The Best Cozy Games to Play When Using Cannabis

There’s a sort of magic in pairing the right strain with the right game; not the kind of game that demands quick reflexes or adrenaline, but one that lets you settle in, exhale, and just be while you play. Enter: cozy games.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, video games can even be beneficial for the brain. We’re talking better hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and improved cognitive function (depending on the game).

And, maybe adding a little green to your session can bump up the relaxation factor. This guide explores the best cozy games to pair with a bowl, gummy, or any other favorite way to consume.

What are Cozy Games?

Cozy games are low-pressure titles that focus on relaxation over competition. Instead of fast-paced action or intense challenges, these games focus on gentle mechanics like:

• Farming.
• Decorating.
• Exploring.
• Developing relationships.
• Story-building.

The visuals are often soft, the music soothing, and the gameplay is set to let you unwind at your own pace.

While not all cozy games are completely free of combat, they tend to minimize stress and keep things casual. That makes them especially appealing when you’re stoned or feeling the other effects of cannabis.

Does Gaming Platform Matter?

Not really. You can find cozy games on Steam, the PlayStation Store, Xbox Game Pass, Nintendo Switch, and even mobile platforms like iOS and the Google Play Store. Many titles are available on more than one platform, so you don't need a specific setup to enjoy them.

The platform you choose just depends on what feels most comfortable. Some love the portability of a Switch; some prefer relaxing on the couch with a controller in hand. Others feel more at home with a keyboard and mouse, playing where indie PC titles shine. Whatever your setup, there’s something cozy out there for you to play on.

Best Cozy Games to Play While High (and What Platform(s) They’re On)

Some games on this list are more relaxing than others, but every gamer is different. It’s why “cozy games” is such a broad category, and why this guide includes a little bit of everything. 

Whether you’re looking for a game that’s slow and soothing or something a bit more immersive, these titles may pair well with cannabis, with most available across several platforms. Many can be played with friends, either online or through local co-op.

Stardew Valley

You can’t have a list of relaxing games without including Stardew Valley. Released in 2016, the BAFTA-nominated title was developed by a team of one and went on to become a legend in indie casual gaming.

The premise is simple: you’ve inherited your grandpa’s old farm plot, and it’s time to start a new life. You’ll farm, forage, fish, mine, and even dip into a bit of light combat in the caves. But the real charm comes from the storylines, slow pacing, and cozy atmosphere that make it easy to get lost for hours, especially when you’re in the right headspace to unwind.

• Play It On: Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, iOS, Google Play Store

Coral Island

Coral Island takes the classic farm-sim formula and adds an eco-conscious twist. You’ll grow crops, clean up the ocean, and connect with a diverse cast of islanders, all at your own pace. It’s a solid pick when you want something familiar, soothing, and a little more modern than Stardew.

• Play It On: PlayStation 5, Xbox, Steam

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

You’ve escaped to a deserted island to build your own personal paradise (after taking out a hefty loan from a raccoon in a sweater vest). Now, it’s all exploring, decorating, gardening, and befriending your animal neighbors. The real-time pacing and open-ended goals are perfect for unwinding and settling into a softer rhythm.

• Play It On: Exclusively Nintendo Switch

Cozy Grove

If Animal Crossing had ghosts and a slightly darker sense of humor, you'd get Cozy Grove. The game drops you onto a haunted island as a Spirit Scout, where your job is to help ghostly residents find peace. It’s a solid pick when you’re in the mood to relax, get introspective, and sink into something sweet and slightly spooky.

• Play It On: Epic Games Store, Steam, Nintendo Switch

Note: Cozy Grove was also previously available on Apple Arcade, but it has since been removed.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure

Hello Kitty Island Adventure is exactly what the name promises. It’s cute, cozy, island-based, and filled with Hello Kitty characters. Explore, craft, decorate, and cook alongside your favorite Sanrios! The colorful visuals, soft soundtrack, and simple mechanics make it a go-to when you’re looking for something playful to ease into.

• Play It On: Steam, Nintendo Switch, Apple Arcade

Journey

Journey is a quiet, wordless game where you glide through a vast desert toward a distant mountain. There’s no rush, no pressure, and no combat; just soft music, simple controls, and a calm sense of discovery. It pairs especially well with a mellow headspace and the urge to get a little existential.

• Play It On: Apple Arcade, PlayStation, Steam

Sun Haven

Sun Haven blends farming, magic, and RPG elements in a world where you can grow crops, cast spells, and romance villagers (both human and otherwise). It's like Stardew with more fantasy and a lot more to tinker with. That could make it ideal for some when they're a little buzzed and feeling extra curious.

• Play It On: Steam, Nintendo Switch

Disney’s Dreamlight Valley

This one’s for the Disney adults and the comfort-core gamers alike. You’ll garden, decorate, and complete quests for classic characters like Moana, WALL·E, and Scar — yes, even Scar. The game’s easy pacing and dreamy aesthetic make it a cozy go-to when you want something familiar, sparkly, and low-effort.

• Play It On: Mac App Store, Apple Arcade, Nintendo Switch, Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation, Microsoft Store, Xbox

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Sort of)

Breath of the Wild lets you roam, glide, cook, and explore without pressure. Some consumers count it in the cozy games category because you have the power to lean into a slower, softer kind of adventure.

• Play It On: Nintendo Switch

Stray

You’re a cat in a neon city. Explore, knock things over, and vibe with robots post-sesh.

• Play It On: Steam, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox

Minecraft (Especially Creative Mode)

Minecraft is an open-world sandbox that lets you explore, build, and get lost in your own pace. That's made it a favorite for stoned players who want freedom without pressure.

• Where to Play It

Astroneer

Explore a colorful planet and reshape the terrain freely. A solid game for when cannabis has you feeling curious and hands-on.

• Where to Play It

Dinkum

Farm, fish, and build in a laid-back Aussie world that hits just right when you want low-key structure.

• Where to Play It

Slime Rancher 2

Vacuum up bouncing slime blobs and explore bright alien biomes. It's simple, silly, and surprisingly satisfying after a sesh.

• Where to Play It

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood

Tell fortunes, cast spells, and shape fate in a moody narrative game. A worthy go-to alongside a thoughtful, relaxed high.

• Where to Play It

Palia

Garden, cook, fish, and hang with friends in a cozy online world built for chill vibes and easy goals. No combat.

• Where to Play It

Palworld

Catch creatures, farm, and craft gear in a wild mashup of cute and chaotic. It can be especially fun when you’re feeling buzzed but curious.

• Where to Play It

Project Rhombus

Minimal puzzles, ambient music, and clean visuals make this a calming pick when you're feeling floaty.

• Where to Play It

Tetris Effect

Think classic Tetris reimagined with pulsing music and visuals that hit especially hard when you’re dialed in.

• Where to Play It

The Sims 4

Build, design, and mildly torment your digital sims in whatever weird scenario feels right at the moment.

• Where to Play It

Powerwash Simulator

Point, spray, repeat. This one scratches the itch for mindless tasks and deeply satisfying progress.

• Where to Play It

House Flipper 2

Clean, renovate, and decorate run-down homes while your brain gets a break from, well, everything else.

• Where to Play It

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.