Cozy and relaxing types of games have been around since the birth of gaming, but the aesthetic has really taken center stage as streaming and content creation have become more common in recent years. Now Cozy Games have bloomed into their own niche genre of gaming and playstyle that comes with a full-blown aesthetic to complement. Especially as we are headed into the fall and winter cycle of new games, you will see more discussions around cozy gaming, as there is a bit of seasonality to the genre as well. As modern life continues to become more fast-paced and busy, it can be nice to slow down and relax every now and then with a beautifully made game with a happy story or plot. There are some added benefits that come from playing cozy games, from mental health, connecting with a positive community, and encouraging creativity and self-expression. Not every game needs to transport you to a high-pressure environment; plenty of games found in the Cozy Games genre revolve around wholesome themes, soothing aesthetics, and slower pacing for those who may have a busy life and cannot dedicate endless hours.

Most games in the cozy genre are typically indie-style games that were born from a passion project or a specific vision an individual was lucky enough to bring to life. Fortunately, with the increased popularity in recent years, there have been more and more cozy games gaining mainstream interest and success, such as the Animal Crossing franchise. Not all cozy games revolve around farming, but routine-like activities are usually a key focus for most in the genre, and can help create an environment that is predictable and stress-free. There are games that are tied to a specific platform, or if it is an indie-style game, it may not be available everywhere, so make sure when you are researching cozy games to play, you are checking for platform or console exclusivity. Skill level is not much of a factor when it comes to exploring new cozy games, as these are meant to be enjoyed at any level; most mechanics tend to be simple. This can also be an excellent entry point for those who may be interested in starting gaming as a hobby but are worried about the more complex mainstream games.

Top Cozy Games to Check Out This Fall & Winter Season for Any Level of Gamer

If you are brand new to the Cozy Game genre or just looking for a new, fun, interactive game to dive into that may be a different style or pace than you typically play, I have several suggestions. For those who may be more experienced as a gamer or older, the Animal Crossing series has been one of the founders of cozy gaming and really took the world by storm during the days of lockdowns and staying indoors. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, released in 2020, has been a huge success and one of the best-selling Switch games ever. Exclusive to Nintendo, so you will need a Switch to play, Animal Crossing: New Horizons' plot has you rebuilding a deserted island into a full-fledged community with friendly neighbors and visitors. A classic sandbox-style game where you have full creative freedom on how your island is developed, designed, and interacts with others.

Another community-focused game that is newer to the Cozy Game genre is the free-to-play game Palia. Currently available across all platforms, Palia is a game that places you, a new human, into the village of Majiri, where you must build a new life in a magical, vibrant world that has mysteries, in-depth villagers to befriend, and daily activities that will always have you busy every time you log in. Similar to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you will have your own land that you can build and customize however you want, and depending on your interests or specific tasks, you can level up key skills to unlock more. As I mentioned, this game is relatively new, so you can expect to see consistent updates and changes in the game, as well as new exciting events that bring the community together, and introduce cool new items and customizations that can only be found during special times. You can build your house to match your IRL aesthetic, or master hunting, or farming to unlock the best-tasting recipes, or tap into the rich story-driven mysteries and learn what kind of magic flows through the world.

The last game I would recommend is a bit of an older game, but it has received updates as recent as December of last year, so there is more than enough content and new things for anyone to explore and enjoy. Stardew Valley is one of the original cozy games and one that has continued to remain popular since its initial release in 2016, and is playable on almost every platform and mobile, which only adds to its popularity. The game’s story begins with you inheriting your grandfather's old farm, which is quite run down outside of Pelican Town, and your job is to revitalize the farm, on top of building relationships with the numerous villagers who take residency in Pelican Town. Much like real life, this game has seasons and daily loops that help this game become routine for anyone who likes to check in intermittently, but also has a lot of depth for those who really want something to sink into for a long time. There have been multiple updates since the game's initial release, and the creator does a great job listening to the still active community to make sure changes and quality of life updates do not disrupt the relaxing nature of the game. The community is another positive aspect of this game, and anyone can jump in as a new player to receive tips or help from those more experienced, and it is a welcoming place that also has a few fun mods for those who may want even more out of Stardew Valley.

Capture The Cozy Game Aesthetic with KontrolFreek’s Strawberry Sage Edition No-Slip Thumb Grips

A major part of what draws many to cozy gaming is the vibe and aesthetic that comes with playing fun, lovable games with positive cozy energy. Color and comfort are two aspects of the cozy aesthetic that most gamers can agree are important for anyone’s setup. The new Strawberry Sage Edition No-Slip Thumb Grips by KontolFreek are a must-have for any cozy gamer. Not only do you get the added grippy texture from the laser-etched design and GripTek™ material, but your thumbs will thank you for the extra cushion gained when attaching these to your thumbsticks. Easy to install, and the tear-free installation ensures these No-Slip Thumb Grips will stay in place and not rip, no matter how many times they are re-equipped.

Another great benefit of the No-Slip Thumb Grips by KontrolFreek is that they are universal to any controller, so no matter what platform or specific controller you choose to play with, these Thumb Grips will fit them all. You can even revitalize your older controllers that may have worn-out analog sticks by attaching these Thumb Grips and have your old controller feel good as new. Now in Strawberry and Sage colorways, these universal No-Slip Thumb Grips by KontrolFreek are the perfect complement to any cozy gamer and match the fun cozy vibes that come with.