Roleplaying games (RPGs) can be cozy! Cozy RPGs are a different mood from, say, simulation games or sandbox games. But they can certainly have cozy elements. Cozy RPGs are a favorite genre of mine so I am excited to present you with a list of insider recommendations that I think you’ll love.
First, a few things to cover.
What is an RPG?
A role-playing game (RPG) in video games is a genre where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional world, typically with distinct motivations and histories. Players embark on quests, interact with non-player characters, and progress through a storyline.
Basically, you step into the shoes of a preexisting character and “roleplay” as them in order to complete the story that the game developer would like to tell you.
To me, that means:
- You assume the role of a character that has a backstory, motivations, and a direction in their life
- You interact with side characters that have depth and complexity
- You follow some sort of main quest or storyline in order to complete the game
For example, games like The Sims would not be considered an RPG because the player’s character doesn’t have pre-existing motivations or history. They are a blank slate for the player to do with as they please. There is no “story” or “character,” it’s whatever you want to make of it. Total creative freedom.
Whereas a game like Moonstone Island would be considered an RPG; the main character has a family, a profession (Alchemist), and a goal (alchemy training); you follow an overarching story/quest line, which guides your tasks and actions; and you get stronger by obtaining new Spirits and advancing your skill tree.
Getting into the weeds of indie genres, it can be hard to discern what game is a RPG and what game is—for example—considered more sandbox or simulation. For the most part, I will follow the following categorization methods for determining what are/are not cozy RPGs:
1. It is tagged as such on Steam or elsewhere
2. The game developer refers to it as such in promotional or descriptive text
3. The gaming community at large has a general consensus that it has significant RPG elements
What are Cozy RPGs?
Cozy RPGs are games that have all or most of the above qualifications but also incorporate some of the popular elements found in cozy games:
- Farming simulation
- Business simulation
- Puzzles & problem solving
- Social elements/dating & romance
- Centred around a homestead or home base
- Narratives around friendship & community
- Heartwarming and/or emotional storytelling
- Themes around animals, nature
- Calming or catchy music
- Cute graphics
- Pixel graphics
- Indie developer
17 Best Cozy RPGs You Should Try Right Now
Obviously, many RPGs are not considered “cozy,” per se. Players often have a sense of satisfaction and comfort from playing many games, but most people wouldn’t file just anything in the “cozy genre.” I wanted to find RPGs that your average cozy gamer might want to play. So, here are my picks for the best cozy RPGs.
1. Wylde Flowers — Fully voice-acted farming sim, with witches
Wylde Flowers is a witchy narrative-centric farming sim with a compelling cast of characters, plenty of twists and turns, and tons to explore and do. You play as Tara Wylde, the newbie in town who arrives to help her grandma care for her struggling farm. But when Tara learns that she is a witch, and that there is a practising coven in town, her life gets turned upside down. This is a game about the human inclination to mistrust what we don’t know, and the healing power of community.
RPG Elements: Predetermined main character, skill and equipment advancement, follows a set storyline, dynamic background cast, questing and exploration.
2. Moonstone Island — Pokemon meets Stardew Valley
Moonstone Island is a unique open-world farming and creature collection game that spans multiple genres. You play as a new Alchemist ready to take on one year of mandatory training abroad. Set up your tent, start foraging and crafting, meet (and date) the townsfolk, and explore over 100 procedurally generated floating islands. You can also collect and battle Spirits, with the turn-based combat taking the form of a deck building card game. The pixel art style is not only beautiful, but it has plenty of Ghibli-esc nuances (Castle in the Sky, in particular).
RPG Elements: Predetermined main character, skill and equipment advancement, dynamic background cast, questing and exploration, combat mechanics, and lore-filled world.
3. Wytchwood — Story-rich crafting & questing adventure
Wytchwood is a whimsical indie adventure game that immerses players in a charming world as a witch on a mysterious island. Tasked with exploring, gathering ingredients, and brewing potions, players encounter eccentric characters and uncover secrets. In Wytchwood, players navigate lush environments, solving puzzles and unlocking new areas while embracing the enchanting art style that brings the island to life. The game seamlessly weaves together elements of mythology and fantasy, allowing players to unravel the island’s mysteries through clever interactions and spellbinding visuals.
RPG Elements: Predetermined main character, skill and equipment advancement, follows a set storyline, dynamic background cast, questing and exploration, and lore-filled world.
4. Garden Story — Combat-centric pixel graphics indie RPG
Garden Story is an indie action-adventure game that invites players to step into the charming world of a sentient grape named Concord tasked with restoring and protecting the Grove, a once-thriving community. Players engage in a delightful mix of farming, exploration, and combat as they build relationships with quirky fruit and vegetable inhabitants, solve puzzles, and battle the insidious Rot. With its vibrant pixel art, wholesome narrative, and a focus on community stewardship, Garden Story offers a unique and heartwarming gaming experience.
RPG Elements: Predetermined main character, skill and equipment advancement, follows a set storyline, dynamic background cast, questing and exploration, and combat mechanics.
5. Moonlighter — Addictive roguelite business sim
Moonlighter is an action RPG with a unique blend of dungeon crawling and shop management. Players assume the role of Will, a shopkeeper with dreams of becoming a hero. By day, players manage their shop, setting prices and interacting with customers; while at night, they explore mysterious dungeons, battling creatures and collecting valuable items. The game’s dynamic between commerce and combat creates a compelling loop, with players strategizing both business and combat aspects to progress.
RPG Elements: Predetermined main character, skill and equipment advancement, follows a set storyline, dynamic background cast, questing and exploration, and combat mechanics.
6. Potion Permit — Business sim with reputation management elements
Potion Permit is a cozy RPG and business sim where you play as the new alchemist (read: doctor) assigned to the town of Moonbury. Though the townsfolk are lukewarm on the arrival of any newcomer, it is your job to tend to their ailments by collecting ingredients and crafting potions. You can also work part-time jobs, do quests for locals to win their trust, or help improve the town with construction projects. Cozy RPGs with business sim elements are one of my favorite genres, so I highly recommend this game if you feel the same.
RPG Elements: Predetermined main character, skill and equipment advancement, follows a set storyline, dynamic background cast, questing and exploration, and combat mechanics.
7. Harvestella — Real-time combat JRPG with farming accents
Harvestella is an action RPG with cozy farming, crafting, and cooking elements used to support the main quest. There are different areas to explore, each themed after one of the four seasons. You’ll cross through expansive dungeons and face real time combat, though the difficulty is low. You can spend time with your party to learn about their pasts as well as increase their stats in battle. It has a slight Persona 5 feel to it, in that way. The side quests are well-written and meaningful, and the lore of the world is deep and captivating.
RPG Elements: Predetermined main character, skill and equipment advancement, follows a set story line, dynamic background cast, questing and exploration, combat mechanics, and lore-filled world.
8. Growing Up — “Real world” roleplay from childhood to adult
Growing Up is a unique addition to this list, as it focuses more on the literal component of roleplaying more than the gaming genre ones. I wanted to include it because I think this is a very interesting model, equally deserving of the RPG title. You will design a character and then “roleplay” their life from childhood to adulthood, experiencing major life milestones and determining how the story plays out based on your choices. It’s the ultimate form of make-believe, which is a key component of RPG storytelling.
RPG Elements: Skill leveling, choices matter, follows a set storyline, dynamic background cast, roleplaying “real life” scenarios in depth.
9. Roots of Pacha — Like Stardew Valley in the Stone Age
Roots of Pacha is a cooperative farming and life simulation game that invites players to cultivate the land and build a thriving community in the prehistoric era. Set in a visually charming world, players work together or alone to plant crops, raise animals, and empower their clan in this cozy RPG set in the Stone Age. The game uniquely combines farming activities with elements of exploration, crafting, and social interaction, allowing players to experience the challenges and joys of community building in a beautifully animated prehistoric setting. Still being upgraded and improved, Roots of Pacha is well on its way to becoming the “next Stardew Valley.”
RPG Elements: Skill and equipment advancement, follows a set storyline, dynamic background cast, questing and exploration, and lore-filled world.
10. Sun Haven — Farming sim with expansive exploration & skill tree
Sun Haven is a cozy RPG farming simulation and skill building game that offers players a rich and expansive world to explore. Set in a vibrant fantasy realm, the game combines traditional farming mechanics with RPG elements, allowing players to cultivate their land, raise animals, and form relationships with a diverse cast of characters. Beyond farming, players can delve into dungeons, engage in combat, and uncover the mysteries of the game’s narrative while helping the ancient dragon protect the town.
RPG Elements: Skill and equipment advancement, follows a set storyline, dynamic background cast, questing and exploration, combat mechanics, and lore-filled world.
11. Stardew Valley — The new standard for farming simulators
Stardew Valley is a beloved indie farming simulation game that invites players to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to revive their late grandfather’s dilapidated farm. In this cozy RPG, players can cultivate crops, raise animals, mine for resources, fish, and engage with the vibrant community of Pelican Town. Beyond farming, the game offers diverse activities such as exploring caves, participating in festivals, and building relationships with the town’s inhabitants, each with their own stories and personalities.
RPG Elements: Skill and equipment advancement, follows a set storyline, dynamic background cast, questing and exploration, and combat mechanics.
12. One Lonely Outpost — Space colony farming sim
One Lonely Outpost is a farming and life sim set “in space,” in that you are playing as someone who has been sent to a new planet to begin the process of terraforming it for human life. You’ll spend time exploring your new home, foraging for resources, crafting equipment to make the environment habitable, and eventually welcoming newcomers to the settlement you have started. It is currently in Early Access and has had its ups and downs during development but lovers of cozy sci-fi should still give it a shot.
RPG Elements: Skill and equipment advancement, follows a set storyline, dynamic background cast, questing and exploration.
13. Dave the Diver — Best cozy game of 2023
Dave the Diver is a roguelike business sim that centers around the exploits of a professional scuba diver and sushi restaurant owner. It offers a unique blend of gameplay mechanics, with cyclical exploration, cooking simulation, business management, and kooky storytelling. It’s been the indie darling of 2023 so far, so I would highly recommend giving this cozy RPG a try if it sounds like your cup of tea.
RPG Elements: Predetermined main character, skill and equipment advancement, follows a set storyline, dynamic background cast, questing and exploration, combat mechanics, and lore-filled world.
14. Cattails: Wildwood Story — Cozy RPG where you play as a cat
Cattails is a cozy RPG simulation game that immerses players in the charming life of a feline as they navigate the wilderness. Set in an open-world environment, players control a customized cat character exploring various landscapes, hunting for prey, and forming alliances with other cats. The game features changing seasons, each affecting the environment differently, and includes elements of crafting, combat, and relationships with other characters.
RPG Elements: Skill and equipment advancement, follows a set storyline, dynamic background cast, questing and exploration, combat mechanics.
15. Sky: Children of Light — Free-to-play MMORPG on mobile
Sky: Children of Light is a cozy, immersive MMORPG with puzzle elements and tons of exploration. As a Child of Light, it is your quest to find and help your Ancestral Spirits tell their stories and return to the stars. Centered around “peaceful collaborative play,” Sky: Children of Light lets you play alone or with others online. The game is free-to-play, has seasonal events, and is being constantly updated. This
Fae Farm is a dungeon crawler first and foremost but it also has farming elements, tons of crafting and decorating, collections and compendiums, and light social/dating side stories. You arrive in a new town, adopt an abandoned farm, and are then roped into banishing various blights that are negatively affecting different parts of the island. This cozy RPGs released to mixed reviews (with mine skewing more negative) so buyer beware, but it is a cozy RPG that has a dedicated fanbase, so I didn’t feel right leaving it off this list.
is available on mobile and consoles but a Steam release date is TBD.
RPG Elements: Skill and equipment advancement, follows a set storyline, questing and exploration, and lore-filled world.
16. Fae Farm — Cute dungeon-crawler with farming elements
Fae Farm is a dungeon crawler first and foremost but it also has farming elements, tons of crafting and decorating, collections and compendiums, and light social/dating side stories. You arrive in a new town, adopt an abandoned farm, and are then roped into banishing various blights that are negatively affecting different parts of the island. The game released to mixed reviews (with mine skewing more negative) so buyer beware, but it is a cozy RPG that has a dedicated fanbase, so I didn’t feel right leaving it off this list.
RPG Elements: Skill and equipment advancement, follows a set storyline, questing and exploration, and combat mechanics.
17. Summer in Mara — Farming sim with pirates & sailing
Summer in Mara is an indie adventure and farming simulation game that transports players to a vibrant archipelago to embark on a heartwarming coming-of-age journey. Controlling a young girl named Koa, players cultivate their own island, grow crops, and build relationships with a diverse cast of characters. The game seamlessly blends exploration, farming, and quest-solving as players uncover the mysteries of Mara’s past and present. Oh, and the music in this cozy RPGs is absolutely a bop.
RPG Elements: Predetermined main character, skill and equipment advancement, follows a set storyline, dynamic background cast, questing and exploration, and lore-filled world.
Conclusion
Those are my recommendations for cozy RPGs. Did you spot your favorite on the list or find something new to love? Am I missing any cozy RPGs that you would like to see added to this list? Let me know on any of my social media platforms. I love to test out new games and add to my lists as the cozy gaming landscape grows!
Stay cozy, gamers!