Cozy games and why we keep coming back

Not every game needs to challenge you. Some evenings you just want something warm and undemanding, and that's where titles like Meadowgate Farm earn their keep.

The magic of a good cozy sim is in the small loops: plant, tend, grow, repeat, plus little social and crafting threads to pull on. There's always a tiny next thing to do, but never any pressure to do it now.

We think these games are underrated as a way to wind down. They give your hands something to do while your brain relaxes, which is exactly what a lot of people want from a phone game.

Our advice for cozy sims: ignore the min-maxing guides. Play slowly, decorate badly, and enjoy the quiet.