Ascozy gaming only becomes more popular, it’s no surprise thatXbox Game Pass has a wonderful selection of these calming games that players can enjoy. Whether it be relaxing life-sims, soothing farming simulators, or even cleaning games, there’s something for everyone to dig into. No matter what kind of easy-going escape players seek, it can be found on Xbox Game Pass.
10Coral Island (Stairway Games)
A Relaxing Farming Life-Sim
While there are many gorgeous farming simulator gems,Coral Islandfinds itself standing outwith its vibrant re-imagining of the genre. Taken at a laid-back pace,players can choose to be whoever they wish, experiencing the island life as slowly as they desire. With gorgeous 3D visuals, the immersion is hard to escape, drawing players in for hours on end.
With so many things to do, players can live off the land with their luscious farms, harvesting crops, trees and flowers, as well as seasonal selections and animal keeping too. The diverse cast of characters are great for unwinding with too, all bearing their individual stories andacting as a potential romantic partner down the line. With so much more like fishing, exploring, events, and mining, this cozy little escape is the perfect treat on Xbox Game Pass.
Coral Island Roadmap: New Romances, Festivals, & Multiplayer
Despite being fully released, Coral Island developers have a full schedule of massive updates coming to the game in 2024, including mermaid romance.
9Firewatch (Campo Santo)
Easy-Going Walking Simulator
Since its release in 2016,Firewatchhas truly stood the test of timeas one of the coziest games out there. As a single-player mystery, this gem will see players embark on a countryside escape set in the Wyoming wilderness,living within a warm firewatch tower as a park ranger. With just one other park ranger’s voice on the end of the radio, players are given a retreat from life’s hectic nature in these widely-spanning woods.
As a walking simulator of sorts,much of the experience ofFirewatchis simply exploring. Whether it be through forests, rocky paths, caves, lakes, or tents with valuable information, there’s a lot that can be slowly but surely found. Forcing the player to take a laid-back approach, the relaxing cozy nature ofFirewatchreally shines through. With plenty of views, gorgeous scenery and more, there’s never been a better virtual escape into the outdoors.
8Forager (HopFrog)
A Relaxing Idle Experience
Forageris hard to put down, delivering a slice of easy-going automation and foraging for players.Inspired by experiences likeStardew Valley, TerrariaandZelda,Forageris familiar but offers its own idle and relaxing twist. As a 2D open-world, players can freely explore with little to no pressure as to what they wish to complete.
With a number of different things to do throughout, players can work on gathering and managing resources, crafting useful items and bases, and generally expanding their areas. With level-up skills, abilities, and blueprints, there’s always something to work towards.Puzzles, secrets, and dungeons also keep things feeling refreshing, delivering that calming cozy experience no matter where players go.
7Let’s Build A Zoo (Springloaded)
Cozy Zoo Management
InLet’s Build A Zoo,players can take this cozy management simulator at their own pace. Running a zoo of your own, you progressively build up your small little franchise into something bigger, increasing your zoo’s size and the many guests along with it. With an assortment of many differing animals and unique breeding, there’s plenty of cuteness to be found and uniqueness in every zoo.
That’s not all either, asLet’s Build A Zoolets players completely construct their enclosures, hire zookeepers and vets, andstitch together over 300,000 different types of animal. The game allows plenty of cute customization for animal pens and decorative items too, making it great for players who like to create their own style. With so much to do, this easy-going sim is a great way to unwind and take it slow.
6Mineko’s Night Market (Meowza Games)
A Japenese-Inspired Cozy Escape
As a narrative-driven social simulation,Mineko’s Night Marketis one of the sweetest cozy gaming experiences out there. Celebrating Japanese culture, the gameplay invites players within the world of a curious girl who has just arrived at her new home. Through crafting whimsical items, snacks, and plentiful cats, players will find themselves at home too.
Mineko’s Night Market
Developed by Meowza Games, Mineko’s Night Market is a narrative-focused adventure game with simulation elements that centers on the young Mineko, a girl who moves to a small struggling island. As Mineko ventures to make the island a better place to live and work, she’ll complete various tasks to prepare for a weekly night market - and appease the legion of cats that share the island.
With a story centered around friendship and tradition, players will play as the young girl Mineko, struggling as she embarks on her new life at a Japanese-inspired island at the base of Mount Fugu. As the superstitious locals worship the long-told myth of the Sun Cat, Nikko,players will soon discover the secrets the island has to offer. With plenty of daily activities, jobs, and more, the world ofMineko’s Night Marketis an undeniably cozy one.
“A Creative & Relaxing World”: Mineko’s Night Market Review
The beautiful world, sharp writing, and creative crafting of Mineko’s Night Market make it easier to overlook its handful of bugs and shortcomings.
5My Time At Sandrock (Pathea Games)
An Open World Farm Simulator
Taking on the role of a fledgling builder,My Time At Sandrockis yet another cozy life-sim that allows players to progress as they wish, with the priority on their building progress. As players will use their toolset to gather resources, build machines, and make a workshop, they can unwind with somerelaxing and easy yet addictive gameplay. That’s not all that’s on offer in this open-world though, as players have full reign of the world.
Withplentiful quests, crafting, farming, fishing, dungeons and more, the world is rich with tasks to complete no matter what player’s preferences are. Increasing relationships with the charming in-game characters, players can also progress towards friendships and marriage. No matter what your game preferences are, this cozy experience is sure to satisfy.
10 Beginner Tips For My Time At Sandrock
My Time At Sandrock is a fun life sim but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Starting strong is vital to making consistent progress in the game.
4Spiritfarer (Thunder Lotus Games)
An Emotional Story Of Letting Go
Blending a heartfelt narrative with gorgeous management elements too,Spiritfareris one of the coziest experiences out there. As players take control of protagonist Stella, they’ll become a ferrymaster of the deceased, meeting new and old acquaintances throughout. Building on old relationships and mourning their losses as they pass on, this cozy but aching story is one that players will never forget.
There’s much more toSpiritfarerthan its storytelling though, as players advance through avast map of islands and shrines, meeting new characters and gathering resources. Player’s boats can be enhanced with new buildings too, crafting new resources, growing crops, and allowing the residents to move in. Despite touching on difficult topics like death,Spiritfareris one of the coziest and most comforting games out there.
Spiritfarer’s Free Update Adds New Character Lily & Touching Plotline
Ready for spring, the update’s new spirit is made up of purple butterflies and has a close connection to Spiritfarer’s main protagonist.
3Unpacking (Witch Beam)
Relaxing Unpacking Into New Homes
There’s something immediately relaxing about the ease ofUnpacking,a simple experience rooted in an experience many have lived through many times. AsUnpackingsees players unpack at varying homesthroughout the life of one character, they’ll neatly put away the beloved items in rooms from childhood bedrooms to adult apartments. With snippets of story throughout, players will feel immersed in the changes of their lives.
Perfect as a cozy experience to unwind with, this gem is ideal for those just looking to rest withminimal gaming expertise required. Instead, all you’ll be doing is unpacking cardboard boxes and placing differing furniture and decor throughout various rooms. For a soothing, slow-paced journey that’s short and sweet,Unpackingis perfect.
2Tchia
A Tropical Open World Adventure
In the gorgeous tropical open worldTchia,players can explore a beautiful archipelago of islands. With traversal through jumping, gliding, swimming, and varying rafts, players can explore as they please. Enhanced by cool stunts throughout, there’s nothing not to love even when players are just on the move.
With the ability to take control of any animal or object, players can fly around like a bird, swim beneath the waves as a fish, or experience what it’s like to be any number of other creatures. A fully playable ukulele is also utilized through rhythm-based sections, keeping the gameplay refreshing throughout. With a mix of calming gameplay and more strategic thought,Tchiais a unique cozy offering for all.
1Stardew Valley (ConcernedApe)
Become A Farmer In This Rural Escape
As players take over their grandfather’s farm inStardew Valley,they’ll soon find a new home in Pelican Town. With the day-to-day ease of running a farm, growing crops, and making a profit, they canunwind with tasks that aren’t too demanding. That’s not all though, as players can enjoy the vibrant local town and surrounding countryside areas with plenty more to see and do.
