The holiday season is often seen as a time for relaxation and reflection, but let’s be honest—it’s also the perfect excuse to unwind with some fantastic video games. What could be better than snuggling up with cozy games that lean into relaxation, sparking creativity without the adrenaline rush typical of action-packed alternatives?
If you find yourself drawn to your gaming backlog or browsing the Xbox storefront in search of something fresh, we’ve curated a collection of delightful games that guarantee relaxation, categorized neatly to match your every mood. Grab your favorite oversized mug filled with a hot drink, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and get ready to dive in!
Farmyard Fun
Farming simulations have carved out their niche as the quintessential cozy gaming experience. They offer serene settings where you can nurture crops, make friends, and embark on adventures without the need for combat, or with just a hint of challenge if you wish. Let’s explore some gems in this category.
Stardew Valley
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
In Stardew Valley, you inherit your grandfather’s quaint, old farm and undertake the task of transforming it into a thriving homestead. As you progress, you’ll enhance your skills in areas like farming, fishing, and combat, as well as forge bonds with the locals, cultivating new friendships and perhaps even love. The game’s recent 1.6 update means there’s fresh content awaiting both new and returning players, making it the ideal time to jump in solo or with friends in co-op mode.
Lightyear Frontier
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
For those desiring a cosmic farming adventure, Lightyear Frontier offers expansive worlds to explore as you build the homestead of your dreams with a customizable mech sidekick. Explore the galaxy while aiding the local ecosystem and unraveling its secrets. Perfect for fans of both farming and robots, this game lets up to three friends join your interstellar quest in multiplayer mode.
Coral Island
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Swap city life for a tropical escape in Coral Island, where you’ll cultivate crops, care for animals, and blend into a close-knit community of over 70 unique characters. There are a myriad of activities, from bug catching and fishing to diving for treasures beneath the waves. It’s a tranquil simulator bursting with charm and discovery.
Cozy Puzzles
If farming doesn’t strike your fancy, these delightful puzzle games have a calming touch, offering rich visual aesthetics and gentle challenges that you can tackle at your leisure.
Botany Manor
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Step into the shoes of Arabella Greene, a retired botanist rejuvenating her manor’s gardens. Find clues hidden around the sprawling estate, use your botanical prowess to solve puzzles, and restore forgotten vegetation while uncovering Arabella’s life story.
A Little To The Left
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
This game turns tidying into an art form, offering over 100 scenarios where you organize everyday items—from loose screws to pantry essentials. It’s perfect for those who delight in making order out of chaos, all while enjoying the satisfaction of a tidied space.
Strange Horticulture
Available on Cloud, Console
In this eerie yet calming puzzle adventure, run a plant shop and explore the strange town of Undermere. Use your knowledge of plants to influence the narrative, discovering new species and unraveling the mysteries of this quaint yet spooky town.
Light-hearted Adventures
Crave something more engaging than puzzles but free from heavy storytelling or intense combat? These games offer the freedom to explore and play at your own speed—so get ready for some spirited adventures.
Lil Gator Game
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Trot about a lively island as a tiny, adventurous gator, meeting new friends, unearthing secrets, and indulging in whimsical quests. It’s an adorably cozy tale where you can enjoy a serene pace and fun-filled exploration.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
This game melds thrilling dungeon exploration with heartwarming social interactions. Play as Luisa, who roams the town of Hinterberg filled with dangerous dungeons. Explore treacherous terrains or mingle with quirky locals—whichever suits your mood for the day.
Little Kitty, Big City
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Embrace a kitty’s perspective in a sprawling city filled with adventures, new furry friends, and a few doses of mischief. Navigate the urban jungle and savor the journey at your own pace, all while performing exciting quests and adding your feline flair to the surroundings.
Spiritfarer
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Step into the role of Stella, a compassionate ferry master, in this beautifully illustrated game. Explore the emotional themes of the afterlife while managing tasks like farming, crafting, and befriending spirits. It’s a thoughtful, intimate experience, perfect for a shared journey if you decide to play co-op as Stella’s loyal feline friend Daffodil.
Jusant
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Embark on a serene rock-climbing escapade with Jusant. This action puzzle game feels like meditation as you ascend a towering structure, marvel at stunning visuals, and conquer new heights. Enjoy the climb at your leisure, absolutely free from the fear of falling.
A Short Hike
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Take a gentle jaunt through the vibrant landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park. You’re a little bird, exploring trails, uncovering secrets, and meeting friendly fellow hikers on your journey to the peak—ideal for anyone seeking a tranquil, uplifting adventure.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Get swept into a magical world where you can meet and aid iconic Disney and Pixar characters. Engage in quests, decorate your home, and help restore Dreamlight Valley’s lost splendor—all while crafting your own enchanted adventures.
Narrative Cozy Delights
Craving a good story with a laid-back feel? Dive into these narrative games that combine charming storytelling with easygoing gameplay, from quirky photography adventures to interstellar escapades.
Chicory
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Immerse yourself in the artistic world of Chicory, a delightful game where creativity and puzzle-solving come together. You’re in search of the missing superstar artist Chicory, harnessing your coloring skills to uncover clues, assist friends, and delve into an engaging story.
Toem
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Embark on a photographic journey through the charmingly drawn world of Toem. With camera in hand, discover hidden wonders, meet quirky characters, and appreciate the game’s hand-drawn allure while capturing life’s fine details perfectly.
Harold Halibut
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Dive into Harold Halibut’s claymation world and embark on an undersea adventure. You’re Harold, a lab assistant on a submarine spaceship brimming with retro-futuristic elements. Encounter bizarre sea creatures and learn about humanity’s distant past in this endearing point-and-click narrative.
Cleaning and Organizing
For those who find immense joy in tidying up messes, these games provide satisfying virtual chores, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the transformation of chaotic spaces into orderly paradises.
PowerWash Simulator
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Experience the ultimate satisfaction of cleaning with PowerWash Simulator. Tackle grime, dirt, and chaos in varied locations from cars to entire buildings, upgrading your gear as you go. Keep an ear out for intriguing tales about the quirky town of Muckingham as you clean it from top to bottom.
House Flipper
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Become a master renovator, buying rundown properties with the aim of creating stunning new homes. Use an assortment of tools to knock down walls, add pops of color, and meticulously decorate each room to your liking in House Flipper.
Unpacking
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Unpacking lets you delve into the life of an unseen character as they move through various living spaces. With each box you unpack, you’ll learn more about them through the items they cherish, discovering their journey and memories along the way as you arrange their belongings thoughtfully.
Nostalgic Cozy Classics
Sometimes, there’s nothing like revisiting the past with a favorite series from yesteryears. These nostalgic reboots will fill you with warmth, whether you’re reliving classic moments or sharing them with someone new.
Spyro: Reignited Trilogy
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Spyro: Reignited Trilogy delivers the cherished Spyro adventures with fresh graphics and renewed vitality. Guide Spyro, the beloved purple dragon, on a quest to save his kin, gathering treasures and freeing dragons in this beautifully remastered collection now available on Xbox Game Pass.
Crash Bandicoot: N’Sane Trilogy
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Revisit the thrilling escapades of Crash Bandicoot, the energetic marsupial, in this revamped trilogy of the first three classic games. With updated visuals, these platforming adventures let you relive playing nostalgia-laden levels, filled with vibrant environments and entertaining challenges.
Return to Monkey Island
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Step back into the whimsical saga of Guybrush Threepwood in Return to Monkey Island. This modern installment brings the timeless charm of point-and-click adventures up to date with engaging characters and clever puzzles, offering both humor and intrigue for old fans and newcomers alike.
So whether you’re a dedicated gamer or just looking to enjoy some downtime, this roundup of cozy games is sure to provide a little something for everyone this holiday season.
