In the dynamic landscape of action-packed video games, a refreshing trend is taking shape — the era of cosy video games that captivate audiences by offering a serene and stress-free gaming experience.
At their core, cosy games are crafted to be an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. These games often revolve around seemingly mundane activities — unpacking, colouring, tending to farms, or simply forming close relationships with in-game characters.
The charm of cosy games lies in their simplicity as they typically offer a quick grasp of concepts, allowing players to dive into the experience within minutes. By accomplishing modest tasks, these games provide a sense of fulfilment, elevating the satisfaction derived from gaming.
The growing fascination with cosy games might stem from the chaos and uncertainty that has marked the world in recent years. In seeking normalcy, control, and predictability, people find solace in the soothing landscapes of cosy games.
So, kick back, relax, and discover some of the best cosy games that offer tranquil and stress-free gameplay.
1) A Short Hike
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Price: S$8.50
Take a short, casual hike through a vibrant park filled with charming characters and scenic landscapes. If that sounds pleasant, A Short Hike will be right up your alley. It encompasses delightful exploration and discovery, as you navigate the mountainous Hawk Peak Provincial Park at your own pace whilst collecting golden feathers and other fun little items. The simplistic 3D visuals reminiscent of Animal Crossing are complemented by a lively soundtrack, setting the tone for a cheerful time in this relaxing sandbox game.
2) Chicory
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Price: S$18.50
Chicory is a game that names your character after your favourite food and puts you on a journey to colour the world. This feel-good premise is coupled with leisurely gameplay, which comes with the option to be invincible during boss fights, or even skip them entirely, so that casual players can enjoy Chicory without the stress of requiring gaming finesse.
More importantly, Chicory implores players to understand our place in life, embrace humility, and strive for growth in our skills, existence, and relationships, particularly the ones we foster with ourselves. It urges us to recognise that our journey is distinctly ours and encourages us to refrain from comparing ourselves to others. This message is like being wrapped in a warm blanket and being told “You’re worthy”. What could be more cosy than that?
3) Coffee Talk
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Price: S$13.00
In the delightful world of Coffee Talk, the ritual of crafting a virtual cup of coffee becomes a satisfying and tranquil experience. This unique game, blending visual novel and barista simulation, casts the player as the owner of a coffee shop frequented by humans as well as mythical beings like vampires, elves, and werewolves. The stories of these fantastical patrons are both quirky and grounded, offering a laid-back experience where you simply sit and listen.
The game’s simplicity, coupled with endearing writing and a soothing soundtrack, crafts an atmosphere that is both serious and mellow, free from the constraints of time limits or game over screens. What’s more, there’s a sequel, Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly (S$14.50), that’s just as comforting and charming as the first game.
4) Cozy Grove
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Apple Arcade
Price: S$14.50
Proof of Cozy Grove’s cosiness is right there in its name. The game places players on an island inhabited by whimsical, ghostly bear-like creatures. The objective is to perform virtuous deeds, such as locating lost mail, to reinvigorate the colourless island. Players are rewarded with spirit wood, which is then consumed by a sentient campfire named Flamey. As Flamey burns, its light transforms the world into a vibrant and lush landscape, infusing it with warmth and expanding the island’s scope.
The game’s delightful writing, filled with snug comfort and humour, adds a layer of curiosity to routine tasks. Completing activities doesn’t just yield rewards, it deepens the connection with the charming characters and unfurls more of the game’s enchanting narrative. Furthermore, with its manageable gameplay, Cozy Grove becomes a delightful escape that doesn’t demand excessive time or mental energy from players.
5) Later Alligator
Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch
Price: S$17.00
Later Alligator emanates cosy vibes, boasting an endearing ensemble of characters that exude pure charm. The game delights in its character design and animation, infusing each detail with delightful appeal. Its minigame-centric approach adds an element of surprise while maintaining simple and accessible gameplay mechanics. Every character is crafted with immense love and care, transforming each interaction and challenge overcome into a friendship forged, enveloping players in a cocoon of warmth and comfort.
6) PowerWash Simulator
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Price: S$34.90
There’s a peculiar satisfaction in witnessing the virtual counterparts of everyday chores, such as cleaning, unfold. In PowerWash Simulator, players are immersed in an idealised rendition of reality, free from the complexities and inconveniences that often accompany these actual tasks. It’s a digital haven where filth and grime, and the stresses and anxieties that come along with them, yield to the gratification of creating sparkling, pristine surroundings.
To be fair, there are a slew of simulator games out there, and if power washing isn’t your thing, you can try driving a truck, mowing the lawn, or even crashing a goat.
7) Slime Rancher
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Price: S$18.99
Set on a distant planet, Slime Rancher lets you collect and care for charming and adorable slimes. Explore the vibrant world, gather resources, and build your own slime ranch, all in the comfort of a stress-free and delightful environment. The game’s vivid and whimsical atmosphere enhances its cosy charm, making it a captivating experience for players.
8) Spiritfarer
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
Price: S$26.00 (Android and iOS versions come free with a Netflix subscription)
Spiritfarer’s incredible odyssey expertly navigates the complexities of love and loss, forming bonds with endearing, humorous, and charismatic characters. As you assist them and spend quality time together, eventually it’ll be time to bid farewell. This offers a sense of calm contemplation and appreciation for precious memories.
Amid the weighty themes, the game introduces therapeutic activities like fishing, cooking, and collecting sky jellies to alleviate the emotional journey. This visually captivating game, adorned with hand-drawn art, seamlessly blends cosy management and exploration mechanics with a poignant and heartfelt narrative.
9) Stardew Valley
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
Price: S$15.00
There’s something to be said about retreating to the serene life of farming when the weight of modern life becomes overwhelming.
Stardew Valley’s slower pace of life extends beyond meditative farming tasks, encompassing a multitude of deep systems within the game’s hub of Pelican Town. Each day offers diverse options, from revamping farm layouts to battling monsters and mining minerals. Amid the varied daily pursuits, overarching long-term goals emerge, steering players through the satisfying growth of their farm and community.
10) Unpacking
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
Price: S$18.50
Unpacking invites players into a zen puzzle experience, unravelling the tape of boxes and curating the contents through a series of homes. The game tells the life story of the protagonist through their belongings, encapsulating a sense of wholesomeness and familial connection.
While dealing with the ordinary — household items and sundries — the game captivates with its meticulous renditions of everyday objects and intertwining of little stories, inspiring a desire not only to explore every nook and cranny but also to thoughtfully arrange each item to construct a snug and inviting living space.
Edwin is a seasoned raconteur with a lifelong passion for video games, comic books, movies, and more. He thrives on captivating stories and immersive world-building, with a soft spot for adorable monsters.
Si Jia
Yong Le
