Collection: Cozy games that aren't just farming sims
Ever since Stardew Valley became popular, numerous copycats have emerged trying to capitalize on the "cozy" genre. Most of them only looked at the farming part of Stardew Valley and went no further, resulting in tedious or boring farming simulators that aren't really fun or engaging.
While the cottagecore aesthetic is a core part of Stardew's appeal - and thus, the farming - there's so much more about a game that gives it a "cozy" vibe. Relaxed gameplay, non-violent mechanics, and slice-of-life story beats are integral, but many of these copycats forget the other aspects of a game that actually make it fun and engaging to play with. There has to be variety, some sort of challenge or goal to achieve that isn't just making numbers go up. And while I agree that cottagecore and farming sims are at this point a cornerstone of the genre, we all deserve to have some variety with the aesthetic and themes.
Potion Craft: Alchemy Simulator
An "atmospheric management simulator set in a medieval fantasy world" with a unique potion-crafting mechanic, wood cut-like drawing style, and colors that are easy on the eyes. As an alchemist, the player can buy ingredients or grow them from the garden, then brew them into potions that match a customer's specifications (or even just send the customer away), customize the bottle, and slowly build up a recipe book.
As of a recent update, the player now also has a limited ability to decorate their shop, house, and garden.
Book of Hours
A "narrative management game of obscure histories and sudden illuminations".
Catalog and read books, learn esoteric skills, and uncover centuries of secrets while restoring the occult library known as Hush House.
Great recommendation for those who would love to become the hermit character whom a protagonist seeks out to receive information and prophecy from, and for those who love obscurely written lore.
The House of Light DLC adds the ability to craft more foods and host salons.
Peggy's Post
itch.io (free, play in browser)
A package-sorting game where the player determines the correct fees for the weight and destination, fit the packages in the ship, and determine if it can even be sent through the ship's route in the first place.
Whisper of the House
An isometric unpacking/interior decorating game with short, fantastical (and slightly spooky) stories and mysteries to unravel.