Low Stakes Cozy Games Suggestions?

Submitted ⁨⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago⁩ by ⁨Purpsle@sh.itjust.works⁩ to ⁨patientgamers@sh.itjust.works⁩

I’m looking to set up a coop video game night with my friends and I’m looking for suggestions for a cozy game we can all play together virtually. We all enjoy Stardew Valley but we’ve all played it and I’d like to start something new with them. Looking for ideas that would allow me to walk away from the computer if I need to take care of my kids but still allows my friends to continue playing.

Here’s some parameters to narrow down the list:

switch, Steam, or GOG availability
can walk away and not die without having to pause for my friends
preferably affordable
lower graphics requirements, we all have older hardware
game controller compatible
fun to play over multiple short sessions

Thanks everyone in advance!

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shittydwarf@piefed.ca ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
This might be a weird suggestion but deep rock galactic sort of fits this theme in my mind. I found it to be pretty chill on the lower hazard levels, you can hang out and play mini games in your base ship between missions. Lots of fun multiplayer, upgradeable classes, short missions..

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- Skua@kbin.earth ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  It's really good about not pressuring players too. You get slightly bigger rewards for pmaying on higher difficulties / completing missions faster / doing extra objectives and so on but the rewards are only small power boosts and lots of fun cosmetics. You can do what you want at your own pace and not feel like you're missing out
  
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- littlelordfauntleroy@lemmy.zip ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Rock and stone!
  
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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Haha I’ve watched my husband play this and I wouldn’t have thought it as cozy. I see what you mean about it being lower stakes though. Now he wants to see us play so we may give it a go thank you for the suggestion!
  
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- snoons@lemmy.ca ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Can ostensibly walk away from it by making a dorf cocoon: dig hole with dorf in it, plug with cheese (engi platforms). Have saved many afk dorfs from certain doom this way. Has to have at least 2 dorf distance from glyphids though. They can do damage through walls.
  
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- Vespair@lemmy.zip ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  DRG was not cosy for me, it made me feel very stupid. I don’t know what I did wrong, but I played for hours and tried multiple missions but every time I ended up like 10 short of whatever the mineral I needed to mine to win was, and would scour everywhere trying to find it, digging crisscross tunnels all across the map, never finding the last node.
  
  I still truly do not know what I was doing wrong, but I found the experience so discouraging and it made me feel so stupid ☹️
  
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  - Bluescluestoothpaste@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    If it makes you feel better i just dug around and went seemingly nowhere for an hour and never played it again so yeah made me feel like i have 50 iq, just literally couldn’t get past starting the game and digging into the earth and never seeing anything lmao
    
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  - Augmented1207@feddit.org ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    I feel like they improved that, I had a few of those runs at the beginning as well. Idk how long it has been since you touched it, but I suggest trying again :) and use the map to see other caves nearby
    
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littlelordfauntleroy@lemmy.zip ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Terraria will literally run on your phone and you can set up a world to suit your needs ie. No combat etc.

Valheim is good for a bit of building and exploration.

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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Terraria looks super accessible and fun thank you for the suggestion! Valheim looks so pretty as well. Thank you
  
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solarvector@lemmy.dbzer0.com ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Tactical Breach Wizards

Brilliant writing, awesome characters, and overall extremely well done turn based game. Has a rewind feature that is integrated into gameplay in a way that both makes it more fun and even less stress.

Well done graphics with slightly more than potatoe requirements.

…steampowered.com/…/Tactical_Breach_Wizards/

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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Definitely adding Tactical Breach Wizards to my Steam wishlist, it looks like a fun time. Thanks for your suggestions!
  
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YoiksAndAway@piefed.zip ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
You Don’t Know Jack. There are several packs of trivia and party games, and you can use smartphones as controllers. Available on Steam and reasonably priced.

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- Deconceptualist@leminal.space ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Honestly you could jump on a zoom call or whatever, as long as everybody has the same game room code loaded on their phone YDKJ Party Packs should be pretty fun.
  
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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  This is a great idea, we could use a screen share to play and it doesn’t take long to pick up and play. Thank you!
  
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  - YoiksAndAway@piefed.zip ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    You’re welcome! I’ve accumulated 7 packs in my library (probably bundles, but I can’t remember). Enjoy!
    
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unwillingsomnambulist@midwest.social ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Powerwash Simulator.

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Sanctus@anarchist.nexus ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Sky: Children of Light (dont do the season pass shit, just play the main story with your friends and then let it be done and it will be fun)

Webfishing (no controller compat)

Flock Around

Of course, imo, Project Ozone 3 for Minecraft Java 1.12.2 is the best chill game for me, everyone on their own island, just tinkering with their shit. I do go into creative mode if we play this way and immediately setup connected portals to everyone’s islands so we can all come and chill and watch other’s progress if we want (but its such an early progression that we dont do that anymore, you gotta earn the right to connect to the portal network)

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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  All of these look like fantastic options thanks so much for the suggestions. The webfishing game looks so chill I’m excited to give it a go.
  
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ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Dome Keeper is a really fun up-to 4-player co-op game about digging for minerals beneath a dome and defending it from creatures on the surface who try to break in every so often.

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- thatsTheCatch@lemmy.nz ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Yes! My partner and I love playing this. I defend and she mines
  
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Cris_Citrus@piefed.zip ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Depending on what you enjoy Minecraft on peaceful mode may be an option :)

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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  An awesome thought thank you!
  
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  - Cris_Citrus@piefed.zip ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    Glad its helpful! Have a good one, I hope you find some options you enjoy! ☺️
    
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CultLeader4Hire@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Raft

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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Ooo that looks like a fun challenge thank you
  
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rozodru@piefed.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
If you’re a Millennial I highly suggest the “Emily is Away” trilogy.

3 games that are extremely simple, but god damn do they make you feel like a teen/20 something again.

The first game, “Emily is Away” takes place in AOL IM. it’s a visual novel but it’s very good and allows you to set your avatar, etc just like you did with AOL IM. it’s brutal when it gets to the end. the Second game “Emily is Away Too” also takes place in AOL IM but is a bit more difficult as this time there are timing choicse. the third game “Emily is Away <3” takes place on the original Facebook IM. that one is even more difficult. so the difficulty between the games ramps up.

fantastic series. I have all three and I love them. honestly the first game made me cry at the end.

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- Klanky@sopuli.xyz ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  As someone who was all over AIM in the early 2000s and had some similar experiences, yeah that first one made me tear up too at the end.
  
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  - rozodru@piefed.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    it was so brutal at the end wasn’t it? like the constant backspacing was like “oh man that was me”
    
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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  I just snagged the first game and can’t wait to try it out! Thank you for your suggestions!
  
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kender242@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Lovers in Dangerous space time and Pico Park come to mind. Sorry of couch co-op vibes but can be online.

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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  These look like fun, thank you so much for the suggestions
  
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Zahille7@lemmy.world ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Palworld can be kinda cozy/chill, but there are no real NPCs to hang out with.

I was going to suggest Paleo Pines because it’s basically Stardew/Animal Crossing with dinosaurs, but it’s singleplayer only.

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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Palworld is a popular suggestion, I’ll have to suggest it to the group for sure. Thank you!
  
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auster@thebrainbin.org@thebrainbin.org ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Starbound maybe?

Might not match the hardware and controller requirements since its optimization changes depending on the machine, and the commands are keyboard and mouse-centric so adapting to a 24-keys controller can be hard.

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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  This looks like a lot of fun thank you for the suggestion :)
  
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Leax@lemmy.dbzer0.com ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Tiny Bookshop! Stardew valley vibe but the core gameplay is more relax as you decide the kind of books you store on your shelves and give book recommendations to your client. Very chill

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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Looks so cute thank you!
  
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mushroommunk@lemmy.today ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
If it’s just two of you I enjoyed phogs with a buddy of mine. Technically you pause if you walk away as it takes both people. I’m not sure you’ll find many games that fits literally everything on your list but fingers crossed for ya.

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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Yeah, it’s an extensive wishlist so I don’t anticipate hitting all the points, just hoping for most or even some. Phogs looks like a lot of silly fun, thanks for the suggestion!
  
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  - mushroommunk@lemmy.today ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
    I get that. I just thought of it, others suggested Peak but RV There Yet is just as fun and actually easier to step away from as one guy can just drive or repair or explore or whatever. It doesn’t halt progress quite as much as in Peak I feel.
    
    I also think Trine might work if it hasn’t been suggested. It’s a fun little action adventure game but it’s not hard or stressful, been playing through them with my own friends
    
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jacksilver@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Escape Academy or similar type of escape room/puzzle games might work.

Slay the Spire 2 has a good co-op option. And technically any digital boardgame (ticket to ride for example) would meet your vibes.

Maybe a little more intense, but Rayman Legends/Origins are pretty cozy.

Any of the Lego games would probably work.

Peak has an “easy” setting that just makes it a goofy teamwork based game.

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MrSelfDestruct@lemmy.zip ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
I’m really loving Splatoon Raiders.

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Sylence@lemmy.dbzer0.com ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
It’s not out for another 3 days but Big Walk seems to suit all of your requirements and looks like it will be a hoot!

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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  That does look like a hoot, I’ve wishlisted it!
  
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JustAnotherLemming@lemmy.zip ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Palia is free to play and keeps expanding their game. No problem if you just walk away, no player health meter, just focus to get extra XP from the things you are already doing. Fun for solo, duos or more. Has hunting creatures that are more challenging to track down, basic supply gathering via wood chopping and mining, crafting of all kinds of stuff, farming and ranching too! Crazy they still have it for free.

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gl38@feddit.uk ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
I recommend Heave-Ho even though it doesn’t meet your second point. Dying is so funny, I often found myself doing it on purpose for a laugh.

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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Heave Ho is hilarious! I’ll suggest it to the group thanks for the reminder
  
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Taokan@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Go Go Town on steam came out recently, co-op available local or online, controller compatible, up to 4 players (aside: you didn’t tell us how many players needed, but stardew is 4 so I’m going to assume a 4 max isn’t a problem). Not sure on system requirements, might be a little heavier than stardew but it’s not all that graphically intense. Had a blast playing it local co-op with the kids.

Gameplay loop is familiar: extract resources to grow your town, unlock higher tiered buildings, eventually automating most of the logistics such that it runs itself like a little town simulator. The game is very casual friendly and forgiving, for example, you can freely just pick up and move a building, no reconstruction or lost costs, you can’t really “die”, and if you need to step away, shops might run out of inventory and stop producing but they won’t death spiral or anything.

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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  Aww this one looks cute, thank you for the suggestion!
  
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bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.works ⁨3⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Gone home is fun and cozy

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BoosBeau@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Witchspire - similar to Palworld, but “witchy” themed

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ZUUL0@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Astroneer i believe fits all your needs

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- Purpsle@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
  This looks like a great option for us thank you!
  
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anothercatgirl@lemmy.blahaj.zone ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
this doesn’t fit super well but might feel good for some people, TerraFirmaGreg. cook for each other, Smith tools, loot dungeons, and make progress.

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AceFuzzLord@lemmy.zip ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
Flock Around

Chill game about basically just going around a bird sanctuary and taking pictures of birds.

Sledding Game

It’s an early access game about sledding… Kinda self explanatory as to what you do in game.

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Thalfon@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
In case you want something closer to Stardew Valley, a couple of good choices in that genre would be Coral Island and Fields of Mistria. Both farming sims with their own unique spins on things, can check both of them out and see if either one fits your vibe better.

Coral Island has been full release for a while now, but Fields of Mistria has its 1.0 official release on Aug 5.

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dudesss@lemmy.ca ⁨2⁩ ⁨weeks⁩ ago
store.steampowered.com/app/…/Ship_of_Fools/

store.steampowered.com/app/…/Kingdom_Two_Crowns/

store.steampowered.com/…/Boxes_Lost_Fragments/

…steampowered.com/…/Spiritfarer_Farewell_Edition/

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