Sometimes, college can be a lot. I often find myself longing for a break from the stress of day-to-day life — I’m sure most of you know the feeling. But… long no more. Our increasingly digital world allows you to transport yourself to countless “cozy games” — a genre that emphasizes relaxation and comfort —whenever and wherever you want.
“Stardew Valley” is probably the most well-known example of a cozy game, as well as my personal favorite. It provides the player with a large plot of land to build the farm of their dreams, and plenty of options to do whatever else their heart may desire. Additionally, there are multiple wonderful storylines to follow, and a relatively large cast of characters for you to befriend or even romance. Although Stardew is generally quite well-liked, it’s not for everyone. If you’d prefer to play among characters you already know and love, Disney’s “Dreamlight Valley” may be a great option for you.
“Animal Crossing” is another popular one, which focuses more on, well, animals. Even classics like “Minecraft” can make great cozy games, if played in a certain way. It’s difficult to get cozier than you can in its single-player creative mode — with an endless palette of blocks to build your dream home, and the freedom to explore any sort of landscape you can imagine.
In some games like “Minecraft” and “Stardew,” community-created modifications (mods) are a popular feature among fans. Personally, I like to use mods that alter textures and aesthetics in “Minecraft,” and prefer expansion mods in “Stardew” that make its already expansive world even larger and more engaging. While mods can be harder to implement in other games, official downloadable content (DLC) is often available from the developer, which is also sure to make your gaming experience both relaxing and fun.
Additionally, with the rising popularity of the genre, more and more cozy games are constantly being released. Lots of new and existing games have both single and multiplayer options, but I personally find it much more relaxing to just play by myself. No matter what your personal tastes are, or what devices you’re able to play on, I’m sure you can find a game that gives you that cozy, relaxing feeling, and encourage you to do so.
