Anyone who has created a spreadsheet to manage their crop yields in Stardew Valley, or lost themselves in a pocket-sized world like in A Short Hike, will knowthat cozy gameshave a tendency to sink their hooks in and refuse to let go.
However, unlike hyper-intense AAA blockbusters, there is rarely any fatigue or peaks and valleys that give you a window to dip out for a well-earned break. Instead, you get hookedon a ‘one-more-day’ cycleor the humdrum nature of the gameplay, and before you know it, you’re hours deep.
But, as a cozy game fan myself speaking on behalf of the group, that’s exactly how we like it. So, to verify you have plenty of avenues in which to fill all your free time for the foreseeable future, here are some of the finest cozy games on the horizon.
We will only be considering games that have an approximate release date at the very least.
10Discounty
Everything’s On Sale
Let’s kick things off with a game that, at the time of writing,is very nearly available.Discounty is a game that has you stepping into the shoes of a small-time supermarket manager aiming to turn their fledgling franchised store into a beacon of the community.
This means you’ll need to stock shelves, do inventory, keep the place tidy, advertise and merchandise, and get really good at times tables to ensure you’re charging what you should for each product. As someone who literally did this job, I know it sounds real dull, but I assure you, it’s better than it sounds.
However, as this is somewhat of a linear RPG into the bargain, you’ll also need to engage with the community and try your best not to become a corporate shill, even if the coin does make it a very lucrative proposition.
This one will be available on the 17th of August, but if you may’t wait, there’s a free-to-play demo so you can try this one on for size.
9The Knightling
No Sword, All Shield
The Knightling
I’m always someone who will act as a champion for any indie developer who is brave enough to createan open world to rival the big boys, which is exactly what The Knightling intends to do.
This title looks for all the world like a blend of mascot-platformer mechanics and Zelda BOTW-style world-building. Placing you in the shoes of a young Knightling trying to make a name for himself in the absence of his Knight.
What stands out most about this one is the huge shield that your Knightling wields, allowing you to sled down hills at high speeds, whack enemies in between well-timed parries, and we can only assume that it’ll be able to do a whole lot more as you progress and unlock new abilities.
As is always the case with plucky open-worlds without bottomless budgets, there are sure to be some rough-around-the-edges qualities to this one. But, the scope and scale of this project looks very impressive, making this one to add to your wishlist ahead of launch.
8Little Witch In The Woods
Bubble, Bubble, Toil & Trouble
Little Witch in the Woods
This one may be flying a little under the radar, as Little Witch in the Woods has been available in early access for the longest time now. But we are about to get the long-awaited 1.0 release, and it looks set to be a cozy classic.
If you did spring for early access, I can understand why you’d be keen to dunk on this game, as it’s not really all that different three years later, as updates have come at a glacial pace. However, that doesn’t change the fact that the experience as a whole is a delightful one.
Exploring this gorgeous pixel world is a delight; the writing is witty, the activities,such as potion-making, fishing, or bonding with your familiar, are varied and fun. But, above all, this is a chill, leisurely time perfect for any cozy game fan.
This has been the case for quite some time, but I can’t wait for everyone to see for themselves when the full release drops on September 4th, 2025.
7Witchbrook
Which Witch is Which?
Witchbrook
You want more occult coziness? Well, consider your wishes answered, because bubbling in the cauldron ahead of its release is Witchbrook. A game that will have you and up to four other friends travel to Mossport in search of friendship, community, and adventure.
It’s essentially where Harry Potter and Stardew Valley collide, offering a living, breathing town of people to get to know. But also, a school calendar where you’ll need to attend classes, cram for exams, and generally live the life of a witch in training.
It’s a life sim where you can be a diligent student of arcana, determined to hone your craft, or one where you can simply do enough to live comfortably, accessorize your home, and have fun with your friends in a social setting.
In short, it’s a magical time where your time is your own. But you’ll need to wait until this winter to get your hands on this spellbinding adventure.
6Starsand Island
On Island Time
It wouldn’t be a list of cozy games without at leastone traditional Farming Sim, now would it? So, to fill that role, we introduce you to Starsand Island, the upcoming title from Seed Lab.
While it certainly has more of an anime-style feel compared to its contemporaries, this game ticks all the boxes for fans of the genre, with an island to explore full of secrets, and lots of activities like fishing, farming, and more to participate in.
However, the standout aspects of this title are the 3rd person 3D visuals, the varied means of traversal around the island, and the surprisingly gripping combat the game promises.
It’s certainly not going to reinvent the wheel where farming sims are concerned, but it sure will be a contender aiming to occupy one of the top spots as a major player within the genre, so keep an eye on this one.
5Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault
Open For Business
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault
While I had my personal gripes with the original Moonlighter, like the one-note combat and the guessing game that was pricing your items, it has to be said that, as a whole, I loved the dual-focused, one-more-day loop that the game provided.
Which is why I’m so excited to get my hands on Moonlighter 2 in its final form.I played a rather rough build earlier this year, and while it had some kinks to work out, it was a welcome taster of the new 3D graphics, the upgraded roguelike systems, and new and improved stop management mechanics.
If all goes to plan, Moonlighter 2 will essentially be everything that the original was, but better. Offering more spectacle, deeper systems, more dynamic combat, and steady progression that feels rewarding every single time you embark on a new run.
It’s never easy to jump from 2D to 3D seamlessly, but if any game looks capable of doing it, it’s this one.
4Sword of the Sea
Do A Kickflip!
Sword of the Sea
As a massive Journey fan with a love of other games of this ilk, like Abzu, The Pathless, Flower, and more, I can reveal the not-too-surprising fact that this is one of my most anticipated games of 2025, and one that I just know in my nuggets will deliver.
Sword of the Sea essentially offers the environmental storytelling, the visual wonder, and the Austin Wintory-composed brilliance of Journey, but with the added caveat that this game is less of a walking simulator and more of an out-and-out platformer.
It essentially promises to give players THPS-style combo potential and platforming precision you’d see in a classic mascot platformer. But with the profound and jaw-dropping aspects of its sister games replicated for good measure.
If it’s anything like its contemporaries, the length of the game might not equate to something that will ‘take over your life’. But, considering how long Journey has lived rent-free in my head, I reckon this one will stay with you long after the credits roll. Which, in a way, is taking over your life in a much more permanent way.
The Great Outdoors
If you’ve ever considered splurging on a VW camper van and getting off the grid, away from the hustle and bustle of the rat race. Then, boy, do we have a game for you.
Outbound is a title that allows you to embrace the great outdoors in a way that seems incredibly authentic, and best shared with friends. After all, what’s the point of all those seats in the Camper Van without butts to fill them?
You and your buddies can set out in your van, kitting it out with new tech as you go, while periodically stopping at workstations that you’re able to jazz up to serve as places to rest up, recharge, and refuel.
It remains to be seen how much depth these crafting and decorating systems will offer to players. But, even from the outside looking in, it’s clear that this will be a wholesome and therapeutic time where simply existing in this world will feel like getting back to nature. So, if you fancy a frolic in the forest, this is the one for you.
Take A Picture, It’ll Last Longer
There’s something rather unique and satisfyingabout a photography-based game, as a simple look down the lens can change the perspective of the world around you, thus opening up all new possibilities.
I will concede that, from the looks of things, TOEM 2 doesn’t seem intent on offering a new perspective on the format established by the excellent first outing. But, if the original is as good as TOEM was, then I don’t see ‘more of the same’ as a bad thing at all.
TOEM 2 looks to offer a continuation of the original’s story, as you set off to find more TOEMs to take snapshots of, and to do that, you’ll need to solve a whole new assortment of camera-focused puzzles.
It’s all about working those angles and understanding the world around you, and you’ll be able to get acquainted with the world of TOEM 2 sometime in 2026.
1Ikuma The Frozen Compass
Layer Up For This Icy Adventure
IKUMA - The Frozen Compass
As someone who loved the Inuit-inspired indie gem, Never Alone, the upcoming Arctic adventure Ikuma: The Frozen Compass feels like a dream-come-true.
Ikuma promises a heartfelt story concerning man, and man’s best friend as they try to survive in the most harsh and unforgiving conditions known to man. But, as you’ll come to find out, the cold is only one of many dangers that you will face.
You’ll be able to control both Sam and their dog Ellie as they embark on this journey, and you’ll need to use each companion’s respective abilities to solve puzzles and overcome Arctic hurdles that would otherwise spell certain doom.
It’s a game that looks absolutely jaw-droppingly beautiful and promises to be an epic adventure worth the price of admission. So be sure to wrap up warm in anticipation of this one.
