22 Cozy Games to Get You Through the Hoa Hoa Hoa Season
Fall is here, and I couldn’t be more excited! The air is crisp, the leaves are crunching underfoot, and the world seems to be bathed in golden light. It’s the perfect season to cozy up indoors with a hot cup of tea (or cocoa!) and lose yourself in a game that feels like a warm hug. Welcome to what the internet calls the “hoa hoa hoa” season, a nod to the Twilight era with a little spooky edge. And what better way to celebrate this magical time than by diving into some games that are just as cozy and comforting as a well-worn blanket?
In this post, I’m sharing some great picks of the coziest games to help you get through these shorter, chillier days. From heartwarming narratives to whimsical worlds, here are 22 games that are perfect for the "hoa hoa hoa" season. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or just some seasonal vibes, there's something here for everyone!
1. Night in the Woods
If you love fall aesthetics, Night in the Woods is a must. This game oozes autumn, with its orange-tinted skies and small-town charm. You follow Mae, a college dropout returning to her hometown, only to discover that things are... different. It's not only a visually stunning game but one packed with emotional depth. The characters are quirky and lovable, and the game explores themes of mental health, friendship, and change. It’s perfect for cozy evenings when you want to reflect on life while being charmed by a cat protagonist (Mae is adorably relatable, honestly).
2. The Wild at Heart
In The Wild at Heart, you'll guide two young adventurers through a magical, mystical forest filled with whimsy and secrets. The cozy, hand-drawn art style feels straight out of a storybook, making this an ideal game to play when you want to be whisked away into a lush, green world. It’s a blend of adventure and puzzle-solving, perfect for those days when you want something calming yet engaging. Plus, it’s got that touch of fall magic with the forest vibes.
3. REKA
REKA is a cozy life-simulation game where you play as a witch apprentice to the legendary witch, Baba Jaga, living in a customizable house on chicken legs. Yes, you heard that right! It’s an enchanting mix of crafting, home-building, and exploration, set in a magical and mysterious world. REKA is all about embracing the slow, magical pace of life, which is exactly what the “hoa hoa hoa” season is all about.
4. Wytchwood
Ready for some spellcrafting? Wytchwood is a beautiful crafting adventure where you play as an old witch, gathering ingredients to create potions, spells, and whimsical concoctions. The art style is delightfully storybook-like, and the gameplay is incredibly chill. It’s the perfect mix of cozy crafting and magical mischief, making it a great companion for those rainy fall days.
5. Tiny Glade
This one's for my fellow cozy builders. Tiny Glade is a peaceful game about constructing small, serene environments. There’s no pressure, no enemies - just pure, simple creativity. You can create castles, bridges, and cozy spots to your heart's content. If you’re someone who loves getting lost in a flow state, this game is like a meditative breath of fresh air.
6. Oxenfree
If you enjoy your cozy games with a dash of mystery, Oxenfree should be on your radar. It’s a supernatural thriller, but don’t let that fool you, it’s still got plenty of cozy vibes, with its focus on friendships and exploring a hauntingly beautiful island. The dialogue system is sharp, and the story is intriguing without being too intense, making it a perfect game to play while snuggled up in a blanket.
7. Beacon Pines
Imagine a game that feels like you’re reading through a beautifully illustrated, mysterious storybook - Beacon Pines is exactly that! You play as both the reader and the protagonist, with branching storylines and puzzles to solve as you help a small-town deer uncover secrets. It’s got that perfect fall feeling, mixing heartwarming moments with a bit of eerie mystery.
8. A Short Hike
Sometimes, you just need a simple game to soothe your soul. A Short Hike is a tiny, delightful game where you climb a mountain as a cute little bird. The experience is calm and relaxing, letting you explore the wilderness at your own pace, meeting charming characters along the way. The art style and soundtrack are as cozy as it gets, making this game perfect for a quiet afternoon.
9. Graveyard Keeper
Okay, hear me out. Managing a medieval graveyard may not sound cozy, but trust me - Graveyard Keeper is quirky and oddly relaxing! The gameplay mixes farming, crafting, and running your very own graveyard (with a bit of dark humor sprinkled in). It’s cozy in its own unique way, especially if you enjoy games like Stardew Valley but are looking for something with a spooky twist for the season.
10. The Last Campfire
This gorgeous puzzle adventure from the creators of No Man’s Sky is equal parts whimsical and melancholic. The Last Campfire is all about helping lost souls find their way, wrapped in a stunning world full of puzzles and heartwarming moments. The cozy art style, emotional storytelling, and gentle pacing make this a perfect game for autumn nights when you want to feel all the feels.
11. Cult of the Lamb
Who knew leading a cult could be cozy? In Cult of the Lamb, you play as an adorable lamb who starts a cult in a whimsical, darkly comedic world. Despite its darker themes, the game has a certain cozy appeal with its cute characters, base-building mechanics, and satisfying progression. It’s a quirky pick for when you want something a bit offbeat, with plenty of charm.
12. Bear and Breakfast
This one’s for my fellow cozy game lovers who adore management sims. In Bear and Breakfast, you run a bed-and-breakfast as a bear, of course! The hand-drawn art is sweet, and the gameplay is all about creating a comfy, welcoming environment for your guests. It’s full of light-hearted humor and laid-back gameplay, making it a perfect fall escape.
13. DREDGE
If you’re craving something a bit more eerie for the season, DREDGE has you covered. It’s a fishing game, but with a Lovecraftian twist. You’ll explore mysterious waters, uncovering secrets beneath the surface. While it might have a darker edge, the gameplay is still incredibly relaxing and cozy - ideal for those days when you want a little more mystery with your cozy gaming.
14. Seasons after Fall
In Seasons after Fall, you play as a fox on a journey to restore the seasons. The hand-painted art style is jaw-droppingly beautiful, and the gameplay is as relaxing as it gets. It’s all about the changing seasons, and the way the game captures the essence of fall is pure magic. A perfect pick for anyone who loves the idea of a cozy, magical world steeped in nature.
15. Spiritfarer
Spiritfarer is a cozy management game where you help spirits pass on to the afterlife. Despite the heavier themes, the game is ultimately heartwarming, with charming characters, lovely visuals, and a deeply emotional story. It’s a great game for reflecting on life and loss while also enjoying some cozy, slow-paced gameplay.
16. Cozy Grove
For fans of daily cozy games, Cozy Grove is a life-sim set on a haunted, ever-changing island. You help ghostly inhabitants by completing tasks, decorating, and exploring. It has a seasonal event in October, making it the perfect game to dip into daily during the “hoa hoa hoa” season. The hand-drawn art style and charming characters make this a must-play for anyone who loves a cozy life-sim with a spooky, fall twist.
17. The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood
If you're craving something more magical and mystical for fall, The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood is your go-to. This narrative-driven game is about building relationships and crafting tarot cards, weaving a cozy, witchy atmosphere perfect for the season. The storytelling is rich, and the mystical undertones make it a great fit for those seeking deeper themes wrapped in cozy gameplay.
18. Strange Horticulture
For all my plant lovers out there, Strange Horticulture is the perfect blend of mystery and botany. You run a plant shop and solve puzzles by identifying mysterious plants. The darker, gothic atmosphere blends beautifully with the cozy, calming act of tending to plants, making it a perfect fit for those chilly autumn afternoons when you want something a bit different.
19. Lake
In Lake, you play as Meredith, who temporarily returns to her hometown to deliver mail. This slice-of-life game is slow-paced, focusing on simple pleasures - driving around, delivering letters, and chatting with townsfolk. It's cozy, calming, and full of heart, making it the perfect game to unwind with after a long day.
20. The Walking Dead
While The Walking Dead might not seem cozy at first glance, it can definitely fit that niche for those who find comfort in immersive storytelling and deep character relationships. Despite the darker themes, the emotional bonds and narrative choices create a strangely comforting experience, reminding us that sometimes cozy can also mean intense connection and survival.
21. Life Is Strange
The Life Is Strange series is known for its heartfelt storytelling and deep emotional moments. The autumn vibes, supernatural elements, and focus on relationships make this a perfect game for the “hoa hoa hoa” season. It’s a blend of cozy and emotional, where you’ll feel fully immersed in the small-town setting and the rich, compelling characters.
22. Stardew Valley
No cozy game list would be complete without Stardew Valley. Whether you’re farming, fishing, or building relationships with the charming townsfolk, this game is the ultimate in cozy comfort. With its simple but addictive gameplay and pixel art style, Stardew Valley lets you create your own relaxing routine, perfect for escaping into when the days get shorter and colder.
Wrapping Up the Cozy Vibes
There you have it - 22 cozy games perfect for this magical, mystical "hoa hoa hoa" season! Whether you want to lose yourself in a quiet hike, manage a spooky graveyard, or help spirits find peace, these games offer something for everyone who loves a mix of coziness and autumn vibes.
So, grab your blanket, make a warm drink, and dive into one (or all) of these lovely games! And don’t forget to let me know which ones you end up playing. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
For more cozy game recommendations, check here.