This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Asa Conroy. Find them on Instagram at @asakayconroy. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Look, I love Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing as much as the next gamer, but they are everyone’s standard for cozy games. I think we need a little variety. Not every cozy game needs to be about farming or befriending villagers. What if you want to run a tavern? Or create your own Lofi sessions? Or explore a city as a kitty? Or do you just want to farm again? Well, I have a few new cozy games for you!
REKA – $19.99 (Steam)
The perfect vibes as we leave autumn behind and welcome winter with open (warmly dressed) arms. In REKA, you play as the apprentice to legendary witch Baba Jaga (AKA Baba Yaga). As her apprentice it is your job to practice witchcraft, forage through scenic woodlands, and build your own chicken-legged home. There’s much to uncover about your master, but while you’re doing so you get to enjoy walking around with your customizable Reka and cottage. This new cozy game is still in early access so the devs are working out the bugs, but many say it is a beautiful and enjoyable experience with a communicative team working behind the scenes.
Spirit City: Lofi Sessions – $11.99 (Steam)
I know many of us turn to our queen Lofi Girl whenever we need to study for a test, work on a big project, or just need some relaxing vibes. Now you can create your own Lofi Session! Spirit City: Lofi Sessions is a gamified focus tool with music provided by Homework Radio. You can fully customize your character and bedroom to suit the tone you need for your focus session. Get cozy by the fireside with your spirit companions or read while a virtual storm brews outside your window seat. In addition to the unique personalized sessions, the game includes built-in productivity tools. No need to keep a separate journal, to-do list, or timer, this game has got you covered!
Tavern Talk – $17.99 (Steam & Switch)
I feel like I never see enough cozy visual novels, but that may be because people worry about replayability. Luckily, this one has multiple endings, you don’t have to worry about that. Become the keeper of the Wayfarer’s Inn in Tavern Talk (and DLCs) and help adventurers in-between quests or to find new ones. Mix and serve an ever-growing drinks menu to your patrons, whip up some quests with overheard rumors, and pick the right choices to unlock new decorations. Yes, in this D&D inspired story, you are the quest giver with the ability to change your patrons’ fates forever. Or at least until the next playthrough. In this cozy visual novel, meet a wonderful cast of characters who will fight the big bad evil guy while you sit back and relax.
Love, Ghostie – $19.99 (Steam)
It’s a about a ghost, but it’s not very spooky. Instead, it’s all lovey-dovey. In Love, Ghostie, you play as a match-making ghost determined to grow the relationships between the manor’s residents. With your customizable ghost, you can give the residents gifts, go through their rooms, and set them up on dates. Through this you can learn about their likes and dislikes and brighten up this haunted home. Each resident has a unique story and special romance with ever other shippable resident. It’s 3-6 hours and 6 couples per playthrough. With replays this means you have over 60 combinations of cute couples to set up each game. Help someone find their “boo!”
Critter Café – $19.99 (Steam & Switch)
One of the newest cozy games because it just released last week, so this is perfect timing! Critter Café allows you to rescue adorable creatures in need of a loving home that also happens to serve coffee and cake. With your customizable character you get to explore the Otherlands, a mysterious and magical world filled with Starbiis, Hibbos, Tattlegoos, and more! Once you save one of these adorable critters you get to take them back to your café to feed, brush, clean, play, and throw themed parties in their honor. See that’s where you get into the café element. Your café is up to you to design, along with each habitat. Hopefully, your designs will attract many customers, along with your latte art, cakes, movie nights, and many parties. There’s so much to do with these cute little critters!
Little Kitty, Big City – $24.99 (Steam, Xbox, & Switch)
Speaking of cute critters, in Little Kitty, Big City you play a curious feline with too much time. Or at least that’s what the human residents of this city might say. Will you go right home or do what cats do best? Cause chaos, make new friends or enemies, and wear adorable hats as you discover all the things a kitten can do. Will you complete quests or take a nap in the sun? Pose for pictures or knock over some paint cans and leave paw prints everywhere? Climb onto the rooftops and knock over some windowsill plants along the way? Cause you know there’s no “or” with that last one. Unlock your inner kitty and explore this big city!
Fields of Mistria – $13.99 (Steam)
And we’re back to farming in Fields of Mistria! The idyllic village of Mistria offers you a rundown farm nestled between the forest and the sea. This homestead has a lot of potential, but so does the rest of the town. The reason they reached out to you is because strange magic has begun wreaking havoc all over this peaceful town and you’re the only one who can fix things. Obviously, this is done by completing chores, fishing, mining, crafting, farming, exploring ruins, and romancing one of the 12 marriage candidates. Two of which are hidden by the way…Just to add a little more mystery. This newest addition to the long list of farm-sim RPGs has a nostalgic feel and art style. I mean I’m a huge Sailor Moon fan and I can’t get over how my player character looks.
Palia – FREE (Steam & Switch)
And last, but certainly not least, we have a community sim that’s everyone’s favorite price. In Palia, you’re one of the first humans to re-emerge after we disappeared thousands of years ago. You’re welcomed by the typically friendly and helpful Majiri who are just as confused about this mystery as you. There is an overarching plot to uncover the real reasons humans disappeared and are now coming back, but in the meantime, you need craft, cook, farm, and fish your way into your new life. Build a new home, community, and relationships in the peaceful village of Kilima. There are quite a few romance options with no limit to however many you can date at once! Although this is an MMORPG, so don’t get jealous if your NPC gives their pin to someone else.
Is that Cozy Enough for You?
I could probably name you eight more, but I think I’ve done enough for now. But if you need some new cozy games to add into your rotations, try out one of these! Whether you’re studying or taking a break from studying, these games can offer plenty of relaxation. So cause chaos as a cat, date 11 villagers at once, get some work done to Lofi, and open up your new café today!
What do you think of these new cozy games? Do you think you’ll try one out? Let us know in the comment section below!
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