I asked self-identified cozy gamers across Facebook, Reddit, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and my Charmers one simple question:

What 2025 cozy game releases are you looking forward to the most?

160 cozy gamers responded, listing 98 unique titles in total. Using this data as my sample size to represent the greater cozy gamer population, these are 2025's top 10 most anticipated cozy game releases. Now, sit back and get ready to grow that wishlist. RIP your wallet.

2025's Top 5 Most Anticipated Cozy Game Releases

The character customizer doesn't get more granular than this. ∙ Still courtesy of Paralives teamCozy CCC

#5 Paralives ∙ Release Date: 2025 (early access)

Price: TBA
Platforms: PC and Mac
Where To Purchase: Steam
Votes: 5%

Move into a new town and build out every facet of your life, including your own face. As a direct rival to The Sims, this game took the #5 spot with 5% of surveyed cozy gamers naming Paralives as their most anticipated 2025 cozy game release.

It's almost time to hop on the hype train. ∙ Still courtesy of Sanrio Co. LTD

#4 Hello Kitty Island Adventure (Switch) ∙ Release Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025

Price: $39.99+
Platforms: Switch, PC, iOS
Where To Purchase: Apple Arcade, Nintendo eShop, Steam
Votes: 8%

With mentions by 8% of surveyed cozy gamers, the #4 spot goes to this beloved Sanrio creation which is being adding to Nintendo Switch & PC marketplaces later this month. At first glance, Hello Kitty Island Adventure may remind you of Animal Crossing, what with its adorable characters and immersive simulation. However, it goes a little deeper than that.

It's going to be the largest open-world game in the Fantasy Life franchise. ∙ Graphic courtesy of Nintendo

#3 Fantasy Life i: The Girl That Steals Time ∙ Release Date: April 2025

Price: TBA
Platforms: Switch
Where To Purchase: Nintendo eShop (listing not available yet)
Votes: 10%

Create your own characters and switch your POV between all their different lives. You can play online & offline both solo-dolo and duo-dolo. This chibi sequel to the Nintendo 3DS classic garnered 10% of surveyed cozy gamers' votes.

As an IRL bookshop owner myself, I'm really looking forward to this one. ∙ GIF courtesy of Tiny Bookshop team

#2 Tiny Bookshop ∙ Release Date: 2025

Price: TBA
Platforms: Steam Deck, PC, Mac
Where To Purchase: Steam
Votes: 14%

Coming in at #2 we have the dark horse favorite, Tiny Bookshop. Travel around with your book trailer, setting up in scenic spots, stocking your shelves, and spreading literature all around. This indie game beat out big budget titles, claiming 14% of surveyed cozy gamers' votes.

Get ready for breakfast. And second breakfast. ∙ Graphic courtesy of Tales of the Shire team

#1 Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game ∙ Release Date: March 26, 2025

Price: TBA
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Where To Purchase: PlayStation Store, Xbox.com, Nintendo eShop (listing not yet available), Steam
Votes: 22%

What if we skipped all the war parts and just enjoyed the cozy little shire instead? Every LOTR fan just said, "Yes, please" – and that accounts for 22% of surveyed cozy gamers. Releasing this spring, you'll be able to enjoy your own Hobbit hovel and all that Middle Earth has to offer.

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