Wander, Explore, Relax: 12 Cozy Casual Adventure Games to Get Lost In
Sometimes, you just want a game that lets you breathe. No timers, no battles, no high-stakes missions, just a warm, gentle world to explore and a little story to sink into.
Whether you’re gliding through the treetops, delivering mail in a sleepy town, or snapping photos of wildlife, these games are all about relaxed exploration, emotional moments, and low stress gameplay. You’ll find light puzzles, charming characters, and personal stories, but never any pressure to rush or compete.
Here are 12 of the best cozy casual adventure games, perfect for players looking for heart, comfort, and a little escape from the everyday.
*Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the pod! 🫶
A Short Hike
Developer Image: Adam Robinson Yu
Available on: Steam, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Gamepass
Climb, glide, and explore a vibrant island as a little bird called Claire on a journey to reach the top of a mountain. Along the way, you’ll meet quirky characters, collect treasures, and uncover small stories tucked into every corner. It’s joyful, compact, and packed with wholesome exploration.
Related: Still unsure whether A Short Hike is worth playing?
Check out my full review here!
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure
Developer Image: ustwogames
Available on: Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox
Cost: €16.99
Play as Alba, a young girl visiting her Grandparents for the summer on a picturesque Mediterranean island in this casual adventure and photography game with an environmental message. Complete your wildlife guide taking photos of the local animals, rescue animals in danger and restore the Island’s Nature Reserve.
Related: Looking for more about Alba: A Wildlife Adventure?
Check out my full review here!
Lake
Developer Image: Gamious
Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation
Play as Meredith, who swaps city life for two weeks of delivering post in her hometown. As you drive through pine-lined roads and reconnect with old friends, you’ll decide what kind of future she wants. It’s thoughtful, dialogue-driven, and all about slowing down.
Tchia
Developer Image: Aweceb
Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation
Set in a tropical open world inspired by New Caledonia, Tchia invites you to climb, sail, and soul-jump into animals and objects. You’ll explore islands, play your ukulele, and uncover a coming-of-age story with magical twists. A vibrant, playful adventure full of heart.
Spiritfarer
Developer Image: Thunder Lotus Games
Available on: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox, Xbox Gamepass
Take on the role of Stella, a ‘Spiritfarer’ who helps animal friends pass peacefully into the afterlife. Build your boat, care for your passengers, and make their final days special. It’s deeply emotional, beautifully animated, and surprisingly comforting despite its themes.
Related: Looking for more cozy games with a heartfelt story?
Check out these 10 games with an emotional journey
Garden Story
Developer Image: Picogram
Available on: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Xbox
You’re Concord, a tiny grape tasked with restoring your island community. Rebuild, explore, and lend a hand to your fruity neighbours. While there’s light combat, the focus is on connection and care — all wrapped up in adorable pixel art.
Dordogne
Developer Image:
UN JE NE SAIS QUOI, UMANIMATION
Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox, Xbox Gamepass
Cost: €14.99
This emotional, watercolour-painted adventure is about capturing childhood memories through letters, journaling, and photography. You’ll explore the French countryside and piece together heartfelt stories through snapshots. Beautiful, nostalgic, and full of soul.
Unpacking
Developer Image: Witchbeam
Available on: Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox
Amazon* Physical Copies: Nintendo Switch
Unpacking is a unique zen puzzle game that transforms the tedious task of unpacking boxes and moving home into a soothing, meditative journey. Unpack, organise and arrange belongings into various homes over a period of 20 years as you learn more about the owner’s story through light puzzle-solving and subtle storytelling.
Related: Looking for a new puzzle game challenge?
Check out my list of must play cozy puzzle games!
Chicory: A Colorful Tale
Developer Image:
Wishes Ultd., Greg Lobanov, Alexis Dean-Jones, Lena Raine, Madeline Berger, A Shell in the Pit
Available on: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation
A colouring book brought to life! Armed with a magical paintbrush, you’ll restore colour to a black-and-white world while helping others and navigating self-doubt. It’s a creative, emotional adventure with relaxing gameplay and plenty of charm.
Lil Gator Game
Developer Image: MegaWobble
Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox
Jump, glide, and pretend to save the world as a playful little gator on a mission to create the best imaginary adventure. It’s open, pressure-free fun with a big heart, encouraging exploration and childhood whimsy with zero stress.
Little Kitty Big City
Developer Image: Double Dagger Studios
Available on: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Xbox Gamepass
Amazon* Physical Copies: Nintendo Switch
In this chaotic and adorable exploration and adventure game, play as a little kitty trying to find it’s way back home. It’s an open world playground for this mischevious cat with trellises to climb, slippers to steal and jars of jam to knock over. Make friends, complete quests or cause a ruckus in cute collectable hats in your adventure to find a way home.
Related: Looking for more on Little Kitty, Big City?
Check out my full review here!
Eastshade
Developer Image: Eastshade Studios
Available on: PC, Xbox, Playstation
While you’re technically a painter, the experience feels like photography in spirit. Set up compositions, explore beautiful scenery, and capture peaceful moments on canvas. It's slow, thoughtful, and visually stunning, ideal for those who love creative expression in their games.
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