As the weather begins to cool down and we retreat indoors, it’s time to engage in all of our cozy hobbies. There are so many TV shows and movies that are good for the season, but sometimes you want something more tactile. These video games are all about creating a sweet little life in an idyllic world, and are suitable for all levels of gamers.
Stardew Valley
Released in 2016 by solo developer ConcernedApe, Stardew Valley is a farming simulator (as many cozy games are) where you can build your own farm, forage across the valley, catch big, varied fish, brave monsters in the mines, and even romance the villager NPCs.
The player character, who is customizable within the 8-bit interface, inherits their Grandfather’s farm in Pelican Town after becoming burned out from their office job. As you go through the seasons in the valley, you get to know the villagers, building relationships through cutscenes and celebrating holidays together.
The game even includes a subplot where you can choose to maintain the local businesses of the town or sell out to the evil JojaCorp. Getting stuck? Not to fear! The game has its own wiki, including the recent update, where you can learn anything you may want to know.
A good Stardew session has you feeling satisfied from supporting a local economy and being accepted by the community.
Bear and Breakfast
In Bear and Breakfast, play as a bear in the woods, trying to run and manage your Bed and Breakfast. You deal with guests, forage for materials to decorate your lodge, and even explore the surrounding areas.
This game, which is another relatively new release, also has a wiki, as well as an official page to report bugs. This would be a great pick for gamers who love the fall scenery but want a strong sense of accomplishment without having to build a farm.
Wylde Flowers
This October, fulfill your witchy dreams with Wylde Flowers– another farming simulator with magical and mystery elements. You play as Tara, a city girl who came to help her farmer grandmother work in the town of Fairhaven.
By night, Tara is actually a witch. Alongside getting to know the diverse community of villagers, including recorded voice lines and a romantic subplot, players can also join the local coven, where they can hone their magical skills—including transforming into a cat!
If you’re into a spooky, magical vibe for Halloween, Wylde Flowers may be for you!
A Short Hike
Enjoy autumnal scenery in the exploration game, A Short Hike. Your character, a bluebird, has a simple task: get to the top of the mountain, Hawk Peak Provincial Park, to get cell reception. You can choose to take the marked trail or explore the backwoods, should you so choose.
As the name suggests, it’s a short game, taking only about 3-5 hours to play through. Most of the game is about taking in the scenery, but you will also encounter NPCs, new settings and treasures, and mini games on your hike.
Unpacking
As cabin fever sets in during the colder months, find your zen with Unpacking. You never meet the homeowner of the boxes you’re unpacking, but you learn the story of their life implicitly through their belongings.
It’s a creative way of telling a story, as you get to know someone without ever meeting them. The puzzles have satisfying noises as you complete them, as well as the satisfaction of creating an aesthetically pleasing house.
No matter what you choose to play, snuggling up with a good game is a great way to celebrate a cozy festive season—whether you choose to farm, unpack, run a business, or just explore the wilderness.
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