Winter is upon us, and before everyone cozily snuggles into their blankets with their favorite assortment of nuts and dried fruits, it’s highly recommended to purchase some games that are perfect for the chilly weather. A portable console, like aNintendo Switchor a Steam Deck, is perfect for this weather as it lets players snuggle inside a comforter and play deep into the night. But even on a console, players can use a blanket, sit on the couch, and experience their games in full graphical fidelity on a bigger screen.
10 Coziest Steam Deck Games
If you’re looking to your Steam Deck to unwind and want a comfy game to help you relax after a long day, these are the best.
It’s perfectly natural to be a bit lazy during the winters, with fast-paced or competitive games just seeming too much of an effort to play. But the following games will fit just right in with the seasonal vibes, as they aren’t particularly taxing and focus more on the environments, the story, or just a laid-back, no-pressure gameplay loop.
8A Short Hike
Climb a Mountain From Your Home
A Short Hike
Set in the serene Hawk Peak Provincial Park, A Short Hike is the ultimate cozy game for a chilly winter day. Players take on the role of Claire, a young bird exploring the park in search of cell reception at its peak. The premise of the story isn’t as important as the journey itself, as players will interact with other quirky hikers, complete small side activities like fishing or racing, and glide through gorgeous, pixelated landscapes.
The relaxing soundtrack and heartwarming dialogue capture the joy of simple pleasures, making it a perfect escape for players who want to stay cozy indoors during the colder months of the year.
7The Witness
Difficult Puzzles in a Beautiful World
The Witness
Jonathan Blow’sThe Witnessis an atmospheric puzzle game set on a beautiful, but mysterious island. Each corner of this island is brimming withintricate puzzlesand stunning landscapes, making exploration feel almost meditative.
The island’s serene beauty, with its tranquil forests, shimmering waters, and snow-tipped mountain peaks, feels especially fitting during the winter. The absence of combat or time pressure lets players approach the game at their own pace, making it a deeply immersive and contemplative experience to enjoy while wrapped in a warm blanket.
Underwater Exploration
Abzuis an underwater exploration game that immerses players in the tranquility of the ocean. The vibrant aquatic environments and dreamlike art style create a soothing experience as players swim alongside schools of fish and explore ancient ruins.
While winter might make you think of snow, Abzu brings a warm, calming atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the season’s chill. Its orchestral soundtrack and gentle gameplay let players relax and lose themselves in its mesmerizing underwater world, making it a perfect choice for anyone feeling particularly lazy during a chilly Sunday evening.
5Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Breathing Fire Into Your Winters
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Spyro: Reignited Trilogyrevives the nostalgia of the classicplatformerswith vibrant visuals and charming gameplay. Following Spyro the Dragon, players will explore the Dragon Realms which are full of collectibles, quirky characters, and lighthearted fun.
The snow-filled levels like Crystal Glacier or Icy Speedway feel especially fitting for winter, and the fire-breathing Spyro himself brings the perfect contrast when things get particularly chilly. Players who have played Spyro games from the PS1 era will also get hit with a healthy dose of nostalgia when jumping into this remake, which is just what the doctor asks for in winter.
4Firewatch
Roaming a Beautiful Forest in Autumn
Set in the Wyoming wilderness,Firewatchtells an emotional story about isolation and human connection. As Henry, a fire lookout who took on this job to spend his summer in solitude, players will be tasked with keeping a lookout for sudden fires while being able to communicate via radio with only one other person, Delilah, who’s Henry’s superior.
Review: Firewatch
Touching, beautiful and tense, Firewatch is one first person experience that you should absolutely indulge in. Find out why in our review.
While the game takes place in summer, its quiet, contemplative tone and breathtaking sunsets evoke the warmth of a winter fireplace. The game’s story-driven gameplay, deep dialogue, and atmospheric setting are perfect for getting lost in an intimate, well-crafted narrative.
3Disco Elysium
Your Decisions Actually Matter
Disco Elysium
More of a visual novel than anything,Disco Elysiumcrafts a masterful story that changes based on the player’s decisions. Since there’sno pressure to win battles, or complete missions within a time limit, it’s the perfect game for a cozy, winter evening.
Set in the cold, rain-drenched city of Revachol, the game’s atmosphere pairs well with winter’s quiet. Players take on the role of a troubled detective who’s trying to solve a murder while navigating personal demons. The game tackles themes of existentialism and despair, which might be a bit much for some people, but its incredibly engaging storytelling and dialogue-driven gameplay, which can be hilarious at times, makes it a slow-paced and thought-provoking experience.
2Stardew Valley
Live a Farmer’s Life
Stardew Valley
Nothing can be more soothing and cathartic thanbuilding a farm, tending to the crops, and raising livestock while trying to live the low-key life of a rural settler. That’s exactly whatStardew Valleylets players do, and no other title embodies the spirit of coziness stronger than this title.
And when it’s winter season in Stardew Valley, the environments get especially magical, with snowy landscapes, wholesome festivals, and the opportunity to spend more time mining or fishing. The game’s laid-back pace, endless list of activities, and soothing soundtrack make it the perfect companion for a quiet winter evening by the fire.
It’s probably just me, but I have tried to play Stardew Valley multiple times, but the game is just not for me. So far, I have never been able to fully invest myself in Stardew Valley, but I’m sure I will try to get into it again.
Swords and Dragons
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Everyone is an adventurer until they take an arrow to the knee. But in this example, the arrow is the chilly winter weather, and the result is a lazy evening where sitting next to the fireplace and sipping coffee is the only thing players want to do. In such scenarios, Elder Scrolls 5 is probably the best game for players who want to immerse themselves inSkyrim’smajestic, magical, and sometimes terrifying world, right from the comfort of their blanket.
If taking on Draugrs or Bandits sounds too stressful, players can always roam around in one of the many towns of Skyrim, visit the houses, interact with people, complete side quests, and engage in side activities to pass the time. There is alchemy to practice, stealth to master, smithing to perfect, and a plethora of other things that make players feel like they are a part of this world.
Considered a timeless title for the cold months of winter, not just because of the snow-covered mountains, frosty forests, and roaring hearths in every inn, but because of the unparalleled sense of adventure found in the game and the freedom to do whatever players want to.
