Cozy and spooky are not mutually exclusive. I think bundling up in a fuzzy blanket and getting a bit scared is peak cozy behavior. Many “horror” games speak to deep, emotional human issues, which is a cornerstone of the cozy genre. Cozy doesn’t have to be rainbows and butterflies (I call those games Wholesome Games instead); it just has to champion one of the many “cozy” qualifiers: emotional, character-driven, slow paced, low risk, experimental, exploration-focused, or meditative/satisfying.
That being said, here are some spooky cozy games I recommend for the Halloween season.
Changed your mind? Can’t go wrong with Cozy Games Rated Overwhelmingly Positive on Steam instead. Check it out!
1. The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood — Cult cozy design and interactive fiction game
🏅Cozy Game Reviews recommends
The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood is less horror and more “cult-y.” Either way, it is absolutely perfect for the spooky season. It is a literal tarot card “deck builder,” as in: you design each card in the deck yourself. Mostly interactive fiction, The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood is a great choice for those who like visual novels and design-based games. It also has pick-your-path narration where your choices have real consequences. The story is rich, engaging, and emotional from start to finish.
2. Spiritfarer — Ferry spirits to their final resting place
🏅Cozy Game Reviews recommends
In Spiritfarer, you play as a ferry master transporting souls to their final resting place. It’s less “horror” oriented and more morbid, somber, and haunting. This is a cozy time- and resource management game centered around caring for those you love and learning how to say goodbye.
3. Gone Home — Eerie walking simulator with a twist ending
🏅Cozy Game Reviews recommends
Gone Home is a narrative-driven “walking simulator” that has you searching the remains of an empty house, trying to uncover the story of what happened to the family’s missing daughter. Interacting with the environment will uncover critical clues as you discover the story of a wayward teenager trying to find herself. I won’t spoil it here but this game has an awesome and uplifting twist. Maybe things aren’t as haunted as they first seem…
4. Strange Horticulture — Botany and puzzles with cult-y themes
🏅Cozy Game Reviews recommends
Strange Horticulture is a “cult puzzle game” that combines elements of simulation, strategy, and mystery. Players assume the role of a botanist tasked with cultivating and managing a peculiar garden filled with otherworldly flora. As you learn about each plant, you will discover the ability to craft potions and poisons. Residents will come to you for aid and it’s your choice whether to use your powers for good or evil.
5. Harvest Island — A haunted farming sim experience
Harvest Island is a horror-leaning farming sim with elements of an action RPG. This story-rich, character driven cozy game is centered around a mysterious island with haunting and hidden secrets. This one doesn’t go too hard in the horror direction (in fact, some reviewers wish it leaned more in that direction) so it’s a perfect option for casual farming sim enjoyers.
6. Forest Quartet — Story-heavy puzzle game about death
Forest Quartet is an eerie puzzle game about death and music. Move through three acts, each with an emotional story tied to one of your fellow bandmates. Use your singing voice to restore life and light to damaged contraptions, and in doing so help mend the broken hearts of those you left behind. Forest Quartet is a haunting, meditative tale about the enduring strength of the human spirit.
7. Doki Doki Literature Club — Psychological horror visual novel
Doki Doki Literature Club is technically a dating sim/visual novel, which usually screams “cozy game.” But the infamous free-to-play game is known for dark themes and shocking twists. This game comes with a major trigger for suicide/self harm. Don’t let the cutesy art style food you, it is definitely more “horror” than “dating.”
8. Submachine: Legacy — Shadowy point-and-click adventure game in the depths
Submachine: Legacy is a point-and-click puzzle adventure game following a banished lighthouse keeper and his journey deep into an eerie, subterranean hand-drawn world. Originally a 2005 Flash game, Submachine: Legacy has now been preserved in an easily accessible Steam download.
9. Dredge — Lovecraftian horror exploraton and business sim-lite
Dredge is a Lovecraftian fishing game set around a sinister archipelago that hosts deadly, oceanic secrets. Thalassophobia abounds as you fish, sell your haul, upgrade your boat, and explore mysterious depths better left forgotten. Time management is key, as you might not like what comes out to play after nightfall.
10. Graveyard Keeper — Horror comedy with resource management
Graveyard Keeper isn’t so much a horror game as it is a RPG/simulation game with an extremely morbid topic. It has tons of dark comedy, which you can see right off that bat by the developer calling it “the most inaccurate medieval cemetery sim of the year.” You can make absolutely gnarly in-game decisions, too, like selling meat to the local butcher sourced directly from your…er…wares.
11. Wytchwood — A witchy adventure in a dark fairytale world
Wytchwood is a crafting and exploration game set in a gothic fairytale world, with aesthetic “storybook” art to match! Play as a witch of the woods doing tasks for a demonic goat who promised you a wish in exchange for 12 souls. You will spend most of your time hunting for ingredients and crafting items. The perfect game for “collectathon” lovers.
12. Bokura — Spooky narrative-centric co-op puzzle game
Bokura is a cozy co-op multiplayer game for 1-2 players. You are meant to play without seeing or hearing each other’s screen, as you’ll both be presented with a vastly different experience. Together, you’ll need to communicate what you are seeing and experiencing in order to solve puzzles where each of you has half of the solution. There are tons of spooky, creepy elements, from an eerie mechanical world to pixelated gore.
13. Whispers of Prague: The Executioner’s Last Cut — Dark point-and-click adventure game
Whispers of Prague: The Executioner’s Last Cut is a game where you explore a spooky version of Prague. You play as a character trying to solve mysteries while uncovering dark secrets from the past. The game combines adventure, puzzle-solving, and storytelling as you interact with creepy characters and environments to figure out what happened.
14. I Am Dead — Afterlife puzzle-adventure game from the creators of Hohokum
I Am Dead is a puzzle game where you play as a recently deceased museum curator named Morris. After dying, he discovers he can talk to the spirits of the dead and must explore his hometown to find his lost dog. You solve puzzles by looking at things from a unique perspective, revealing hidden stories and memories of the living and the dead. The game has a charming art style and focuses on themes of life, death, and connection.
15. Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp — Monster dating sim that’s more silly than spooky
Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp is a fun dating sim where you play as a monster trying to find love at summer camp. You interact with quirky characters, make choices, and go on dates while managing your stats and secrets. The game is filled with humor, weird situations, and colorful art, allowing you to build relationships and experience various storylines.
16. IMMORTALITY — Hidden object narrative adventure game about a mysterious disappearance
Immortality is a spooky and mysterious interactive game perfect for Halloween. You uncover the secrets behind a missing actress through footage from her unreleased films. By exploring different scenes, you piece together clues, making it feel like solving a haunting puzzle. It’s great for cozy autumn nights when you’re in the mood for something eerie but not too intense.
17. NIGHT/SHADE: You’re The Drug — Edgy adult LGBTQ+ romance visual novel
Nightshade: You’re the Drug is a thrilling visual novel set in a dark, dangerous world. You make decisions that affect your relationships with various characters, navigating a mix of romance, suspense, and danger. It has a dark, mysterious vibe that’s great for Halloween, with rich storytelling and complex character dynamics that keep you on edge. It’s a cozy yet intense experience, perfect for when you’re in the mood for something dark and romantic.
18. Spirittea — RPG, life sim about a spooky bathhouse for spirits
Spirittea is a cozy life-simulation game where you help spirits in a small town by managing an old bathhouse. You solve the spirits’ problems, make friends with the locals, and upgrade the bathhouse while exploring the town’s mysteries. Perfect for a laid-back yet magical Halloween experience, the game mixes elements of problem-solving, resource management, and relaxation, all with charming pixel art and a peaceful, spirited vibe.
19. A Date with Death — Visual novel dating sim about courting Death
A Date with Death is a supernatural romance game where you engage in a week-long challenge with the Grim Reaper. As you chat and video call with him, you explore the mysteries behind why he’s after your soul while making choices that shape your relationship. You can customize your character, decorate your apartment, and enjoy beautiful art and multiple possible endings. It’s a fun, cozy Halloween game with just the right mix of romance, suspense, and humor.
Conclusion
These are my picks for spooky cozy games for the Halloween season. Mind you, I play them all year round. I am always adding to and updating my lists as new games come out, so be sure to ping me here or on social media if you want to see one of your favorites added to the article.
Stay spooky, friends!
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