It’s easy to see why “cozy” gaming has become so popular, as people increasingly want an escape from reality, and cozy games provide the opportunity to live an idyllic virtual life. Cozy games might feel like they’re a dime a dozen these days, but there’s a single title that’s largely responsible for the boom: Stardew Valley. In the years since its release, no other game has managed to capture the same cozy heights, and it’s only become better thanks to a wealth of updates. It’s hard to imagine anything ever rivaling Stardew Valley — it’s simply one of the greatest games ever made, and if you somehow haven’t already played it, the new Nintendo Switch 2 version is the perfect way to jump in.
First released in 2016, Stardew Valley has a setup you’d expect from any farming simulator, like Harvest Moon. After the passing of your grandfather, you inherit a derelict farm just outside of Pelican Town. Hoping to start a new life, your character moves there and works to restore the derelict farm while getting to know Pelican Town’s quirky residents.
