While the holidays often beckon with promises of rest and reflection, let’s face it—it’s the perfect time to dive deep into some really great video games. What pairs better with this chilly season than cozy games? These gems are designed for relaxation, offering stress-free fun and creativity akin to their action-packed counterparts.
Whether you’re hesitantly sifting through your backlog or scrolling through the Xbox storefront for fresh finds, we’ve curated a fantastic lineup of games perfect for snuggling up with. From soothing farm simulations to delightful puzzles, there’s something here to match every mood. So, grab your favorite oversized mug filled with a warm drink, wrap yourself in a toasty blanket, and let’s explore!
### Fun on the Farm
Farming simulators are essentially the cradle of cozy gaming. They open doors to serene worlds where we nurture crops, spend time with friends, and embark on little adventures, all without the headache of combat. If you’re longing for a haven of peace or just a lighthearted challenge, these titles are sure to please.
#### Stardew Valley
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Inheriting your grandfather’s old plot of land in Stardew Valley sets you off on a charming journey to revitalize the farm. As you cultivate this patch, you’ll level up your farming, fishing, and combat skills, giving you access to new tools and recipes. It’s a chance to meet and befriend the town’s quirky inhabitants, and perhaps, find love. With its latest 1.6 update, there’s plenty of new content for both new explorers and returning fans to enjoy, and you can even bring up to eight friends along for the ride in co-op mode.
#### Lightyear Frontier
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
For those yearning for a farming experience out of this world, Lightyear Frontier is your ticket to an interstellar oasis. This open-world escapade allows you to build the cosmic homestead of your dreams, equipped with a fully customizable mech companion. Embark on a journey through a mysterious planet, help nurture its ecosystem, and uncover its secrets. Play solo or invite up to three friends to join you in this peaceful farming adventure.
#### Coral Island
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Escape the hustle and bustle with Coral Island, a relaxing farming sim set on a dreamy tropical island. Here, you’ll grow crops, raise animals, and become a part of a close-knit community of over 70 unique characters. Delve into activities like fishing, insect hunting, and exploring the underwater coral reefs. It’s a perfect blend of calming leisure and engaging gameplay.
### Comfy, Cozy Puzzles
Prefer solving puzzles to tending to a farm? This selection of puzzle games offers cozy experiences with beautiful art, allowing for serene exploration and problem-solving at your own leisure.
#### Botany Manor
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
In Botany Manor, step into the shoes of Arabella Greene, a retired botanist rejuvenating the gardens of her stately home. Explore the manor to find clues, revive ancient plant species, and piece together Arabella’s inspiring story. With its enchanting setting and engaging puzzles, this game is perfect for those with a love for plants and mystery.
#### A Little To The Left
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Delve into a world of tidying up with ‘A Little To The Left’. This charming puzzle game encourages you to organize various household items, like loose screws and pantry shelves, across more than 100 unique scenarios. If you find satisfaction in a neat and orderly space, this game will offer hours of enjoyment.
#### Strange Horticulture
Available on Cloud and Console
Dive into this eerie yet calming puzzle game where you manage a local plant store while exploring the mysteries of the town of Undermere. ‘Strange Horticulture’ uniquely blends the charm of botany with occult intrigue, as you grow your knowledge and influence your surroundings in this captivating story.
### Light-hearted Adventures
If you’re looking for light interaction without the stress of hardcore gameplay or difficult decisions, these adventures invite you to explore, quest lightly, and enjoy some action. From roaming cities as a cat to challenging outdoor climbs, here’s what your free-spirited journey could look like.
#### Lil Gator Game
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Join a little gator on a delightful expedition across a handcrafted island teeming with secrets. Complete quests, foster friendships, and bask in the fun of a joyful, stress-free platformer experience.
#### Dungeons of Hinterberg
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Venture into the blend of dungeon crawling and cozy town life in ‘Dungeons of Hinterberg’. As Luisa, explore dungeons or spend your time engaging with locals in the quaint town. With the freedom to choose daily activities, this adventure sprinkles light challenges into a laid-back environment.
#### Little Kitty, Big City
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Assume the role of an adventurous cat navigating the city. In ‘Little Kitty, Big City’, it’s all about the journey home, complete with mischief, making furry friends, and exploring the cityscape. It’s wholesome fun wrapped in feline whims.
#### Spiritfarer
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Despite its focus on mortality, ‘Spiritfarer’ is a lovely management game that oozes warmth and compassion. Guide Stella and her spirit friends to the afterlife aboard a whimsical ship while engaging in farming, cooking, and crafting along the way. Daffodil, the adorable cat, can even join in this emotional journey.
#### Jusant
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
In Jusant, climb an immense tower filled with puzzles and breathtaking biomes. With no rush to the summit, enjoy the serene views and ambient sounds as you hone your climbing skills and discover hidden paths on your way up.
#### A Short Hike
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Embark on a leisurely mountain adventure in ‘A Short Hike’, where you take on the role of a small bird in a vast park. Traverse the vibrant landscape, uncover secrets, and meet charming characters during your ascent to the peak.
#### Disney Dreamlight Valley
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Step into Disney’s magical realms in ‘Disney Dreamlight Valley’. Combining life simulation with adventure, this game offers delightful quests alongside iconic Disney personalities, allowing you to decorate your own space and contribute to restoring the valley to its once bright and lively state.
### Cozy Narrative Delights
If you’re in the mood for storytelling with a side of stress-free gameplay, these narrative-rich games spotlight heartwarming storylines. Whether you’re a photographer in a beautiful landscape or exploring a quirky space adventure, these titles promise intriguing tales.
#### Chicory
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
In ‘Chicory’, channel your inner artist while navigating a black-and-white world in search of the missing titular artist. Revive the lands with colors, solve puzzles, and help friends as you unravel a poignant mystery.
#### Toem
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
With a camera in hand, embark on a visual adventure in ‘Toem’, capturing the world from a unique angle. Meet quirky characters, snap beautiful photos, and discover hidden gems within a vibrant, hand-drawn world.
#### Harold Halibut
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Dive into ‘Harold Halibut’, a narrative-driven game set aboard an underwater spaceship adorned with retro-futuristic design. As Harold, a lab assistant, explore the interior, meet interesting creatures, and uncover secrets of humanity’s submerged history.
### Satisfying Cleanups
If tidying is your idea of relaxation, these games make for delightful escapes. Whether you’re pressure washing to satisfaction or arranging a room just so, these titles offer comforting alternatives to tackling real-life chores.
#### PowerWash Simulator
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Experience the zen-like pleasure of eliminating layers of grime in ‘PowerWash Simulator’. Tackle diverse cleaning tasks, from vehicles to entire buildings, and enjoy the steady progression and simple satisfaction of seeing things spotless.
#### House Flipper
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Become a renovation guru in ‘House Flipper’ as you transform dilapidated properties into stunning homes. Complete contracts to amass funds, then unleash your creativity and design flair to craft perfect living spaces.
#### Unpacking
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Immerse yourself in the heartwarming story of an invisible protagonist through ‘Unpacking’. Arrange personal belongings across different rooms and homes, subtly uncovering narrative layers and evoking memories through the items you place with care.
### Nostalgic Cozy Favorites
There’s nothing like the embrace of nostalgia, and reviving beloved classics from the 90s evokes a special warmth. Whether you’re revisiting these gems yourself or introducing them to someone new, these remasters offer a touch of magic perfect for the holiday season.
#### Spyro: Reignited Trilogy
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Join Spyro in his revamped adventures, rescuing dragons and collecting treasure in stunning environments as you relive the magic of this beloved franchise. With vibrant remastered graphics, the Dragon Realms are more enchanting than ever.
#### Crash Bandicoot: N’Sane Trilogy
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Relive the antics of Crash Bandicoot in this remastered trilogy, bouncing and spinning through beautifully updated levels. Perfect for both newcomers and longtime fans, embark on a whirlwind journey to thwart Dr. Neo Cortex’s schemes once more.
#### Return to Monkey Island
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Return to the beloved Monkey Island series with Guybrush Threepwood’s latest escapades. As Melee Island’s dynamics shift under new leadership, engage in clever banter, unearth intriguing puzzles, and sail into adventure in this modern homage to classic point-and-click charm.
