I absolutely love games that can help me relax and unwind after a long day. That’s why I love cozy games on Steam. Cozy games are a subgenre of video games that focus on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, with low-stress gameplay and charming visuals. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to take a break from the fast-paced action of other games and just enjoy a peaceful experience.
There are plenty of cozy games on Steam to choose from, ranging from farming sims to exploration games. Here are some of my favorite cozy games on Steam, what you can expect while playing, and what I love about them.
Top Cozy Games on Steam
As a fan of cozy games, I have spent countless hours searching for the most relaxing and enjoyable games on Steam. When I finish one, I start looking for another. I have crawled through Steam curated lists, cozy-centric tags, and community recommendation forums. From all of that, I have picked out the essential cozy games on Steam to add to your backlog bucket-list:
1. Stardew Valley – Best farming sim
Stardew Valley is a popular indie farming simulation game developed by ConcernedApe. In the game, players inherit a run-down farm and are tasked with restoring it to its former glory. The quaint hamlet of Pelican Town serves as the game’s central hub, featuring a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and backstories. Players can engage in various activities, including farming, fishing, mining, and raising animals. The game operates on a day-night cycle, and players must strategically manage their time and resources to cultivate crops, befriend villagers, and explore the expansive world.
The game’s rich narrative unfolds as players form relationships with the residents of Pelican Town, potentially leading to friendships, romances, and even marriage. Stardew Valley also incorporates elements of adventure and exploration, with players delving into the mysterious caves filled with monsters and valuable resources. The charming pixel art, relaxing soundtrack, and the multitude of activities make Stardew Valley a captivating and immersive experience, blending farming simulation with social interactions and a touch of adventure.
Already played it? Check out cozy games like Stardew Valley.
2. Cozy Grove – Best for Animal Crossing: New Horizons fans
Cozy Grove is a delightful indie game that combines elements of life simulation and exploration. Players take on the role of a “Spirit Scout” on an otherworldly, ever-changing island called Cozy Grove. The island is shrouded in a magical, perpetual twilight, and the art style features a charming hand-drawn aesthetic. The game’s distinguishing feature is its dynamic world, where new items, characters, and quests appear daily, creating a sense of continuous discovery.
Cozy Grove shares notable similarities with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, particularly in its cozy and relaxing atmosphere, adorable art style, and emphasis on community and character interactions. Both games involve players in a charming village setting where they befriend anthropomorphic characters and engage in various activities. A key resemblance lies in their time-based mechanics, where in-game events and interactions unfold in real-time, encouraging players to revisit regularly to discover new quests, dialogue, and changes in the environment. Cozy Grove, like Animal Crossing, fosters a sense of community and personalization, making it an inviting and soothing experience for players who enjoy the gentle pace of life simulation games.
Psst. This isn’t the only cozy game I’ve likened to Animal Crossing, if you’re a fan.
3. Slime Rancher – Best first-person cozy game
Slime Rancher is a first-person, sandbox farming game that introduces players to the whimsical world of the Far, Far Range. In the game, players assume the role of Beatrix LeBeau, a plucky young rancher who sets out to make a fortune by capturing and raising adorable, gelatinous creatures known as slimes. The diverse ecosystem of the Far, Far Range includes various types of slimes with unique behaviors and characteristics. Players explore different environments, from lush greenery to arid deserts, in their quest to collect and manage these lively critters.
The central gameplay mechanics revolve around capturing slimes, feeding them, and harvesting the valuable resources, called plorts, that they produce. Plorts serve as the in-game currency, enabling players to expand their ranch, build new structures, and unlock upgrades. The game encourages exploration and experimentation, as players seek out rare and elusive slimes, discover hidden areas, and tackle challenges. The charming aesthetic, colorful world, and engaging mix of farming and exploration make Slime Rancher a delightful and addictive experience for players of all ages.
4. My Time at Portia – Best resource management & crafting
My Time at Portia is a charming life simulation game set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the role of a builder who inherits a workshop in the bustling town of Portia. The game combines elements of farming, crafting, and exploration in a vibrant and imaginative setting. Players engage with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations and quirks. Interacting with the residents of Portia is a key aspect of the game, as players build relationships through conversation, gifting, sparring, social activities, and completing tasks.
The gameplay mechanics of My Time at Portia involve managing your workshop, crafting items, scavenging for resources, and participating in various activities like fishing and mining. The town is filled with interesting locations, including ruins to explore and mysterious dungeons to conquer. As players expand their workshop, they can take on more ambitious projects, such as constructing advanced machinery and upgrading their home. With its colorful art style, engaging characters, and a plethora of activities, My Time at Portia offers a relaxing and immersive experience for players who enjoy the combination of creativity and social interaction in a post-apocalyptic world.
The makers of My Time at Portia released a sequel that I love just as much: My Time at Sandrock.
5. Spiritfarer – Best “dark cozy” game
Spiritfarer is a heartfelt indie game that blends elements of management simulation and adventure. Players step into the shoes of Stella, a Spiritfarer tasked with helping guide spirits to the afterlife on their ferry. The game unfolds aboard a mystical boat that serves as both a vessel and a home for the departed souls. As Stella, players befriend and care for a host of spirits, each representing a unique aspect of the human experience. These spirits have their own stories and quests, and players nurture them by providing comfort, fulfilling their final wishes, and fostering meaningful connections.
The gameplay mechanics of Spiritfarer involve a mix of resource management, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Players navigate a beautifully hand-drawn world, discovering various islands, each with its own set of challenges and opportunities. The central theme revolves around the cycle of life and death, and players must engage in activities like fishing, cooking, and crafting to ensure the spirits are content before their journey to the afterlife. The emotional depth, poignant narrative, and artistic design make Spiritfarer a unique and touching experience that explores themes of loss, acceptance, and the importance of companionship.
Spiritfarer is a story-driven cozy game of the highest caliber.
6. Planet Zoo – Best for Zoo Tycoon fans
Planet Zoo is a simulation game that puts players in charge of designing and managing their own zoo. Produced by Frontier Developments, the game offers a comprehensive and realistic experience where players have the opportunity to create habitats for a vast array of animals, ranging from lions and elephants to reptiles and insects. The game features a robust construction and customization system, allowing players to design intricate enclosures that cater to the specific needs and preferences of each species.
The gameplay mechanics of Planet Zoo involve not only maintaining the well-being of the animals but also managing the entire zoo ecosystem, including the satisfaction of visitors. Players need to balance the needs of the animals, ensuring they have appropriate food, shelter, and enrichment, while also considering the layout and aesthetics of the zoo to keep visitors happy. The game introduces a detailed economy system, where players need to manage finances, research new technologies, and participate in conservation efforts to improve the overall well-being of both the animals and the zoo itself. With its attention to detail, educational aspects, and stunning graphics, Planet Zoo offers a compelling and immersive simulation experience for players passionate about wildlife conservation and zoo management.
7. PowerWash Simulator – Best for neat freaks
PowerWash Simulator is a unique and oddly satisfying simulation game that focuses on the oddly satisfying task of cleaning various objects and surfaces using a high-powered pressure washer. Developed by FuturLab, the game provides a surprisingly relaxing and therapeutic experience as players tackle a variety of dirty and grimy environments. From grungy vehicles to moss-covered patios, players use different nozzles and techniques to blast away dirt and grime, revealing the sparkling cleanliness beneath.
The gameplay mechanics of PowerWash Simulator are straightforward but surprisingly engaging. Players can choose from a range of pressure washing tools, each with its own strengths and purposes, and use them to meticulously clean surfaces. The game features a variety of locations, from suburban homes to industrial sites, providing a diverse set of cleaning challenges. While there aren’t traditional characters or a narrative, the game’s appeal lies in the satisfaction of seeing the transformation from dirt and filth to pristine cleanliness, offering a unique and oddly compelling gameplay experience for those who find joy in virtual cleaning.
8. Unpacking – Best organization sim
Unpacking is a unique puzzle game developed by Witch Beam that revolves around the meditative process of unpacking boxes and arranging belongings in various living spaces. The game spans several years and presents players with a series of rooms, starting from a college dorm and progressing through different life stages. The main gameplay mechanic involves unpacking a box by taking items out and placing them in a way that feels right, contributing to a sense of personalization and storytelling.
There are no traditional characters or places in the conventional sense, as the focus of Unpacking is on the inanimate objects and the emotions associated with the act of unpacking. The game provides a quiet and contemplative experience as players discover the significance of each item, unlocking memories and moments in the character’s life. Unpacking stands out for its simple yet emotionally resonant gameplay, where the narrative unfolds through the player’s interactions with the belongings, making it a unique and introspective puzzle experience.
Finished with this one? Try out my suggestions for other games similar to Unpacking!
9. Sun Haven – Best for skill specialization
Sun Haven is an indie farming simulation and role-playing game developed by Pixel Sprout Studios. The game is set in a magical world where players take on the role of a farmer tasked with rejuvenating a neglected farm. Sun Haven offers a blend of farming, exploration, and character interaction. Players can customize their farms, plant and cultivate crops, raise animals, and delve into the mysteries of the surrounding world. Sun Haven boasts a diverse cast of characters, each with their own stories and personalities.
Gameplay mechanics include typical farming simulation elements like crop management, animal husbandry, and resource gathering. The game also incorporates incremental exploration and various combat areas within the magical world, adding an adventurous element to the farming simulation genre. One of the things that stands out is its race selection system and skill tree. You will unlock different abilities depending on the race you play as, from angels and demons, healing to ranged damage. You can will also navigate and unlock a complex skill tree, allowing you to specialize your character in different areas of combat, social skills, foraging, and more.
10. Disney Dreamlight Valley – Best for Disney fans
In Disney Dreamlight Valley, players find themselves in the magical Dreamlight Valley, a realm filled with various biomes and populated by beloved Disney and Pixar characters. The game embraces nonlinear gameplay, allowing players to control a customizable human character living in the valley. The valley’s progression is synchronized with real-time, mirroring the player’s console or computer clock. Gameplay involves exploring the valley to gather resources, utilizing magical abilities to clear away Night Thorns, and engaging in activities such as cooking and crafting at designated stations. The player can personalize their appearance, change outfits, and design clothes and furniture with a feature called Touch of Magic.
The narrative unfolds as players discover that they are the former ruler of Dreamlight Valley, returning to restore the land after leaving during their childhood. Assisted by Merlin and utilizing their magical abilities known as Dreamlight, players aim to clear away Night Thorns, open doorways to other realms, and help characters with their problems. The overarching goal is to restore the valley, reintegrate characters who fled to other realms, and confront the dark being called the Forgotten. The player’s journey involves uncovering memories, confronting inner struggles, and ultimately aiding in the redemption of the Forgotten, highlighting themes of acceptance and self-discovery.
11. Potion Craft – Best medieval vibes
Potion Craft is an alchemy simulation game developed by Niceplay Games. Set in a charming medieval world, players take on the role of an aspiring potion maker running their own alchemy shop. The game revolves around the intricate art of potion crafting, combining various ingredients to create magical elixirs with unique effects. Players explore a vibrant town filled with interesting characters, each with their own stories and needs. Interactions with these characters drive the narrative, as players fulfill potion requests and uncover the mysteries of the world.
Gameplay mechanics in Potion Craft involve the process of potion brewing, where players experiment with ingredients, adjust proportions, and perfect their recipes to meet the demands of customers. The game introduces a unique puzzle-like system for potion crafting, requiring precision and skill to create the desired effects. As players progress, they can expand their alchemy shop, discover new ingredients, and unlock more complex potion recipes. With its engaging mechanics and charming atmosphere, Potion Craft offers a delightful experience for players who enjoy the art of potion-making and exploration in a magical medieval setting.
12. Fae Farm – Best cozy adventure multiplayer
In Fae Farm, players find themselves shipwrecked on an island and are rescued by the mayor of a welcoming farming community, who grants them an unused farm. The game offers a multifaceted experience beyond farming, encouraging exploration, quest completion, dungeon combat, crafting, and romance with other villagers. Players can personalize their homes using crafted furniture to enhance their attributes. Combat, though present, can be circumvented through magic potions that render characters invisible. Notably, characters don’t face permanent consequences like death when exposed to extreme elements or hazards; instead, they safely return to town without penalties.
The game supports up to four players through online cooperative multiplayer or local play on the Nintendo Switch. Developed by Phoenix Labs in Vancouver, Canada, Fae Farm was released on September 8, 2023, for Windows and the Nintendo Switch, receiving positive reviews on Metacritic. GamesRadar praised its low-stakes, inclusive, and cozy farming simulation, RPGSite hailed it as one of the best relaxing games of the year, and Nintendo Life commended its thoughtful design and abundant charm, despite some reservations about social dynamics and the plethora of activities.
13. Coffee Talk – Best visual novel
Coffee Talk is an indie visual novel and simulation game developed by Toge Productions. Set in a cozy, alternative Seattle in the year 2020, the game invites players to take on the role of a barista in a late-night coffee shop frequented by an eclectic mix of supernatural beings and humans. The game’s central theme revolves around conversation and storytelling, as players prepare and serve various beverages while engaging in meaningful conversations with the diverse characters who visit the coffee shop. These characters include elves, werewolves, orcs, and other fantasy beings, each with their own unique stories, struggles, and perspectives.
The gameplay mechanics of Coffee Talk primarily involve listening to the characters’ narratives, offering advice, and choosing dialogue options that shape the direction of the conversations. As players progress, they unveil the interconnected stories of the patrons, exploring themes of love, friendship, and societal issues. The charming pixel art, atmospheric soundtrack, and the emphasis on empathy and understanding make Coffee Talk a distinctive and heartwarming experience, offering players a glimpse into the lives of the characters who find solace and connection in the warmth of the coffee shop.
14. Untitled Goose Game – Best cozy puzzle game
Untitled Goose Game is a comedic indie video game developed by House House. In the game, players assume the mischievous role of a goose on a mission to cause havoc and annoyance in a peaceful English village. The goose is the main character, and its misadventures involve interacting with various objects and characters in the village to complete a list of humorous and often absurd tasks. The charming and minimalist art style, along with the humorous premise, quickly made the game a standout in the indie gaming scene.
The gameplay mechanics of Untitled Goose Game are centered around exploration, stealth, and puzzle-solving. Players control the goose as it waddles through different areas of the village, honking, stealing items, and interacting with the environment to create chaos. The goose’s antics are set to a playful piano soundtrack, adding to the whimsical atmosphere. The game’s open-ended structure allows players to tackle objectives in various ways, embracing the idea of being a mischievous goose causing delightful mayhem in a quaint English setting.
15. Sticky Business – Best business sim
Sticky Business is a charming simulation game available on Steam, where players experience the joy of running their own small sticker-making business. In this game, players can unleash their creativity by designing and creating unique stickers, choosing from a wide array of elements to craft their own collections. These collections can range from cat-themed stickers to witch-inspired designs, and even include quirky additions like silly faces.
The game allows players to add special effects to their stickers, such as sparkles or holographic finishes, enhancing their appeal. As players progress, they can pack orders and learn about their customers’ stories, adding a personal touch to the gameplay. A unique feature of Sticky Business is its Twitch integration, which allows content creators to involve their viewers in the game. Viewers can become customers, placing orders and interacting with the player’s creations.
16. Garden Story – Best action-adventure indie game
Garden Story is an indie action-adventure game developed by Picogram and published by Rose City Games. In the game, players take on the role of Concord, a grape guardian, as they work to restore and defend the Grove, a once-thriving community now facing the threat of a mysterious Rot. Concord’s journey involves exploring diverse regions, interacting with charming anthropomorphic characters, and completing various tasks to rejuvenate the land. The characters players encounter include talking fruit and vegetable inhabitants, each with their own personalities and stories.
The gameplay mechanics of Garden Story include a mix of action, exploration, and management elements. Players engage in combat with the Rot, solve puzzles, and build relationships with the inhabitants of the Grove. Concord is equipped with a trusty watering can, used not only to defeat enemies but also to nurture the environment. The game emphasizes community and restoration, with players working to repair structures, plant new crops, and forge connections to bring life back to the Grove. Garden Story combines a heartwarming narrative with engaging gameplay mechanics, making it a delightful experience for those who enjoy adventure games with a focus on community and nature.
17. Frog Detective – Best cozy comedy game
Frog Detective is an indie detective adventure game developed by Worm Club. In this quirky and humorous title, players step into the webbed feet of the Frog Detective, an amphibious investigator, as they tackle various mysteries in a whimsical world. The game features charming and vibrant cartoonish aesthetics, creating a lighthearted atmosphere. Players encounter amusing characters, each with distinct personalities and oddities, as they attempt to solve cases that often involve peculiar situations and unexpected humor.
The gameplay mechanics of Frog Detective are straightforward, offering a point-and-click adventure experience. Players explore quirky locations, interact with eccentric characters, and collect clues to solve the mysteries at hand. The game doesn’t take itself too seriously, embracing a playful and comedic tone throughout. Frog Detective stands out for its delightful sense of humor, charming art style, and the whimsical nature of its investigations, making it an enjoyable experience for players who appreciate light-hearted and amusing detective adventures.
18. Wylde Flowers – Best for inclusivity
Wylde Flowers is a captivating game that combines the charm of rural life with the enchantment of witchcraft. Players step into the shoes of Tara, a young woman who moves to the picturesque island of Fairhaven to assist her grandmother and the family farm. The game is set in a beautifully crafted world where players can engage in various activities like tending crops, caring for animals, fishing, and crafting. As night falls, Tara’s magical side comes to life. She learns to fly a broomstick, brew potions, control the weather, and even transform into a cat, adding a unique twist to the typical farming game genre.
One of the standout features of Wylde Flowers is its fully voice-acted dialogue in English, featuring over 18 hours of voice acting, including performances by BAFTA award-winning actors. This brings an extraordinary depth to the game’s 30 diverse characters, each with their own intricate backstories, personalities, and roles in Fairhaven. Players can find friendship, and even romance, with seven eligible characters, ranging from the local butcher to a flirty doctor. The game promises a substantial playtime of 35-60+ hours, filled with an array of activities and an immersive storyline that blends farming, magic, and personal discovery.
Conclusion
Cozy games range across so many genres and have so many unique and charming gameplay elements that no matter your preference, you’re sure to find something you love. Hopefully, my list of the best cozy games on Steam helped you discover something new or reminisce about old favorites. Stay tuned for more cozy game round-ups and reviews!
Stay cozy, gamers!