‘Cozy’ means something different to everyone. With fall officially here, and winter on the horizon, the idea of cozy keeps coming up. Two BGQ reviewers decided to get together and pick a couple of games that give off cozy vibes. Since there are different reasons to think something is ‘cozy’, we picked five categories, and both Andrea and April picked one game that fit.
5. Nostalgia
Sometimes it’s nothing about the game itself that makes it cozy. It’s the memories associated with it. So here are two games with warm and fuzzy memories from our reviewers.
King Oil
Chosen by Andrea
This is a great example of a game cozy only for the memories. King Oil is an area control, economic game with a certain amount of take that built in. It was published in 1974 and had this kind of gimmicky aspect with hidden slotted dials that you turned to create oil wells of varying richness. Nothing about the gameplay is cozy. But I remember very clearly being closed up in the house while a hurricane hit our town. My parents were sleeping, and my sister and I amused ourselves by playing King Oil over and over. I was safe and snug inside while a storm raged outside. I got repeatedly thrashed by my sister. Honestly, though, it’s a very cozy memory.
2-4 Players • Ages 9+ • 60 minutes
Clue
Chosen by April
Yes, Clue! I have too many cozy memories of playing this classic crime solver during childhood to ignore it on this list. While I may not play it more than once a year these days, it’s still my favorite to sit down to when I just want to relax with the other people at the table. I don’t have to think hard, just a bit of light deduction—and that’s perfect for the end of the day. In fact, the last time I played it was in candlelight during a power outage while visiting my parents. It was just the right game for the occasion!
2-6 Players • Ages 8+ • 45 minutes • $15
4. Mood
Kind of like nostalgia, a game can evoke feelings you associate with cozy, even if the game itself wouldn’t immediately come to mind as a normally cozy feeling.
Obsession
Chosen by Andrea
It took me a while to settle on a game that suited this category. But when I thought about what game makes me feel good as I am walking away from the table, Obsession was it. It might be that the theme has a real period drama kind of feel (balls and afternoon teas and matchmaking) or the fact that it’s just the right level of complexity. It keeps you focused on the game and not the rest of the world. Whatever it is, something about this game leaves me in a good mood, doesn’t matter if I win or lose.
1-4 Players • Ages 12+ • 60 minutes • $64
Fields of Arle
Chosen by April
Farming, animals, the season shift between summer and winter, the familiar and slightly… fluffy artwork, kind of just makes me want to tuck into Fields of Arle’s box for a nap. Yet the game is by no means boring, nor is it gentle on the brain, but when I’m playing, the rest of the world fades away and I find myself fully immersed. For me, this two-player worker placement game from Uwe Rosenberg is a go-to for winter game nights with my husband.
1-2 Players • Ages 12+ • 60+ minutes • $84
3. Mechanics/Mental Load
Aggressively playing games with a lot of take-that or brain-burning decisions doesn’t really mesh with the overall idea of being cozy. Which, for these reviewer,s has an element of chill and relaxation.
Cribbage
Chosen by Andrea
I play solo mostly, but if I am looking for coziness in a multi-player, I am going with Cribbage. Fairly simple rules set and one I have played so often it’s second nature. This is a traditional card game (what’s cozier than a deck of cards?) where you score based on how many 15s you can make from your hand and one open card. You also score for sets and runs. The score is kept on a wooden board with pegs. Added cozy bonus is that some boards are gorgeous and can have cozy themes or art.
2-6 Players • Ages 8+ • 30 minutes • $12
Dorfromantik: The Board Game
Chosen by April
For some reason, because Dorfromantic was a legacy game, I felt overwhelmed at the idea of actually starting it, but I was pleasantly surprised once I did and saw how simple and elegant the gameplay was. It is not too demanding, while still giving just enough space for interesting decisions. Just place tiles, complete objectives, and watch the story unfold.
1-6 Players • Ages 6+ • 30 minutes • $28
2. Art
Art, by its very nature, evokes emotions. It’s also the first thing you see when you look at a game. So what art gives our reviewers those cozy vibes, even if the gameplay doesn’t?
Everdell
Chosen by April
This is probably my most traditional choice on this list. Of the games I have played or own, I think Everdell has the coziest art. It always makes me think of the Redwall series of books. Everdell is a strategic tableau builder/worker placement that requires a lot of planning and the ability to change your plans quickly. Solo mode has the way overpowered Rugwort in the base game (unless you use fan-made variants). So not a cozy feeling game once you are playing. But the art? The art is super cozy to me.
1-4 Players • Ages 10+ • 45 minutes • $74
Tokaido
Chosen by April
It’s not that the art in Tokaido is better than other contenders; it’s that the art gets out of the way. As someone who can be overwhelmed by too much going on, I’m a fan of minimalist designs, and the white background with aesthetic pops of color in this game, along with the lovely theme of walking the Tokaido road, is a delightful respite for my busy brain.
1-5 Players • Ages 8+ • 45 minutes • $30
1. Theme
This is, of course, the most obvious of the cozy categories. It’s doubtful that anyone is going to think Memoir ‘44 is a cozy game because what about war is cozy? So what strikes the right theme chord for our reviewers?
A Nice Cuppa
Chosen by Andrea
This one is probably obvious, but for me, the best cozy theme of the games I have played is the solo only game, A Nice Cuppa. You are literally making tea by re-arranging a row of 7 cards, each of which has a randomly associated worry. You win by forgetting your worries while making tea. Definition of cozy! Expansions for the game include those cozy staples: books, pets, and sweets. It is a physical impossibility to play this game without a hot beverage to hand, adding cozy points.
1 Player • Ages 8+ • 15 minutes • $12
A Gentle Rain
Chosen by April
You have come to the lakeside to watch the lilies bloom in the rain. It’s difficult to imagine a more peaceful theme than that. Tile placement itself is relaxing, and A Gentle Rain is as unstressful as they come. Yet, thanks to an engaging tactile puzzle and zen artwork, it isn’t boring. It nuzzles right up to that line between simple and a little thinky, which I think makes it just right for a cozy games list.
1 Players • Ages 15+ • 5 minutes • $23
