Key things
- RPGs offer a wide variety of enjoyable and relaxing experiences beyond the traditional fighting game.
- Games like Stardew Valley and Moonlighter combine simulation and RPG elements for a unique gaming experience.
- A cozy RPG like Legend of Zelda offers relaxing, immersive gameplay with open world exploration and creative elements.
There are many different genres in the wide world of video games. No matter what kind of games you're drawn to, there are plenty of choices to make to figure out what you want to play next. While many of them are fast and energy intensive, some are a little easier.
Across genres, there's no RPG quite like it. Known for its unique characters, interesting lore, and remarkable settings, this genre is impressively broad in its own right. While there are plenty of RPGs full of brutal combat, sometimes you just want to relax with a cozy RPG like one of these games.
10 Field of Masters
A little work, a little play
A mix of sim and RPG, Fields Of Mistria is a quirky game with simple graphics and mechanics for when you don't want your heart rate to start a high stress RPG. But that's not all this game has for you.
There is also a bit of romance. If you're already a fan of the RPG/sim mix from other games that have tried it, then you'll love this one. But sometimes I feel like it tried to do too much.
9 Super Mario RPG (2023)
Mario meets RPG
Although known to jump genres from time to time, Super Mario RPG was an interesting idea from Nintendo. Taking a bunch of classic characters and a fun story and implanting it on the Switch seems like an obvious choice once you dive into it.
Mario games are a classic choice for relaxation due to their bright colors, easy conflicts and simple gameplay. Meet Mallow, take on Bowser's army, and explore the world around you as a plumber on a mission.
8 Dragon Quest (series)
Look at those slimes
If you talk about RPGs long enough, you'll come across the classic fantasy RPG series known as Dragon Quest. It plays homage to a lot of standard RPG tropes like “the chosen one” and “saving the world” but does it in a pretty whimsical way.
There are lots of bright colors, friendly faces and comedic moments throughout the series. It doesn't take long to fall in love with the simple turn-based combat, especially against enemies like the classic slime.
7 EarthBound
Aliens! But cozy
A blast from the past, EarthBound is a simple JRPG where your character and his group of friends embark on a journey unlike any other. You're investigating a falling meteor, and a simple idea suddenly turns into a spectacular quest.
It sounds tense, but most of the game is traveling around the fictional Eagle Country and meeting friends and aliens. It's set the stage for a lot of JRPGs since then, and it's always nice to go back to the beginning.
Longtime Nintendo fans will recognize Ness as the main character of EarthBound, a staple of the Smash Bros. roster.
6 Monthly
Night and day
Moonlighter is an interesting concept. Where so many RPGs dip into other genres for a bit of intrigue, Moonlighter is an interesting double as it's an RPG that's half shop simulator and half action roguelite.
Your hero is a simple shop owner in a small village, but to keep the shop afloat, he has to go to different realms to fight monsters and exploit dungeons to sell valuables during the day. It's a fun concept that balances combat with plenty of convenience.
5 Bug Fables: The Eternal Tree
Big deal, small package
The Land Of Bugaria is, you guessed it, full of bugs. As three of these sentient six-legged creatures, you roam the world on a quest to change the world around you. It's a cute game from start to finish, with lots of things to keep you engaged.
Puzzles, enemies, and a fun kind of 2D art style that you don't see in many other places, it's a fun dive into cozy RPGs if you need something new to play or want a simple take on the genre. as a new player.
4 Stardew Valley
A modern classic
You can't talk about cozy RPGs without talking about Stardew Valley. It touches on some of the main aspects of the genre and leaves a lot of others behind to easily blend in with a farming simulator. The result is a game that will easily lose you days.
The main plot is simple enough: your late grandfather left you his farm in his will. You move to the titular valley to renovate the place and start a new life. It's easy, relaxing, and often cuter than you'd think possible in a farming game.
3 Pokemon (series)
Gotta catch 'em all
Becoming the best trainer has always been a goal for Pokemon fans, and that doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon. Most of your time in this unique RPG will be spent moving across different villages, towns and landscapes.
Along the way, you'll meet new challengers, make new friends, and even discover what connects a good trainer to their Pokemon. It's an often emotional journey with lots of funny moments and an often great soundtrack.
Chosen
Skyrim took the tradition that the Elder Scrolls series built from the ground up and breathed new life into it. There's a lot of combat, but it's not often strenuous, especially at higher levels. Instead, you're in for quite an adventure.
A beautiful snowy setting, a wild roster of different characters and creatures, and tons of ways to customize your character all combine to create an experience full of wonder that is talked about years later.
Not to mention you can get married, adopt a child and build your own house.
1 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Hyrule has never looked so comfortable
The Legend of Zelda series was the foundation that revolutionized the RPG genre. The series once again brings new ideas and a new challenge with Tears Of The Kingdom, with an open world and now crafting.
While there is combat, it's often not too daunting, and thanks to the open world, you can often avoid it for long periods of time as you explore Hyrule, create giant robots, and even meet new friends along the way.
