The best “cozy” video games to play in 2023
Cozy games are a fantastic escape from a busy life and often offer the chance to just sit back and be teleported into a big, soothing world.
The only problem is that there are so many cozy games that it’s hard to choose.
While there are many fast-paced multiplayer or open-world experiences out there, few can match the impact of a real leisurely game. After all, they’re great for snuggling up under a blanket and enjoying the magic of the world in front of you.
Thanks to the growing popularity of the genre due to the release of Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, cozy games are more popular than ever. Because of this popularity, there are many things to consider when looking for the best game.
The first is the platform you want and the second is the leisurely playstyle you are looking for.
Fortunately, whether you want to play a simple game or a popular title, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the best cozy games for 2023.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
When it comes to finding an awesome and cozy game, none quite like Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This title took the gaming world by storm upon its release and continues to be the perfect getaway that many gamers are looking for.
Create your own home, catch bugs, craft items, explore your island and befriend the adorable villagers in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
In the end, no matter what you want to do, this game has everything you need to fully escape the world around you.
- Disney Dreamlight Valley
Disney Dreamlight Valley is perfect for anyone looking for a tranquil and enjoyable experience, whether you love Disney or not.
This customizable and directional title lets you design your village, house and character as you complete quests and help the adorable characters in the village.
Whether you enjoy cooking, mountaineering, fishing, or fruit picking in the many areas, you will never run out of things to do in Disney Dreamlight Valley.
Combine that with the numerous updates, Star Path and hundreds of recipes to find and you’ll never get bored.
- wrong way driver
Essentially, you play as the captain of a ship, tasked with bringing lovable characters between life and death to the door, but only when they’re ready.
On this ship, you’ll fulfill their dying wishes and work your way up to better rooms, amenities, and certain characters’ favorite dishes.
It’s an exploratory title where the story is just as important, no matter how long it takes to complete. This is perfect for players who want to be guided through an experience without having to rush the journey.
- coffee talk
While many leisurely games require the player to be constantly moving, Coffee Talk prefers to keep players relatively still rather than seeing the world around them enter and exit their coffee shop.
Coffee Talk is all about making delicious coffee and interacting with your unique characters.
Through small talk and a few well-brewed drinks, a delightful story begins to unfold, enveloping each player and allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the small world of this delightful cafe.
Whether you like a good story or just like making coffee, Coffee Talk is a wonderful cozy game to try.
- Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is one of those titles that can go on forever, where players farm to their heart’s content and fully integrate into the delightful town around them.
You play a tired worker whose grandfather left him a farm. When you reach the farm, your task is to build it completely and make the world around you a true paradise.
Whether you want to mine, farm, raise animals, or find love in town, Stardew Valley has it all. Whether you play alone or with friends, this experience will keep you warm for weeks.
