New & Upcoming Cozy Games to Watch in 2026

The cozy genre keeps getting bigger, and 2026 is shaping up to be a wonderful year for relaxing games. Here are the new and upcoming cozy games to watch — a mix of fresh releases and hotly anticipated titles.

Release dates in this space shift often. Treat this as a watchlist, and wishlist anything that catches your eye so you hear the moment it lands.

Most anticipated

Tales of the Shire

A cozy life sim set in the world of The Lord of the Rings, where you live the gentle hobbit life in Bywater — cooking, gardening, foraging, and befriending neighbors. About as cozy as a premise gets.

Witchbrook

A long-awaited magic-school life sim from Chucklefish (the studio behind Stardew’s release). Think cozy farming-sim systems crossed with attending a school of witchcraft.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure

A charming, content-packed life sim (originally an Apple Arcade hit) expanding to more platforms — exploration, decorating, and friendship with Sanrio characters.

Rising stars to watch

Fields of Mistria

A stunning pixel-art farming sim that took the community by storm in early access. If you love Stardew Valley, this is one to follow closely.

Loftia

A cozy social MMO with farming, decorating, and a wholesome community focus — one of the most promising upcoming cozy multiplayer games.

Wanderstop

A cozy game about running a tea shop, from a celebrated developer. A gentle, reflective experience with a lot of heart.

How to keep up with new cozy releases

• Wishlist on Steam. You’ll get an email the moment a game launches or hits a sale. See our best cozy games on Steam for how to make the most of it.
• Watch Steam Next Fest. These demo festivals are full of upcoming cozy gems you can try for free.
• Follow the cozy community. Cozy-game showcases and creators are the best early-warning system for the next big thing.

While you wait, there’s plenty to play right now — start with our best cozy games of 2025. 🌱