Cozy Games should do one thing above all: relax. These games are perfect for a leisurely day of gaming.
The gaming market keeps growing. And while not so many years ago the main target group was clearly defined, this has changed significantly in the meantime. An important reason for this are so-called cozy games, which are aimed at both experienced players and complete newcomers. These games thrive on one thing above all: their cozy atmosphere. Here are a few game recommendations for a relaxed gaming afternoon.
What are cozy games?
The core of the whole thing is in the wording “Cozy Games”: coziness. The games convey a relaxed, cozy atmosphere and do not unleash their excitement through sweaty competitive elements. Instead, Cozy Games rely on uniform processes, beautifully designed game worlds and loving stories.
Simulation and development games are particularly common in this category. These usually do not contain any combat sequences. This is probably the key to the enormous success of these games. Because that and the usually less complex gameplay make it ideal for beginners and also offer experienced players new charms and gamified relaxation. It is often about being creative in a clearly defined area and creating a small oasis that promises rest and relaxation.
7 cozy games to relax
What exactly a cozy game is is, to a certain extent, simply in the eye of the beholder. While we can hopefully all agree that Dark Souls isn’t relaxing for the general public, there are some games that can be described without a doubt as cozy games. TECHBOOK has put together a selection.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
We start our list with a game that also convinced us very much in the TECHBOOK test. We’re talking about “Disney Dreamlight Valley”, a simulation game by Gameloft. A magical valley of Disney characters has been afflicted by a mysterious damnation known as “forgetting”. Many residents have fled and the mysterious night thorns are growing all over the village. As the new ruler of Dreamlight Valley, it is the player’s task to free the village and the surrounding areas from the thorns and restore them.
On the other hand – and almost more importantly – are the loving quests of the villagers; all well-known Disney characters. The magician Merlin is at your side right from the start. Dogobert Duck runs a shop in the village, Remy a restaurant and Vaiana a stand with fresh fish. Collecting, making objects, decorating, fishing – “Dreamlight Valley” is almost the epitome of a cozy game.
Spiritfarer
This game used to be a real insider tip; meanwhile it enjoys – quite rightly – much more attention. You slip into the role of the new soul ferrywoman Stella. The main task is to support the souls who cannot go to the afterlife due to unfinished business. You are traveling with your – admittedly not quite classic – soul ferry in a magical intermediate world. You can explore them and collect the souls and various materials. You need them in turn to expand your ship and to fulfill the tasks of the residents.
The appeal of the game lies on the one hand in its beautiful basic idea with the beautifully told individual stories. On the other hand, the game world with everything that goes with it atmospherically is really a lot of fun. The beautiful soundtrack is also worth mentioning.
Animal Crossing
The game series “Animal Crossing” from Nintendo is probably the epitome of relaxed gaming. Especially the youngest part of the series, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons”, caused quite a stir. Because while the player in the older titles ended up in a remote small village, in “New Horizons” you end up on your own small island.
However, the concept remains the same. You start with limited options as a new resident. In the course of the game you have to expand the village/island so that more residents want to move there. Activities such as fishing, catching insects, collecting fruit or digging up fossils are also on the program.
Coral Island
The next unofficial Harvest Moon offshoot on our list is Coral Island. We’ve got an island, a farm, lots of lovable characters – and lots to do. Working in the fields, taking care of the animals and managing your own farm are just a part of the versatile video game.
The many people on the island are also remarkable; a majority of them are single. An important part of the game is getting involved in village life and making friends – or more.
The Wandering Village
In “The Wandering Village” we are dealing with a village of a different kind. After a natural disaster, the human habitat is largely destroyed. The player leads a tribe that has found an alternative to common cities. Our new home is on the back of an onbu, a dinosaur-like creature. The Onbu roams leisurely through the post-apocalyptic world while we build a small oasis on its back.
This game has Studio Ghibli vibes both visually and partially acoustically. Honestly, “The Wandering Village” isn’t a real cozy game, because there is quite a bit of pressure to be on good terms with the onbu. Then you can. namely steer conditionally and it does not destroy the village buildings constantly by shaking. Aside from that, you can explore a wonderfully diverse world in a relaxed manner.
Eastshade
As a painter you are on a magical island in the first-person perspective. This is inhabited by strange owls and bears, who are almost always friendly to the player and have various tasks up their sleeves. The main task of the game is to explore the island and find special places to paint. Whether it’s by the majestic tree in the middle of the island, in front of the picturesque little town next to it or in the cold labyrinth of icebergs in the north.
“Eastshade” looks simply beautiful and tells exciting little stories in a calm tonality. Who lives in the mysterious lighthouse? And what is behind the moon puzzle? And how does the romance between the two market stall owners end?
Stardew Valley
Although it was only released in 2016, “Stardew Valley” is almost felt to be a cozy game veteran. The game was largely inspired by “Harvest Moon” and is comparable to it in many respects. The linchpin is your own farm, which needs to be restored and made profitable. make counts.
The only real goal given to you by the main quest is to renovate the town hall. It is now home to ghosts that you have to lure out with various gifts. The fact that “Stardew Valley” stands out from the crowd of similar games is mainly due to the loving pixel graphics and the extraordinarily meditative gameplay.