I played 27 new cozy games this year and my top 5 only includes 2 farm sims, I promise

December 18, 2024

This year’s selection of cozy games has carved out a unique niche, diverging from the broader trends in PC gaming. While the main release calendar has been relatively sparse in terms of blockbuster titles, this has opened the door for some unexpected gems to shine. The most delightful cozy games of the year were largely those anticipated from the previous year, rather than the usual surprise hits that often characterize this indie-friendly genre. Despite this, there is no disappointment to be found; there’s at least one new contender worthy of joining the ranks of beloved titles like Stardew Valley, alongside a host of other commendable entries.

Played 27 cozy games this year
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Played 27 cozy games this year
Lauren Morton

Fields of Mistria
Sky: Children of the Light
Infinity Nikki
Tiny Glade
Rusty’s Retirement

Among the cozy games that captured my attention, a few didn’t quite make it to the top five but still deserve mention: Minami Lane, Reka, Everholm, Neva, and Gourdlets.

Fields of Mistria

Style: Farm sim

Every year, the cozy farm sim genre expands, yet one title consistently rises above the rest. Fields of Mistria evokes nostalgia for the classic Harvest Moon games of the ’90s, infused with vibrant visuals reminiscent of the Game Boy Advance era. This game is a true homage to farm sim enthusiasts, featuring user-friendly elements such as jumping over fences and NPCs conveniently marked on the map—features that Stardew Valley fans have often relied on mods to achieve.

The charm of Mistria lies in its engaging characters and heartfelt dialogue. Players will find it hard not to fall for the townies during their weekly tabletop RPG gatherings at the inn, or to resist the allure of their anime-inspired outfits, which evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Even in its early access phase, Fields of Mistria stands out as a must-play addition to the farm sim genre.

Sky: Children of the Light

Style: Social MMO platformer

It might seem counterintuitive to transform a beloved single-player experience like Journey into a social MMO, yet Sky: Children of the Light manages to do just that with remarkable success. Initially released in 2012, this game made its way to PC in April, and I’ve already invested over 130 hours into its enchanting world. Despite being labeled as early access, it has offered a complete gaming experience with seasonal content for years.

The game begins with a brief campaign, where players fly around meeting spirits that teach new emotes. While it may feel small at first, the world expands significantly after completing the initial run, revealing a vast map filled with new quests and spirits introduced with each season. The social aspect thrives as players encounter others in a familiar yet anonymous manner, creating opportunities for friendships and shared discoveries.

Infinity Nikki

Style: Open world adventure

In a delightful twist, the Nikki series of dress-up games has transitioned to PC with Infinity Nikki, an open-world adventure that has captivated my attention. This game combines the thrill of collecting outfits and participating in styling challenges with the excitement of platforming and exploration. Players engage in agility minigames, sidequests, and treasure hunts, making it easy to lose track of time in pursuit of the next styling battle.

While it employs a gacha monetization model, Infinity Nikki remains accessible for those who prefer to play without spending, offering a rich experience filled with creativity and adventure.

Tiny Glade

Style: Building toy

Tiny Glade is a playground for those with a penchant for creativity. This game invites players to build and design with a procedural system that reacts to object combinations, allowing for endless possibilities. Whether creating archways with intersecting paths or discovering unique placements for buildings, the joy of experimentation is ever-present.

It has inspired a wave of creative builders, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in a building game. With its innovative approach, Tiny Glade has set a high standard for future procedural building titles.

Rusty’s Retirement

Style: Idler farm sim

Rusty’s Retirement is an idle farm sim that cleverly integrates itself into daily tasks, allowing players to manage their farms while attending to other responsibilities. With a charming aesthetic, this game offers just enough control to keep players engaged without overwhelming them. As your collection of robots tends to the farm, you can focus on upgrades and layout adjustments, all while enjoying the satisfaction of watching your farm flourish.

Though it may take time to fully automate your farm, the journey is rewarding, and Rusty’s Retirement has proven to be a delightful surprise in a genre that often feels stagnant.

<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-bonus-sixth-cozy-game-pick”>Bonus sixth cozy game pick

Played 28 cozy games this year.
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Played 28 cozy games this year.
Kara Phillips

A refreshing addition to the cozy gaming landscape is the relaxing gardening simulator The Garden Path, which has provided a much-needed breath of fresh air.

AppWizard