In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of peace can be challenging. Many of us are constantly juggling work, social obligations, and personal goals, often leaving little room for relaxation and self-care. Amidst this hustle, cozy games have emerged as a soothing refuge, offering more than just entertainment. These games, characterised by their gentle aesthetics, low-stress gameplay, and heartwarming narratives, create a safe space for players to unwind and escape the pressures of daily life.
But beyond their charming visuals and calming atmosphere, cozy games have also proven to be a valuable tool for mental health. By fostering a sense of tranquillity and providing a break from the overwhelming demands of the real world, these games can help reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and even combat feelings of loneliness. In this blog post, we'll explore the best cozy games for mental health.
Best Cozy Games for Mental Health
Coffee Talk
A narrative driven game where players take on the role of a barista in a late night cafe, similar to the Japanese show Midnight Diner. If you haven’t watched it, I highly recommend it for your chill Netflix session.
Set in an alternative modern day Seattle where fantasy meets reality, you serve comforting hot drinks and listen to the problems of the various fantastical characters, and explore their stories in a relaxing environment. The gameplay focuses on empathy and connection, helping to reduce that feeling of loneliness and burnout we probably feel with hectic work schedules.
I highly recommend Coffee Talk, with its calming visuals, relaxing music and meaningful conversations as it acts as a form of needed escapism.
Donut County
If you’re looking for simple mechanics with a quirky, light hearted story, then I highly recommend getting lost in Donut County for a couple of hours. You literally control a hole in the ground, watching it grow as you consume everything in the world.
The game’s humour and playful art style can evoke laughter and a sense of child-like wonder, helping players alleviate stress and shift their focus away from everyday worries. Not to mention that the satisfaction of solving puzzles and watching the hole grow offers a therapeutic experience.
Unpacking
Unpacking is a zen-like puzzle game that involves organising a character’s belongings as they move through the many different stages in their life. The gameplay itself is slow paced and meditative, providing a sense of control and order in the act of arranging items.
Even the process of unpacking boxes and personalising each space offers a creative outlet that can help to improve your mood, and the game’s sound design of satisfying clicks and rustling of items can enhance that immersive experience. It’s a cozy game that emphasises mindfulness and the appreciation of simple moments, making it an excellent tool for practising self care, as well as promoting mental clarity.
Sticky Business
I got recommended Sticky Business by another cozy games creator, Wendy England from Hercozygaming.com. Sticky Business allows players to run their own cozy sticker shop, focusing on creativity and entrepreneurship. The game provides a low pressure environment where players can design and sell their unique stickers.
It’s this creative freedom that is rather therapeutic, allowing players to express themselves and foster a sense of accomplishment. The game’s charming visuals and relaxed pace encourage players to explore their artistic side without stress. Managing a small business in a game context, can also help boost problem solving skills and provide a gentle challenge. Overall Sticky Business offers a delightful way to unwind and practise creative expression.
Animal Crossing
I’ll always recommend any Animal Crossing game for mental health. I remember when I was having a rough time in 2013, and New Leaf became somewhat of an emotional clutch throughout it all.
Animal Crossing offers a peaceful experience, whether it’s the island life of New Horizons, or the simple town of Wild World, it allows players to build, decorate and socialise with adorable animal villagers at their own pace. The game’s open minded nature encourages creativity, providing a sense of control and purpose.
Interacting with charming animal villagers and engaging in relaxing activities such as fishing and gardening promotes mindfulness and a sense of connection. The game’s real time progression and changing season can offer a comforting routine and a sense of continuing and serves as a digital haven, providing players with a space to relax.
Tiny Glade
TIny Glade is a meditative building game where players create serene landscapes using simple tools. The game’s emphasis on tranquillity and creativity allowed players to engage in a soothing, low stress experience.
By focusing on crafting beautiful, peaceful environments, players can practise mindfulness and can help reduce anxious feelings. The calming visuals and gentle soundscapes further enhance the meditative quality of the game. Tiny Glade encourages players to take a break from the fast paced nature of everyday life and indulge in a moment of calm. This focus on creating beauty and tranquillity makes it an excellent tool for promoting mental well-being.
Pokemon Cafe Remix
In Pokemon Cafe Remix, players manage a cafe full of Pokemon, solving puzzles and serving dishes to their adorable Pokemon customers. The game’s cute and colourful, charming graphics and easy-to-learn mechanics make it accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
The puzzle solving aspect provides a satisfying challenge without being overwhelming, helping to keep the mind engaged and focused. Interacting with the cute Pokemon characters and customising the cafe offers a sense of joy and accomplishment. The game’s lighthearted nature and emphasis on nurturing relationships with Pokemon contribute to a positive, uplifting experience, making it a great choice for stress and relaxation.
World of Warcraft
Although MMORPG get a bad reputation for being toxic, I personally found that World of Warcraft is a comforting escape, perfect for when I have a bad mental health day. It’s a multiplayer online role playing game that offers a vast, immersive world for players to explore.
You can choose to be sociable, form friendships, join guilds or groups and explore the world together with friends, or you indulge in the stories and objectives by yourself. It’s completely your choice. Personally, I love the levelling experience, beginning your journey in the starting zone and just levelling up as it gives me a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Not to mention the music and scenery acts as the perfect form of escapism.
Good Pizza, Great Pizza
Good Pizza, Great PIzza offers a cozy gaming experience that positively impacts mental health. Set in a charming pizzeria, the game provides a soothing environment where players manage their pizza shop, craft orders, and interact with so many weird and quirky customers.
The gentle pace and simple gameplay is addictive, but above all can reduce stress, allowing players to focus on creating pizza and indulge in the welcoming atmosphere. Furthermore, the game encourages creativity and problem solving, fostering a sense of achievement The combination of relaxation and lighthearted engagement makes it an ideal cozy game for enhancing mental well being.
