So you want to be a gamer? Or maybe you’re looking for a new hobby, and gaming is something that you’ve never really tried before. Gaming doesn’t have to be overwhelming or intense. There are so many cozy options that are completely beginner-friendly.
All of these games are Nintendo Switch-specific. I personally feel like the Switch has the most cozy gaming options. If you have another console, check out my other gaming guides!
What Makes a Game Beginner-Friendly?
When I was putting together this list, I tried to think about the elements that were important to me at the beginning of my gaming journey.
These are the criteria I came up with:
- Minimal and/or simple controls that are intuitive
- Zero to minimal combat
- Forgiving gameplay (including “Story Mode” for the higher intensity games)
- Relaxed pacing (go-at-your-own-pace)
- No prior gaming experience needed
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love or think you’ll enjoy.
The Game List:
I’ve divided the list into three categories:
- Relaxing Life Simulation Games
- Short & Story Driven Games
- Puzzle-Based Games
For each game, I’ve given a short description, why I think it’s a beginner-friendly game, and the kind of player I think would enjoy the game the most. So, without further ado, check out my beginner-friendly suggestions!
Relaxing Life Simulation Games
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)
Description:
This was the very first game I ever played on Switch, and I don’t think any list would be complete without it. It is the ultimate cozy game for relaxing and open-ended gaming. The game starts with your (very cute) character arriving on a deserted island that you must develop into a thriving community. You get to build and decorate, talk to charming animal villagers, collect resources, and craft tools and furniture to really customize your island. It is very slow-paced and relaxing, especially because time in the game mirrors real time, even the changing of seasons and holidays. You can even play online or locally with your friends.
Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:
Because the game operates in real time, there is no pressure to act quickly. The game also isn’t quest-based, so you have the freedom to explore. You can also play as casually as you would like to; some people play a minimal amount every day, while others really invest and customize their island to an impressive degree. Whatever your gaming style, Animal Crossing will not disappoint.
Who Would Enjoy it the Most?
Anyone who is looking for an entry-level game with very slow pacing. If you just want to log in for a little while each day, you’ll probably enjoy the low-stakes gameplay.
Disney Dreamlight Valley (2022)
Description:
As someone who has put over 100 hours into this game and grew up as a Disney kid, I could never recommend it enough. Dreamlight Valley is a life-simulation adventure that also features quest-based gameplay. It is set in a magical valley with distinct biomes populated by Disney and Pixar characters. You play as a (fully-customizable) character tasked with restoring the valley and recovering the villagers’ lost memories. It is a great open-world life simulation, but one driven by quests and a strong narrative.
Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:
I think this game is so accessible because it has clear directions for each quest, so it eliminates a lot of the stress of trying to figure out what you’re supposed to be doing. Each quest’s tasks are clearly displayed on your screen, the controls are simple and intuitive, and time in the game mirrors real time, so the pacing can be as slow as you want it to be.
Who Would Enjoy it the Most?
Obviously, this game is perfect for Disney-lovers, but I would argue that it can be extremely magical for all players. If you want a straightforward kind of gaming experience with clear quests and a deeper-than-expected narrative, give it a try.
Cozy Grove (2021)
Description:
This game is a life simulation/cozy management game in which you play as a Spirit Scout camping on a haunted island. It focuses on helping the ghost characters through small daily tasks. Each spirit has a unique personality and backstory, so all of the quests are unique.
Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:
This game is designed for short sessions with very gentle pacing. The island operates in real time and offers a limited number of new quests and objects each day, which are intended to take 30 minutes to an hour to complete.
Who Would Enjoy it the Most?
This game is perfect for people who don’t want long gaming sessions. It’s also great if you like simple daily routines and check-ins.
Short & Story Driven Games
A Short Hike (2019)
Description:
A Short Hike is an adventure and exploration game with a relaxed vibe. You play as Clair, a bird visiting Hawk Peak Provincial Park. The goal is to climb the mountain to get cell phone reception. You can explore while collecting golden feathers to increase stamina, find fun side quests, and interact with the other hikers.
Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:
You can go completely at your own pace. There is no pressure to do anything quickly, and you can play in short bursts and still get the full experience. The controls are very simple, so there isn’t much of a learning curve for this one.
Who Would Enjoy it the Most?
This game is perfect if you want a relaxing experience that doesn’t require a lot of time. It’s all about exploration, so it is kind of up to you to shape your own gaming experience, which I think is great for beginners.
Spiritfarer (2020)
Description:
This is a management adventure game that uses resource management, crafting, and exploration to tell a (sometimes very sad) story about death. You play as Stella, a young woman who becomes the Spiritfarer, the person responsible for guiding souls to the afterlife. You are tasked with building and customizing the boat, gathering necessary resources, exploring nearby islands, and, most importantly, fulfilling the last wishes of the spirits before they move to the other side. There are some pretty intense themes of grief, acceptance, and closure for each of the spirits, and it might make you cry, but in the best way.
Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:
The game is relatively simple, so the gameplay is easy to understand. The emotional stories really draw you in, and you’ll probably become invested really quickly.
Who Would Enjoy it the Most?
If you love an impactful, emotional narrative that really makes you feel something, this is the one for you. It is a meaningful, slower-paced game that invites a lot of reflection for the player.
Puzzle-Based Games
Unpacking (2021)
Description:
This is a puzzle game that asks you to unpack a character’s belongings and arrange them in new homes. It gives the satisfaction of organizing while also adding a storytelling element. Each level involves moving to a new home, and you learn about each character through their possessions. It uses pixel graphics and ambient sounds to create a super relaxing, low-stress atmosphere.
Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:
I love this game because there are no timers or scores. You are only trying to find the most logical, impactful places for each of the characters’ possessions. There is no dialogue or narrative that you must follow; you can move through the story at your own pace. Failure isn’t possible, so it is very relaxing and a great game for beginners.
Who Would Enjoy it the Most?
People who love organizing and putting things into their most logical, aesthetic places will really like the flow of this game. It’s meditative and really easy to kind of lock in.
Dorfromantik (2022)
Description:
This is a calming, puzzle-strategy game that uses tile-placement mechanics. It has a super peaceful aesthetic and vibe, and it really encourages you to be creative as you place the hexagonal tiles to build landscapes featuring villages, forests, rivers, and railways. You earn points for completing different tasks, with no time limits and unlimited resources.
Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:
This game is great for beginners because there is no pressure to do anything specific and no time limits. It is very intuitive and easy to learn the gameplay cadence.
Who Would Enjoy it the Most?
If you’re looking for a calm, gentle gaming experience, or if you like patterns and repetitive (but in a calming, not boring way) tasks, then definitely give this one a play.
How to Choose Your First Game
If this list is even too long for you, here are my pared-down suggestions:
- If you like decorating and crafting…choose Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
- If you like emotional stories…choose Spiritfarer.
- If you want familiar characters…choose Disney Dreamlight Valley.
- If you want something short…choose A Short Hike.
A Gentle Reminder
Not all video games are super intense or combat-based. There is a whole cozy-gaming world out there that doesn’t require you to be “good” at anything. So, start with one of these simple yet wildly enjoyable games for a cozy escape from the ordinary.
