14+ Best Cozy Casual Adventure Games in 2026 if You Loved A Short Hike
Sometimes, all you want is a game that lets you breathe. No timers, no battles, no high-pressure missions, just a gentle world to wander and a story to slowly sink into.
From gliding through treetops in A Short Hike to photographing wildlife on a Mediterranean island in Alba, these cozy casual adventure games are perfect for relaxed exploration. Expect quirky characters, light puzzles, charming quests, and heartwarming personal stories, all without a hint of stress.
Whether you’re in the mood for a short indie escape or a slow, contemplative journey, these games will help you unwind, feel joy, and enjoy every peaceful moment.
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What are Casual Adventure Games?
Casual adventure games combine light exploration, storytelling, and optional puzzles to create low-pressure, immersive experiences. Unlike traditional action or RPG games, they focus on relaxation, curiosity, and gentle engagement with their world.
In these games, you can explore scenic landscapes, help quirky characters, solve small puzzles, or simply enjoy the atmosphere without stress. Perfect for cozy gaming nights or short gaming sessions.
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!
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!
Developer Image: uvula LLC
A wonderfully weird and heartwarming indie gem created by Keita Takahashi, known for the hilarious Katamari Damacy. it follows teen stuck in a T pose through a seaside town full of bizarre mini-games, unexpected moments, and one of the catchiest soundtracks I can’t stop singing. Funny, thoughtful and totally unique, it’s a short but unforgettable adventure you won’t want to miss.
Related: Ready to play To a T?
Have a giggle with this fun and silly game with a lot of heart
Developer Image: StudioBando
Step into a silly, colourful world where a boy, a gang of frogs, and a stolen potato collide. This charming, cosy adventure blends playful humour, quirky characters, and fun little quests across vibrant, cartoonish landscapes. With a lively Latin American-inspired soundtrack and light exploration gameplay, it’s the perfect short indie adventure for a relaxed weekend.
Related: Want to know more about SOPA, Tale of the Stolen Potato?
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.
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.
Developer Image:
UN JE NE SAIS QUOI, UMANIMATION
Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox, Xbox Gamepass
Amazon* Physical Copies: Nintendo Switch, PS5
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.
Related: Want to know more about Dordogne before playing?
Check out my full review here!
Developer Image: Something We Made
Available on: Steam, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Cost: €19.99
Journey around various Scandinavian towns and complete tasks by taking photos in TOEM, a cute photography adventure game. With a striking black and white cartoon design, quirky characters to meet and fun tasks to complete, TOEM is a relaxing and engaging game with plenty to see and collect and cute animals to photograph for your album.
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.
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.
Looking for More Adventure Games?
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