With the December holidays approaching fast, it becomes increasingly difficult to find the perfect game to play. This is because the gaming catalog has grown incredibly large, so much so that there is a never-ending list of games in a variety of genres, including RPGs, action games, farming simulator games, and even horror games. But December holidays are a time of break and relaxation, with plenty of people just looking to lie in bed and cozy right up. This is where cozy games come into play, andXbox Game Passis full of them.
Depending on the tier ofXbox Game Pass subscription,the service has a library of over 100 gamesto play. Out of those many games, there are quite a few that fit the cozy bill. This includes farming-like simulators in the same vein as the popularStardew Valley, challenging yet cute platformers, co-op games to play with other people while on vacation, and multiplayer games pitting players – both local and online – against each other. With beautiful graphics, simple gameplay, and exciting action, these are the best cozy games to play on Xbox Game Pass over the holidays.
10Coral Island (2023)
Farming Life Simulator
Coral Islandis a 2023 farming life simulator that follows an unnamed protagonist as they veer far from the city to rural life on a farm on a small island. The island holds a farming community with various NPCs that the player can speak with. Upon arrival,the player is tasked with running a farm, combating monsters, fishing, crafting, caring for farm animals, and mining, among other things. But the town is on the verge of being taken over by an oil company called Pufferfish Corporation, and the player must do everything in their power to stop it.
Similar toStardew Valley,Coral Islandis a fun and cozy farming simulator with plenty to do. Though it doesn’t feature co-op,Coral Islanddoes feature romanceable NPCswith a 3D art style similar to that of Disney’s cheery and whimsical nature.It is also praised for LGBTQ representation. Not only that, but it also has other elements unique to other farming simulators, such as involving merfolk and an underwater village.
9Disney Dreamlight Valley (2023)
Life Simulator
Taking place in Dreamlight Valley,Disney Dreamlight Valleyis a 2023 life simulator and adventure game that follows an unnamed player as they travel and explore the Pixar- and Disney-inspired biomes. The gameplay involves clearing away Night Thorns, hazardous plants with dark magic. This can only be done using the player’s magic, and along the way, players get to meet a variety of Disney and Pixar characters, like Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Mickey Mouse, and Woody (Toy Story). The player characters returns to their rural home and dreams of Dreamlight Valley,where they revisit their childhood memories.
Disney Dreamlight Valley 2025 Roadmap & Updates Explained
The first three Dreamlight Valley updates of 2025 have been teased by Disney, giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come in the first half of next year.
Disney Dreamlight Valleyis similar to that ofAnimal Crossingbecause it’s an entirely customizable experience taking place in a valley. It’s unique in that this game is synced to real-life time, and it features both single-player gameplay and multiplayer. The multiplayer mode involves visiting other players' valleys, which makes for an extremely fun time considering thatDreamlight Valleyhas plenty of customization options for players. One of the best parts aboutDreamlight Valleyis that not only is it a cozy game featuring everyone’s favorite Disney characters, butit also lets playersdecorate for Christmas festivities.
8Human: Fall Flat (2016)
Puzzle Platform
Human: Fall Flatis a puzzle platformer where players have to get through physics challenges and obstacles just to get across a map. With these puzzles, players have to adjust to their character’s physics; otherwise, one mistake and players are often sent back to start.Featuring a completely customizable character named Bob, players can grab ledges, climb up the platform, and even grab objects. Each level is themed differently, andHuman: Fall Flatis an ever-growing game.
Though it can be pretty challenging,Human: Fall Flatis an extremely fun single-player platformer involving physics. Similar to other physics-controlling games (e.g.,Gang Beasts),Human: Fall Flatis unique in the way it is played, and though this makes the gameplay a little bit difficult to get used to,it features plenty of variety in its puzzles. And even though it does not feature local multiplayer, it does have online multiplayer.
7It Takes Two (2021)
Action-Adventure
It Takes Twois a multiplayer, action-adventure platformer that follows a married couple, Cody and May, who have just informed their daughter Rose that they plan on getting a divorce. The two are often squabbling with one another, clearly unhappy in their marriage. After learning this news, Rose tries to repair her parent’s relationship by playing with dolls that oddly resemble her parents, and both May and Cody’s consciousnesses are transferred to the dolls. While they attempt to find their way back to their bodies,May and Cody recall why they loved one another.
Split Fiction Continues Hazelight’s Legacy Of Revolutionizing Co-op Games
Hazelight has become synonymous with epic co-op adventures, and recent footage from Split Fiction appears to be taking that one step further.
It Takes Twowas created by the same developer asA Way Outand the upcoming multiplayer platformerSplit Fiction.It is a purely multiplayer experiencefeaturing split-screen cooperative gameplay. Players cannot move on to another section of the game without helping the other out, and the idea of helping each other strengthens the concept of bonding and building a relationship, which is a major theme forIt Takes Two. The best part is that only one player needs to own a copy of the game, and it can be played online or through couch co-op.
6Little Kitty, Big City (2024)
Adventure
Little Kitty, Big Cityis a relatively new single-player adventure game that features third-person gameplay of a kitten lost in a Japanese city. The point of the game is tohelp this kitten find its way back to its owner’s apartment, but to do so, the player must find every fish in the city. Gameplay includes jumping, climbing, stealing items, emoting, and even communicating with other animals.
Though it is a fairly new game, theincredible cat simulatorLittle Kitty, Big Citywas released in time for the December holiday season, as it provides plenty of cozy, wholesome vibes from the comfort of a chair or couch. It’s a cute cat game that has received positive reception, andthe graphics, though simple, are absolutely adorable and fun, with an extremely bright and colorful atmosphere that players will appreciate. There’s nothing like a cozy cat adventure game.
5Minecraft Dungeons (2020)
Dungeon-Crawler
Released in 2020,Minecraft Dungeonsis a dungeon-crawler experience that can be played either single-player or multiplayer. Set inMinecraft’sworld, the story follows Archie, an outcast villager who seeks revenge against those who have wronged him in the past, and he can do this only thanks to the Orb of Dominance. The player(s) musttake on the roles of heroes who liberate monster-infested villages and free the other illagerswho are caged.
Minecraft Legends Vs. Minecraft Dungeons: Which Spinoff Is Right For You
Minecraft Legends and Minecraft Dungeons are both spinoffs of the classic sandbox game, but each one might be right for different types of players.
Minecraft Dungeonsis a unique experience fromMinecraft. It does not feature typicalMinecraftgameplay, such as building or crafting, as it is more fighting-focused. As a dungeon-crawler,it is an incredibly fun experience teaming up with other playersto take on the hordes of monsters that roam the villages purely from an isometric perspective.
4Moving Out 2 (2023)
Simulation
Moving Out 2is a 2023 simulation game that serves as a sequel to the originalMoving Outgame, which garnered positive reception and was fairly popular. The goal of the game is to move objects through obstacles. It is a physics-based game, making itas wacky, fun, and unique as the original. One great thing about this game is thatMoving Out 2can be played both as a single-player experience and a multiplayer one.
Colorful and vibrant,Moving Out 2is a relaxing experience, though it can also be chaotic in its multiplayer gameplay.It takes its foundation and builds onto itin a fascinating way, and its level design is spectacular.Moving Out 2makes sure that players are never bored with its gameplay, introducing new elements that weren’t seen in the original.
3Ori And The Blind Forest (2015)
Platform Adventure
Ori and the Blind Forestis a single-player platform adventure game released in 2015 originally. The first of its series, the game follows newly-born spirit guardian Ori, who is taken in by Naru, a creature within the forest. After the forest withers, though, Naru passes away from starvation,leaving Ori to explore the forest on their own. Ori is then tasked with restoring the balance of the forest.
Ori and the Blind Forest Runs Better on Switch Than on Xbox
The game director behind Ori and the Blind Forest has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch version of the Xbox Game Studios title runs best.
Ori and the Blind Forestis anabsolutely beautiful and breathtaking single-player experience. Emotionally moving,Ori and the Blind Forestis the perfect cozy game to relax with. It is definitely one of the better platformer games to exist with a story that speaks to its players.
2Party Animals (2023)
Multiplayer Brawler
Party Animalsis a 2023 multiplayer brawler and party game featuring a wide cast of animal characters that players can choose from. With a starting cast of 45 characters, players can pick any character and join a large party to fight against other players.While it’s mostly a brawler with wacky physics, there are other game modes that players can pick from, including soccer games and racing games, though brawling is a main aspect of all modes.
Party Animals Looks Like A Cuter, Deadlier Fall Guys
A new trailer for Party Animals was in the Xbox & Bethesda E3 conference, showing off the multiplayer physics-based carnage in a cute fluffy package.
Similar to that ofGang Beasts,Party Animalsis a great multiplayer experience thatfeatures a lot of skins that players can unlock through the form of in-game currency, which can be earned during play. Not to mention, it features other characters from different games, such as Ori fromOri and the Blind Forest. For those looking for a fun party game that can be played online,Party Animalsis a great choice for no extra cost on Game Pass.
1PlateUp!
Restaurant Simulation
PlateUp!is a 2022 restaurant management simulation game. While it can be played in single-player,it is also multiplayer, making it fun for either online play or couch co-op. Players can customize their characters with various items and colors, and the goal is to successfully manage and run a restaurant without dissatisfying customers.
A unique element to this game is that it is sort of like a roguelike, meaning once players fail to run a successful restaurant, they lose. Another exciting element toPlateUp!is how customizable it is in terms of the kind of restaurant that players want to run. Players can choose the recipes, the layout, and how it is run. Chaotic yet cathartic,PlateUp!is a great game onXbox Game Pass.
