“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:17-18
A couple of years ago, I finally gave in to investing in that one hobby I couldn’t stop thinking about: cozy gaming.
Specifically, playing the cute, casual, and relaxing games that had been popping up on my For You page on TikTok. The best way to start with these kinds of games was to buy a Nintendo Switch, which, while on the pricier side, was a lot more friendly to my college-student budget than a PC or PS4 for cozy gaming.
This was during my time in college, and I was desperately in need of something that would boost my serotonin levels. Also, it could provide a quick reprieve from the assignments and lectures that often seemed endless. Once I opened that box from Nintendo, I fell in love with gaming. Cozy gaming appealed to me because I could never get into the stuff my brother likes, the chaotic and stressful shoot-em-up games, but I was able to discover a whole genre of games that DIDN’T put me into fight-or-flight mode.
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What Exactly Are “Cozy Games”?
Cozy games are a type of video game that prioritizes comfort, relaxation, and slow-paced gameplay suitable for cozy gaming.
There are no timers pushing you to act fast, no violent threats to defeat, and no real “winning” or “losing.” There aren’t any enemies leaping out at you or quick-time events where your character dies brutally if you don’t hit a specific button within three seconds. The goal is to simply exist in the game’s world and engage with it in your own time and in your own way.
I love farming games for this very reason. When my mom asks me, “Are you winning at your game?” I generally answer “Kind of!” and explain how I just unlocked a new skill, romanceable character, farm animal, or crop in the game I’m currently playing. At first, that confused her because the games that my younger brother plays are all about defeating enemies and breaking records.
“It’s not about winning,” I explained to her. “It’s about slowing down, enjoying the journey, and appreciating the details along the way during cozy gaming.”
How Cozy Games Support Mental Health
They Create a Mindful Escape
Cozy games have become a notable pathway for people seeking to practice mindfulness, often through engaging in cozy gaming experiences. “Mindfulness” refers to the practice of being fully present in the moment. I bet you have often heard it used when describing a spa or a wellness facility, such as a yoga or Pilates studio. But it isn’t limited to those kinds of activities and environments.
Cozy games provide a perfect space for mindfulness. The repetitive actions of watering plants, arranging furniture, or fishing in a pixelated pond may seem simple, but they require just enough focus to quiet the noise in your brain. That focused attention can calm your nervous system and bring you into a state of flow, where time passes effortlessly and your thoughts feel more spacious.
They Offer A Sense Of Control
Let’s face it, there’s a reason we say “life has been crazy” when people ask how we’ve been. There’s more about life that we can’t control than the stuff we can.
When life feels chaotic or uncertain, cozy games provide a space where you can regain a sense of control. Whether deciding what to plant on your virtual farm or choosing how to decorate your digital home, you are making choices in an environment that feels safe and predictable. In other words, in cozy games, you are the one calling the shots.
They Encourage Routine And Structure
Many cozy games mirror the rhythms of daily life. You water your crops in the morning, visit town to sell your goods in the afternoon, and wind down at night. These gentle, predictable loops can help create a sense of order that your real life may be missing.
This kind of virtual routine can be especially grounding for people with mental health conditions that affect executive functioning.
They Foster Connection And Belonging
It might seem counterintuitive, but playing video games alone can still help you feel connected. Many cozy games include some form of social interaction, even if it is virtual. You might be building friendships with characters in the game or visiting a friend’s island in Animal Crossing as part of cozy gaming.
Cozy games create opportunities for safe, low-pressure social interaction. You do not have to worry about being judged or misunderstood. You are simply sharing a quiet moment with someone else, even if that someone is a talking raccoon named Tom Nook.
They Inspire Joy And Creativity
Cozy games invite you to express yourself through creative choices. You get to design your home, name your animals, lay out your garden, or choose your favorite outfits.
There is no “right” way to play, which opens the door for experimentation and fun. We are able to feel like kids again, even if just for a few minutes.
Ultimately, Cozy Games Rekindle Our Imagination
In a world where adults are often discouraged from “wasting time,” cozy games remind us that joy and imagination are valid forms of rest. You do not need to monetize your hobbies or turn everything into a side hustle. Sometimes, doing something just because it makes you happy is more than enough.
In other words, what makes cozy games so special is that they allow you to slow down. And in a world that constantly demands that we speed up, that is no small gift.
My Cozy Gaming Favorites
To finish off this post, I want to share some of my favorite games that I find particularly relaxing and cozy, even if they are not directly marketed as cozy games. Remember, you don’t have to get a fancy console right away. Several popular cozy games are available as iPhone and Android apps, so you can see if you like the structure of these games before investing in a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. Also, cozy gaming can include traditional phone games like Candy Crush or Words with Friends. Whatever kind of game that increases your mindfulness and decreases your stress, that’s a cozy game. Experiment to figure out what suits your preferences.
Fields of Mistria & Stardew Valley
Animal Crossing
Powerwash Simulator
Palia
These are just a few of the games that have stood out to me as extremely engaging, relaxing, and with a ton of replay value (meaning you don’t finish the game within two hours and can actually play for several months before finishing the storyline). I periodically try out new cozy games, so new titles are often added to my favorites list. If you have any recommendations you think I should add to my list to try out, feel free to mention them in the comments!
Even if you don’t have a cozy gaming recommendation, feel free to comment! Do you have another hobby that you consider both “cozy” and underappreciated? I’d love to hear about that, as well. As always, thanks for reading.
Please like, comment, and subscribe if you connected with my post and if you would like to see more of my crazy, exciting journey through life with Christ while experiencing mental illness. Every interaction I receive here means the world to me. Thank you, and God bless you!
Until next time!
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