If you’re a proud owner of a PlayStation 5 (PS5) and find yourself yearning for more laid-back gaming experiences, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of cozy games for the PS5, helping you unwind and enjoy the serene side of gaming.
The Appeal of Cozy Gaming on the PS5
When the PlayStation 5 hit the market, it lead to a predictable mad craze to snach up a console. What wasn’t predictable is that with COVID-19 slowing down the production of microchips around the world, it could’ve taken you up to two years waiting around to actually get it because supply couldn’t match demand.
BUT, now that’s all behind us and you can easily buy one if you’re a console PS player.
The PS5’s next gen graphics, immersive audio, and powerful hardware capabilities are undeniable. This makes it an ideal platform for cozy games, as it can fully showcase their beautiful aesthetics and create a truly immersive experience.
Whether you’re a fan of puzzle-solving, exploration, or even just virtual gardening, there’s a cozy game on the PS5 for you!
Our Curated List of Cozy Games for PS5
Before we explore how cozy games for the PS5 differ from their PS4 counterparts, let’s take a closer look at some of the top cozy games available on the PS5:
1. Spiritfarer
Spiritfarer is an emotionally touching game that allows players to assume the role of a “Spiritfarer,” guiding spirits to the afterlife. With its hand-drawn art style and heartwarming narrative, this game provides a truly heartwarming and cozy experience. This one is a favorite for me because it got me through the ‘rona times.
I originally played this on the PS4 since it was released for that console, but I have seen screen grabs and clips of the game on PS5 and I’m blown away by the level of unseen detail you can pick up on with the next gen console.
Delve into the full Spiritfarer review here!
Buy a physical copy of Spiritfarer for the PS5 >2. Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Kena: Bridge of Spirits combines stunning visuals with a captivating story and adorable creatures. Explore a lush, magical world as Kena, and let this game’s ambiance and atmosphere wash over you.
Definitely a must try!
Buy the physical copy of Kena: Bridge of Spirits for the PS5 >3. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a timeless classic for cozy gaming. In fact, it also makes the list for most other platforms if you’re into the genre.
Manage your own farm, forge relationships with villagers, and enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life. It’s a perfect escape from the stress of the real world. It wasn’t built for the PS5, so it won’t look as good as Kena: Bridge of Spirits, for example, but it performs just as well as it does on the Switch.
Delve into the full Stardew Valley review here!
Buy the collector's edition of Stardew Valley for the PS console >4. Cozy Grove
As the name suggests, Cozy Grove offers a delightful life-simulation experience set on a haunted island. The game encourages players to help restless spirits find peace while decorating and customizing their surroundings.
Playing Cozy Grove on the PS5 offers a high performance experience. It can be quite a heavy game given all the elements that need to load, so having a beast like the PS5 helps.
Delve into the full Cozy Grove review here!
Get the physical copy of Cozy Grove for the PS5 >5. Stray
In Stray, players control a stray cat navigating a futuristic, neon-lit city filled with robots. The game combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and a unique feline perspective to unravel the mysteries of the urban landscape.
While it does have a sense of ’threat’ that isn’t traditionally associated with what defines top cozy games , there’s something about the lowfi beats as you’re exploring and talking to robots that hits the spot.
Plus, cats! And I absolutely love travelling around with B-12.
Get the physical copy of Stray for the PS5 >6. Wytchwood
Wytchwood is a charming crafting adventure game that immerses players in a whimsical world as an old witch, blending dark fairytales with intricate crafting mechanics.
Players gather magical ingredients, brew enchantments, and navigate through a captivating narrative filled with quirky characters and fantastical landscapes.
Delve into the full Wytchwood review here!
7. Untitled Goose Game
Untitled Goose Game is a humorous and quirky video game where players take on the role of a mischievous goose causing havoc in a peaceful village by completing various comical tasks and puzzles. The objective is to create chaos and outsmart the human inhabitants while enjoying the hilarity of being a troublesome goose.
Honestly, this game is a life saver when my young nieces come to visit – they can spend hours figuring out how to get the naughty goose to tease the gardener!
Delve into the full Untitled Goose Game review here!
Get the physical copy of Untitled Goose Game for the PS5 >8. Coral Island
Coral Island invites players to create their dream farm on a charming island. Tend to crops, nurture animals, build relationships with over 70 townspeople, and contribute to the rejuvenation of the local town and coral reefs, all while enjoying a laid-back and harmonious island life.
9. Lake
In the game Lake, players step into the role of Meredith Weiss, a software developer who takes a break from city life to deliver mail in her hometown. Set in 1986, this narrative-driven experience explores relationships and community dynamics as players navigate through the picturesque environment of Providence Oaks.
Get the physical copy of Lake for the PS5 >10. Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy is an action role-playing video game set in everyone’s favorite wizarding world. Players embark on a magical journey as a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, exploring an open-world, learning spells, and encountering fantastic creatures while uncovering the mysteries of the wizarding realm.
Get the physical copy of Hogwarts Legacy for the PS5 >11. Disney Dreamlight Valley
Disney Dreamlight Valley is a life-sim adventure game, blending quests, exploration, and engaging activities with Disney and Pixar characters. Set in Dreamlight Valley, players must unlock the Realms of beloved characters, solve puzzles, and free the Dream Castle from the enchantment of the Forgetting to restore magic and harmony to this once-idyllic land.
Delve into the full Disney Dreamlight Valley review here!
Get the physical copy of Disney Dreamlight Valley for the PS5 >12. Sky: Children of Light
Sky: Children of Light is a multiplayer adventure game where players embark on a magical journey to explore breathtaking realms, solve puzzles, and restore fallen constellations. Collaborating with other players, they discover the hidden wonders of the sky, uncovering a rich narrative of friendship and self-discovery.
13. A Short Hike
In A Short Hike, players assume the role of a bird exploring a picturesque island, engaging in various activities, and uncovering its secrets.
It’s a short game, but truly wonderful for its duration. The game offers a relaxing experience as players soar through the skies, meet quirky characters, and discover the joy of a leisurely adventure.
Delve into the full A Short Hike review here!
14. Slime Rancher
In Slime Rancher, players become a spacefaring rancher capturing and cultivating adorable, gelatinous creatures known as slimes. The game combines exploration, resource management, and creature care, as players navigate a colorful, alien world to create a thriving slime ranching enterprise.
Please note that so far, Slime Rancher 2 is not available on PS5.
Get the physical copy of Slime Rancher for the PS5 >15. Unpacking
Unpacking is a meditative puzzle game that invites players to unpack belongings and arrange them in various living spaces across several years of a person’s life. Through this simple yet emotionally resonant gameplay, the game explores themes of nostalgia, identity, and the passage of time.
A heart-wrencher, but also gloriously soothing for the organized mind.
Delve into the full Unpacking review here!
Get the physical copy of Unpacking for the PS5 >Cozy Games for PS5 vs. PS4: What’s the Difference?
While cozy games share a common theme of providing a relaxing gaming experience, there are notable differences when comparing titles available on the PS5 with those on the PS4:
1. Graphics and Performance
The most apparent difference lies in the graphics and performance capabilities of the PS5. With its advanced hardware, the PS5 offers improved graphics, faster load times, and smoother gameplay.
Cozy games on the PS5 can take full advantage of this, delivering even more visually stunning and immersive experiences compared to their PS4 counterparts.
2. DualSense Controller Integration
The PS5’s DualSense controller introduces innovative features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Cozy games for the PS5 can leverage these features to enhance immersion.
For example, in Kena: Bridge of Spirits, you can feel the subtle vibrations as you interact with the spirit world, adding a tactile layer to the cozy experience.
3. Exclusive Titles
The PS5 boasts a lineup of exclusive titles that can’t be found on the PS4. These exclusives often push the boundaries of what cozy gaming can offer. Coral Island (at the time of writing this page) is an example of a game that is exclusively available on the PS5, showcasing the platform’s capabilities.
4. Backward Compatibility
Fortunately, many cozy games available on the PS4 can still be enjoyed on the PS5 thanks to its backward compatibility feature. This means you can revisit beloved titles like Stardew Valley and experience them with improved performance and load times on your PS5.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best cozy games for PS5?
The best cozy games for PS5 are the ones built for it intentionally. Our top choices include Stray, Hogwarts Legacy and Coral Island. Check out the full list for more!
- Can I play PS4 cozy games on PS5?
Absolutely, thanks to the Playstation’s backward comptability feature. Most cozy games available on PS4 are playable on PS5, although you might notice that some features will be missing on PS5.
- Is it worth playing PS4 games on PS5?
Absolutely, you will get better graphics and better performance overall. Although, you might notice missing features or patchiness because the game is not fully compatible with the PS5.
Conclusion
I tend to prefer console gaming over PC, and I have a soft-spot for Playstation products. Playing cozy games on my PS5, tucked up on the couch with my hot cup of cocoa, and my cat curled at my feet is my idea of the perfect evening.
The performance on a next-gen console like PS5 can only be matched by certain PCs. I can tell the difference in sharpness, frame rate, and load speed from PS4 to PS5 even with fairly simple games like Untitled Goose Game.
If you’re looking to get into cozy gaming, I highly recommend checking out the PS5 if your wallet allows for it. Otherwise, you can consider more budget friendly options like the Nintendo Switch Lite or a even a second-hand PS4 which will run most cozy games quite smoothly.
Happy gaming fellow cozy players!
Nina Hanson is not just your average gamer; she’s a passionate cozy gamer. With a deep love for all things snug and heartwarming, Nina has made it her mission to uncover the coziest gaming experiences on the Nintendo Switch. As the founder of Video Game Tavern, her cozy game haven, she’s dedicated to sharing the joy of these soothing adventures with fellow gamers.