills to boost your farming, fishing, and combat prowess, with plenty of items and recipes to discover. The town is bustling with friendly locals, potential love interests, and now, thanks to the latest 1.6 update, even more content awaits. Jump in solo or with up to eight friends in co-op mode.
Lightyear Frontier
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
For those who dream of farming on a cosmic scale, Lightyear Frontier brings peaceful farming into outer space. With an open-world to explore, you build the interstellar homestead of your dreams with your customizable mech. Discover the secrets of a mysterious planet while supporting its ecosystem. This is a cozy simulation perfect for lovers of farming and big robots alike, and you can even invite three friends to join your adventure online.
Coral Island
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Escape to Coral Island and trade city life for a serene tropical paradise. Here, you’ll plant crops, care for animals, and meet over 70 unique community members. The island offers a variety of outdoor activities like fishing, bug catching, and diving for hidden treasures. It’s a bright, relaxing simulation brimming with charm.
Comfy, Cozy Puzzles
If farms aren’t your scene, perhaps a soothing puzzle game will do the trick. We’re not talking about head-scratchers—just gentle exploration and solving puzzles at your own pace, all wrapped up in stunning visuals.
Botany Manor
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
In Botany Manor, you step into the boots of Arabella Greene, a retired botanist on a mission to rejuvenate her grand estate’s gardens. Discover clues and grow forgotten plants as you navigate the manor, uncovering Arabella’s life story along the way.
A Little To The Left
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Settle down with this endearing puzzle game that turns tidiness into an art form. From organizing screws to pantry items, each of the 100 scenarios offers a delightful twist. If organizing makes you happy, this game will surely satisfy you.
Strange Horticulture
Available on Cloud, Console
Step into the world of Strange Horticulture as the owner of a quaint plant shop, delving into an occult-themed puzzle experience. Explore the tale of Undermere, balancing tranquility with eeriness, and influence the storyline with your botanical expertise.
Light-hearted Adventures
For those who want a bit more action and exploration, these low-pressure adventures offer engaging worlds without the stress of combat or complex decisions. Enjoy exploratory fun and light quests with these delightful titles.
Lil Gator Game
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Embark on an endearing journey as a little gator exploring an island full of friendships and secrets. Complete quests and adventure across serene landscapes. It’s a delightful, stress-free romp full of charm.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Combine dungeon exploration with social charm in Dungeons of Hinterberg. As Luisa, balance your time between delving into intriguing dungeons and enjoying the town’s peaceful scenery. It’s a lovely experience that blends adventure with leisurely gameplay.
Little Kitty, Big City
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Explore the bustling city through a feline’s perspective in Little Kitty, Big City. Roam freely, make furry friends, complete quirky quests, and embrace a little mischief along the way—all at your own pace.
Spiritfarer
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Though Spiritfarer deals with themes of mortality, it’s a cozy management game at heart. As Stella, ferry spirits to the afterlife while enjoying farming, cooking, and crafting. Best of all, journey with a friend as Daffodil the cat by your side.
Jusant
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Climb to new heights in Jusant, a tranquil climbing adventure. The climb itself is the journey—explore scenic paths, uncover beautiful environments, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you scale the tower at your own pace.
A Short Hike
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Embark on a charming trek through Hawk Peak Provincial Park in A Short Hike. Play as a small bird navigating vibrant trails, uncovering secrets, and mingling with fellow travelers along your route to the top.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
For a touch of magic, dive into Disney Dreamlight Valley, blending life simulation with classic Disney and Pixar exploration. Befriend characters, tackle quests, and restore the valley, all while personalizing your home.
Cozy Narrative Delights
Craving a gripping narrative with cozy gameplay? These story-rich games offer immersive tales and low-energy gameplay. Whether you’re traveling through hand-drawn worlds or solving mysteries, there’s a narrative experience waiting for you.
Chicory
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Embrace your artistic side in Chicory, a vibrant adventure brimming with delightful characters. As you search for the missing artist Chicory, your painting abilities will solve puzzles and uncover a moving story.
Toem
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
In Toem, embark on a picture-perfect journey with your trusty camera. Traverse a beautifully drawn world, snap photos, and meet quirky characters, all while unraveling the mysteries hidden in this enchanting landscape.
Harold Halibut
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Join Harold on an undersea adventure aboard a spaceship. This charming claymation point-and-click tale introduces you to exotic creatures and the mysteries of the past, wrapped in retro-futuristic style.
Satisfying Cleanups
If organizing virtual spaces sounds appealing, these games will let you experience the gratification of tidying without lifting a finger in real life. From pressure washing to unpacking, these titles bring a tidy world to your fingertips.
PowerWash Simulator
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Experience stress relief in PowerWash Simulator, where you’ll tackle the grime across diverse levels, racing your way from dirty vans to more intricate cleans. Improving your gear as you go, uncover the tales of Muckingham while bringing a shine to the world.
House Flipper
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Become the ultimate jack-of-all-trades in House Flipper, fixing up derelict homes into spectacular spaces. A broad set of tools lets you express creativity, transform properties, and eventually sell them for profit.
Unpacking
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Unpacking is a cozy narrative puzzle that follows a character’s life through the process of unpacking. With every box you empty and item you place, you unravel their story, memories, and significant life moments.
Nostalgic Cozy Favorites
Nothing beats the comfort of nostalgia, and these classic 90s games given new life are perfect for the holiday season. Revisit these cherished titles or introduce them to a new generation and rekindle old memories.
Spyro: Reignited Trilogy
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
In this beautiful remaster of the Spyro trilogy, save the Dragon Realms once more. Glide and dash across colorful worlds, rescuing fellow dragons and snaring treasure. Experience these classics anew with enhanced visuals on Xbox Game Pass.
Crash Bandicoot: N’Sane Trilogy
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Jump back in time with the remastered Crash Bandicoot trilogy. Adventure through revamped levels that stay true to their roots while offering modernized gameplay and visuals. Whether revisiting or discovering, it’s a playful journey full of nostalgia.
Return to Monkey Island
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Slip back into the shoes of Guybrush Threepwood with Return to Monkey Island. Discover puzzling new stories in the beloved comedic adventure series, now with an updated take while keeping all the charm that made the series a favorite.
Embrace these cozy titles this holiday season and let them whisk you away to stress-free worlds, whether you’re venturing into nostalgia or finding new favorites.
