7 best cozy games released in 2024
As the nights grow longer and the weather cooler in 2024, many gamers find themselves drawn toward cozy games for more serene experiences. Rather than epic adventures, these provide calm spaces to curl up within. Thanks to standout indie developers like Pounce Light, Riot Forge, and Krillbite Studio, 2024 offers no shortage of such titles.
In this article, we will explore the seven best cozy games released in 2024, each designed to provide a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Note: This list is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer.
Tiny Glade, Little Kitty, Big City, and five other best cozy games released in 2024
1) Tiny Glade
- Release date: September 23, 2024
If you have played Summerhouse, this soothing sandbox diorama creator, Tiny Glade, from Pounce Light would seem very familiar. You can create numerous castles, ruins, cottages, and other medieval structures without the pressure of traditional challenges.
What makes this game stand out is making pan shots of building something first and then immediately switching over to a first-person view to explore it. Nominated for Best Self-Published Indie Game for GJA 2024 and the most played demos in Steam Next Fest, this title is one of the best cozy games to go for.
Also read: Tiny Glade system requirements: Minimum and recommended PC settings explored
2) Little Kitty, Big City
- Release date: May 9, 2024
Little Kitty, Big City is a heartfelt adventure game created by Double Dagger Studio. This third-person game lets you take the role of a lost black cat trying to find their way home through a bustling Japanese city.
You can perform typical cat actions — catching birds, jumping in boxes, and stealing things, adding to the interactive nature of the title. It also features a warp system that lets you quickly travel through sewer manholes to explore the town more easily.
The title is praised for its mechanics and visuals, making it one of the finest cozy games on the list.
3) Fruitbus
- Release date: October 28, 2024
This latest culinary adventure developed by Krillbite Studio takes you across the Gustum archipelago to discover fresh fruits and vegetables while learning about the unique customs of each island. You play as a food truck owner (Lila) and can choose different paths, like gathering rare ingredients or mastering local recipes to create meals that brighten the day for the islanders.
If you like cozy games, Fruitbus can be a great addition to your gaming library — its island, rich with stories and interesting locations, will make you love this game more.
4) Fields of Mistria
- Release date: August 5, 2024
Fields of Mistria is an intriguing farm life simulation RPG created and distributed by NPC Studio. In this title, you can create your own character who arrives in the town of Mistria which is being rebuilt after a devastating earthquake. The goal is to help restore the town while forging relationships with its diverse villagers through activities — farming, crafting, fishing, and even combat.
While some players have mentioned issues like short in-game days and occasional crashes, NPC Studio has quickly addressed these problems, and it has over two hundred fifty thousand downloads worldwide as of now, making it a hit among cozy game aficionados.
Also check out: How to unlock every Tool in Fields of Mistria
5) Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story
- Release date: February 21, 2024
This League of Legends spinoff is a role-playing game and farming simulation developed by the renowned Lazy Bear Games and distributed by Riot Forge. You can create your very own custom Yordle in the colorful, trendy world of Bandle City (home to the adorable Yordle race) undertaking a quest to fix malfunctioning portals connecting the sky islands of the world.
Upon progressing, you unlock new areas and meet your favorite League of Legends universe characters, such as Corki, Lulu, Rumble, and so on. This title has received mostly positive reviews in the cozy games genre, where critical acclaim goes to its pixel art and atmosphere.
6) Tavern Talk
- Release date: June 20, 2024
Compared to other cozy games, Tavern Talk is unique in its blend of mixology with narrative depth. You play as a fantasy innkeeper at Wayfarer's Inn within the magical land of Asteria as players try to serve drinks and converse with various adventurers.
You can create multiple drinks and potions; each can affect the character's stats and even their stories.
7) Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge
- Release date: June 8, 2024
Similar to Stardew Valley, this first release from Humble Reeds is a farming simulation game. Players help restore the wetlands of their childhood by transforming them into a sanctuary for frogs, engaging in activities like collecting and breeding frogs, farming, and preserving nature.
With the assistance of NPCs (non-playing characters) like Djena and Annabelle, you can photograph frogs to increase their reputation, decorate their refuge, and plant native crops to support their amphibian habitat. While it lacks pace and depth, the title's charming and relaxing experience focused on frog collection makes it a great addition to the cozy games genre.