A ‘cozy game’ is the type that puts me in a zen mood and lowers my heart rate. These are generally games with low-stakes and often explore mechanics and objectives in games that may seem commonplace or boring at first. They are also games that don’t require too deep of concentration or cognitive load.
Here is a list of five games I recommend (with two bonus games):
1. Townscaper
Click your way to building a beautiful little coastal town. The sound effects, music, animations just work so nicely to quiet your monkey brain.
A huge bonus we get with Townscaper: you can export your creations as 3D models. So 3D printing them or embedding them somewhere else is a possibility here.
See Also Tiny Glade
2. Stardew Valley
This is pretty much the quintessential cozy game for me. What is it about the farming life sim genre that is so inherently cozy? I was a big fan of Harvest Moon when I was a kid and Stardew Valley is the perfect mix of everything this genre has to offer. Great game to play with friends as well as the devs released multiplayer and co-op patches for free.
See Also if you appreciate dark humor, check out Graveyard Keeper
3. A Short Hike
Wonderful little exploration game with great control mechanics, chill gliding and relaxing vibes. Fun quick one to try.
4. The Sims
A social simulation, classic series where you build, design and help meet the needs (or don’t- you depraved sadists) of your Sims.
5. Spiritfarer
I’m not crying… this is just a really chill game ok?