From time to time, even the most hardened of gamers need something peaceful and comforting with low stakes. A ‘cosy game’ is an umbrella term for any title that might be relaxing or therapeutic. This type of game saw a mass rise in popularity during the 2020 lockdowns and remains prevalent among staunch and casual gamers alike. Here are must-plays for your cosy gaming library.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Possibly the title that comes to mind when cosy gaming is mentioned, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has seen a roaring success since its release for the Nintendo Switch in March 2020, selling more units than all previous AC games combined. It’s easy to see why this game is so popular.
Move to a faraway island courtesy of Nook Inc. - collect, explore and build your town precisely to your liking. Fill your island’s museum with exotic fish and ancient fossils but be warned, Blathers doesn’t like bugs! Decide who out of the 413 unique NPC villagers gets to stay alongside you on your island, harvest resources, complete daily tasks and enjoy your very own paradise in real-time.
Unpacking
The real-life task of unpacking might be a laborious chore, but in this charming indie puzzle game, you’ll be itching to open up box after box to uncover the game’s moving backstory. Uncover information about an invisible protagonist’s life from 1997 to 2018 as you organise their belongings in a series of new homes, learning about their personality, hobbies and relationships.
Simple point-and-click mechanics make for laid-back gameplay, allowing you to focus on the storyline and intricate details that give way to a bigger picture. Taking as little as 4-6 hours to complete, Unpacking is a small game that leaves a lasting impression.
Coffee Talk
Narrative focus adventure game Coffee Talk is available on multiple platforms and has seen an overwhelmingly positive response since its release in January 2020. Play as a barista who owns a café in a fantasy version of Seattle, brew up a range of enticing warm beverages and have heart-to-heart conversations with your customers. Find yourself becoming increasingly invested in their lives and relationships as you help to solve problems while mixing ingredients to make their favourite drinks.
Chilled low-fi beats accompany this relaxing game, making it perfect for a rainy day when you don’t have the energy for a high-speed, intense shooter and instead would prefer just to make some coffee and chat with some eccentric characters.
Stardew Valley
As of 2022, Stardew Valley has sold over 20 million copies, which is exceptionally impressive for a game solely developed by indie game designer Eric Barone in 2016. Available on a number of platforms, console gamers and owners of gaming PCs can equally enjoy this title.
The basic premise of Stardew Valley is you’ve moved from the city and inherited your late grandfather’s dilapidated farm - now it’s up to you to keep it going. Grow crops, make money and meet new friends in the quaint, picturesque local community. However, not everything is as it seems, and there may be secrets lurking beneath the cheerful exterior of Pelican Town.
Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector
If you’re out and about without access to your gaming setup, you might turn to your phone for a cosy gaming fix. Neko Atsume is a mobile cat collecting game bursting with charm, cuteness and feline friends. Purchase food, toys and furniture in a bid to attract a variety of adorable cats to your garden and earn gold fish. Watch out for rare visitors such as Sassy Fran and Ramses the Great, who might bring you some special mementoes.
Townscaper
Build your very own city with Townscaper, a cross-platform game that is as charming as it is calming. Described as a virtual toy, reminiscent of LEGO, Townscaper has no goals - just build your town however you wish.
Townscaper’s exceedingly minimalist click-and-build gameplay allows you to create a quaint cobbled hamlet, a soaring metropolis or anything in between. The stunning illustrative art style is beautiful to behold, evoking memories of vibrant seaside towns with rows of colourful houses. Even if you struggle with the creative aspect of Simulation or city-builder games, Townscaper is guaranteed to bring out your inner architect.