Cozy games offer some of the best experiences on the market when you justwant to relaxafter a hard day at work or school. However, just because a game is relaxing doesn’t mean it has to put you to sleep.
Some of the hardest-hitting cozy games expertlyweave combat and fighting into their gameplayloop. Whether you’re into swords or magic, there’s something for everyone, no matter your skill level.
Whether you’re after a game with skill-based combat or you just want to mash enemies to death, I’ve got you covered.
10Stardew Valley
There’s Something For Everyone
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valleycreeps into so many of our lists, but it’s not without good reason, as the titledoes so many things well.
Stardew Valleymay look like ahumble farming simulatoron the surface, but there’s a surprising amount of combat-related content, which only expands as you explore the game.
Fighting is deceptively deep as well. Morechallenging enemies require a specific approach, and there are dozens of unique weapons to play with. Whether you’re up for some slime genocide or collecting monster parts for specific recipes, it’s a flexible system you’re never forced to partake in, but it’s great if you do.
9Core Keeper
Core Keeper
Core Keeperisone of my favorite cozy gamesof the last few years, with a combat system tied to taking down intimidating bosses.
Core Keeperis notably more combat-centric than most games on this list, asboss battles gatekeep progression. That said, you can tackle almost everything inCore Keeperat your own pace. You canbuild the base of your dreamsand even automate many things if you know how.
Combat is also linked to thedeep recipe system. Strolling into fights on an empty stomach is a death sentence, so you’re always rewarded for yourrelaxed culinary endeavors.
8Dragon Quest Builders
A Superb Spin-Off
Dragon Quest Builders
Dragon Questis alegendary RPG series, and you could definitely argue that it’s a cozy game with strategic combat if you liketurn-based fighting.
The series has several spin-offs, but the most accessible is arguablyDragon Quest Builders. The game offersan ambitious fusionof tower defense, base-building, and 3D adventure.
The world is made up of blocks, likeMinecraft, and you canconstruct your base any way you like. Base building is a little restrictive, but it’s improved in the sequel. Combat is pretty basic, but exploring the world and figuring out how to take down large enemies is fun.
Monsters will alsoperiodically storm your base, which adds urgency to fights as your precious home can be damaged during the onslaught.
7Dave the Diver
You’re Going To Need A Bigger Boat
Dave the Diver
I can’t think of another game quite likeDave the Diver, expertly weaving multiple gameplay genres together.
For the uninitiated, youmanage a sushi bar inDave the Diverand collect ingredients from the Blue Hole Lagoon, which subtly changes every time you dive.
The issue is that the finest dishes often require ingredients with the most teeth. Anyone cancatch a tiny fish, but your work is cut out for you if you’re shark hunting! Fortunately, there are plenty of weapons and upgrades, and the 2D underwater combat is wonderfully smooth.
Dave the Diverdoesn’t skimp on humor either and has a decent story, cementing itself as a great choice for a single-player cozy experience.
6Rune Factory 4 Special
Harvest Moon And Then Some
Rune Factory 4 Special
TheRune Factoryseries has existed foralmost 20 years, quietly releasing outstanding titles with a unique fusion of genres.
For lack of a better description,Rune Factory 4 Specialfeels like a combat-centricHarvest Moon. You cangrow crops and catch fishto earn money, and you’ll meet many village residents who will appreciate your skills in the kitchen.
12 Best Cozy Games with Lots of Collectibles
Cozy games are great, but cozy games with endless things to collect? Even better. From feathers to fish, these are the ultimate collection-heavy games
If you venture outside the town, you will also find many monsters to defeat in intense action combat. Youearn new skills and gearas you progress, and some boss battles are deviously tricky if you show up unprepared.
I’ve playedRune Factory 4the most, hence the recommendation, but 5 is the latest title, with another due out later in 2025.
Take On A Shark… With A Stick
Raftis afantastic survival crafting gamethat’s decent alone butunforgettable with friends. You’re stranded on a small boat surrounded by shark-infested waters and must do everything in your power to survive.
Raftis one of my go-to cozy games because you’renever pressed to do anythingonce you’ve taken care of your empty stomach. There’s amysterious story that unfoldsas you progress, but you can happily spend hours pimping out your raft before you engage with it.
Once you’re armed with a spear, you may take on animals on land and eventake on a sharkif your timing is good enough. It’s mechanically simple, but you can’t just idly mash and expect to escape unscathed.
Keep in mind thatRafthas prettyheavy survival mechanics, and you must always manage food and water meters. I honestly quite enjoy the preparation phase for a big excursion, but it’s not for everyone.
4Cat Quest 2
Fun For All Ages
Cat Quest II
TheCat Questtrilogy is a superb selection ofbeginner-friendly action RPGsfull of silly quests, loveable characters, and an almostunhealthy number of cat puns.
The low difficulty and gorgeous presentation firmly land theCat Questgames in cozy territory.Combat is pretty fun, too, with viable options if you prefer a melee or ranged playstyle. There’s a satisfying grind for better equipment, and skilled players can master the dodge roll and tackle stronger enemies earlier than intended.
While fun, fighting is notably more basic inCat Questthan in most games on this list. That said, it’sdeep enough to stay engagingandperfect for younger and casual audiences. I’ve recommendedCat Quest 2specifically, as it has co-op, but the original is fine if you’re playing alone.
3Harvestella
The High Budget Option
Harvestella
There are plenty of games in the life simulation and farming genre, but many of the best arecutesy indie affairs. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s far less common to see heavy hitters like Square Enix drop their hat in the ring.
That’s precisely what’s happened here withHarvestella, abeautiful JRPGthat tickles that farming itch and challenges players with intense fantasy battles.
The marketing forHarvestellaisn’t misleading per se, but despite the tags on Steam, this is definitely a JRPG with farming/life elements andnot the other way around.
Combat is stylish and full of visual flare. Battles are performed in real-time, and there are evenAOE markersFinal Fantasy XIVfans will immediately recognize.
If I’m being critical,Harvestellais fun but feels limited and almost unfinished in parts. It’s definitely acozy game with decent combat, but it’s a hard sell at the full AAA price.
2Cult of the Lamb
Are You A Generous God?
Cult of the Lamb
Cult of the Lambhas an iconic art stylereminiscent of the sadistic Happy Tree Friendsshorts. Watch those at your own risk! The game also features aquirky gameplay loopwhere you assume the role of a cult leader.
Your objective inCult of the Lambis to amass a great enough following to take down ancient enemies and becomethe most powerful cult in the land. You’re free to lead your cult as you see fit. You can be a benevolent master, ruling with an iron fist. Alternatively, you can be a caring leader, tirelessly attending to your follower’s needs.
Combat issurprisingly busy and fast-paced. You have multiple weapons to choose from, and you can dodge to escape almost every attack if you’re quick enough. You’re rewarded for singling out enemies instead of aimlessly attacking the mob, too, so it pays to play strategically.
1Sea of Stars
An Old School RPG With Modern Trimmings
Sea of Stars
I find regular turn-based combat engaging, but for a game to make this list,it needs something more.
Sea of Starsis agorgeous turn-based pixel-art RPGset in a high-fantasy world. The visuals are stunning, and the soundtrack is full of bangers. The game has plenty ofnods to old-school classicsand even had couch co-op added in a recent free update.
On top of strategic turn-based brawls,Sea of Starsboasts many attacks thatreward strict timing skills. If you’re arhythm game savant, you can lay waste to entire teams of enemies with precision tapping, making combat feel much more engaging.
There’s also aslew of accessibility features, so you may make the game as easy or tough as you like.
