Some things just fundamentally change you. You’ve likely heard people express that they wish they could re-read a book or watch a TV series for the first time again. The same could be said of cozy games. There are just some titles that sit with you and make you yearn to recapture the magical moment of finding your new favorite thing.
Part of my job is to play cozy games and to evaluate how they make me feel. I’ve done well over a hundred game reviews here on Comfy Cozy Gaming, and while I have a long list of favorites, there aren’t many that can best the top 4 for me. These games are my holy grails, the ones that resonated with me on a visceral level.
I’m hoping this list will give you the same comfort and joy that it gave me.
The 4 cozy games that stole my heart
Smushi Come Home
Smushi Come Home is the first and only game that I’ve given an 11 to on the cozy scale. If you want to know who I am as a person, this game encapsulates that for me. The aesthetics were joyful and getting to explore the world gave me a lot of peace that I desperately needed during that time. I’ve never related to being just a silly little guy more than playing this game.
Botany Manor
Botany Manor called to me for several reasons: the nature element to the game, the puzzles, and the visuals. I’ve always loved a good puzzle game, but I’ve struggled with them as well. This game rode that line between being challenging and leading enough that I never had to look anything up. It was refreshing and left me feeling accomplished.
Wylde Flowers
Wylde Flowers consumed my mornings and made me excited to start my day. Not only was this game well-paced, but it made farming feel fresh. It revitalized my joy for the daily tasks and conversations. I didn’t see the magical hook coming, so when it finally dropped, it made the game I had sunk hours upon hours into feel new.
Caravan Sandwitch
I can’t claim that the story of Caravan Sandwitch left me feeling things despite it being an incredible story. However, the ability to roam free and wild still sits with me. This game truly felt like I could do anything I liked, even while being on the thinnest of rails. I sank hours into simply exploring and climbing into buildings like some sci-fi version of Indiana Jones, looking for that one bit of treasure.
I’d love to know what cozy games you wish you could play for the first time again. I’m on the hunt for the next heart-shifting adventure! If these don’t strike your fancy, you may find your new favorite in 13 cozy games we’re most excited for in 2025.
