Want to play more cozy games on a budget? Don’t worry, I got you. Here are the Best Cozy Games on Xbox Gamepass (in 2023)
I know that I tend to make monthly posts on Xbox cozy games, which I’m not going to stop, however I just want to include an extensive list of cosy games on Xbox Gamepass which is easier to find and bookmark. So, save this page and start playing some of these amazing Xbox Cozy Games. For more cozy gaming, including xbox cozy games, click here!
Best Cozy Games on Xbox Gamepass (in 2023)
Stardew Valley
Heavily inspired by Harvest Moon, Stardew Valley sees the player inheriting their grandfather’s neglected farm and it’s up to the player to uplift and restore the farm once again.
Not just a farming simulator, this game enriches your life with a multitude of scenarios and tasks that are meant to bring you closer to the inhabitants of Pelican Town. If you're looking for a game that has some relaxed objectives and goals that you can tackle at your own pace, I highly recommend Stardew Valley.
Best part is, if you know someone else with an Xbox S/X, then you both can start building a little farming life together. Read my review here!
Coffee Talk
In this narrative based game, you take the role of a barista/ owner of a late night coffee shop, where you make a variety of different hot drinks for your regular patrons.
Set in an alternative Seattle, where fantasy meets modernised living, this game will see you serving orcs, elves and even aliens. It’s very relaxing just serving drinks, listening to lo-fi beats and just listening to the character’s stories and problems. I highly suggest this game, if you’re looking for something that’s not too stressful and want something narrative driven. Read my review here!
Coffee Talk 2: Hibiscus and Butterflies
Once you’ve finished Coffee Talk, you should finish up with the sequel, Coffee Talk 2: Hibiscus and Butterflies.
Just like the first game, you are the barista and owner of a late night coffee shop, serving a variety of different hot drinks to many members of modern day Seattle.
Although the gameplay hasn’t changed that much, apart from a few new mechanics, you get to experience more new, and exciting stories and listen to fresh problems that your patrons bring through the door every night. There is even the inclusion of new characters and new hot drinks to make too. Review is coming soon.
Dordogne
A relatively new game that was released on gamepass, but has instantly become one of my favourite indie cozy games of 2023!
Dordogne is a beautiful game which follows the memories of a 32 year old woman named Mimi, who visits the house of her deceased grandmother. There are plenty of puzzles to solve, mini games to play and a compelling story to listen to, whilst you soak up some amazing watercolour art.
The Sims 4: Get to Work
Considering that the base game for The SIms 4 is free everywhere, how could you not download one of the expansion packs for free?
Usually retailed for £32, The Sims 4: Get to Work adds plenty of new features and gameplay mechanics to the base game, allowing players to follow their sims to work and play out the working day with plenty of goals and tasks to complete. If you’re looking to really climb the career ladder, then I highly suggest playing this game.
Read more Sims related content here!
Chicory: A Colourful Tale
Chicory: A Colourful Tale is a cute, cozy game which follows a dog wielding a magical paintbrush.
As the brush is supposedly this one of a kind artefact, you must use the power of art to solve puzzles and help your friends, as your restore colour back into the world. I highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys puzzle games and art.
Beacon Pines
Beacon Pines is a little bit creepier than your standard cozy game, however it’s still a relatively calm game that is perfect for playing around the Halloween season.
It’s a narrative driven game where the player controls Luka, and helps to narrate his story as he uncovers the sordid mystery of his hometown of Beacon Pines. The game has many different scenarios that play out, giving you a rather rich and diverse gaming experience.
The graphics are beautiful and the story itself is well written and compelling, that it will have you glued to your controller for absolute hours. You can read my review here!
Cassette Beasts
Almost resembling the glory days of past Pokemon games, such Ruby/Sapphire, Cassette Beasts is a RPG that has the player exploring the world and transforming into beasts via a cassette player. VERY Pokemon-esque.
Your character wakes up on the beach of a strange world, and with the help of the townsfolk, has to find your way home. The game is played in a third person, overhead style and presents stunning graphics. Even if you’re not a fan of the Pokemon franchise, Cassette Beasts is worth looking into- especially if you have Gamepass.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Can you believe that this game is currently free on Game Pass? Disney Dreamlight Valley is a stunning, chilled simulation game- think along the lines of Animal crossing and Stardew Valley but with some of your favourite Disney characters!
Here you assist characters like Mickey Mouse, Elsa, Goofy etc to progress the story whilst also cleaning up and designing the town to your own tastes! Despite some of the bugs and crashes that I've encountered with this game. Those who love games like Animal Crossing will absolutely love losing hours in this calm, relaxing game. I know that I have. Read my review here!
Lapin
Lapin is basically Super Meat Boy meets Studio Ghibli. The game is a stunning, 2D platformer which features several rabbits who are fleeing their current home under a park due to construction. It's challenging but a very eye pleasing game.
At the moment, the game is currently in working development so some elements of the game may or may not change, however as it's currently free on Game Pass- you may as well give it a go- especially if you absolutely love rabbits.
Little Witch In The Woods
Despite being only a Game Preview and not the game in it's finished state, Little Witch in the Woods is a fun title to play nonetheless. You play as Ellie, an apprentice witch who helps nearby villagers and explores the mystical woods to gather materials and create potions.
It's a charming little game that would typically cost roughly £12 on it's own. If cute, pixel graphics and witchy aesthetics is your thing, then consider downloading this game.
Tunic
If you’re looking for a game that is very reminiscent of old school Wonderboy and Legend of Zelda titles, then Tunic may be the game that you should play on Xbox Gamepass this month.
Only released last year, Tunis is an isometric action- adventure game, where you take control of a cute, anthropomorphic fox who must navigate through the post- apocalyptic ruins of a fantasy world. Boasting cute graphics and engaging gameplay that I feel a wider audience would love, not just coxy gamers, Tunic looks to be a game that players can really sink their teeth into!
Minecraft
In this blocky, sandbox game, you gather materials, build better tools and install better dwellings and live off of this vast land. You can explore these randomly generated worlds at your own pace, whilst listening to some iconic, calming music in the process.
If you have a friend on Gamepass, why not drag them along and build an expansive world for yourselves? The amount of building opportunities is literally endless. Perfect if you or a friend are dedicated builders or/and creatives!
My Time At Portia
Let’s face it, this game isn’t new to those in the cozy gaming community, in fact it tends to be a game that is frequently suggested by cozy content creators, however, did you know that it’s available on Gamepass?
My Time At Portia is an Action RPG simulation game which follows the story of a group of humans who emerge from underground and have to rebuild their society after it got destroyed. The player must gather resources and create items, which can further be submitted for money, town favour and rewards.
Potion Craft
This 2021 game is an alchemist simulator which sees you, the player, brew potions and attract customers to your business. It's a very stylistic and creative game, perfect for those cozy gamers who are interested in this kind of thing.
The art style is very unique and reminds me of brown pages from a witch’s book, so you really feel like you're a knowledgeable potion maker.
Powerwash Simulator
Powerwash Simulator is what you think it is. Basically you go around cleaning numerous vehicles and locations with a jetwash- sounds mundane but trust me, it's very addictive and with a co-op or challenge mode, this can be a lot of fun.
The game even released FREE Tomb Raider DLC where you're tasked with cleaning Lara's Mansion. With other paid DLC’s such as Spongebob, Final Fantasy 7 adding more locations to the gameplay. If you're looking for something fun and nothing too mentally taxing, then I highly recommend this game!
Unpacking
Unpacking is a unique title in which you kind of play as a female character through various stages of her life and unpack all of her belongings to fit her current home.
Despite the game making something as mundane as unpacking, addictive and relaxing, there is also a rather deep story that is present throughout the game, which I am sure will resonate with plenty of millennial gamers. Read my review here!
Venba
Venba is a short narrative game that follows an immigrant family as they try to settle in Canada, trying to adjust their day-to-day lives in a new environment. You play as Venba and the core gameplay basically revolves around trying to restore her lost recipes through plenty of trial and error.
The game is heavily inspired by Tamil culture and South Indian Cuisine, which I am a massive fan of. Although it’s yet another narrative driven game that graces the cozy gaming world, it’s unique through its influences, gameplay and art style.
When The Past Was Around
If you’re looking for a game that takes you on an emotional journey, look no further than When The Past Was Around. Released in 2020, this point- and-click adventure game, you have to solve puzzles and play through the past and the present as a woman is tackling grief and plenty of sad emotions as she relives her memories and has to face the harsh realities.
The game certainly pulls on the heartstrings of those who have had to go through losing someone and the plenty of complex emotions that come with it. Not only is the music in the game beautiful to listen to, but the hand drawn art style really lends itself to the gameplay.
Homestead Arcana
Released in April of this year, Homestead Arcana is giving off strong Studio Ghibli vibes, specifically Kiki’s Delivery Service.
In this adventure RPG, you take control of a farming witch who is tasked with getting rid of something called the miasma that is destroying the farmland. It’s up to the main character to grow crops and channel her magic in the hopes of restoring the world to prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Xbox Gamepass?
Xbox Gamepass is a subscription service launched by Microsoft in 2017, which enables gamers to play a wide variety of video games for a fixed monthly fee.
How much is Xbox Gamepass?
As of 2023, there are currently three tiers for gamers to choose from, ranging from just £8.99 a month for consoles, all the way up to £12.99, allowing gamers play hundreds of games on PC and console- tier dependant.
Is Xbox Gamepass Worth it?
Absolutely. There are many games, including many cozy games that you can enjoy, this even includes first day releases of big games too. Depending on the tier that you choose, you can even have access to EA Play, where you can get small discounts on EA games, such as The Sims 4.
Does Xbox Gamepass come with Xbox LIve?
Yes. If you purchase the Ultimate Tier, you can play older Xbox titles that require Xbox Live Gold. You can even play online co-op games too!