Cozy games are a burgeoning genre, one that has seen a number of critically acclaimed titles such asDungeons of HinterbergandStardew Valleylaunch across the past few years. Fortunately, with each year, fans get their hands on more and more incredible cozy games that vary in terms of gameplay styles and visuals. It’s amazing just how much variety that can be found within the cozy genre, but it really appeals to all kinds of players.
2024 was yet another great year for cozy gamesas it featured a number of unique titles from across a range of sub-genres. Luckily, for those sick of the farming sim genre, there are severalcozy games without farmingin 2024 that managed to quickly become some of the best games of the year. From action-adventure titles with a cozy vibe to laidback management sims, there are plenty of great cozy games in 2024.
10Minami Lane (Doot, Blibloop, Zakku)
A Cozy Street Management Sim
Minami Laneis a wholesome street management simin which players must meet the needs and desires of the street’s inhabitants by customizing what shops sell and increasing its beautification score. Much ofMinami Laneis spent watching as the tiny characters wander around talking about how they need a spa day or what book they’ve just bought.
10 Best Indie Games On Xbox Game Pass Right Now
With unlimited access to hundreds of Xbox Game Pass games, players can enjoy indie games like Powerwash Simulator, Moonlighter and more.
However, for those who want a little more out of their cozy game, there’s plenty of customization options and strategy needed to cater to all demographics. Older people will prefer more expensive and refined food whereas younger folks are happy with the cheap stuff. It’s up to the player to balance both, often with just one storefront. Luckily,Minami Laneis never too overwhelming or confusing, settling nicely into a very cozy vibe that requires just the right amount of thoughtto be engaging.
9Little Kitty, Big City (Double Dagger Studio)
One Of The Best Cat Simulators
Little Kitty, Big Cityis the perfect game to play over a weekendor even just on a cozy afternoon with a hot drink. It’s not particularly long, only taking players around two hours, but the experience it offers is so heartwarming and fulfilling that it doesn’t really matter.Little Kitty, Big Cityis by far thebest cat simulatoras it allows players to wander around a gorgeously detailed city catching birds, conversing with other cats, and finding crafty ways to deal with dogs.
The open world adds a lot toLittle Kitty, Big City’sgameplay loop, as there are plenty of secrets to find by genuinely acting like a cat. Finding convenient routes between rooftops or crawling across narrow strips in a way only a cat knows how are made fun by the game’s enjoyable and fluid movement. With plenty of quirky characters to meet, a touch of dimensional travel, and lots of collectibles,Little Kitty, Big Cityis a great cozy game.
8Fields Of Mistria (NPC Studio)
The Hit Farming/Life Sim Of The Year
Fields of Mistrialaunched into Early Access in 2024 and almost immediately became a sensation. It has managed to garner an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam thanks to its thousands of reviews, and that’s not just to do with itswell-crafted romance optionsthat are a lot of fun to get to know. Rather,Fields of Mistriajust understands what makes the farming/life sim genre workand does it far better than most of the best titles in the genre.
Its gorgeous art style, simple controls and breadth of content currently available make it a compelling prospect for those who have been craving a farming/life sim with a twist.The addition of magic and a ’80s anime aesthetic helpFields of Mistriastand out from the rest, as too does its cheap price tag.Fields of Mistriaabsolutely has the potential to become as big as evenStardew Valley, and that’s great for cozy game fans.
7Core Keeper (Pugstorm)
A Survival Sandbox Game Set In A Vast Cavern
Core Keeperis the next smash-hit survival sandbox experience thatblendsMinecraftandTerrariaby giving players a plethora of ways to approach its multifaceted gameplay mechanics. Whether it’s exploring the vast and varied cavern biomes that serve as the game’s setting or establishing a base and mining the resources needed to fully automize it,Core Keeperwill keep players busy for hours on end.
Pokémon Fans Need To Check Out This New Indie Game That Combines Monster Taming With Volleyball
Pokémon fans looking for something new yet familiar need to check out this upcoming indie game that mixes monster-taming with volleyball.
With the option to play with up to seven other people in online co-op,Core Keeperis also a great social experience, one in which people can fish, mine, fight, and relax together in houses they make.There are so many customization options, materials to gather, enemies to fight, and bosses to face, all of which serve to makeCore Keepera thoroughly compelling experience even after 100+ hours have passed.
6Summerhouse (Friedemann)
A Cozy House Designing Game
Summerhouseis a small game in the best way possible as it doesn’t attempt to overextend itself, but rather offers a well-crafted diorama experience that’s as soothing to play as it is to look at. InSummerhouse, a game that costs about the same as a cup of coffee,players build little houses in picturesque environments such as by a mountainside lake or in a dense forest. There are plenty of items they can use to build these houses, from signs, foliage, windows, doors, decorative items, and so much more.
It’s also possible to manipulate each item, including changing its height or bringing it forward or pushing it backwards, allowing players to create unique shapes that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. With its gorgeous pixel art aesthetic and handful of unlockables,Summerhouseis the perfect cozy game to unwind to after a long day, especially for those who love putting together picturesque dioramas.
5Caravan SandWitch (Plane Toast)
A Cozier Death Stranding
Caravan SandWitchis a far more involved cozy game than a lot of 2024’s other options, but that doesn’t make it any less relaxing. It sees players taking on the role of Sauge as she attempts to locate her sister who has gone missing in a post-apocalyptic world. However, this isn’t likeFalloutwhere everyone is dying, infected, or turned into a ghoul. Instead,Caravan SandWitchis a game without combat, death, or any violence, instead offering a hopeful sci-fi world full of kind characters who just need a helping hand.
Caravan SandWitchis a lovely, cozy indie game with a great score, excellent visuals, and lovely writing that culminates in a very cozy experience.
Players can drive around the beautifully designed world in the van solving puzzles, uncovering secrets, and completing quests for the residents of the densely packed hub world. This is very much a cozier version ofDeath Stranding, a game all about the journey, about exploring and helping others while slowly uncovering a mystery.Caravan SandWitchis a lovely, cozy indie game with a great score, excellent visuals, and lovely writingthat culminates in a very cozy experience.
4Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge (Humble Reeds)
A Game All About Looking After Cute Frogs
Kamaeru: A Frog Refugeis acritically acclaimed cozy frog gameall about managing and protecting a wetland full of frogs.There are over 500 frogs in the game which players can unlock through breeding and finding them in their wetlands, all of which need to be fed and looked after. To do this, fans will need to collect insects and purchase furniture that the frogs can use to relax on.
Of course, in order to buy furniture, players will need to plant berries and other resources to then produce goods and sell them on the market. All of this and more is presented in a very easy-to-understand format, which is helped enormously by the game’s phenomenal watercolor aesthetic.It makesKamaeru: A Frog Refugea pleasingly engrossing yet consistently cozy experiencefrom start to finish that’s perfect for management sim and frog fans alike.
3Critter Cove (Gentleman Rat Studio LLC)
A Post-Apocalyptic Animal Crossing
Critter Cove, much likeFields of Mistria, launched into Early Access in 2024 and has since been captivating fans across the world with its apocalypticAnimal Crossing-esque gameplay. InCritter Cove,players need to help restore a once prosperous town to its former glory by upgrading its existing buildings, adding new stores, and creating a hospitable environment for prospective tourists. Of course, while all of this is going on, fans will need to befriend the local population and tend to their tourists' needs.
In order to afford all of these upgrades and seeCritter Coverestored,players will need to venture out into the vast open world, uncover ruins, dive beneath the waters to locate hidden treasures, and so much more. There’s a lot to discover inCritter Cove, a lot to customize, and a lot to busy oneself with, ensuring that, despite being in Early Access in 2024, it offers a genuinely fulfilling and feature-rich experience from start to finish.
2Tiny Glade (Pounce Light)
A No-Stress Diorama Builder
Tiny Gladeis a far more complex version ofSummerhouse, giving players the tools to build entire villages, giant castles, or even locations from movies by using its easy-to-understand tools.It is really up to one’s imagination when it comes to crafting beautiful dioramas inTiny Glade, as the available tools can be used and manipulated to create practically anything. People have already begun creating some truly astonishing works of art withinTiny Glade, showcasing just how impressive it can be.
What makesTiny Gladesuch a cozy experience is the user-friendly experience that never feels overwhelming nor frustrating. Mistakes can easily be rectified, and it never makes the player feel like they’re doing it wrong. Rather,Tiny Gladeis all about unwinding, putting a podcast on in the background, and seeing what one can create. It’s very easy to get completely immersed inTiny Glade, which makes it the perfect cozy game for those who love creating things.
1Dungeons Of Hinterberg (Microbird Games)
A Dungeon Crawler With Life Sim Elements
Much likeCaravan SandWitch,Dungeons of Hinterbergisa more engaging cozy game. On a surface level,Dungeons of Hinterbergmay not seem all that cozy as it revolves around venturing into dungeons and fighting bosses, solving puzzles, and unlocking new weapons and armor. However,it is all presented in a very lighthearted way, while still finding the space to discuss mature themes like finding one’s place in life.
10 Best RPGs On Xbox Game Pass Right Now (2024)
From cozy heartwarming adventures to epic sci-fi extravaganzas, there are plenty of incredible amazing RPGs worth playing on Xbox Game Pass.
What makesDungeons of Hinterbergso cozy is its life sim segments, which sees Luisa, the game’s protagonist, interact with the people of Hinterberg and form meaningful friendships. It is also never too difficult, which helps to make it feel less overwhelming.Dungeons of Hinterbergis the perfect cozy game for those who still enjoy a little action while they’re unwinding.
