The holiday season is usually seen as the perfect time to unwind and take a breather, but let’s be honest – it’s really the time to immerse ourselves in some amazing video games. And what suits this time of year better than cozy games? These are gems that are as creative as the high-action ones but bring relaxation and peace, with no stress involved.
Whether you’re checking out your game backlog due to the chilly weather or scouring the Xbox store for something fresh, we’ve curated a delightful list of thoroughly enjoyed cozy games. We’ve sorted them into categories to help you find the perfect match for your mood. So, grab your favorite oversized mug filled with a hot drink, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and dive into this inviting selection.
Farm-Tastic Escapes
Farming sims are the epitome of cozy gaming, offering serene worlds where you can cultivate crops, socialize, and explore without a care in the world. Whether you desire a place free from conflict or a mild adventure challenge, these games have you sorted.
Stardew Valley
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Started by inheriting your grandfather’s quaint farm, Stardew Valley offers you the chance to transform this humble land into a beautiful home. Hone your skills in farming, fishing, and fighting, unlocking items and recipes along the way. Engaging with town locals turns into friendships and even romance. With the recent 1.6 update, there’s never been a better time to start or return. Play solo or with up to eight friends in co-op mode.
Lightyear Frontier
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Dive into the universe with Lightyear Frontier, an open-world journey enabling you to create an interstellar homestead with your customizable mech companion. Explore a mysterious planet, unravel its secrets, and contribute to its ecosystem. It’s a cozy blend of farming and robot mechanics, perfect to enjoy with friends in multiplayer mode.
Coral Island
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Switch city chaos for island tranquility on Coral Island. Grow crops, care for animals, and join a vibrant community of over 70 characters. Enjoy nature’s adventures like fishing and diving for treasures in the coral reef, living life at your own relaxing pace.
Puzzles to Ponder
If farming isn’t your thing, these gentle puzzle games are sure to engage you. They’re about unraveling satisfying challenges at your leisure, wrapped up in beautiful visuals and stress-free exploration.
Botany Manor
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Step into the boots of Arabella Greene in this charming puzzle game. As a retired botanist, restore your manor’s gardens by solving botanical puzzles. Discover forgotten plant species and unlock more of the manor’s mysteries.
A Little To The Left
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Delight in organizing with this endearing puzzle game. Tidy household items in over 100 inventive scenarios, finding satisfaction in creating order from chaos. If you love a good organization session, this game is for you.
Strange Horticulture
Available on Cloud and Console
Embrace the unusual with Strange Horticulture. You’ll manage a peculiar plant store, discovering mysterious plant species in a game that balances the strange and serene as you solve the mysteries of Undermere.
Lighthearted Adventures
If you crave an interactive experience without the weight of battles, these adventures might be perfect. Explore, take on light quests, and enjoy a little action to keep you entertained.
Lil Gator Game
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
As an adventurous little gator, explore a delightful island filled with quests and discover new friends. This whimsical platformer offers a stress-free, charming environment to enjoy at your own pace.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Dungeons of Hinterberg pairs thrilling dungeon exploration with relaxing social interactions. Choose how to spend your days in this town, either tackling dungeons or connecting with locals – the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Little Kitty, Big City
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Become a curious cat exploring a bustling city in this heartwarming game. Complete quests, meet animals, and embrace the chaos of being a little kitty with a big personality.
Cozy Tales and Cleanups
For those who savor a captivating story or find joy in tidying up, these narrative-driven and cleanup-themed titles await.
Chicory
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Unleash your creativity in Chicory, where you embark on a top-down adventure to solve puzzles and unravel the mystery of a missing artist. It’s an engaging journey full of heart and color.
PowerWash Simulator
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
For simple yet satisfying fun, try PowerWash Simulator. Blast away grime from various levels, enjoying the progression and the unfolding tale of Muckingham as you clean.
Nostalgic Getaways
Sometimes immersing yourself in a beloved classic can be the warmest comfort. These remastered collections bring back childhood memories, letting you share the joy with family or revisit old favorites.
Spyro: Reignited Trilogy
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Relive the magic of the original Spyro trilogy with this meticulously remastered edition. Save the Dragon Realms as the spirited purple dragon, enjoying timeless charm and stunning visuals on Xbox Game Pass.
Crash Bandicoot: N’Sane Trilogy
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Step back in time with Crash Bandicoot in this fully remastered collection. Whether old or new to the platforming icon, you’re sure to enjoy this adventurous trilogy’s fresh visual take.
Dive into these cozy games and let them fill your holiday time with warmth and wonder. Whether it’s rediscovering an old favorite or trying something new, there’s plenty of cozy joy to be found.
