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8 Charming Games To Play That Require Minimal Effort Yet Still Make You Feel Warm Inside

Escape into fantasy land.

Cover image via Little Witch in the Woods (Steam) , A Short Hike (Steam) , Cozy Grove (Steam)

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If you're like me and you're always on the prowl for cute, cosy games to play after a busy day at work, then you've come to the right place

Image via GIPHY

Is this your first time hearing about cosy games? Here's a crash course: they are games you play when you don't have the energy to invest in a multi-layered storyline or kill thousands of people just to get number one on a scoreboard.

They require minimal effort, so you're free to cosy up to these games without worrying too much about intense storylines or difficult gameplays.

Here are eight cosy games you can play when you want to kick back and relax:

1. Calico (2020) — a community simulator game where you embark on a journey to rebuild the town's cat café

Yes, it's true! In Calico (2020), you actually get to ride a giant calico while you rebuild the town's cat café. Make a game version of you with the create-a-sim feature and unleash your creativity as you build the cosiest cat café for your furry friends.

Image via Steam
Image via Steam

Download Calico here and watch the trailer below:

2. Wytchwood (2021) — an adventure fairytale game where you play as a mysterious witch and explore a peculiar world

Wytchwood (2021) is a game set in a fantasy gothic world where you play as an ancient witch on an adventure to collect magic ingredients, brew potions, and cast spells to beat strange beasts of the magical forest.

Image via Steam
Image via Steam

Download Wytchwood here and watch the trailer below:

3. Bear and Breakfast (2022) — a management game where you manage a bed and breakfast... as a bear

If you've ever wanted to manage a bed and breakfast, Bear and Breakfast (2022) lets you do exactly that. Well... except you're a literal bear.

Unbearably adorable (pun very much intended), you get to play as Hank, the bear, who decides to build a bed-and-breakfast in the woods, along with his friends. Uncover mysteries of the forest as you build the best bear-BnB ever.

Image via Steam
Image via Steam

Download Bear and Breakfast here and watch the trailer below:

4. Little Witch in the Woods (2022) — play as a rebellious witch who discovers a mysterious, forgotten village and attempts to rebuild it

You're an apprentice witch trying to prove herself in Little Witch in the Woods (2022). On a journey to Highlion for her apprenticeship, Ellie misses the train and discovers a hidden town with unique characters.

Unlock quests, develop relationships with the strange villagers, and brew potions in order to bring life back to the village.

Image via Steam
Image via Steam

Download Little Witch in the Woods here and watch the trailer below:

5. Hoa (2021) — solve puzzles in a beautiful, magical forest to relaxing background music in this platforming game

Hoa (2021) is a non-violent puzzle-platformer game where you play as Hoa and solve simple puzzles while you explore a beautiful forest.

Taking inspiration from Studio Ghibli, this game's charming animation is fully hand-painted with breathtaking, meticulously crafted sceneries.

Image via Steam
Image via Steam

Download Hoa here and watch the trailer below:

6. A Short Hike (2019) — play as a bird while you go on a hiking adventure

In A Short Hike (2019), you play as a bird who is on a mission to reach the summit of Hawk Peak Provincial Park. Meet other hikers and discover treasures as you explore the mountainside.

Image via Steam
Image via Steam

Download A Short Hike here and watch the trailer below:

7. Cozy Grove (2021) — a life sim game set at a haunted campsite with adorably spooky ghosts

Help a spirit as a Spirit Scout in Cozy Grove (2021) at a haunted campsite one craft at a time. You get to explore the island's forest and discover adorable local ghosts in need of companionship and closure.

Image via Steam
Image via Steam

Download Cozy Grove here and watch the trailer below:

8. Garden Story (2021) — a wholesome action adventure game where you attempt to save the grove

Play as a grape in Garden Story (2021) as you attempt to save the grove you live in from invasive rot. Rebuild the village and uncover the hidden past as you defend the town from destruction.

Image via Steam
Image via Steam

Download Garden Story here and watch the trailer below:

If you're looking for more cosy games to play, here are some suggestions:

Not keen on downloading games? Here are online games you can play for free instead:

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