10+ Best Emotional Cozy Games like Gris for Mental Wellness
As we head into 2026, cozy games aren’t just about cute visuals or relaxing routines, they can also hold deep emotional meaning. Over the past year, I’ve found myself drawn to titles that help me reflect, reconnect with myself, or process big feelings in gentle, creative ways.
From exploring grief and identity to discovering stories that feel heartfelt over a cup of tea, emotional cozy games create space for calm, healing, and connection. These are games I’ve returned to when life feels heavy, when I want to slow down, or when I need to be in a comforting space. If you’re looking for games that blend soothing gameplay with real emotional resonance, this list is for you.
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What Are Emotional Cozy Games?
Emotional cozy games are titles designed to combine the relaxing, low-pressure elements of cozy games with storytelling, themes, or mechanics that explore real life emotions. Unlike purely cute or casual titles, these games focus on reflection, self discovery, and mental wellness.
Players often encounter themes like grief, identity, friendship, and personal growth while enjoying peaceful gameplay loops, creative expression, or gentle exploration. Games like Gris or Spiritfarer are strong leaders in this genre by merging emotional narratives with serene, comforting experiences.
Developer Image: Ivy Road
Available on: PC, Xbox, Playstation
Wanderstop is a gentle, emotionally rich adventure that invites you to slow down, make tea, and rediscover the joy of simply being. With its heartfelt story, charming characters, and quietly powerful themes of rest and recovery, Wanderstop is more than a cozy game, it’s a reminder that it’s okay to let go and just breathe. A perfect pick for anyone who’s felt burned out, overwhelmed, or in need of something truly soul soothing.
Related: Want to read more about Wanderstop?
Check out my full review here!
Developer Image: Thunder Lotus Games
Available on: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox, Xbox Gamepass
Spiritfarer offers a unique blend of emotional storytelling and relaxed gameplay. As Stella, the "Spiritfarer," you guide spirits to the afterlife while building meaningful relationships with them. The game focuses on themes of love, letting go, and the bittersweet nature of life and death. It’s a peaceful and beautifully designed adventure, offering a thoughtful narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. Perfect for those looking for a game that’s both emotionally impactful and full of heartwarming moments.
Related: Looking for more on the emotional life sim Spiritfarer?
Check out my full review here!
Developer Image: Nomada Studios
Available on: Steam, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Amazon* Physical Copies: Nintendo Switch
Gris is an emotional platformer that takes you through a visually stunning world, following the journey of Gris, a girl coping with grief. As Gris progresses through her emotional journey, the world around her gradually transforms from monochrome to vibrant colours, symbolising her personal growth. The game is designed to evoke deep emotional responses, with minimal dialogue and a focus on art, music, and atmosphere. It’s a touching exploration of overcoming inner struggles through the beauty of art and play.
Related: Want to know more about GRIS before playing?
Check out my full review here!
Coffee Talk
Developer Image: Toge Productions
Available on: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation
Amazon* Physical Copies: Nintendo Switch, PS4
In Coffee Talk, you step into the shoes of a barista who serves drinks to a diverse group of customers, each with their own personal stories. The game revolves around heartwarming, emotional conversations that explore themes like love, identity, and self-discovery. The cozy atmosphere and low pressure gameplay make it a relaxing, emotionally fulfilling experience. It’s perfect for players who love narrative driven games where every conversation feels meaningful and impactful.
Developer Image: Adam Robinson Yu
Available on: Steam, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Gamepass
A Short Hike is a charming, feel good adventure where you play as Claire, a bird exploring a beautiful island and climbing a mountain to get phone reception. Along the way, you meet other characters, take on small tasks, and reflect on your own journey. The game encourages exploration and offers a lighthearted yet emotional narrative about self-discovery and finding peace in nature. It’s an uplifting, relaxing game that leaves you with a sense of accomplishment and contentment.
Related: Still unsure whether A Short Hike is worth playing?
Check out my full review here!
Developer Image: neoludic games
Available on: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch
Cost: €19.99
A cozy management sim that gets what makes bookshops special. In Tiny Bookshop, you’re not just selling titles, you’re matching stories to people, one thoughtful recommendation at a time. With its watercolour art style, relaxed pace, and surprisingly thoughtful mechanics, it’s a perfect pick for bookworms, cozy gamers, or anyone craving a quiet, meaningful escape.
Related: Always wanted to run your own cozy book shop?
Read more about Tiny Bookshop Here!
Celeste
Developer Image: Maddy Makes Games
Available on: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox, Gamepass
Celeste is a tough yet emotionally moving platformer that follows Madeline’s journey to the summit of Celeste Mountain. Along the way, she confronts personal obstacles and the deep struggles of her mental health. The game beautifully combines challenging platforming with an empowering story of perseverance, self acceptance, and personal growth. The touching narrative and stunning music make this a standout game that resonates with players long after they’ve completed it.
Developer Image: Night School Studio
Available on: Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation
Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller that blends eerie storytelling with emotional depth. You play as Alex, a teenager who, along with friends, accidentally opens a rift to another dimension. As the story unfolds, you uncover the deep emotional struggles of each character, with themes of guilt, loss, and friendship taking centre stage. The natural dialogue system and atmospheric narrative create a haunting yet emotionally rewarding experience.
Related: Looking for an emotional game that’s a little spooky?
Check out my full review of Oxenfree here!
What Remains of Edith Finch
Developer Image: Giant Sparrow
Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox
What Remains of Edith Finch is a first person narrative adventure that explores the tragic history of the Finch family. Each family member’s story is told through a unique, interactive experience that captures the fleeting nature of life and the weight of memory. The game is rich with emotional depth, offering players a chance to reflect on the fragility of life and the power of storytelling. It’s an unforgettable experience that’s as thought provoking as it is poignant.
The Gardens Between
Developer Image: The Voxel Agents
Available on: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox
The Gardens Between is a visually enchanting puzzle game about two childhood friends navigating through surreal gardens. The puzzles reflect their evolving relationship, exploring themes of memory, friendship, and the passage of time. With its relaxing pace, stunning art style, and emotionally resonant story, this game is a tranquil yet moving experience that leaves you reflecting on the importance of connection and memory.
Night in the Woods
Developer Image: Infinite Fall
Available on: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation
Amazon* Physical Copies: Nintendo Switch
Night in the Woods is a narrative adventure that follows Mae, a young adult cat who returns to her hometown after dropping out of college. The game explores themes of mental health, growing up, and the struggles of living in a small town. Through rich character development and emotional storytelling, the game captures the complexity of life and the challenges of finding one’s place in the world. It’s a relatable, heartfelt game that beautifully blends humour and emotional depth.
Looking for more Emotional Games?
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