Best cozy games to play this fall and winter

There’s nothing like curling up to play a cozy game as the temperatures drop and we move into colder seasons. If you’re not familiar, cozy games are known for their heartwarming stories and calming gameplay that offer the perfect escape. It’s a slower type of gaming that lets players step away from the chaos of everyday life, and usually features super-cute graphics. So, grab the hot chocolate, pile on the fuzzy blankets and get your fireplace going, as you unwind and get into the cozy game spirit.  

What really makes a game cozy? Cozy games are designed to put your mind at ease and melt away stress with simple mechanics, soothing music and visually appealing graphics. Instead of high action, competitive narratives or intense sequences, cozy games focus on exploration, creativity and storytelling. This way, players can unwind and experience a virtual world filled with peaceful, low-stake adventures and tasks that are pleasant to the senses. 

1. Stardew Valley – Known as one of the coziest games, this farming simulation involves growing crops, raising animals and exploring your town for a self-paced, peaceful adventure.
2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – This classic lets you relax as you engage with animal villagers, decorate your home and more.
3. Spiritfarer – Learn about saying goodbye in this hand-drawn game where you guide spirits to the afterlife.
4. A Short Hike – Experience beautiful landscapes and explore the island in this self-paced cozy game.
5. Cozy Grove – Support ghosts that aren’t there to scare and draw the color back into this cozy world.  
   

It doesn’t matter if you want to farm the land or explore another virtual world, Steam offers cozy games that can match your every mood this season.   

My Time at Portia – Curl up with this post-apocalyptic farming game that’s vibrant and filled with new, exciting characters to meet.  
Slime Rancher – Take care of all of the slimes with this first-person video game filled with different biomes and mysteries to uncover.  
Eastshade – Enjoy endless exploration in this open-world cozy game that lets you capture the world as a traveling painter. 
Garden Paws – Inherit a farm and take care of the land while discovering new secrets or completing the next quest.  

If you find yourself low on digital space for your cozy gaming library, get more storage with an SSD upgrade. Crucial’s P310 NVMe SSD can boost overall performance, speed and space so you can play more games wherever your cozy takes you.  

Dive into new cozy worlds with PS5 games that let you harness powerful hardware and eye-catching visuals.  

1. The Pathless – Be the ultimate hunter in this open-world game that lets you explore the forest, solve puzzles and discover secrets. 
2. Kena: Bridge of Spirits – Relax with this heartwarming, story-driven game that involves magic, spirits and a journey to the Mountain Shrine.
3. Sackboy: A Big Adventure – Become Sackboy, and race against time in this charming game where you’ll collect orbs, battle bosses and travel through space.
4. Tchia – Enjoy this tropical, open-world game where you can control anything and everything in a physics-driven adventure.  
   

PC users have a wide selection of cozy games available to them that are perfect for a snuggly night in. 

1. The Sims 4 – Stay in control in this classic, social simulation game that lets you craft a world with the people you choose, along with their homes, life situations and more.
2. House Flipper – Lose yourself in this calming game that involves selling and renovating houses that you can customize to your preferences.
3. Planet Zoo – Animal lovers unite! Create the perfect zoo with all of your favorite animals in this simulation game that lets you build habitats for wildlife.
4. Unpacking – For those who enjoy puzzles, try this mellow, cozy game where you unpack and decorate a new home with objects that tell a story.   
   

If you’re running into issues with lag time, upgrading your system’s memory with Crucial high-speed RAM can boost your system’s overall performance, making for a more seamless, cozy gaming experience.   

Bond over cozy games with loved ones this season. Many games, such as Stardew Valley and Sackboy, feature multiplayer options that let you interact or work together. Here are a few other cooperative games that are worth bringing to your next family gathering or meetup with friends.  

1. Overcooked! All You Can Eat – Cook up dishes in this collaborative game that brings people together over kitchen chaos.
2. Don’t Starve Together – Survive with friends and family in this multiplayer game that's filled with danger, limited resources and secrets.  
3. Moving Out – This same-screen, multiplayer game involves frantic fun as you work together to move furniture.  
4. Unspottable — Let the hunt begin in this competitive game that involves punching AI characters until you find your fellow players.  

Store your favorite multiplayer games on reliable external storage solutions that you can take to your next gathering for endless laughs and coziness this season.   

Having a dedicated cozy gaming space can help you feel more comfortable and immersed, enhancing your overall gaming experience. Your ideal setup could minimize physical strain, include mood lighting or feature cozy blankets and themed decor. Get creative and cultivate your perfect sanctuary.  

Don’t forget functionality in your setup! Upgrading your gaming systems with Crucial SSDs and DRAM can smooth and improve your cozy gaming experience, helping you fully relax.  

Cozy games are the perfect escape from the cold and a great way to unwind. From farming to exploring beautiful worlds, there’s a cozy game for everyone. So, grab that snuggly blanket, invite some friends over and warm your heart with these cozy games.