10 Cozy Video Games to Play When You Just Don’t Feel Like Leaving the House

New to the world of cozy gaming? The video game subgenre provides a chill environment without a threatening life-or-death mission. Don’t get me wrong — cozy games can have quests, puzzles, and time-sensitive conflicts, but they’re not as stressful as combative games.

Best described by gaming influencer Kennedy, cozy gaming “allows you moments of play, which is so rare as an adult.” Kennedy, also known as Cozy K on YouTube, is one of the many influencers that garnered a massive following after popularizing cozy game content creation.

Whether you own a Nintendo Switch, PC, Playstation, or Xbox, you can enter the world of wholesome games, but you’ll probably find it easier to play on a Nintendo device or using Steam.

Titles like “Stardew Valley” and “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” probably sound familiar, since they’re two of the most popular cozy video games (and they’re both worth the purchase). There’s an abundance of farming and gardening sims, but those games often include themes of socialization, friendship, and community. Essentially, most games ensure a relaxing vibe yet interactive experience for the player, and fortunately, new games are constantly being developed.

If you religiously check the Nintendo Switch eShop or Steam on a weekly basis, you’re more than likely to stumble upon a limited-time sale, and before you know it, you’ll have a collection of the coziest of cozy games. In case you’re looking for a new game… or ten, here’s a list to get you started.

In the growing world of farming simulation games, Wylde Flowers places a magical twist upon the genre by adding a spellbound subplot to the main character, Tara. After moving to a new town, Tara’s grandmother reveals that her family has a secret lineage of witches, and she’s next in line to perfect her newfound craft. But of course, you have to still tend to your farm and bond with the townspeople. And if you’re into games that have superb voice acting, Wylde Flowers will impress you. 

Available on: Nintendo Switch, Steam for Mac and Windows, iOS

If you recently moved, you’ll relate to the premise of this game. Described by Nintendo as “part block-fitting puzzle, part-home decoration,” the gameplay follows a character that just moved into a new home. Although you’ll be following a storyline and simply unpacking items, you’ll also be in for a bit of puzzle solving. 

Available on: Nintendo Switch, Steam for Mac and Windows, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4/5

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the franchise or a stranger to the world of Pokemon, Legends Arceus is a great game to begin your adventure into the Sinnoh region. With the creation of the Nintendo Switch, a majority of its Pokemon games (i.e. Pokemon Sword/Shield and Pokemon Scarlet/Violet) have an open world feature that allows players to explore to their heart’s content. 

Available on: Nintendo Switch

Did you ever spend a lot of time playing management games like “Cooking Mama” and “Papa’s Pizzeria?” Once you clock into the game’s abandoned bakery, you’ll find yourself lost in the world of baking pastries and goodies. Additionally, you’ll be able to customize your character, grow fresh ingredients, and keep track of your recipes. For all of its cozy chaos, the game is promising for fans of simulation games that keep you busy.

Available on: Steam for Windows and Mac, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch

If you owned any Disney Princess game in your youth, this is exactly the game you need in your life. After mysteriously arriving in Dreamlight Valley, you’re immediately introduced to Merlin, and he’ll tell you about the curse that’s been placed over the kingdom. You’re tasked with the seemingly never-ending goal to solve quests and develop friendships with characters like Mickey Mouse and Wall-E. The interactive, task-filled game has been compared to Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley for its similarly addictive nature, plus there’s frequent downloadable content.

Available on: Steam for Windows and Mac, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch

After multiple gamers of color raised concerns about the lack of diversity in dating simulation games, ValiDate has arrived with 13 playable characters and over 30 different possible scenarios. Described as a “romantic visual novel,” not every relationship in this game will work out, but it’ll keep you entertained as you venture on multiple dates and interactions.

Available on: Steam for Windows and Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch

In an alternative version of Seattle, elves, orcs, and other mythical creatures not only exist, but they are frequent regulars at your coffee shop. In Coffee Talk, you’re the barista brewing drinks for your customers while learning about their love lives and hobbies. Its lo-fi soundtrack is one of the many highlights of the game, and a new episode will be released in spring 2023.

Available on: Steam for Windows and Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One

If you’re a fan of puzzle-solving and cottagecore, “Strange Horticulture” may have a mystery or two for you to solve. In a Victorian-era setting, the main character is a horticulturalist that ends up doubling as a detective after nearby townspeople request for help concerning mysterious ailments. If you’re bored of gardening simulators but still have a passion for plants, this occult puzzle game will literally and metaphorically solve that.

Available on: Nintendo Switch and Steam for Windows and Mac

Similar to Disney cult-classic “Ratatouille,” “Spirit and the Mouse” is about a spirit… and a mouse. There’s not as much cooking or food in the game, but there’s an abundance of puzzles and electrifying action. Similar to other animal-centered games like “Untitled Goose Game” and “Stray,” you’ll spend hours roaming around this game as an animal, but you probably won’t get sick of it.

Available on: Nintendo Switch and Steam for Windows

If the title didn’t already pique your interest, “Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion” is purely what it sounds like — the main character is an adorable turnip who has been evicted from their home after not paying their taxes. While adventuring on a journey to pay back your massive debt, (no, this is not “Animal Crossing”) you will solve “planttastic” puzzles, interact with other veggie villagers, and battle against the corrupt vegetable government. Although this game sounds like a fever dream, it’s real and according to reviews, quite fun.

Available on: Nintendo Switch and Steam for Windows and Mac