Who said Halloween themed video games need to be drenched in horror and gore? Although I personally have a deep love for the old school Resident Evil games, I personally avoid video games that have too much threat, gore and violence- especially when animals are involved!
Thankfully there are many cozy gamers out there who adore a more softer approach to gaming and want to still reveal in the spooky season without the over-the-top horror cliches that come with it! So, I’ve put together a small list of cozy games that are perfect to play over the cozy season.
Best Cozy Games for Halloween
Little Nightmares
Offering an eerie, atmospheric experience, Little Nightmares is the perfect game for Halloween. You play as Six, a small raincoat clad child trying to escape The Maw, a mysterious vessel that’s filled with grotesque creatures.
The game combines puzzle solving, stealth and horror in a way that makes it thrilling but not too overwhelmingly scary. Its dark and whimsical art style creates a chilling yet visually stunning world. As you guide Six through ominous environments, you’ll feel a mix of curiosity and dread. For a cozy Halloween night, Little Nightmares provides an immersive, suspenseful experience with just the right touch of spookiness.
Cozy Grove
A game that’s similar to Animal Crossing, Cozy Grove is a charming, relaxing life sim set on a haunted island. You play as a Spirit Scout, tasked with helping friendly ghostly characters find peace and move on. The game blends spooky elements with heartwarming storytelling and soothing gameplay.
The hand-drawn art style and gentle soundtrack makes the atmosphere delightful rather than overly creepy, and the daily tasks of foraging, crafting, and decorating keep things light. The game is perfect for a cozy Halloween, offering a mellow, autumnal ambience with a touch of mystery and magic.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Although Animal Crossing: New Horizons can be played all year round, your island becomes especially magical during Halloween. The game lets you celebrate the season with festive decorations, spooky costumes, and the chance to grow pumpkins.
During October, your island transforms with autumnal hues and a special event that includes Jack’s Halloween Celebration. It’s laid back gameplay and adorable characters make it the perfect escape if you’re looking for a cozy, stress-free way to enjoy Halloween. From customising your island with spooky items to hosting Halloween parties with friends on your island, it’s the perfect way to get into the spooky spirit.
Beacon Pines
Beacon Pines is a narrative driven adventure game that blends cozy small town charm with dark, supernatural twists. Kind of like Sylvanian Families meets Stranger Things. Set in a cute, storybook style world, you play as both the reader and Luka, a young bohy uncovering eerie secrets hidden in his hometown.
The game has a unique ‘charm’ system that lets you alter the story’s course by choosing different words to fill in key story moments, creating a branching narrative filled with intrigue. For Halloween, Beacon Pines offers a blend of heartwarming friendships and mysteries , making it the ideal cozy game for the spooky season!
Graveyard Keeper
A cozy game that’s similar to Stardew Valley, Graveyard Keeper is a quirky, dark humour filled simulation game where you manage a medieval graveyard. While the premise might sound a bit grim, the game’s lighthearted tone and charming pixel art style make it a surprisingly cozy experience.
You’ll spend your time crafting, expanding your graveyard, and interacting with the oddball villagers, all while unravelling the mystery behind your own strange arrival in this peculiar world. For Halloween, this cozy game offers a fun, gothic twist on the traditional farming sim, blending macabre themed with relaxing, addictive gameplay.
Little Witch in the Woods
Little Witch in the Woods is a whimsical, magical life-sim where you play as Ellie, an apprentice witch living in a cozy forest cottage. The game focuses on exploring the forest, gathering ingredients, crafting potions, and helping magical creatures.
Its cute pixel art and relaxing, storybook-like atmosphere make it an ideal choice for a cozy Halloween. While there are no spooky elements, the enchanting setting and gentle gameplay provide a peaceful, magical escape. It's perfect for players who want a quiet, low-stress adventure filled with charm and witchy vibes.
Hogwarts Legacy
For a magical and immersive Halloween experience, Hogwarts Legacy is a fantastic choice. Set in the Wizarding World, you explore a richly detailed Hogwarts and surrounding areas as a custom-created student. With spellcasting, potion brewing, and magical creatures, it’s a dream come true for Harry Potter fans.
The game also features darker elements, like mysterious dungeons, curses, and ancient magic, making it ideal for Halloween. Its beautiful, open-world design and engaging storyline create a cozy, magical adventure with just the right amount of suspense and wonder for the season.
Wytchwood
Wytchwood is a crafting adventure game where you play as an old witch living in a mystical forest. The game combines quirky characters, hand-drawn visuals, and a dark fairy-tale world full of strange creatures and puzzling challenges.
You'll gather ingredients, brew potions, and solve problems using your magical skills, all while uncovering the secrets of the world around you. Its witty writing and charming art style give it a cozy, whimsical feel. For Halloween, "Wytchwood" is the perfect mix of lighthearted witchcraft and enchanting exploration, offering a magical, laid-back experience.
