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Self-care can look likeknitting,getting a manicureevenfly-fishing.
Courtesy of the brands / Laneen Wells
And the hype is real: Games arent necessarily therapy, addsRachel Kowert, PhD, a research psychologist.
Below, browse the best cozy games, plus a few upcoming releases I cant wait to dive into.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (commonly known as ACNH) is our top pick.
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Youll collect thousands of in-game items and unlock customization options along the way.
But the feeling of showing your hard work off to your friends is unmatched.
In lots of other games Ive played, the second player doesnt get to do much.
Amazon
Gameplay is equally rewarding for both players, and a great way to kick back together.
While it sounds simple, Unpacking uses subtle details and a gentle soundtrack to tell a delightful story.
I thoroughly enjoy playing detective, deciphering changes in the main characters life based on their belongings.
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Its just you, empty rooms, and a bunch of boxes filled with stuff that needs sorting.
(Speaking from experience, this one is best played after a stressful day.)
Jump in as Beatrix LeBeau, an adventurer and newly minted slime wrangler.
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Journey through stunning environments while discovering and collecting new slimes to expand your operation.
Youll also learn more about Beatrixs friends (old and new) through letters.
Ive played the entire game through three times, and Im still blown away by its complex storyline.
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The fact that you’re free to set the difficulty is just another, extra cozy bonus.
And when youre finished, dont despairhop onSlime Rancher 2: Into the Labyrinthfor more.
Many are fan favorites, while others seem just too easy to get lost in.
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The game has no responsibilities, no pressurejust positive experiences, Dr. Plass says (a.k.a.
everything a cozy game should be).
Lucky for you, Disney Dreamlight Valley is a little bit of both.
The gameplay never seems to run out, one player wrote in an Amazon review.
Youll put away board games with dozens of mixed-up pieces, adjust crooked picture frames, and de-clutter cabinets.
Play alone or rope in a friend to help you craft culinary masterpieces.
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This game lets me escape and get my bearings back together!
Get swept away in hand-drawn illustrations and a rotating cast of characters as you ferry souls to the afterlife.
Great storyline, cozy, drama-free, yet very thrilling.
Good Pizza, Great Pizza
I’m not a hardcore Zelda gamer, but I’ve played a few of [the games].
I have fallen in love with this one, one player wrote in an Amazon review.
The game is stunning visually, with graphics that resemble an artists watercolor notebook.
Good Pizza, Great Pizza
Its about pleasing the community and caring for each other, one player wrote in an Amazon review.
One of the best indie games I have ever played!
Decorate the guest rooms, make breakfast, and unlock a secondary storyline as you go.
With tons to do, keeping yourself busy is easy.
(But busy in a good way, according to players: Such a cute cozy game.
Highly recommended to help with relaxation after a stressful day, one wrote in an Amazon review.)
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