If you love the laid-back farming, crafting, and relationship-building of Stardew Valley but are ready to try something new on your Nintendo Switch, you’re in luck — the console has become a paradise for cozy gamers. From wholesome farm sims to relaxing life-sim RPGs, there’s an abundance of titles designed to help you unwind, create, and explore at your own pace. Below, we’ll look at some of the very best cozy Switch games that scratch the same itch as Stardew Valley while offering their own fresh twists.
1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
No list of cozy Switch games would be complete without Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This 2020 blockbuster gives you an unhurried island life where you gather resources, decorate your home, and befriend adorable villagers. There’s no pressure — time flows in sync with real life, and you can garden, fish, or simply relax on the beach. If you love customizing your farm in Stardew, you’ll adore designing your dream island and sharing it with friends.
2. Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town
As the spiritual successor to Harvest Moon, Story of Seasons carries the legacy of farm/life simulation. Pioneers of Olive Town lets you tame wild land, grow crops, care for livestock, and woo the locals. Its slower, pastoral feel and charming festivals make it a natural fit for players who cherish Stardew Valley’s small-town atmosphere but want more focus on animal care and farming upgrades.
3. Disney Dreamlight Valley
For players who enjoy narrative quests alongside their farming, Disney Dreamlight Valley is a whimsical choice. It blends gardening, cooking, and decorating with missions featuring classic Disney and Pixar characters. Tending your plot while chatting with Moana or Scrooge McDuck adds a unique warmth. Its frequent updates and seasonal events keep the valley lively, making it an evolving cozy hub.
4. Garden Story
Garden Story puts you in the tiny shoes of Concord, a grape hero tasked with rebuilding a peaceful village. This indie gem combines gentle adventure and resource gathering with light combat. Despite the quest to protect the Grove, the pastel visuals and chill soundtrack make it soothing. Like Stardew, it rewards daily routines — tending to gardens, crafting tools, and helping neighbors.
5. Cozy Grove
If you’re after something as calm as an autumn afternoon, Cozy Grove delivers. Set on a haunted island, you help friendly ghost bears find peace by collecting resources, crafting furniture, and brightening the landscape. It’s designed for short daily sessions, perfect for players who want to relax for 20–30 minutes each day. Its storybook art style makes every interaction feel like a warm hug.
6. My Time at Portia and My Time at Sandrock
For a more ambitious life sim, My Time at Portia and its sequel Sandrock expand the farming formula into full-scale workshop management. You’ll craft machines, gather relics in dungeons, and build relationships in vibrant towns. Their 3D worlds invite exploration while maintaining the cozy spirit of growth and community that Stardew Valley fans love.
7. Hokko Life
Often described as a blend of Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, Hokko Life emphasizes creativity. You can collect resources to design custom furniture, wallpapers, and clothes, then decorate your town to your heart’s content. It’s especially rewarding for players who enjoy crafting and designing unique spaces.
8. Littlewood
Developed by a single creator, Littlewood begins after you’ve already saved the world — meaning there’s no rush, just rebuilding a peaceful village. Farming, bug catching, and decorating combine with a charming cast of characters. Its top-down style echoes Stardew Valley while focusing entirely on relaxation.
9. Sun Haven
If you enjoy a mix of farming and fantasy RPG, Sun Haven is a great match. You can choose from several races, grow magical crops, raise pets, and even venture into monster-filled mines. With skill trees, crafting, and romance options, it offers a rich blend of mechanics while maintaining a friendly, cheerful tone.
10. Roots of Pacha
A prehistoric farming sim might sound unusual, but Roots of Pacha turns it into something delightful. You’ll develop tools, domesticate animals, and collaborate with clan members to evolve your Stone Age settlement. It channels Stardew’s cooperative spirit but with an original setting and progression system.
Tips for Choosing Your Next Cozy Game
When deciding which cozy Switch title to try next, consider:
- Play style – Do you prefer freeform creativity (Animal Crossing), narrative quests (Disney Dreamlight Valley), or structured farming (Story of Seasons)?
- Session length – Some games, like Cozy Grove, are built for short bursts, while others (My Time at Portia) suit long sessions.
- Multiplayer – If you want to relax with friends, titles such as Animal Crossing or Sun Haven support co-op play.
Why Cozy Games Resonate
Cozy games thrive because they prioritize agency, creativity, and community without punishing failure. Whether you’re tending crops at dawn or fishing by moonlight, these activities offer moments of calm in a busy world. On the Switch, portability adds another layer — you can water plants on your commute or decorate a house before bed.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch is a treasure trove for anyone seeking cozy games with the heart and warmth of Stardew Valley. From tending an orchard in Story of Seasons to befriending villagers in Littlewood, each title invites you to slow down and enjoy simple pleasures. Whether you gravitate toward farming, decorating, or light adventure, there’s a cozy experience waiting to become your next obsession.
