Summer is a time for rest and relaxation for all students. Kick back with some cozy games in this list made by popular and indie game developers. Cozy games became a staple in the gaming community, going as far as to compete with the typical combat games most people associate with gaming. All these listed games bring something new to the table, creating comfortable experiences for any player.
Stardew Valley
If you like games centered around growing crops and building community, consider checking out Stardew Valley. Released in February 2016 by developer ConcernedApe, Stardew Valley captured the hearts of millions of people with its charming appearance, interesting NPCs to befriend and romance, and lots of content to explore. Stardew Valley is iconic in the cozy game genre, generating a dedicated fanbase who love discussing the best ways to make money and decorate their farms.
Minecraft
Minecraft, created by Mojang, is a game that needs no introduction, being one of the pioneers of sandbox gaming. Sandbox games allow players to create whatever they want in the world around them, allowing Minecraft to stand out for its time. Minecraft has a lot to offer for both casual and competitive gamers, balancing aspects of intense PVP (player-versus-player) gameplay and puzzles with building cute houses and enjoying calming gameplay with friends. Minecraft players all around the world use Minecraft to express their creativity in builds, tame lovable creatures and decorate their world to their heart’s content.
Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing is a classic cozy game that was a part of many people’s childhoods. Nintendo released Animal Crossing: New Horizons in 2020, garnering a surge of players since the COVID-19 lockdown. While not as widely talked about today, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game still dear to many people’s hearts with its iconic art style, cute characters and simple gameplay. In the game, you pay off your dues for housing, build and customize your island, and bring home a wide array of villagers to move onto your island. What makes the game special is that it follows real-time, allowing you to experience the seasons on your island with your villager friends.
Unpacking
Unpacking is a pixel-style puzzle game created by indie developer Witch Beam, where you play as a woman unpacking and moving through her various stages of life. You progress by placing her unpacked luggage into the correct spots, traveling from her childhood room to her college dorm and into her first apartment. After all eight levels are complete, the main character is officially moved in with her wife and child. The game is great if you like simple and calming gameplay, where you can play while listening to music or watching a movie. There’s no scoring system so the gameplay is completely up to you, making it fun and easy for anybody to kick back to.
Untitled Goose Game
If you ever wanted to terrorize the civilians of a village as a cute goose, try out Untitled Goose Game. Untitled Goose Game is a stealth puzzle game created by indie developer House House that started as a joke game but quickly went viral for its comedic concept. In the game, you play as a goose whose mission is to wreak havoc on unsuspecting humans going about their day. You can even play with a friend in close proximity, using the goose’s abilities to complete tasks and torment the civilians.
The Sims
The Sims franchise was created all the way back in the year 2000 and it has evolved into what we know today as The Sims 4. The Sims 4 is a life simulation game developed by Maxis and Electronic Arts, well known for its goofy gameplay and accessibility. Create your own sims and help them through the ups and downs of life. Have your sims start careers, families and see what the in-game world has to offer.
