As we enter the holiday season, many see it as a chance to unwind and reflect. However, let’s be real—it’s the perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in some great video games. Cozy games, in particular, seem to be the perfect companions for these chilly days. They’re designed for pure relaxation, offering stress-free gameplay without losing that creative spark found in fast-paced, action titles.
So, whether you’re working through that pile of neglected games or searching for new treasures on the Xbox store, we’ve curated an impressive lineup of games that are perfect for curling up with—arranged into categories so you can find the perfect match for your current mood. Grab your favorite oversized mug of hot cocoa, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and dive into this wonderful collection.
### Fun on the Farm
Farming simulations have long been seen as the birthplace of cozy gaming, offering a serene escape to worlds where you can cultivate crops, socialize with fellow villagers, and embark on satisfying adventures. Whether seeking a combat-free zone or a bit of challenge, there’s something here for everyone.
#### Stardew Valley
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
In Stardew Valley, you inherit your grandfather’s old farm and set out to transform it into a thriving homestead. Along the way, you’ll enhance your skills in farming, fishing, and fighting, unlocking new tools and recipes. Befriend the locals, fall in love, and lose yourself in the rhythm of life. Plus, thanks to the recent 1.6 update, there’s now even more content to explore, whether you’re playing solo or with up to eight friends in co-op.
#### Lightyear Frontier
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
For those dreaming of farming among the stars, Lightyear Frontier provides a peaceful, open-world adventure. With a customizable mech companion at your side, build an interstellar farm, discover secrets of alien worlds, and foster ecosystems. It’s the ultimate cozy game for fans of farming and giant robots alike, and you can share the experience with up to three friends online.
#### Coral Island
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Take a break from city life and create a tropical utopia on Coral Island. Engage in farming, raise animals, and become part of a warm community of over 70 characters. The island also offers exciting outdoor activities like fishing and diving, making life an engaging, laid-back adventure.
### Comfy, Cozy Puzzles
If farm life isn’t your thing, these puzzle games offer a more relaxed form of entertainment. They may not challenge your brain considerably but provide cozy exploration and peaceful puzzles with breathtaking art that you can enjoy at your leisure.
#### Botany Manor
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Step into the shoes of Arabella Greene, a retired botanist, in this delightful puzzle game. Explore the manor’s extensive gardens, solving clues and unlocking forgotten plant species. Your green thumb will help you unveil the story of Arabella’s life, intertwined with botanical discoveries.
#### A Little To The Left
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
This charming puzzle game transforms tidying into a satisfying activity. Arrange household items in over 100 imaginative scenarios, from screws to pantry shelves. If you find pleasure in organizing, A Little To The Left is right up your alley.
#### Strange Horticulture
Available on Cloud, Console
In this mysterious puzzle adventure, you run a plant store, unearthing new species. Balancing an eerie yet calm atmosphere, use your botanical know-how to influence the storyline and solve the dark secrets of the peculiar town of Undermere.
### Light-hearted Adventures
Maybe you’re hungry for interactive gameplay without the pressures of combat. All these adventures offer vibrant worlds to explore, bringing together light questing and action to keep your mind engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
#### Lil Gator Game
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Embark on a delightful journey as a tiny gator on an adventure-packed island. Meet new friends while completing quests scattered throughout forests and mountains. This platformer offers a cozy atmosphere and lets you explore at your own rhythm.
#### Dungeons of Hinterberg
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Blending thrilling dungeon crawling with pleasant social elements, this game allows you to explore perilous dungeons in the quaint town of Hinterberg. Whether you decide to brave the dungeons or simply relax in town each day is entirely up to you, allowing for a relaxing yet sometimes challenging experience.
#### Little Kitty, Big City
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Experience the city life from a curious cat’s perspective. Navigate your way through the urban jungle, making friends and creating a little chaos along the way. It’s a charming, whimsical exploration game where curiosity truly owns the day.
#### Spiritfarer
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Spiritfarer invites you to explore themes of life and death in a gentle management game. As Stella, care for spirit companions on your boat and bid them farewell to the afterlife. This emotional journey is paired with activities like farming and cooking, with the option of co-op play as Daffodil the cat.
#### Jusant
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Jusant is a meditative climbing adventure with stunning vistas and serene soundscapes. Climb to new heights with a set of trusty tools, finding joy in the journey itself. With no pressure of falling, enjoy the freedom to savor this unforgettable experience.
#### A Short Hike
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
A Short Hike offers a serene adventure through Hawk Peak Provincial Park. As a small bird, bask in tranquil scenery, find secrets, and interact with friendly characters while striving toward the summit.
#### Disney Dreamlight Valley
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Embark on a magical journey in Dreamlight Valley, befriending beloved Disney and Pixar characters. Explore, complete challenges, and help restore the valley. Create your dream home, design custom looks, and enjoy this blend of life simulator and exploratory adventure.
### Cozy Narrative Delights
For those craving a rich narrative with easygoing gameplay, these story-centered titles should fit the bill. Dive into a hand-drawn world as a budding photographer or a charming audience in claymation space.
#### Chicory
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
In Chicory, an adventure awaits where creativity reigns. As you search for the missing superstar artist, use your artistic talents to solve puzzles, help friends, and perhaps discover more about the story behind Chicory’s disappearance.
#### Toem
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Toem invites you on a charming odyssey, camera in hand, to capture magical landscapes. Meet quirky characters and uncover secrets while appreciating the gorgeous hand-drawn world from a fresh perspective.
#### Harold Halibut
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
This point-and-click underwater adventure introduces you to Harold, a lab assistant on a submerged spaceship. Explore a retro-futuristic world filled with fascinating creatures and uncover the backstory of humans in space.
### Satisfying Cleanups
For those who find satisfaction in tidying up a messy space, why not embrace this feeling through your console? These cozy titles allow you to ditch real-life chores for more vibrant virtual clean-ups.
#### PowerWash Simulator
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Dive into this power-washing adventure where dirt and grime are your enemies. From vehicles to significant structures, uncover layers of cleanliness as you progress and unravel a storyline about Muckingham’s residents.
#### House Flipper
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Become the ultimate renovator in House Flipper. Use your earnings from jobs to purchase neglected homes and turn them into stunning abodes, with endless customization options.
#### Unpacking
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Follow an unforgettable narrative while unpacking a lifetime’s worth of belongings. This puzzle game reveals the protagonist’s journey through environments as you create satisfying living spaces.
### Nostalgic Cozy Favorites
Jump into a wave of nostalgia and revive childhood classics. The holiday season is the ideal time to reconnect with beloved series and introduce them to new generations. Rediscover these revamped 90s hits.
#### Spyro: Reignited Trilogy
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Re-embark on Spyro’s adventures with this gorgeous remaster of the original trilogy. Free his dragon family from evil, collect treasure, and hatch eggs—all while reveling in the nostalgia via Xbox Game Pass.
#### Crash Bandicoot: N’Sane Trilogy
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Relive the iconic adventures of Crash Bandicoot, now with stunning visuals. Outwit Doctor Neo Cortex in this beloved series, combining classic charm with a modern twist.
#### Return to Monkey Island
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Step back into the shoes of Guybrush Threepwood in this long-awaited revival of the Monkey Island series. Engage in witty banter, solve clever puzzles, and experience the updated nostalgia of point-and-click adventures.
With this diverse selection, you can find the ideal match for your gaming mood this holiday season. Enjoy your cozy, virtual escape!
