Get Cozy This Winter With These Xbox Games

While the holiday season is widely seen as a moment for taking it easy and reflecting on the past year, let’s be honest—it’s also the perfect excuse to finally dig into some fantastic video games. There’s something wonderfully fitting about cozy games during this time—offerings that prioritize relaxation over stress, yet are every bit as engaging as their high-action counterparts.

Whether you’re braving the cold to tackle your gaming backlog or scouting the Xbox store for new gems, we’ve curated a superb lineup of comforting games that are ideal for winding down—carefully grouped into categories to perfectly match your current mood. So, prepare your go-to oversized mug of something warm, wrap yourself in a comfy blanket, and get ready to dive into these delightful experiences.

Fun on the Farm

Farming simulations have long been the epicenter of cozy gaming, offering peace in harmonious worlds where you can grow crops, mingle with friends, and venture at your own will. Whether you’re after a completely relaxed environment or a slight challenge, we’ve got something just for you.

Stardew Valley

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

In Stardew Valley, you’ll turn the neglected farm you inherited from your grandfather into a thriving haven. Along your journey, enhance your skills in farming, fishing, and combat, and unlock new items and recipes. Engage with locals, forge friendships, and perhaps even find love. With the recent 1.6 update adding fresh content, it’s the perfect time for both newcomers and seasoned players to dive in, either solo or with up to eight friends in co-op mode.

Lightyear Frontier

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

If you’re aiming for a cosmic farming experience, Lightyear Frontier is your go-to. Set in an open-world galactic adventure, this game lets you create the celestial homestead of your dreams alongside your customizable mech companion. Explore unknown terrains, uncover planetary secrets, and contribute to the ecosystem. It’s a soothing sim that’s perfect for both farming and mech fans, supporting up to three friends in online multiplayer.

Coral Island

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Get away from city hustle and create an idyllic tropical retreat in Coral Island. Plant crops, care for animals, and become part of a charming community of over 70 diverse characters. The island offers exciting activities like bug catching, fishing, and exploring the coral reef for hidden treasures. It’s a relaxed sim that lets you savor life at your own pace.

Comfy, Cozy Puzzles

If farming isn’t your thing, maybe these delightful puzzle games will grab your attention. We’re not talking hardcore puzzles, but rather soothing exploration and gratifying puzzling, accompanied by stunning visuals.

Botany Manor

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Slip into the role of Arabella Greene, a retired botanist, as you work to rejuvenate her estate’s gardens. As you wander around the manor, discover hidden clues to help cultivate rare flora, solve puzzles to unlock new areas, and uncover the captivating story of Arabella’s past research.

A Little To The Left

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Embrace a sense of calm with this endearing puzzle game that turns tidying up into pure fun. Organize a variety of household items, from screws to kitchen shelves, in over 100 unique situations. If organization sparks joy for you, this game will be a perfect fit.

Strange Horticulture

Available on Cloud, Console

In this mysterious puzzle game, you’re the owner of a plant store tasked with identifying newfound plant species. Balancing between “calm” and “creepy,” use your botanical knowledge to unravel the story and eerie secrets of the town of Undermere.

Light-hearted Adventures

Perhaps you’re keen on something more engaging than a puzzle game but minus the stress of combat or major decisions? Consider checking out these easy-going adventures where you explore unique environments, enjoy some light questing, and slightly test your skills.

Lil Gator Game

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Venture into a charming island as a lil gator in this heartwarming platformer. With quests looming in every corner, make new friends as you navigate through forests and mountains. It’s a delightful, stress-free experience, perfect for those seeking a joyful, laid-back gaming session.

Dungeons of Hinterberg

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

This unique game marries thrilling dungeon exploration with cozy social systems. As Luisa, dive into Hinterberg’s treacherous dungeons by day and spend relaxing evenings with the locals. It’s an enjoyable mix of challenge and tranquility.

Little Kitty, Big City

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Experience the bustling city through the eyes of a playful cat, on a mission to find the way back home. Explore at your own pace, make animal friends, complete quests, and add a dash of feline mischief along the way—hat accessories included!

Spiritfarer

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Combining cozy management and poignant themes, Spiritfarer has you guide spirits to the afterlife. Engage in sailing, farming, mining, cooking, and crafting, all while befriending spirit companions. The game even supports co-op, letting a friend join as Daffodil, the adorable cat.

Jusant

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Embark on a serene climb in Jusant, where the journey matters more than the destination. Equipped with climbing tools, enjoy discovering new paths and biomes as you progress. Climb without stress, delighting in the calming atmosphere and beautiful music.

A Short Hike

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park. As a small bird, uncover secrets and make meaningful connections with other travelers as you hike to the summit. It’s a peaceful adventure filled with vibrant scenery and whimsy.

Disney Dreamlight Valley

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

For more magical escapades, head to Dreamlight Valley! Blend life simulation with exploration as you mingle with esteemed Disney and Pixar characters. Overcome challenges, decorate your home, and help restore the valley’s glory alongside your Disney friends.

Cozy Narrative Delights

For those who crave a great story coupled with low-energy gameplay, these narrative-driven experiences might be your cup of tea. Embark on a journey as a photographer in a hand-drawn world, or a stylish space adventure crafted with claymation.

Chicory

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Awaken your inner artist in Chicory, a top-down adventure with colorful characters. With Chicory missing, wield artistic prowess to solve puzzles, assist friends, and unravel the touching tale behind the mystery.

Toem

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Toem invites you to explore with a camera in hand, uncovering mysteries and capturing moments in a hand-drawn landscape. Engage with quirky personalities and capture stunning scenes, all while exploring at your leisure.

Harold Halibut

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Step into the underwater world of Harold Halibut, a retro-futuristic narrative spiced with eccentricity. Play as Harold, an assistant on a submerged spaceship, navigating through bizarre yet fascinating encounters under the sea.

Satisfying Cleanups

If you love the satisfaction of cleaning up a mess, these games let you indulge from your couch. Dive into these cozy picks where tidying, organizing, and renovating virtual environments take precedence over real-world chores.

PowerWash Simulator

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

For stress-free cleanliness, PowerWash Simulator is your go-to. Spray away dirt across various levels, from vans to subway platforms. With progression, unlock bigger challenges and equipment, while enjoying an intriguing storyline about the town of Muckingham.

House Flipper

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Step into the shoes of a renovation expert in House Flipper. Take on jobs, earn cash, and transform rundown properties into dream homes. Arm yourself with tools to demolish, paint, and decorate every corner to your heart’s content.

Unpacking

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Unpacking combines cozy narrative with puzzling, following a character’s life through moving various homes. Carefully arrange belongings, learn personal stories, and recreate satisfying living spaces filled with meaningful treasures.

Nostalgic Cozy Favorites

There’s no comfort like revisiting classics from your past, and these reimagined 90’s games bring a rush of nostalgia. The holidays are all about reconnecting and reminiscing, making these rebooted collections ideal for reliving favorites or sharing with loved ones.

Spyro: Reignited Trilogy

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Revisit the Dragon Realms in this remastered version of the original Spyro trilogy. Glide across enchanting worlds, free dragons from their crystal prisons, and rescue dragon eggs. It’s a cozy platformer for any generation, and you can explore it via Xbox Game Pass.

Crash Bandicoot: N’Sane Trilogy

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Rediscover the iconic Crash Bandicoot games wrapped up with remastered visuals. This nostalgic trilogy brings a classic platforming experience, with a modern twist, as you thwart Dr. Neo Cortex’s devious plans. Whether old or new to Crash, it’s a joy to experience.

Return to Monkey Island

Available on Cloud, Console, and PC

Come back as the legendary Guybrush Threepwood in this continuation of the Monkey Island saga. Navigate the turbulent islands amid classic point-and-click gameplay, filled with witty encounters and engaging puzzles as you challenge Melee Island’s new leaders.