New Switch? No Problem!
Whether you’re treating yourself to a Nintendo Switch this Christmas or simply want to revamp your game list, here’s a list of 20 games that will keep you glued to the screen. Since the winter season is upon us, these are all cozy games with low stakes and good vibes that will give your mood a little boost.
1. Animal Crossing New Horizons
During the pandemic, Animal Crossing took the world by storm by becoming everyone’s comfort companion. Still, to this day, the game is going strong, with many players logging in every day. Along with cute graphics and a slow-paced story, you move to a remote island that you have to turn into a paradise. Decorate your island, help others move in, catch fish, farm plants, and take life one step at a time.
2. Stardew Valley
The quintessential cozy game, many people credit Stardew Valley with creating the genre. Developed by ConcernedApe, this game has you moving to a small town after inheriting your grandfather’s farm. Not only will you try to manage and decorate your farm, but you can also investigate the mines, take up fishing, help the locals with their problems, and get married!
3. Spiritfarer
For an interesting twist on cozy games, Spiritfarer has you play as a collector of lost souls. You sail around the world on a boat that you get to design and manage. As you explore islands, you find lost spirits that you can befriend. Help them make peace with their afterlife and send them off into the great beyond.
4. Cozy Grove
This game, developed by Spry Fox, is quite similar to Animal Crossing. You live on an ever-changing island inhabited by ghosts, which you must befriend and help. Additionally, it’s up to you to decorate the island, do daily objectives, and help solve mysteries for the spirits.
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5. Roots of Pacha
Roots of Pacha is a relatively new game that has taken inspiration from Stardew Valley and created its own thing. This farming sim is set in the Stone Age, which means you are stripped of all your modern tools and must manage a unique prehistoric setting. Help your clan grow while you work to manage your farm and befriend ancient animals.
6. Cult of the Lamb
This adorable-looking game has a dark secret and an even darker storyline. You explore different dungeons, battling enemies and occasionally rescuing animals. These animals are then indoctrinated into your cult, which you get to decorate and manage to your heart’s content. You play a possessed lamb with unspeakable powers, but it’s hard to tell when you’re cozily farming and preparing meals in your cult town.
7. Littlewood
This game takes place after the big battle is over. Luckily, your team won, but now the world around you is in pretty bad shape. With a focus on farming and rebuilding, Littlewood has you recreating your town. Without any combat, you can spend your time focusing on crafting and fostering relationships.
8. Pokémon Sword/Shield
With so many Pokémon games to choose from, Sword/Shield stand out as the coziest entries. Unlike Arceus and Scarlet/Violet, which have you exploring vast worlds and engaging in intense combat, Sword/Shield keeps it simple. The turn-based combat style allows you to relax, while the art choice makes the world around you a beautiful sight.
9. Sun Haven
Sun Haven has very recently released on the Switch after making quite a name for itself on PC. Similar to Stardew Valley, this game takes everything up a notch by including fantasy races, magical worlds, and plenty of monsters to battle. With a cozy art style and lots of customization, you can start the game as anything from a demon to an elf.
10. Hades
When people think of cozy games, dungeon crawlers don’t come to mind. However, Hades has something for everyone. Not only is the story funny and entertaining, but the art style is captivating and striking. Luckily, dying makes you stronger in this game, and it’s the only way to progress. Better yet, there are different combat styles to choose from, so if the typical sword isn’t to your taste, you can choose from bows, spears, and shields.
11. Potion Permit
This game has a breathtaking art style that is slightly brought down by the grinding nature of the gameplay. However, if you don’t mind grinding, then you’ll love playing as a newly arrived chemist who must craft potions to cure villagers. Meanwhile, explore the town and foster your relationships with all the interesting people around you.
12. Disney Dreamlight Valley
This game has taken many people by surprise, as it can be quite addictive. With nostalgic characters to befriend, a magical valley to restore, and plenty of farming, cooking, fishing, and decorating to keep you busy, Disney Dreamlight Valley has something for everyone. Just be warned, like most Disney products, this game is keen on taking your money through microtransactions.
13. Ooblets
Ooblets is a weird one, as it effectively combines Pokémon with Stardew Valley. With a vibrant art style, this game will have you crafting items, farming plants, and collecting fascinating creatures called Ooblets. The game has a rather silly vibe and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
14. Spirit Tea
Spirit Tea released on the Switch in December of 2023 to much praise. Taking inspiration from supernatural lore, this game has you managing a teahouse that exclusively serves spirits. While you work to build new relationships between spirits and villagers, you can also take a break and test out your tea-brewing skills.
15. A Little to the Left
If management games are a bit too intense for you, then A Little to the Left provides much-needed comfort. In this puzzle game, it’s up to you to organize and decorate a house. Just keep an eye out for the cat, as it’s always getting up to mischief.
16. Unpacking
Unpacking is another low-stress and low-stakes game that has you moving into a house. You simply drag and drop items from boxes around the house, effectively decorating it. However, if you pay attention, you’ll notice the rooms and items are actually telling a story.
17. My Sims Cozy Bundle
This is another game that just released. If you played MySims or MySims Kingdom back in the 2000s, then this is a great way to indulge that nostalgia. The game has you meeting interesting Sims, creating a vibrant community, and completing quirky quests.
18. Beacon Pines
Much like Cult of the Lamb, Beacon Pines mixes cozy elements with scary ones. With one of the most beautiful art styles out there, you make decisions through this story-driven game in an attempt to solve a small-town mystery. With plenty of suspense but a warm vibe, this is the perfect game to curl up with.
19. Garden Story
If you ever wished Zelda games could be more like Stardew Valley, then Garden Story effortlessly merges those two worlds. You play as a grape that must protect his garden community and does so by restoring the town and exploring the area. The gameplay is pretty low-stakes, but you’ll have plenty of fun befriending the local fruits and veggies.
20. Wylde Flowers
This witchy game combines farming elements with magical ones. Learn to cast spells while you meet the locals and traverse their diverse stories. Of course, there is a farm to tend to, but considering the fun visuals and entertaining dialogue, you’ll have plenty to do regardless.
