We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. Stardew Valley takes all the community and home building you love about Animal Crossing and ramps it up to 1,000. Farm, fish, collect crafting materials, make friends, get married, and SO MUCH MORE in this slam dunk of a cozy game you've probably already heard of, but absolutely need to try if you haven't.
2. Spiritfarer ties together heavy themes of grief and loss with stunning visuals, unforgettable characters, and charming gameplay. Ferry souls to the other side in what is essentially a floating bed and breakfast that you customize, while farming, fishing, hugging, cooking, and crafting your way across mystical seas.
Promising review: "I bought this after having a few friends suggest it. I have no idea what I expected, but this far surpassed my expectations. It's emotional, but laid-back. The concept is unique and it has low stakes, which makes it great for cozy gamers." —Kate
Get a physical copy from Amazon for $24.95+ on the Switch, for $14.99 on PS4, or get a digital copy for $29.99 on the Switch.
3. A Short Hike reminds you to stop and smell the roses without ever stepping foot outside (perfect for a rainy day). It's a bite-sized experience that will fill you with all the warm and fuzzy feelings as you explore the island's lush surroundings, chat with other hikers, and collect hidden treasures as you make your way toward the mountain's peak.
Yes, this game is short — as the title suggests — but this well-curated, but not too curated, experience is easily worth every penny. The environments and the characters on this little island are teeming with beauty and charm. A group of friends and myself all played this game during peak COVID lockdown and we all agreed it captured a certain social spontaneity that we were all sorely missing at the time. If you're cooped up on a rainy day, this is THE game to turn to.
Get a digital copy from the Nintendo Store or Steam for $7.99.
4. New Pokémon Snap reignites loads of nostalgia for fans of the original N64 version, but you certainly don't need to have played the original (or really know anything about Pokémon, for that matter) to fully enjoy this virtual safari. Throw apples, take pictures, and explore colorful realms populated with wild Pokémon!
Promising review: "New Pokémon Snap is more than a worthy successor to the N64 original! The graphics are gorgeous and many of the stages have branching paths that allow you see different Pokémon! Great for Pokémon fans of all ages whether they've played the original Pokémon Snap or not." —Melainie Howard
Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available as a physical or digital copy for Switch).
5. Unpacking brings players into someone else's home and asks you to unpack their belongings at different life stages in a zen puzzle game with no timers or scores. It's the best parts of moving with zero of the stress, and you'll gradually uncover the character's backstory through the items they bring along and leave behind.
6. Cozy Grove plops players on a haunted island filled with stunning hand-drawn landscapes that gradually come alive as you — a Spirit Scout — explore the camp grounds, helping spirits in need. Similar to Animal Crossing, this game is synced with real world time, meteing out new quest content each day.
7. Life is Strange: True Colors brings players into the life of Alex Chen, a young woman with supernatural abilities working to solve the mystery of her brother's death. You'll explore the town, get to know its inhabitants, and make tough choices that impact the story.
Promising review: "So beautiful and so charming. Everything is so well thought out. The music fits perfectly and you really start to feel for the characters. The story had a lot of twists and turns that I did not see coming. 100% recommend this game. It wasn't just a bunch of story lines and click A or B to move the story forward. You got to explore the town a bit, help different people on side tasks, and get feedback on random items in each scene (that changed constantly). And I like how I can play it again to see how my choices affect the end results. Again highly recommend." —Newcattitude
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available for six platforms).
8. Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion delivers on its impeccable title by having players take on the role of a mischievous turnip who's recently been evicted after failing to pay their taxes. Now you must embark on a journey to pay back Mayor Onion, solving puzzles, battling foes, and meeting other garden folk, while uncovering the corruption behind this vegetable government.
9. Night in the Woods highlights a cast of colorful animal characters as you take on the role of Mae, a college dropout returning to their hometown looking to reconnect with friends. But (SURPRISE) things aren't the same as when she left. Explore the sleepy town of Possum Springs, mingle with its inhabitants, and likely discover more than a few dark secrets along the way
10. Kirby and the Forgotten Land reunites players with their favorite powerful puffball in a 3D platforming adventure where you inhale enemies and objects to copy their powers — all with a player two, if you want!
Promising review: "It's so cute, sometimes overwhelmingly so, that I have to put it down, it's just too much. The way Kirby mouth-ifies random objects makes me giggle. The graphics are great and the gameplay is smooth, just like you'd expect from a premier Nintendo title. I've never been into the series before myself, but deffo recommend" —Amy Lockwood
Get it from Amazon for $50+ (available as a physical or digital copy).
11. Gris follows a young girl lost in her own dreamy, watercolor world while she works through a painful experience from her past. In this game there is no danger or death, just light puzzles to solve as you make your way through beautifully designed environments and gain dress powers that aid your exploration. Sidebar — the soundtrack is absolutely stellar!
Promising review: "This game is gorgeous. Absolutely recommended for...anyone. It's emotionally heavy without being depressing, it's puzzle-challenging without making you want to scream. Seamless cutscene transitions, beautiful artistic styling, and music that matches perfectly. This is easily one of my favorite games." —T. Byrnes
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available as a physical or digital copy on Switch).
12. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles takes players to the island of Gemea, a paradise with eight distinct biomes that have been invaded by a mysterious Murk. As the island's hero, you must explore the realm in search of Sprites whose powers can restore the land's natural beauty. Yonder offers a rich world to get lost in with seasonal changes that affect routes, animal migration, and evolving weather conditions.
13. Super Mario Odyssey challenges players with loads of 3D platforming fun as Mario and Cappy travel the world to collect Power Moons in order to save Princess Peach from Bowser’s wedding plans. Far from the traditional run-and-jump gameplay you've come to expect from Mario, the addition of Cappy means tons of new moves and new ways to interact with your environment.
Promising review: "I think Super Mario Odyssey is one of the best games ever made and the best game on the Nintendo Switch. Mario and Cappy are such fun characters to play as and their controls and abilities are phenomenal. Each world is so fun and unique to play in and all of the bosses are very amazing to fight. The Power Moons are all rewarding to get, and the plot is one of the best plots in a Mario game ever. Overall, this is my favorite Mario game ever, and I hope that the sequel will be even better." —Eason
Get it from Amazon for $49.89+ (available as a physical or digital copy for Switch).
14. Coffee Talk takes place in an alternate Seattle where elves, orcs, and other fantasy races live together with humans in a modern world. In this talk simulator, you'll brew coffee while immersing yourself in the lives of customers. This game also gets cozy bonus points for it's too-cute, anime-inspired pixel art and jazzy, lo-fi soundtrack.
Get a digital copy from the Nintendo Store, Steam, or Microsoft (console or PC) for $12.99+.
15. Spirit of The North features no speaking or strict plot, making for a peaceful adventure game where you play as a red fox roaming Icelandic landscapes. Rooted in Nordic folklore, this game will have you discovering ruins, solving puzzles, and speculating on the fate of a lost civilization.
Promising review: "I enjoyed this game a lot. It was short, but if you take the time to really explore and try to get all of the collectables, you will get many more hours out of it. I enjoyed the music. You only really have one character, the fox, but even though there is not any speaking in the entire game, your character has a lot of personality. I didn't find the game too difficult to navigate. Some of the puzzles were frustrating, but over all I found it very relaxing and an easygoing storyline that I absolutely loved." —Krystal Hengey
Get it from Amazon for $20.95 on the Switch, for $29.99 on PS4, and for $23.75 on the PS5.
16. Townscaper brings all the fun of building blocks to your Switch. More of a digital toy than a game, you'll select color palettes and build scenic islands, block by block, without any strict goals or objectives. Just a bit of mess-free creativity!
17. Wytchwood positions you as the mysterious witch of the woods in a vibrant land of gothic fairytales. In this crafting adventure game, you'll explore the countryside, collect loads of magical ingredients, and whip up enchantments as you interact with a moody mix of characters and creatures.
Get a digital copy from the Nintendo Store, Steam, Playstation Store or Microsoft for $19.99.
18. Firewatch takes players back to the distant past (1989) where you play as Henry, a man retreating from his messy life to work as a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness. Drawn from your tower by mysterious happenings, you'll explore stunning environments and make impactful choices as you solve this edge-of-your-seat mystery.
Get a digital copy from the Nintendo Store, Steam, Playstation Store, or Microsoft (PC or console) for $19.99.
19. Mini Motorways taps into your inner city planner (we all have one of those, right?) as you draw ever-expanding road networks to meet the changing needs of your bustling metropolis. Maps are inspired by cities around the world, and you can even compete against other players in daily and weekly challenges!
When someone asks about your weekend plans:
