Games for a Rainy Day
By Gabrielle Gunter
What makes a video game cozy? Picture this: a dark, dreary day where no one would dare step outside. A cozy game is the perfect game to play in this setting. Cozy games are typically low-stakes, non-violent video games that leave players feeling comfortable and content. Check out the following list to find out what cozy game to save for the next rainy day!
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Available on the 3DS, “Animal Crossing: New Leaf” is the “Animal Crossing” title to play. Players act as the mayor of a small town of adorable animals known as villagers. Players can customize their own house and clothing to their heart’s content. Interestingly, the game runs on a real clock, so the game has twenty-four-hour days. There is no need to feel pressured by the passing of time in this game however as “Animal Crossing: New Leaf” will run forever.
Calico
“Calico” is an open-world life simulation game where players can run their very own cat café. In a world imbued with magic, players spend their time completing tasks to help their community and cat café. There are animals galore in this game; it has everything from giant cats to adorable foxes. Available for $11.99, “Calico” can be played on PC, Mac, Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox.
Gone Home
Set in the year 1995, this first-person walking simulator gives players control of main character Katie as she returns to her family’s house after a trip abroad. With no timer or defined goals, players wander throughout the empty house to find clues about what Katie’s family has been up to as Katie reads letters left behind by her sister. The environmental storytelling of “Gone Home” is excellent; players can explore every nook and cranny of the house to the sound of rain pouring outside the house. Find “Gone Home” on PC, Mac, Switch, PlayStation or Xbox.
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist
“I Was a Teenage Exocolonist” is a deck-building role-playing game that follows the life of Sol as they grow up on Earth’s first exocolony. This game is all about human connection and the memories that one makes throughout their life. “I Was a Teenage Exocolonist” has everything one could hope for in a cozy game: soft music, pastel colors, and an engaging story. Join Sol and their friends for only $24.99 on PC, Mac, Switch or PlayStation.
Night in the Woods
Mixing the supernatural with the natural, “Night in the Woods” is the story of Mae Borowski as she returns to her dying, rust-belt hometown after dropping out of college. Set in the cozy season of Fall, players can run around town discovering secrets, reuniting with old friends, and finding out why exactly Mae dropped out. This game is an absolute masterpiece of storytelling; every college student can relate to Mae’s struggles. Find out Possum Spring’s mysteries for only $19.99 on PC, Switch, PlayStation or Xbox.
Stardew Valley
“Stardew Valley” is one of the most famous cozy games there is. This game is all about escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoying the simple things in life instead. Players inherit their grandfather’s farm in a small town. To the backdrop of cozy music and visuals, players grow their farms, build relationships with the townspeople, and more. Find “Stardew Valley” on PC, Mac, Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox.
Unpacking
“Unpacking” is a calming puzzle game that chronicles the main character’s life through her moving from place to place. From her childhood bedroom to her first house, players must unpack all of the character’s belongings to understand her story and who she is. “Unpacking” has a gorgeous aesthetic and beautiful soundtrack along with a beautiful story that players must discover on their own. “Unpacking” can be played on PC, Mac, Switch, PlayStation and Xbox for $9.99 and on Game Pass for free.
ValiDate: Struggling Singles in Your Area
Visual novels are great for cozy day-in as one can play at their own pace and enjoy a game that focuses on powerful storytelling over complex gameplay. “ValiDate: Struggling
Singles in Your Area” follows a group of thirteen, single twenty-somethings as they struggle to find their places in the world and deal with real-life issues. Play through a series of dates for each character to discover their personal story. This is not a run-of-the-mill dating game; it has fascinating, complex characters and stories that are not always found in other dating games. It focuses more on the development and growth of the characters than it does romance, which is what makes it so unique. Play “Validate: Struggling Singles in Your Area” for $14.99 on PC, Mac, Switch or Xbox.
