Huddled Up in the Cold? Try ‘Cosy Gaming’ With These 5 Wholesome Picks

Whether you’re an avid gamer or have never touched a console before, these will get you hooked.

Since the O.G. Animal Crossing dropped in 2001, followed by Minecraft ten years later, there’s been a steady drip-feed of games catered to people who just wanna snuggle up in bed, forget about the world and enter a wholesome atmosphere.

Only recently has this trend been identified as ‘cosy gaming’, being championed across YouTube, TikTok and other social media. Cosy gamers are a community of chill, vibey, everyday people who keenly follow the latest releases in the genre.

The best part about this trend is that you don’t have to be super knowledgeable about gaming to hop on board. If you’ve got a PC, Mac or even a Nintendo Switch, you can get started straight away.

Here are some of the top picks celebrated throughout the cosy gaming community.

1. Stardew Valley, available on mobile, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Mac, PC, Xbox and more.

Think Animal Crossing mixed with Minecraft. This expansive but slow-paced game is all about nourishing your thriving farm and getting to know your town community. Plant, water, harvest, fish, bake, weld, trade, and wander.

2. Bear and Breakfast, available on Nintendo Switch.

So, you’re a bear, running a Bed and Breakfast in the woods. It’s cute, hilarious, full of mystery and delves into the wilderness beyond. You’ll be designing guest rooms, bathrooms, parlours and all sorts of nooks ‘n’ crannies.

3. Unpacking, available on Nintendo Switch, PS4, Mac, PC, Xbox and more.

Seemingly simple, but tear-inducing by the end. You’re a girl in 1997 moving to a new house with her parents and unpacking all her things. She eventually grows up and moves out, revealing truths about life and relationships.

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, available on Nintendo Switch.

The queen of all cosy games, this is the fifth game in Nintendo’s life-sim series. You’re a human character who has moved to a village on a tropical island and pass the time fishing, fossil hunting, bug catching and getting to know the locals.

5. Townscaper, available on mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC, web browser, and more.

If you loved designing houses in The Sims more than the actual gameplay, you’ll probably love Townscaper. Instantly build and sculpt towns, starting on an island in the middle of an ocean. And best part—you never run out of money or resources.

If you’re looking for relaxing entertainment on a stormy night, these games are guaranteed to give you that—and maybe even drift you off to sleep.

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