Cosy PC games: gentle, unhurried and with no combat

If you're looking for cosy PC games, you want something that turns the pace down: a warm atmosphere, no enemies chasing you and no pressure to progress. These seven from the catalogue have that in common, and all of them are Verified for Steam Deck. What changes is the task you unwind with: wandering, building, tidying, cleaning or brewing potions.

For wandering and getting lost without a map

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  A Short HikeAdventure · Exploration · CosyWhen you want a complete, lovely experience with no pressure at all: it fits in one or two sessions and leaves you in a good mood.When to play it and when not to
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  LoddlenautCosy · Exploration · CleaningWhen you want to unwind doing something useful and lovely: cleaning an area gives instant satisfaction.When to play it and when not to

A Short Hike puts you in the shoes of Claire, who has to reach the top of a mountain to get a phone signal. Along the way you glide, climb, fish and chat to charming characters. According to its game details, you can finish it in an afternoon, so it's perfect if you don't play much.

Loddlenaut is about cleaning up a polluted ocean planet: you suck up rubbish with a bubble gun, recycle it to craft upgrades and raise little axolotl-like creatures. There's no combat and no rush, and it lasts around seven or eight hours. It's short on purpose, so if you want a huge world it will feel small.

For building with no rules or goals

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  Tiny GladeBuilding · Creative toy · CosyWhen you want to create something beautiful with no rules or rush: a short session is enough to finish a small diorama.When to play it and when not to
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  DorfromantikBuilding · Puzzle · CosyIdeal for 20-40 minutes of calm: each game builds a beautiful landscape and you always want one more tile.When to play it and when not to

Tiny Glade has no goals or resources: you draw walls, paths and houses, and the game turns them into castles and villages that adapt to the terrain by themselves. One short session is enough to finish a little diorama. If you need targets or progression, it has none, on purpose.

Dorfromantik is a digital board game: you place hexagonal tiles of forests, fields, rivers and villages to form a landscape. Completing quests earns you more tiles and extends the game. Its game details recommend it for 20-40 minutes of calm, with just the right amount of planning.

For tidying and cleaning with your brain switched off

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  UnpackingPuzzle · Cosy · NarrativeWhen you need to switch off with something tidy and satisfying. Each move takes about 20 minutes.When to play it and when not to
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  PowerWash SimulatorSimulation · Cosy · Co-opWhen your brain needs to switch off: there's nothing to think about, just aim and watch the progress. You can stop whenever you like.When to play it and when not to

Unpacking is about taking objects out of boxes and placing them in each new home of someone's life. There's no dialogue: the story is told through what they keep, what disappears and what doesn't fit. Each move lasts about 20 minutes, and the game is short and contemplative.

PowerWash Simulator hands you a pressure washer to leave vehicles, houses and parks spotless. It sounds absurd and it's hypnotic: watching the dirt disappear layer by layer. It supports co-op, and its game details call it “therapy, not adventure”: if you want excitement or a story, look elsewhere.

For a calm routine

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  Potion Craft: Alchemist SimulatorSimulation · Puzzle · ShopWhen you want a relaxed routine with a bit of ingenuity: a day in the shop lasts just a few minutes.When to play it and when not to

Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator has you run a potion shop with a medieval manuscript look. You brew each potion by navigating an alchemy map and moving ingredients, then haggle with customers. A day in the shop lasts just a few minutes, but the loop is always brew and sell, with no story or action.

How to choose yours

• Short on time? A Short Hike and Unpacking can be finished in a couple of evenings; you'll find more ideas in what to play if you only have 30 minutes.
• Want to create? Tiny Glade and Dorfromantik.
• Want to switch your brain off? PowerWash Simulator.
• Something for several weeks? These are mostly short. If you prefer a farm or a long routine, browse the catalogue's Cozy tag in the recommender.

Which one is for you today?

Tell us how much energy and time you have and we'll suggest one. If you connect your Steam account, we choose from the games you already own.