Cozy games are all the rage these days. From Stardew Valley to Animal Crossing, sometimes gamers just want something slow and relaxing to get lost in. You might think “horror” and “cozy” can’t go hand in hand because of this, but there are plenty of titles out there that prove otherwise.
Here are five of the best cozy horror games out there. Filled with spookiness, comfort, and loads of charm, these titles are perfect for dark autumn nights and the long wait until Halloween.
5. Strange Horticulture Delves Into Occult Mysteries
Have you ever dreamed of being the proprietor of a local plant store with dark secrets? Well, Strange Horticulture lets you do just that. For a game that takes place mostly behind a plant store counter, there’s a surprising amount of world immersion.
Each client offers their own unique puzzle to solve while a grander occult mystery begins to take shape as your plant diary grows. Not only is Strange Horticulture a solid puzzle game, but its multitude of endings offer replayability. Forboding and mysterious, Strange Horticulture serves nothing but cozy horror vibes.
Play it on Steam, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One
4. The Darkside Detective
The Darkside Detective is a point-and-click adventure that homages The X-Files, Twin Peaks, and all sorts of movies in the larger horror/sci-fi genre. Don’t let its pixel style fool you. Each case is chock full of humor and heart.
You play as Francis McQueen, the lead detective of Twin Lakes’ neglected Darkside Divison. With the help of your loyal partner, Patrick Dooley, you investigate all manner of supernatural cases. The Darkside Detective is big on comedy. From cases titled “Don of the Dead” to “Polterguys,” you know what you’re getting into before you even hit play.
Play it on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS4/5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
3. Love, Ghostie Is a Spooky Matchmaking Sim
Love, Ghostie is the definition of good vibes. In this cozy management sim of sorts, you step into the role of a new ghost tasked with matchmaking the anthropomorphic residents of a mansion. All residents are shippable with each other, allowing for oodles of replayability.
Love, Ghostie is lighthearted, touching, and humorous. If you think you’ve heard every ghost pun out there, think again. Want to know more about the game? Check out Fangirlish’s Love, Ghostie review.
Play it on Steam
2. Reka Spotlights Slavic Folklore
If you like base building and gathering resources, Reka will scratch that itch. Play as a magical apprentice to the legendary Baba Jaga, learn spells, forage for ingredients, and design your chicken-legged hut. That’s right. A giant chicken serves as the foundation for your witchy base.
In terms of uniqueness, Reka takes the cake. It shines a light on Slavic folklore while delivering atmospheric gameplay. In your mission to complete quests, you’ll explore foggy forests, lamplit villages, and overgrown swamps. While still in early access at the time of writing, Reka promises something truly witchy.
Play it on Steam
1. Cult of the Lamb Is the Definition of Cozy Horror Game
When it comes to cozy horror games, Cult of the Lamb wears the crown. You play as a lamb, saved from death by a god-like deity who demands a cult in its honor. What ensues are adventurous crusades aimed at defeating heretics and growing your cult of anthropomorphic worshippers.
Cult of the Lamb isn’t just a roguelike. It’s also a management sim where your decision-making affects your cult’s loyalty. Sacrifice them. Spare them. The choice is yours. Think Animal Crossing, but darker and a tad unsettling. Honestly, The Guardian’s original review might’ve described it best: “mall-goth meets folk horror.” What’s not to love?
Play it on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS4/5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
