As the holiday season rolls around, many of us look forward to a well-deserved break. And for gamers, this time often means diving into some fantastic video games. What better way to embrace the festive spirit than with cozy games? These gems are designed for pure relaxation, offering a soothing experience without the hustle and bustle of action-packed games.
Whether you’re breaking into a neglected gaming backlog or exploring the Xbox storefront in search of fresh adventures, we’ve rounded up an impressive selection of games perfect for settling in with. To make your choice easier, we’ve organized them into categories based on the vibe you’re after. So, grab a hot beverage, snuggle up in a warm blanket, and jump right in.
## Fun on the Farm
Farming games have long been a cornerstone of the cozy gaming genre. They offer serene worlds where you can cultivate crops, make friends, and explore to your heart’s content. Whether you’re after a peaceful retreat or a gentle challenge, we’ve got just the game for you.
### Stardew Valley
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC, Stardew Valley offers a heartwarming journey as you inherit your grandfather’s old farm. Tasked with turning it into a beautiful home, you’ll hone your skills in farming, fishing, and combat while unlocking new items and recipes. Along the way, form bonds with the local townsfolk, forge friendships, or even fall in love. With the recent 1.6 update adding new content, it’s a perfect time to start or revisit this beloved classic, either solo or with up to 8 friends in co-op.
### Lightyear Frontier
Lightyear Frontier lets you embark on a tranquil farming adventure on a grand scale. Available on Cloud, Console, and PC, this open-world game allows you to build your dream homestead on an alien planet, complete with a customizable mech companion. Discover the planet’s secrets, aid its ecosystem, and enjoy seamless online multiplayer that lets three friends join in the fun.
### Coral Island
Escape city life in Coral Island, where Cloud, Console, and PC players can create a tropical paradise. It’s not just about tending crops or caring for animals—immerse yourself in a lively community of over 70 characters. Engage in activities like bug hunting, fishing, and diving in coral reefs, all while soaking in the island’s idyllic charm.
## Comfy, Cozy Puzzles
If farming isn’t quite your thing, perhaps gentle puzzle games are your go-to. These titles focus on soothing exploration and satisfying puzzles, wrapped in stunning visuals, letting you unwind at your own pace.
### Botany Manor
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC, Botany Manor invites you to step into the boots of Arabella Greene, a retired botanist. Explore her manor as you solve puzzles, revive forgotten flora, and uncover Arabella’s intriguing backstory while unlocking more of the gardens.
### A Little To The Left
Settle in with A Little To The Left on Cloud, Console, and PC—a puzzle game that brings joy through organization. Tidy up spaces by stacking and sorting various household items in over 100 scenarios. If you love the satisfaction of a well-organized space, this is the game for you.
### Strange Horticulture
In Strange Horticulture, available on Cloud and Console, you are the owner of a plant shop exploring Undermere’s dark mysteries. As you collect new plant species and solve puzzles, balance a mix of eeriness and relaxation in this occult-themed game.
## Light-hearted Adventures
Sometimes, a bit more interaction is just what you need—without high-pressure combat or complex choices. Here are some light-hearted adventures bursting with exploration and lighthearted action.
### Lil Gator Game
Joining Cloud, Console, and PC, Lil Gator Game lets you explore a charming island filled with quests and new friends. Take your time discovering hidden secrets and wonderful adventures in this adorable and stress-free platformer.
### Dungeons of Hinterberg
Combining exciting dungeon exploration with laid-back social dynamics, Dungeons of Hinterberg is available on Cloud, Console, and PC. Play as Luisa in a picturesque town, choose between danger-filled dungeons or leisure time with locals for a relaxed experience peppered with light challenges.
### Little Kitty, Big City
Experience an urban adventure as a playful cat in Little Kitty, Big City, available on Cloud, Console, and PC. Explore the bustling city, make new furry friends, complete quirky quests, and disrupt the order—all at your own leisurely pace.
## Cozy Narrative Delights
For those who treasure storytelling, these narrative-driven games blend captivating tales with easygoing gameplay. Explore unique worlds and engaging stories you won’t want to miss.
### Chicory
On Cloud, Console, and PC, Chicory offers a vibrant top-down adventure where you wield artistic powers to solve puzzles. As you search for the renowned painter Chicory, unravel a touching story filled with delightful characters.
### Toem
Embark on a charming journey in Toem, available on Cloud, Console, and PC. With your camera in hand, snap pictures and explore a beautifully drawn world. Meet whimsical characters and capture magical moments on your adventure.
### Harold Halibut
Dive into the handcrafted world of Harold Halibut, available on Cloud, Console, and PC. This undersea adventure follows Harold, a lab assistant on a submerged spaceship, uncovering humanities’ tale in an endearing narrative full of retro-futuristic charm.
## Satisfying Cleanups
Sometimes, the joy of restoring order can be just the ticket. These games let you clean, organize, and style vibrant virtual worlds from the best seat in the house.
### PowerWash Simulator
Cloud, Console, and PC gamers can enjoy PowerWash Simulator, where you blast away dirt to make everything from vans to subway platforms shine. As you progress, unlock better tools and uncover the quirky story behind Muckingham’s residents.
### House Flipper
Transform decrepit properties into dream homes in House Flipper, available on Cloud, Console, and PC. Tackle a series of renovation contracts to fund your projects, then renovate, decorate, and customize each space to your liking.
### Unpacking
Discover the story of an unseen protagonist while mastering the art of organizing in Unpacking. Available on Cloud, Console, and PC, this narrative puzzle game reveals heartfelt tales as you unpack possessions in new homes.
## Nostalgic Cozy Favorites
Revisit beloved games from the past with these nostalgic choices, perfect for rekindling fond memories and sharing them with loved ones.
### Spyro: Reignited Trilogy
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC, Spyro: Reignited Trilogy revisits the classic adventures of our favorite purple dragon. Save the Dragon Realms in this vibrant remaster that’s accessible on Xbox Game Pass, delivering charming platforming for all ages.
### Crash Bandicoot: N’Sane Trilogy
Jump back into the world of Crash with the N’Sane Trilogy on Cloud, Console, and PC. Relive the excitement with remastered visuals and gameplay that retains the spirit of the original while adding modern polish.
### Return to Monkey Island
Return to the epic Monkey Island series with iconic protagonist Guybrush Threepwood. Available on Cloud, Console, and PC, this new installment captures the essence of classic point-and-click adventures while offering fresh challenges and nostalgic charm.
There you have it—a delightful selection of cozy games to lose yourself in while you unwind this holiday season. Happy gaming!
