What makes a game “cozy”? First and foremost, how is the word “cozy” even defined? Technically speaking, the Marian-Webster dictionary says – Cozy; Something “marked by or providing contentment or comfort.” Of course, you have your typical titles that fall into every “Coziest Games Ever Made” list under the sun. But there are quite a few video games out there that may not ever make the cut! Mostly for the fact that they aren’t really cozy games at all. Not by genre or marketing tags that is. But fear not, as I am here to deliver! Grab a cup of coffee, a warm blanket and your controller. Here are the top ten coziest “non-cozy” video games I have ever played.
10 Cozy Non-Cozy Games to Play
DayZ
Image Via Steam and Bohemia Interactive
Now. I know what you’re thinking… What in the world is cozy about being on the brink of death while scavenging for food, water and supplies amid a bandit-covered apocalypse? And to that I say… Well, you’re right. Nothing. But! Once you allow yourself enough supplies to roam lone wolf style into the wilderness of Chernerus, that’s when the coziness is amplified! The cold environments, the beautiful vistas and the long stretches of solitude can make DayZ incredibly serene.
Fable 3
Image Via IGDB
Picture this—Christmas vacation with a brand new Xbox 360. Snow coming down outside your window. The iconic sanctuary theme plays as you sort through your weapons and outfits. Nowhere to be but saving the steam-punk era Albion from the clutches of evil. That was my experience many years ago when I played through Fable 3 for the very first time! Although there was much controversy about the game’s overall rating and how it held up against its predecessors, I fell in love with it. I dove in expecting a shallow action game but was immediately hooked by the humorous charm, atmosphere and of course… coziness of the locations built by the now-disbanded, Lionhead Studios team.
Scooby-Doo: Unmasked
Image Via RAWG
One of the best platformers on the GameCube and a shining example of how to create a licensed tie-in video game! Scooby Doo: Unmasked has no business being equally spooky and cozy. The melding of classic Scooby backdrops, sound effects and art style. The cartoon contrasts between bright colors + dark shadows. All of which makes this game a complete joy to experience (Even if you’re living far beyond your youth!) An impactful childhood gaming experience alongside the Mystery Inc. Gang! One I highly recommend to anyone looking for sweet sweet nostalgia and an evening of fun.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Image Via Steam
Maybe it’s the high fantasy atmosphere? The whimsical soundtrack? The overexposed lighting techniques and models of that early 360 console generation? Maybe a mix of all of it! Although not an exclusively “cozy” game by genre tags, something about the land of Cyrodiil always pulls me in like the warm fire of a traveler’s inn.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Image Via IGD and CD Projekt Red
Pushing the limits of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles, The Witcher 3 was and still is a technical marvel! When the game launched back in 2015, the title shocked us with Geralt of Rivia slashing through winged griffins and wandering bandits. A well polished, action-RPG for the ages. Yet, between the flashes of igni flames and chase of the Wild Hunt there are endless moments that stop you in your tracks to show you the calmness of the lands of Velen, Novigrad and beyond. I will never forget the moment I climbed to the highest point in the capital city come sunset, just to spend several minutes atop looking at the surrounding area. Reminding myself that I was just but a small piece of a living, breathing world.
Until Dawn
Image Via Steam
Possibly my most controversial selection on this list but hear me out! The best (and only) memory I have of Until Dawn is playing it in the dead of January in Central Wisconsin. 11 pm at night. Myself and a few friends all huddled on the couch in an unfinished basement. Beyond the brutal killings and terrifying sound design, the game allows for tension to be built by including a few very quiet moments spent with the band of characters. For whatever reason, these calm moments paired with the real life atmosphere we created for ourselves as a group made for some of the coziest moments in my recent gaming memory. I believe that sometimes it’s how we match the games in real life that can actually change our experiences in the virtual world!
Arcania Gothic 4
Image Via IGDB and Steam
Arcania, oh Arcania. A middling, euro-jank adventure building on that of the famed Gothic series. A divisive game within the cult community I might add. As for my personal experience… It was also mediocre. The poor quest design (almost all fetch quests) and boring combat left much to be desired. However, what kept me intrigued long enough for a single playthrough was the physical game world! Everything seemed both fantastical yet rooted in some semblance of reality. Believable even. The colors were beautiful and the lighting systems seemed to only improve upon the color palette of in-game assets. Thanks to Vision Engine 7, the game was able to achieve a unique visual presentation which I think gives the mostly boring title a redeeming coat of paint. Enticingly any player with an odd cozy attraction. Was I bored walking from npc to similar looking npc? Yes. Did I stop to look at ALL of the foliage, fires and buildings? Also yes!
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Image Via IGDB and THQ Nordic
Okay… okay. Yes, you’re probably starting to recognize a trend here. Many of the coziest “non-cozy” games specifically fall within the RPG realm. More specifically, RPGs that are set in vibrant new worlds. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning Is no exception. The fairytale-like soundtrack and mildly comical character proportions grab you, not letting go. Introducing you to deep RPG mechanics and a mythical main quest centered around fate weaving and wagon-loads of intersecting factions. Even with the spinning beat-em-up combat and bloody finishers, KOA Reckoning is a vibrant universe with a glaze of cartoon coziness drizzled all over it.
Resident Evil
Image Via Steam
A revolutionary horror experience at its core. The original Resident Evil showed gamers what it was like to traverse the chilling Spencer Mansion, fighting (or evading) the baddies within. Not typically a game you throw on when looking to decrease your heart rate and drink your tea. BUT, the instances between combat and cutscenes are where RE shines as a cozy game! (Just don’t remind me of the first zombie reveal scene.)
Alan Wake 1 and 2
Image Via Remedy Entertainment
Fine! You got me. Yes, technically there’s eleven games on this list but I could not include just one Alan Wake installment. Both have a unique Americana feeling to them and take massive inspiration from one of the greatest TV series, Twin Peaks.
The first Alan Wake introduces you to the idyllic small town of Bright Falls, tucked away in the American Pacific Northwest. All seemingly normal and serene but soon opening up to a vile world below. A world of evil and darkness corrupting the light. The soundtrack, level design and quirky characters are all oddly cozy, adding to the charm. Alan Wake 2 doubles down on everything that made the first experience great but also improves upon what was lacking in the original. It even took the full jump into survival horror! Both games play like an intense thriller novel pairing perfectly with endless amounts of coffee, dim lighting and a night in on the couch.
