While many think of the holidays as a time to unwind and reflect, true fans of gaming know it’s the perfect chance to dive into some outstanding video games. What’s better than enjoying cozy games during this time? These games are designed for relaxation and creativity without the stress that often comes with more action-packed genres.
If the chill in the air makes you want to revisit your backlog of games or explore the Xbox store for fresh picks, you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered a delightful list of tried-and-true games perfect for cozying up with. Categorized to suit your current mood, this list invites you to grab your favorite mug filled with a warm beverage, wrap yourself in a snug blanket, and jump into gaming bliss.
Fun on the Farm
Farming simulations are the quintessential cozy gaming genre. They provide tranquility in serene settings where you can cultivate crops, socialize, and explore freely. Whether you seek a combat-free zone or a gentle challenge, there’s something here for everyone.
Stardew Valley
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
After inheriting your grandfather’s farm in Stardew Valley, you set out to turn this overgrown patch into your dream haven. Improve your farming, fishing, and combat skills, craft new items and dishes, and build relationships, potentially finding romance. The recent 1.6 update adds even more to explore, making now an ideal time for newcomers and seasoned players alike, with options for solo or co-op play with up to 8 friends.
Lightyear Frontier
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
For those looking for farming on a cosmic scale, look no further than Lightyear Frontier. This open-world game combines the thrill of exploration with the satisfaction of creating your dream interstellar farm. Customize your mech, unravel planetary mysteries, and contribute positively to the ecosystem—all while up to three friends can join in via online multiplayer.
Coral Island
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Leave behind the urban hustle and bustle to build a tropical paradise on Coral Island. Grow crops, raise animals, and integrate into a vibrant community of over 70 unique characters. With opportunities for insect hunting, fishing, and coral reef diving, this farming sim offers relaxing adventures full of charm.
Comfy, Cozy Puzzles
If farming doesn’t quite captivate you, perhaps our collection of delightful puzzle games will. Not too taxing, these games offer peaceful exploration and satisfying puzzles you can tackle at your leisure, all presented in beautiful artistry.
Botany Manor
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Step into the boots of retired botanist Arabella Greene and rejuvenate your manor’s gardens. Solve puzzles to reawaken the estate’s flora, which unlocks more grounds to explore, while uncovering the fascinating story of Arabella’s life.
A Little To The Left
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
This charming puzzle game turns the mundane task of tidying into a delightful experience. With over 100 scenarios, enjoy the simple pleasure of organizing household items. If neatness brings you satisfaction, this game is made for you.
Strange Horticulture
Available on Cloud, Console
As the owner of a plant store, delve into the occult-themed world of Strange Horticulture. Balance the calm with the curious as you discover new plant species and unravel the eerie mysteries of Undermere, shaping the narrative with your knowledge of plants.
Light-hearted Adventures
For those who enjoy light quests and exploration without the stress of intense combat or major decisions, these adventures let you roam through engaging environments at your own pace. From traversing a city as a cat to embarking on serene climbs, there’s plenty of lighthearted fun to be had.
Lil Gator Game
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
As a cheerful little gator, explore an inviting island, meet new friends, and uncover hidden secrets. With quests scattered all over, it’s an adventure that’s as cozy as it is delightful, perfect for a carefree gaming session.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Mixing dungeon exploration with relaxing social interactions, Dungeons of Hinterberg lets you choose daily between venturing into dungeons or enjoying life in town. It’s an engaging escape filled with laid-back challenges and satisfying discoveries.
Little Kitty, Big City
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Get lost in urban adventures with Little Kitty, Big City, where you play as an adventurous cat finding your way home. With quests, friends, and a dash of delightful chaos, experience the big city like never before.
Spiritfarer
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Despite its theme, Spiritfarer offers a touching management journey about life and death. Sail and help spirits move on while engaging in farming, crafting, and more. You can also bring a friend along to play as Daffodil, the adorable cat.
Jusant
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Journey upwards in Jusant, a serene action-puzzle adventure. With your climbing gear, explore new paths and biomes, master your skills, and savor the atmosphere as you ascend at your leisure.
A Short Hike
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Experience a peaceful adventure through the landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park. As a little bird, explore colorful surroundings, uncover secrets, and interact with friendly characters on your path to the summit.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Step into Dreamlight Valley’s enchanting world. Mix life simulation with the joy of befriending Disney and Pixar characters, taking on whimsical quests, and restoring the valley to its magical splendor.
Cozy Narrative Delights
For those seeking an exciting story with laid-back gameplay, these narrative-driven games will sweep you into stunning adventures, whether you’re capturing moments with a camera or venturing into a claymation space journey.
Chicory
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Unleash your artistic side in Chicory, a vibrant adventure game. Embark on a quest to find superstar artist Chicory, using creativity to solve puzzles, assist friends, and uncover a heartfelt story.
Toem
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Grab your camera and embark on a playful exploration in Toem. Discover hidden wonders through photography, meet quirky locals, and enjoy a relaxing trek across a stunning hand-drawn world.
Harold Halibut
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Dive deep into this undersea narrative adventure aboard an underwater spaceship, where you meet unusual creatures and uncover humanity’s history. With retro-futuristic charm, Harold Halibut offers a cozy escape from reality.
Satisfying Cleanups
For those who find joy in decluttering and organizing, these games offer a therapeutic experience of cleaning and tidying digital worlds, making chores enjoyable from the comfort of your couch.
PowerWash Simulator
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Dive into the grime-blasting fun of PowerWash Simulator, where each level lets you power wash away dirt in a satisfyingly systematic way, with a charming backstory emerging as you clean.
House Flipper
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Become a renovation master in House Flipper. Tackle contracts to fund your ambitions, then transform neglected properties with your design vision—knocking down walls, adding paint, and furnishing homes to your taste.
Unpacking
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
With Unpacking, transport yourself into the life of an unseen character. Carefully unbox and arrange their belongings as you piece together their life story, creating thoughtful living spaces in this relaxing puzzle game.
Nostalgic Cozy Favorites
Nothing warms the heart like revisiting a beloved series from the past. These revitalized 90s classics let you relive your fondest gaming memories or share treasured experiences with your loved ones.
Spyro: Reignited Trilogy
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Re-explore the Dragon Realms in this beautifully remastered trilogy. Glide and freed dragons once more in a nostalgic yet fresh take on this beloved platformer, now accessible on Xbox Game Pass.
Crash Bandicoot: N’Sane Trilogy
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Reclaim your childhood with the first three Crash Bandicoot games, reimagined with modern visuals. Help Crash thwart Dr. Cortex’s plans through familiar levels that feel as exciting now as they did back then.
Return to Monkey Island
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Step back into the world of Monkey Island with the return of iconic character Guybrush Threepwood. Mix familiar point-and-click gameplay with a fresh narrative as you navigate Melee Island’s high seas and meet new faces.
