Keep reading for my recommendations on the best cozy games on PlayStation 4 & 5.
I’m a console gamer at heart and will buy every cozy game on PlayStation as soon as it’s made available. It’s by far my preferred place to play, even if that means I’m frequently behind on new releases and updates! I will buy games like Stardew Valley and Spiritfarer multiple times just to have them ready-to-go when I boot up my PlayStation 5 near-nightly.
Some people think that cozy games can only be found on Steam or Nintendo Switch. But that’s not true! There are tons of cozy games on PlayStation (both 4 and 5). Personally, I bought a PlayStation 5 day-one and couldn’t wait to download my favorite cozy games onto the console. I have Coral Island paused on the screen behind me as I write this! (And, total throwback: I would have Platinumed Stardew Valley on PlayStation Vita if it wasn’t for that pesky “Don’t die to Journey of the Prairie King” trophy!)
Without further delay, here are my absolute favorite top cozy games on PlayStation right now:
1. Stardew Valley – Hugely popular farming sim praised for complex characters
Stardew Valley is an uber-popular farming simulation game developed by ConcernedApe. Set in a quaint, pixel graphics rural world, players inherit a run-down farm from their character’s grandfather and embark on a journey to restore it to its former glory. The game blends farming, fishing, mining, and social interactions, allowing players a bit of a “sandbox” environment to play in. With a plethora of crops to plant, animals to raise, and seasons that dynamically affect gameplay, newbie to and experts of the farming sim genre will both find something they can really sink their teeth into.
Beyond the farm life, Stardew Valley boasts a rich social aspect. Players can engage with a diverse set of characters, each with their own unique personalities and backstories. Building relationships with the townspeople unlocks events, quests, and potential romantic interests. The game’s history is rooted in the solo efforts of its creator, ConcernedApe (Eric Barone), who dedicated years to developing a game that pays homage to classic farming simulations like the Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons games.
Stardew Valley has become a beloved cozy indie gem, celebrated for its charm, replayability, and the sense of fulfillment it offers as players cultivate not just crops but also a sense of community and belonging in Pelican Town.
2. Abzu – Narrative-centric underwater exploration adventure
ABZU is a calming underwater adventure-puzzle game developed by Giant Squid Studios. Players dive into a visually stunning oceanic world, taking on the role of a diver who explores the depths, interacting with marine life, and uncovering the mysteries deep below. The game’s mechanics focus on fluid and graceful swimming, allowing players to navigate through vibrant underwater environments that will kick the breath from your chest with their rich color palettes, hypnotic textures, and the mesmerizing movement amidst the swaying ocean currents.
The narrative in ABZU unfolds without the use of traditional dialogue or text, relying on environmental storytelling and the player’s interactions. The diver’s journey is marked by encounters with various sea creatures and underwater settings that make you appreciate the hugeness of the natural world versus the relative smallness of the drifting human soul. The story subtly explores themes of life, rebirth, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
As you progress, you’ll discover hidden areas, solve puzzles, and witness awe-inspiring scenes, all set to an enchanting soundtrack that you’ll want to listen to on repeat long after you’ve finished the game. ABZU’s artistry, combined with its evocative soundtrack and meditative gameplay, creates an emotionally resonant experience, making it more than just a game but an underwater odyssey that stays with players long after they surface.
3. Spiritfarer – Definition of the “dark cozy” genre
Spiritfarer is a heartfelt and beautifully animated indie resource management game developed by Thunder Lotus Games. In this unique story-driven cozy game, players assume the role of Stella—a Spiritfarer tasked with helping guide spirits to the afterlife. The game mechanics revolve around building and upgrading a mystical boat to accommodate the needs of various spirit passengers. As Stella, you befriend and care for wayward spirits, fulfilling requests, engaging in meaningful conversations, and tending to their emotional well-being.
Spiritfarer skillfully blends resource management, exploration, and platforming-lite elements as you navigate a richly crafted world, discovering new islands and meeting diverse spirits along the way.
The game’s emotional core lies in its narrative, which delicately explores themes of life, death, and letting go. Each spirit has a unique story, and players witness their personal growth and resolution before they pass on. Spiritfarer masterfully weaves these individual tales into an overarching narrative about compassion, acceptance, and the cyclical nature of existence.
The combination of its touching storytelling, charming art style, and addicting build-up-from-nothing mechanics makes Spiritfarer a captivating experience that invites players to reflect on life’s transient nature and the importance of cultivating meaningful social bonds.
4. The Witness – Haunting, colorful, and cerebral puzzle game
The Witness, developed by Jonathan Blow, is a first-person puzzle game that unfolds on a mysterious and visually stunning island. Players wander through bright, surreal landscapes, each hosting a series of intricate puzzles that challenge pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and logic. The game’s central mechanic revolves around drawing lines on panels, with each puzzle acting as a piece in a larger interconnected tapestry. As players progress, they unlock new areas and gradually uncover the island’s enigmatic history, encountering audio logs and environmental clues that subtly weave together a narrative exploring consciousness and perception.
One of The Witness’s standout features is its non-linear structure, allowing players to explore the island at their own pace and tackle puzzles in any order. The absence of traditional guidance or explicit instructions fosters a sense of discovery and intellectual autonomy not seen in many modern hand-holding tutorials of today’s gaming era.
The Witness’s minimalist yet captivating visual design, coupled with a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack, enhances the profound philosophical undertones embedded within the challenging puzzles. The Witness is a testament to the power of environmental storytelling and cerebral gameplay—with puzzles that will genuinely challenge you to your core.
Psst. Find me on social media and ask me about my The Witness inspired tattoo: @cozygamereview
5. Coral Island – Beautiful, modern hand-drawn farming sim
Coral Island is a lusciously hand-drawn farming simulation game developed by Stairway Games with a cast of characters that earned it the affectionate nickname “The Bisexual Panic Simulator.” The game features a robust farming system with a variety of crops, animals, upgrades, festivals, and even a sprinkle of deep-sea exploration to spice things up.
Coral Island introduces a unique underwater component where players can not only farm on land but also explore and nurture marine life in the surrounding coral reefs. The underwater ecosystem allows players to engage in activities such as fishing and maintaining the health of the coral reefs, adding an extra layer of depth to traditional farming sim gameplay.
With its charming aesthetic, innovative underwater elements, and a focus on an inclusive, diverse range of NPCs, Coral Island offers a refreshing take on the farming simulation genre with a memorable (and aesthetically pleasing) cast of characters.
6. Coffee Talk – Cozy visual novel about a supernatural cafe
Coffee Talk is a delightful visual novel developed by Toge Productions, offering a cozy experience set in a fantasy version of Seattle. The game unfolds within the confines of a late-night coffee shop where you play as a barista, brewing up drinks for an eclectic cast of characters, including humans, elves, and orcs. The core mechanics involve engaging in conversations with patrons as you prepare and serve beverages based on their preferences, all while engaging yourself in their personal stories through idle chitchat—as the best mixologists are wont to do.
The narrative is rich and diverse, tackling themes such as love, friendship, and societal challenges, all set against a backdrop of a magical world where mythical creatures and humans coexist.
Coffee Talk stands out not only for its charming pixel art style but also for its inclusivity and the depth of its characters. The game weaves a compelling overarching story with rich individual character arcs, all effected by the choices the player makes in dialogue.
The soothing jazz soundtrack and the intimate setting of the coffee shop contribute to the game’s uber-cozy ambiance (even if story tones get dark at times). By blending a narrative about human vulnerability with simple yet meaningful gameplay mechanics, Coffee Talk creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a memorable and emotionally resonant experience for players from any walk of life.
7. Potion Permit – Cozy RPG with business management elements
Potion Permit, developed by MassHive Media and published by PQube, is an engaging mix of cozy action RPG and social simulation that I found quite addicting. The gameplay primarily revolves around simple hack-and-slash combat elements to collect resources that you can then use to brew potions and cure various ailments and injuries. You can also tap into a diverse array of minigames that represent various “side gigs,” like brewing potions or working at the post office sorting mail.
As the new chemist (doctor) in town, you will be responsible for diagnosis illnesses and crafting the ailments required to coax the Moonbury Town residents back to full health. Working from a dilapidated chemistry set-up and clinic, you will also be tasked with revitalizing vital resources around town—starting with your home base. The quality, accuracy, and timeliness of your diagnosis and treatments will affect how the townsfolk see you, providing you a high/low rating depending on your efforts.
While your main task is keeping the villagers healthy and happy, you may find an even deeper sense of community by revitalizing different parts of town, getting to know all the NPCs, and maybe even honing in on someone special to date. The perfect blend of casual action and visual puzzles, Potion Permit is my go-to recommendation and easily one of my personal top 10 cozy games of all times.
8. Disney Dreamlight Valley – Life sim with a Disneyverse setting
Disney Dreamlight Valley, developed by Gameloft Montreal, is a captivating life simulation adventure game set in a magical valley filled with various Disney and Pixar characters. As a player, you take control of a customizable human character living in Dreamlight Valley, which is synced to real-time based on the player’s console or computer time. The game’s core mechanics involves exploring the valley to gather resources, using magic to clear away “Night Thorns” (plants with dark magic), cooking food, and crafting materials or furniture. The game also allows for extensive customization of the player’s house and character, adding a personal touch to the gameplay.
The plot of Disney Dreamlight Valley begins with the player character returning to their old rural home, falling asleep, and entering a dream world where they meet Merlin. The valley, once full of life, has been overrun by Night Thorns causing villagers to lose their memories in an event called “The Forgetting.” The player’s mission is to restore Dreamlight Valley, clear the Night Thorns, and bring back the villagers. The game features a friendship system where players can interact with villagers, complete quests, and build relationships.
The presence of beloved Disney and Pixar characters, combined with the engaging storyline and interactive gameplay, makes Disney Dreamlight Valley a delightful experience for fans of life simulation games.
9. Wytchwood – Dark storybook/fairytale adventure game
Wytchwood is a captivating indie game developed by Alientrap, whisking together elements of adventure, crafting, and exploration. Set in a whimsical hand-drawn world, players take on the role of a witch who wakes up in a mysterious forest with no memory. The game’s mechanics focus on gathering ingredients, brewing potions, and completing quests for the quirky inhabitants of the enchanted forest. The crafting system allows for the creation of various magical concoctions, each with unique effects that aid in both puzzle-solving and relationship building with various quirky NPCs.
The narrative of Wytchwood unfolds gradually as player uncover the secrets of the forest and the workings of magic all around. The game features a story of self-discovery with a charming and vibrant art style reminiscent of a somewhat twisted take on childhood fables and bedtime sotroes.
With its emphasis on creativity, exploration, and a touch of mystery, Wytchwood offers a delightful and magical journey for players who appreciate atmospheric adventures with a unique blend of collecting, crafting, and storytelling.
10. Cozy Grove – Daily tasks in real-time (like Animal Crossing)
Cozy Grove is a charming life-simulation game developed by Spry Fox that unfolds on a haunted island teeming with anthropomorphic spirits. As a “Spirit Scout,” players set up camp and embark on a heartwarming journey to help the ghostly inhabitants find peace. The game’s mechanics involve daily activities such as fishing, bug catching, and fossil hunting, all of which contribute to gradually bringing color back to the once-spectral surroundings. A unique aspect of Cozy Grove is its real-time clock and dynamic environment, with events and quests changing based on the time of day and the days of the week, providing a sense of continuity and progression. (Yes, like Animal Crossing: New Horizons.)
The narrative in Cozy Grove is delivered through interactions with the island’s spectral inhabitants, each with their own stories and quests. As players build relationships with these endearing characters, they uncover the island’s rich history and help the spirits resolve lingering issues. The art style, reminiscent of a storybook with its hand-drawn aesthetic, adds to the game’s cozy atmosphere.
With its soothing soundtrack and the emphasis on daily tasks that contribute to both the island’s restoration and the development of relationships, Cozy Grove creates a relaxing and engaging experience for players seeking a heartfelt and visually appealing cozy simulation game.
11. Hohokum – Silly, meditative indie experience
Hohokum is a visually striking and whimsical indie game developed by Honeyslug and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. With its vibrant, abstract art style, players control a colorful serpentine creature called the Long Mover as it glides through a variety of imaginative and surreal worlds. The game doesn’t have a conventional narrative but immerses players in a meditative experience where they can interact with the environment and its inhabitants. The mechanics involve exploration and experimentation, as the Long Mover interacts with different elements in each level, triggering various reactions and events.
The absence of explicit goals or scores in Hohokum encourages players to interpret and enjoy the game at their own pace, creating a uniquely open-ended and artistic experience. The music, composed by Ghostly International artists, complements the game’s visual style and adds to the dreamlike atmosphere. Hohokum stands out as an unconventional and artistic journey, emphasizing the joy of exploration and discovery over traditional gaming objectives.
All of this makes Hohokum a captivating and contemplative experience for those who appreciate games as an expressive and immersive medium.
12. Harvest Moon: Winds of Anthos – Modern take on the Harvest Moon franchise
Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos, developed by Natsume around the 25th Anniversary of Harvest Moon, is a unique addition to the franchise in that the classic farming sim goes open-world-lite. The game’s plot is centered around the land of Anthos, home to the Harvest Sprites and the Harvest Goddess. About a decade ago, a volcanic eruption in Anthos forced the Harvest Goddess and her Sprites to use all their powers to protect the inhabitants. This event left the villages isolated, and the Harvest Goddess, after sending a message in a bottle with a magic key, fell into a deep sleep. The game begins with the player finding this bottle and embarking on a journey to Anthos to restore its former glory.
Players can discover five unique towns, each with its own seasons, terrain, and villagers, adding a wonderful diversity to the game world. The ability to explore on foot, horseback, or other unique mounts while searching for Harvest Wisps, wild animals, and mines keeps the exploration fresh. The game introduces the first-ever inclusion of same-sex marriage in a Natsume game, allowing players to woo and marry from a selection of five bachelors and five bachelorettes.
Players can care for various livestock, keep pets, and use the new Expando-Farm feature by Doc Jr. to move their farm around Anthos. The inclusion of fast travel via the Harvest Goddess’s Warp Statues, a new camera feature for taking pictures and selfies, and participation in ten different festivals and contests, all contribute to a rich and engaging farming simulation experience.
Read my full review of Harvest Moon: Winds of Anthos.
13. Everdream Valley – Farming sim with animal-centric minigames at night
Everdream Valley, developed by Polish studio Mooneaters and published by Untold Tales, is a charming farming/ranching sim game that offers a unique twist on the classic rural genre. In the game, players take on the role of a child tasked with saving their grandparents’ farm, which has fallen into disrepair. The gameplay is engaging, blending traditional farming activities with a magical element. During the day, players engage in typical farm activities, receiving guidance and free equipment from their grandparents.
The game really shines at night when players enter a dream world where they experience life on the farm as an animal. This aspect of the game includes playing minigames, such as acting as a livestock guardian dog to fend off wolves. The quests in the game are varied, coming from the grandparents, dream encounters with animals, and occasionally from a human merchant, adding depth and variety to the gameplay.
14. Grow: Song of the Evertree – Cute city builder with unique collectathon features
Grow: Song of the Evertree is a captivating casual fantasy exploration and world-building game developed by Australian studio Prideful Sloth and published by 505 Games. Take on the role of the last Everheart alchemist, tasked with the monumental job of caring for the Evertree—once the source of all life in the Cosmos. The gameplay is deeply engaging, centered around repairing the Song of Myora and the Evertree itself, while also creating new worlds by mixing-and-matching different elements to create what feels like a near infinite possibilities of colorful biomes.
This literal “world-building” aspect is particularly interesting and unique, allowing players to shape and nurture entire worlds each with its unique ecosystems and characteristics. The game’s aesthetic and soundtrack contribute significantly to its enchanting, fairytale-esc atmosphere. The music, composed by Kevin Penkin, complements the game’s serene and magical environment, making you feel like you stepped right into a whimsical fantasy storybook.
The gameplay is relaxing yet fulfilling, offering a sense of progression and accomplishment as I watched my worlds grow and flourish. The social aspect of the game, involving interaction with various characters and creatures, adds depth and charm to the resource management grind. And yes, you can even romance a few of the key NPCs!
15. Slime Rancher – First-person cozy game about raising monsters
Slime Rancher is a delightful and quirky life simulation game developed by Monomi Park. Players take on the role of Beatrix LeBeau, a rancher exploring the Far, Far Range, a vibrant alien planet. The game revolves around capturing and raising adorable, gelatinous creatures known as slimes. The main game mechanic involves exploring the environment, collecting different types of slimes, and managing a farm to cultivate resources called “plorts” that these slimes produce. The plorts can be sold for in-game currency, which is used to upgrade the ranch, unlock new areas, and acquire gadgets to aid in slime wrangling.
While Slime Rancher has a sandbox-style approach, it introduces a light narrative through the character’s interactions with the mysterious character Hobson Twillgers. Hobson provides guidance through recorded messages, unraveling the secrets of the Far, Far Range and adding a sense of discovery to the game.
The whimsical art style, coupled with the charming and relaxing gameplay loop, has made Slime Rancher a fan favorite. The game’s success lies in its perfect blend of exploration, resource management, and adorable slimes, creating an engaging and endearing experience for players of all ages.
16. My Time at Sandrock – Resource management western in a post-apocalyptic setting
My Time at Sandrock is a delightful sequel to My Time at Portia, developed and self-published by Pathea Games. Play as a new-in-town “Builder” in the dilapidated oasis town of Sandrock, a challenging desert environment with scarce resources. The gameplay is a rich blend of crafting, resource gathering, and farming, similar to its predecessor, but with its unique twists and challenges. The task of rebuilding the town to its former glory is both challenging and rewarding. The game also introduces new features like recycling metal scrap, collecting water in a desert environment, and riding Yakmels for fast transport.
The game was first released on Windows 10 PCs and is also available on Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms. The storyline begins a little earlier than My Time at Portia and ends a little later, providing a broader narrative scope. The game’s environment, characters, and plotlines are fresh and engaging, making it a distinct experience from its predecessor. The larger map size and the challenges of collecting basic resources in a desert setting add to the game’s complexity and appeal. My Time at Sandrock is a captivating and immersive game that builds upon the success of My Time at Portia while introducing new elements to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Read my full My Time at Sandrock review.
17. A Short Hike – Mountain climbing and self-discovery narrative
A Short Hike is a charming indie game developed by Adam Robinson-Yu that offers a relaxing and delightful experience. In the game, players control a bird exploring an island paradise, each corner of which is filled with hidden secrets and characters to interact with. The main goal is to reach the summit of the island’s mountain, but the journey is an open-world adventure where you can engage in various activities like fishing, treasure hunting, and helping fellow island inhabitants.
The game mechanics of A Short Hike are simple yet engaging, featuring a unique climbing and gliding system that adds a delightful sense of freedom to exploration. The art style is minimalist and adorable, complemented by a soothing soundtrack that enhances the serene atmosphere. While there isn’t a traditional narrative, the island is brimming with charming dialogues and stories from the quirky characters you encounter.
A Short Hike is a testament to the beauty of exploration and the joy found in the little moments, making it a perfect experience for those seeking a tranquil and heartwarming adventure.
18. Season: A letter to the future – Aesthetic narrative adventure about art and life
Season: A Letter to the Future, developed and published by Scavengers Studio, is a beautifully crafted adventure game that I found both meditative and thought-provoking. Released in January 2023 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows, the game places you in the role of Estelle, a young woman from a small village. The core of the gameplay involves documenting the world as it approaches an end, a task that Estelle undertakes with a sense of urgency and curiosity.
The game mechanics are unique, focusing on recording experiences in a journal through writing, drawing, taking photos, and recording audio and videos. Extended bicycling segments add a sense of exploration and freedom, allowing me to traverse the game’s stunning landscapes.
Season: A Letter to the Future’s art style and storytelling received widespread acclaim for their depth and beauty. Critics praised the game for its engrossing narrative and the way it unfolds, likening it to watching a photograph slowly develop. The game world of can only be described as breathtakingly gorgeous, making the act of photographing the dying valley a melancholic yet joyful experience.
Despite the occasional wonky bike controls, my experience with the game was overwhelmingly positive, offering a soothing and reflective journey through a world on the brink of change. The game’s focus on memory, interpretation, and the fleeting nature of experiences makes it a unique and unforgettable tale.
19. Unpacking – Cozy cleaning and organizing indie game
Unpacking is a unique and meditative puzzle game developed by Witch Beam. In this game, players take on the role of someone unpacking their belongings in various locations throughout different stages of their life. The primary game mechanic involves arranging and organizing the items within boxes as you move from one living space to another. The challenge lies in figuring out the most efficient and aesthetically pleasing way to unpack each item, and as you progress, you unravel the character’s life story and the significance of each possession.
The narrative in Unpacking is subtle and told entirely through the act of unpacking and placing items in different rooms. The game skillfully captures the emotions and memories associated with each possession, creating a deeply personal and introspective experience for players.
The art style is minimalist, yet every item carries a sense of nostalgia and significance. Unpacking stands out as a poignant and beautifully crafted game that explores the relationship between people and their belongings, inviting players to reflect on the passage of time and the memories tied to the objects we accumulate throughout our lives.
Read my full Unpacking review.
20. Night in the Woods – Amazing storytelling packaged around cute anthropomorphic animals
Night in the Woods is an atmospheric adventure game developed by Infinite Fall. Players step into the shoes of a cat named Mae Borowski, who returns to her hometown, Possum Springs, after dropping out of college. The game mechanics blend exploration, dialogue interactions, and platforming as players navigate the town, uncovering its mysteries and interacting with a cast of anthropomorphic characters.
The narrative unfolds gradually, revealing Mae’s struggles with mental health, the changing dynamics of her relationships, and the eerie occurrences in Possum Springs, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant experience.
The story elements of Night in the Woods leans into themes of existentialism, small-town life, and the challenges of transitioning to adulthood. The game’s distinctive art style, accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, sets the mood for the atmospheric and narrative-driven gameplay. The inclusion of mini-games and daily activities adds depth to the characters and provides moments of levity amid the more somber aspects of the narrative.
Night in the Woods is celebrated for its poignant storytelling, relatable characters, and the seamless integration of gameplay mechanics that contribute to a rich experience.
21. Behind The Frame: The Finest Scenery – Narrative-driven puzzle game about art and inspiration
Behind the Frame is a captivating narrative-driven puzzle game developed by Silver Lining Studio. Set within the world of an artist’s studio, players assume the role of a young painter working on her masterpiece. The game mechanics revolve around solving puzzles related to art creation, requiring players to piece together the canvas by selecting the right colors, brushstrokes, and perspectives.
As the story unfolds, players get a glimpse into the protagonist’s life, aspirations, and the mysterious artist living next door, weaving a touching narrative that unfolds through exploration and puzzle-solving.
The story elements in Behind the Frame are conveyed through minimalist yet expressive visuals, complemented by a beautiful soundtrack. The game explores themes of creativity, inspiration, and the pursuit of artistic expression. The carefully crafted puzzles are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, providing both a challenge for players and a means of advancing the story.
Behind the Frame is celebrated for its evocative storytelling, artistic presentation, and the way it merges gameplay and narrative to create an emotionally resonant experience for players who appreciate the intersection of art and interactive storytelling.
22. What Remains of Edith Finch – Narrative “walking sim” about family secrets
What Remains of Edith Finch is a captivating narrative-driven adventure game developed by Giant Sparrow. The game follows Edith Finch as she returns to her family’s home, the ominous Finch estate, to uncover the stories of her relatives and understand the supposed family curse.
The central mechanic involves exploring the elaborate rooms of the house, each preserved as a shrine to a deceased family member. As players navigate these spaces, they engage in interactive vignettes that uniquely represent the final moments of each family member’s life. The game seamlessly blends various gameplay styles, from walking simulators to mini-games, creating a hauntingly beautiful tapestry of interconnected stories.
The narrative elements of What Remains of Edith Finch dives into themes of family, mortality, and the passage of time. The storytelling is emotionally charged, drawing players into the lives of the Finch family members through inventive and diverse storytelling techniques. The atmosphere is enhanced by a haunting score, and the carefully crafted environments contribute to the overall sense of mystery and melancholy.
What Remains of Edith Finch received acclaim for its innovative narrative design, atmospheric presentation, and the way it invites players to reflect on the profound and often tragic nature of human existence.
23. A Space for the Unbound – Slice-of-life meets apocalypse VN
A Space for the Unbound is an enchanting narrative-driven adventure game developed by Mojiken Studio. Set in a small town in Indonesia during the late ’90s, the game follows the intertwined stories of two high school friends, Atma and Raya. The game mechanics blend exploration, puzzle-solving, and the ability to switch between the characters to experience their perspectives.
As the story unfolds, players uncover the secrets of the town, including supernatural elements and a mysterious realm known as The Unbound. The main characters navigate their personal challenges while investigating a series of strange occurrences, giving players a blend of emotional storytelling and fantastical mysteries.
The story elements of A Space for the Unbound explore themes of friendship, adolescence, and the magical realism of Indonesian folklore. The pixel art style, accompanied by a nostalgic soundtrack, creates a visually appealing and atmospheric experience. The game’s puzzles and exploration elements are intricately woven into the narrative, offering players a balance between engaging gameplay and a captivating story.
A Space for the Unbound offers evocative storytelling and cultural richness in a way that makes it standout on this list.
24. Lake – Visual novel about returning home
Lake is a serene and story-focused cozy game developed by Gamious. Set in the peaceful town of Providence Oaks in the 1980s, players assume the role of Meredith Weiss, a woman taking a break from her bustling city life to temporarily fill in for her father as a mail carrier. The game mechanics revolve around delivering mail to the town’s residents, exploring the picturesque surroundings, and engaging in conversations that impact the unfolding story. Players make choices that influence the relationships with the townspeople, shaping Meredith’s experience during her two-week stay.
The story elements in Lake are character-driven, exploring themes of nostalgia, self-discovery, and the impact of choices on personal relationships. As Meredith interacts with the quirky residents, players get to know their stories and the intricacies of small-town life. The game’s charming aesthetic, with its vibrant autumnal colors and relaxing atmosphere, complements the laid-back pace and contemplative nature of the narrative.
Lake has been praised for its unique premise, relatable characters, and the way it combines gameplay mechanics with a heartfelt and introspective story.
Other Picks
Okay, so they’re not the best but these cozy PlayStation titles have a dedicated fanbase who love them. I have no doubt some of you will spot something you enjoy, too!
- My Time at Portia – Earlier game from the devs of My Time at Sandrock.
- Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles – Earlier game from the devs of Grow: Song of the Evertree.
- Mineko’s Night Market – Silly business sim x puzzle game about cats, crafts, and secret agents.
- Bit Orchard: Animal Valley – Run a pixel art farm with adorable character graphics.
- Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch – Own and train horses with different personalities and skills.
- Forest Camp Story – Create and run your own campground in this cozy management sim.
- Alba: A Wildlife Adventure – From the BAFTA-Award winning studio behind Monument Valley.
- Spells & Secrets – Live and learn as a first-year student of the magic arts.
- Ruinsmagus – Anime-inspired puzzle adventure game for PSVR.
- Chicory: A Colorful Tale – A coloring book world where you can draw on anything
- TOEM – Hand-drawn adventure game with photography-based puzzles.
- Hoa – Beautiful puzzle-platforming game that features breathtaking hand-painted art.
- A Memoir Blue – Visual novel about lost memories and the love between family.
- I Am Dead – Charming puzzle adventure game from the creators of Hohokum.
- Farming Simulator 22 – Popular farming sim with realistic-leaning graphics.
- Apico – Pixel graphics game about beekeeping in a cozy rural setting.
Conclusion
These are my favorite cozy games on PlayStation right now, what are yours? Drop them in the comments and I’ll check them out. Maybe I’ll even add them to future, updated versions of this list!
Stay cozy, gamers!