Cozy Games without farming
This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase a product through one of these links, I may receive monetary compensation. This will in no way alter the opinions that I share on this website as they are all mine unless otherwise stated. Please see my full blog disclosure for more information regarding this matter here.
If you’re looking for some variety for your cozy gaming sessions then check out this article for 6 games without farming.
I’ll admit, I do love a cozy farming sim game. The simple cottagecore life that is often portrayed in popular games such as Stardew Valley or Coral Island are staples that add so much more to the genre.
However, farming as a gaming mechanic can get pretty repetitive and if you’re anything like me you’re not great at keeping up with plants (sooooooo many dead plants).
That said, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to switch things up a bit for your gaming sessions. Whether you absolutely despise having farming in your cozy games or you’re looking to expand your horizons this article has got you covered.
This post is here to give you 6 cozy games without farming to add to your gaming backlog. If this sounds like your jam then keep on reading.
Bear and Breakfast
Do you like business sims? Do you love furry animal characters? Ever wanted to build a life in the woods? This is the game for you. Play as Hank, a young bear, as you seek to build your own hospitality business in the woods. Create your own hotels and attract tourists as you seek to become the BEARY best (No, I will not apologize) host that these woods have ever seen. Build vacation spots, refresh the forest, and witness an interesting story as you follow Hank on his new business venture.
This game is a charming one with a very quirky tone that precedes the entire game. While I think that there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to the Switch controls for this title I do think this game is fun all around if you’re willing to learn how everything works. This is a great game for those looking for a new twist on the business management sim with an interesting story and an added variety.
Little Sim World
Do you like simulation games but does the thought of running your own business make you break out in hives? Then grab your anti-itch cream and check out Little Sim World. This game allows you to create your own character and start a new life in Little London. Explore the city, make new friends, develop your skills, and create a life that you love within this charming game.
I personally have been LOVING this game and while it could still use some tweaks due to it still being in early access I do think this is a great contender for some popularity within the cozy gaming space. This is game great if you like a lot of the mechanics from the Sims franchise but with a more polished feel.
I will say that this game does require a good bit of time management if you do decide to take part in most of the experiences the game has to offer but so long as you keep up with your overall need bars (such as hunger, thirst, cleanliness, etc.) you should be good to go.
The Untitled Goose Game
Do you like being a menace to society? Then you should play the Untitled Goose Game. This is a short almost puzzle style cozy game that allows you to create mischief within a charming countryside town. In this game you play as a nameless goose who is bent on causing problems for the humans within your vicinity. As you progress through the game you cross tasks off your list as you seek to explore the city and complete your to-do list.
Steal food for a picnic, get on tv by sneaking into an electronics store, and leave a trail of utter mayhem in your wake. The Untitled Goose Game has a lot of character and is a great fit for those looking a cozy game without gardening. Want to include your partner in crime? This game also has two player capabilities so that you can double your trouble.
The game is not high stakes but will make you turn on your brain to be able to figure out how to complete everything the game throws at you. However, nothing is too hard and if you’re looking for something relaxing then I highly recommend The Untitled Goose Game.
Trash Goblin
You and I both know you have an inner goblin so why not let them take control to choose the cozy games you play once in a while? The game Trash Goblin lets you do just that by allowing you to run the trash and trinket business you never knew you wanted. In this game you are a goblin who has been let off their leash by their mentor and allowed to run their own trinket shop. Take the reigns and become a full-fledged trinketeer as you scrub, chisel, and sell your way to success.
This title features a unique premise with a very satisfying set of gaming mechanics. While this game could technically be categorized as a business sim it’s really just all about trinket renovation. As you receive customers at your door you will get interesting requests for items such as bed pans, hair pins, mugs, and various other treasures.
You can dig through the bags of garbage to try and find that one piece or you can Frankenstein it by super gluing different pieces together. If you’re someone who likes satisfying cleaning gameplay or tinkering around with different pieces then you will love Trash Goblin.
Coffee Caravan
Looking for some more stripped down business sim gameplay? Then Coffee Carvan is the game for you. Run your own coffee food truck and satiate the caffeine addicts in your area as you build up your own little coffee hub. Customize your truck and upgrade your business as you get more and more customers to come and enjoy your beverages. With customizable difficulty settings, fun business mechanics, and a simple feel to the game you’ll love all that Coffee Caravan has to offer.
This title is a great option for those looking to dip their toes in the business sim genre. This game is not complicated to learn and gives the you the ability to quickly learn the mechanics without feeling overwhelmed. You’re also able to toggle the difficulty settings to allow for a more laid-back style of play or you can ramp it up to serve as many customers as possible. If you enjoy serving people a good cup of joe then this is the game for you.
Strange Horticulture
Ok, so I know it’s a bit ironic to put a very plant centered game in a blog post that is solely about games that DON’T have farming in them but trust me when I say there is NO farming in Strange Horticulture. In this game you play as the new owner of the appropriately named plant shop known as Strange Horticulture. Within the walls of this building you remedy many of your customers’ dilemmas by using your vast array of plants to solve their problems.
This could be weird rashes, funeral décor, witchcraft, and much much more. However, all is not well in the town of Undermere, and you may find yourself wrapped up in some heavy occult activity before it’s all over with.
This game is a fun take on the puzzle style video game. This title is part time matching the proper plant to the right problem, part murder mystery, part weird plant cataloguing 101. The story telling is done so well that the player feels instantly engaged in the character’s dilemmas as you continue to unravel the happenings within Undermere and the areas beyond. I thoroughly enjoyed this game despite often being stumped by the many puzzles and riddles that the game put in front of me.
If you love plants and puzzles, with no farming, then you will love Strange Horticulture.
Sticky Business
Lastly, but certainly not least, we have Sticky Business. This is another game where you are encouraged to enjoy the tasks that that are involved in running a business rather than just the business management side of things. In this game you start your own online sticker business and get to create your very own products to sell worldwide. Pack orders and get to know your many digital patrons as you start to learn how something as small as a sticker can have a big impact on someone’s life.
This game has a very comforting feel to it that allows for a lot of potential for relaxation. Not only do you get to make your own stickers, but you get to customize the filling and wrapping of the different packages that you wrap for your customers. This level of customization captures how it feels to love what you do when owning your own business and creates a wholesome atmosphere for the player.
The cherry on top is learning about how your products have affected your customers on a personal level. With each order comes a message from different patrons often outlining why they love your stickers and how they have affected their lives.
World travelers looking for inspiration, mental health survivors needing reminders to keep going, and those looking to strengthen family bonds are all situations you will run into while playing this game. If you’re someone who has always liked creating and putting things together then you should give Sticky Business a try.