31 Best COZY SURVIVAL GAMES (PC & Console)

[@StarsOfHera]

Play video, pause, add game to wishlist...ok back to video..pause again, add next game to wishlist, back to video...repeat! Great list!

[@BuckeyeBunny]

That's exactly what I was hoping would happen! 🥰 My wishlist is over 300 games, it's insane! But it's fun to be alerted to sales and releases. 💗

[@heyheyrob1972]

Yeah, that's exactly what I did too, OR I was like "Yep, I liked that one too!, Next!"

[@Shandael]

Thanks! Best list on KZbin. And your voice is just as cozy and soothing as the games on the list.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Thank you so much!! Your kind words and gift have me brimming with joy! I poured a week of my time (and my soul) into this video and am wholeheartedly grateful for your appreciation. ♥

[@jammjumble9928]

It’s crazy you were able to compile such a big list, and fit them all in at less than a minute per game! Great video!

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Thanks so much, I spent weeks researching and even longer recording this one! 😊

[@olencone4005]

I was pleasantly surprised to see Vintage Story on your list! I've been playing it for a whiles now on the side, along with a few other games I enjoy. I can totally understand the turnoffs of it tho -- it has a very steep learning curve if you want to get deep into the survival mechanics. But once you've got things worked out, it's a fun challenge to play! It also has settings for peaceful and full creative play if you want a more chill or creative experience.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Honestly, I had zero clue Vintage Story even existed until a few weeks ago when I happened upon a recommendation on Reddit and bought the game. If it had cloud save and controller support, I could have lived with the graphics, lol. ☺ But your assessment of the learning curve and challenge being alluring is something I heard often of lovers of Vintage Story. I'm happy to share it with others...being absent from Steam has made it tough to find.

[@sophiareese79]

This is the video we knew we needed!

[@adabuilder6711]

Forever skies is actually great solo play. You get this feel of being all alone in the world, which you are. You explore this destroyed world which has it's own kind of memorizing beauty.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Good to know! Once I get my fix of Aloft, I might jump ship and hop into Forever Skies! I hope the world isn't TOO empty though, as that's one thing I don't love about Aloft.

[@connieellerbe-maycock7115]

A new Video. Thank you. Astroneer, Palworld, No Man's Sky, The Long Dark, and Lego Fortnite are some of my favorite Cozy Survival games right now.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I've gotta play The Long Dark! Looks a little spooky, but it has to be a success for a reason. Appreciate your suggestions! 💛

[@connieellerbe-maycock7115]

@@BuckeyeBunny It is really fun and challenging at times. Just don't play it on the Higher difficulties till you learn the ins and outs.

[@GoldenIrishRose]

We harvest shadows is promising to have a cozy mode. Loving the premise. The demo is amazing

[@BuckeyeBunny]

That's one I didn't have on my wishlist yet, thank you!

[@jdhlsc169]

Necesse is a good survival game! I love it! The backstory of the developer is good too! I also enjoy Core Keeper!

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Good suggestions...different graphic style but solid recommendations, thanks! ♥

[@Grasshoppa65]

This is a fantastic video! I share a lot in common with you Bunny. I am getting older and I have found my preferences for more dumbed down combat overtaking my game choices. I have 1300 hrs in Enshrouded that has recently added difficulty adjustment. I finished the release content on default but the inclusion of the difficulty settings has helped me stay in the game, creating various bases and even complete villages. I like the fact that you can adjust the Bosses and normal enemies separately. I have never been a fan of "bullet sponge" boss fights. Anyway, thank you so much for this video. I have quite a few of these games already, but this video has now made my wish list even bigger. 👍

[@BuckeyeBunny]

"Dumbed down combat" is a hilariously accurate description of what I enjoy, lol! I'm sensing another GenX in the house, woo hoo! 😂 If you ever find new games you enjoy, feel free to share them here or in my Discord. We have a handful of cool older gamers who regularly chat on there.

[@Shandael]

Very good and informative video. Bought Planet Crafters after watching your video, looking for cozy games to play on the Steam Deck. Fantastic game. Saw it for a while, but didn't pull the trigger on it til your video. Wife bought it too, so you can claim two sales thanks to your recommendations. Planet Crafters and Farm Together 2 is pretty much the complete package in soothing the itch for long-term enjoyable gaming on our new Steam Decks.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Well heck, Planet Crafter out to give me a kickback! 🤣 So glad you're enjoying PC; I love how relaxing yet exciting it is, and you just mentioned my hubby's favorite game: Farm Together 2. He falls asleep to it nearly every night. 🤭

[@tripalink]

i love Vintage Story so much! such an underrated game..

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I so wish I could have gotten into Vintage Story. The devs are total badasses for keeping it off Steam, and I like a good underdog story. I hope it continues to grow in popularity!

[@PixelFae42]

Thank you! I’m so glad someone finally made this list! And it was a great one to boot!

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I'm so happy you liked it, I put a lot of love into making it! 😊

[@arlemy89]

I'm about to finish up I am Future and it is definitely the first thing I thought of! I would also recommend having a look at: 1) Core Keeper - Valheim crossed with Stardew graphics and sunk underground. Some of the combat can be difficult, and unfortunately there's not granular settings to turn down the difficulty BUT it's pretty easy at least until the last quarter of the game to over-level enough to make boss fights trivial. I also found that combat with friends made life easier, and a world doesn't have to be just solo or multiplayer, so get a couple friends to build their own worlds, and then take turns hopping to each others' to help beat the bosses. 2) V Rising - not exactly CUTE but some lovely gothic architecture to build castles with, and difficulty can be adjusted while creating a server (if playing solo) or you can find a pve server to join.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Thanks so much for the suggestions! Core Keeper's art style hasn't grabbed me, but I know it's immensely popular, so wise choice. I keep reading about V Rising when searching for games like Deep Rock Galactic to play PVE with others...but like Core Keeper, its graphics keep deterring me. I'm a real sucker for vibrant, cute graphics. 🥰

[@Mistyveil550]

Awesome video Buckeye!!! You did an amazing job!!! what a List!! I was making notes for a lot of them!! 🎉🎉❤😊

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Thank ya, Misty!!! Hope you get that PC unpacked soon so you can game! 🥰

[@Mistyveil550]

@@BuckeyeBunny it's done! I can play now!!

[@missitheachievementhuntres560]

Very cool list ^^ I love the genre and bonus points if they look cute. Would we call Forager a survival game? If so that is also a great game, one of my all time favorites.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Ooh, that's one I've never played!! But you're right, Steam says it has survival to it as well as is an idle game, which I love. Slapped it on my wishlist and waiting for a sale, thank you!! 🥰

[@missitheachievementhuntres560]

@@BuckeyeBunny No problem, I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

[@connieellerbe-maycock7115]

I would. You do have enemies that you have to set up turrets and traps to fight.

[@adventurenetworkstudio]

@@missitheachievementhuntres560 You beat me to it lol. I was going to mention Forager as well. Just got it for Xmas & am having a blast.

[@missitheachievementhuntres560]

@ oh that is such a nice gift. Enjoy it!

[@airyspaw]

I've been addicted to No Man's Sky over 200 hrs already. Loved Len's Island but got only around 60 until I kinda didn't wanna do anything after I completed everything. I will probably get Aloft with a friend once a patch comes to kinda see how they approach the updates. It does look so nice!

[@BuckeyeBunny]

If you loved NMS so much, I need to give it another chance. I kind of felt like I didn't know what to do, but it was pretty and mostly chill. ♥ I've been addicted to Aloft for the past two days. It needs more content eventually, and the world is a little empty, but the building and island sailing and exploring is quite a treat.

[@airyspaw]

@@BuckeyeBunny With NMS I was lucky since my bf played it but also used the wiki to get ideas of things. I didn't expect to love it so much but when you find that cool ship or that gorgeous planet...things change. I am getting Aloft I guess since patch came lol. A lot of people do seem to love it.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

🔽 Share YOUR favorite COZY SURVIVAL GAMES below!! 🔽

[@ATeddyBeerA]

@@BuckeyeBunny In addition to the ones you listed, Project Zomboid! 😊

[@BuckeyeBunny]

@ATeddyBeerA Great suggestion! I didn't know it had so many custom settings but added it to my wishlist. 😊

[@daddymarkram]

Thanks for this. Awesome list. Once Human would be my favorite, if it weren't for the server resets every 6 weeks. I think Enshrouded and The Planet Crafter will be my go to games. Cheers for the list and your hard work making it.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I understand the necessity of server wipes, but it's tough to find the motivation to rebuild again and again. Enshrouded and PC are two great picks and get regular updates! ♥

[@NaturallyNatalya]

Smalland is such a fun game! I prefer it over Grounded for sure.

[@9ninjasforsale]

Great list, I always find myself coming back to you channel. Also O-H!

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Let's go!! I-O!! And thank you! 🥰

[@hilljack68]

What a great video! I'm currently obsessed with Enshrouded. I almost abandoned it, but once I discovered how you could really turn down the difficulty, it breathed new life into it for me. I wanted to like No Man's Sky but the ship mechanics (navigating, flying, etc...) just seemed like too much of a chore for me.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I've seen you on Steam playing Enshrouded quite a bit. 🤭 I didn't know they added difficulty settings either since I began the game soon after launch. I need to get back into it as well. I download NMS again but haven't gotten the courage to start back in; I have to be in the right mindset and ready to do a lot of thinking (most of the time, my brain's too tired for that). 😆

[@ladygeo5285]

i have been searching for games like this, with combat that I dont have to smash my head against over and over. All games should have a difficulty slider. I have just turned 60 and looking for more mellow combat stuff but not boring no combat.. been playing survival games for over 20 years and now I want to relax more. Awesome list and now have alot on my wishlist.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I 100% agree about the difficulty settings. It makes games MUCH more compatible with various play styles. Happy to help pad your wishlist with new titles. ♥

[@nixonjones9543]

Such a nice video. Enjoyed the Honey I Shrunk The Kids video. Automatic subscribtion

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Thank you 🤗

[@NaturallyNatalya]

Smalland is such a fun game! I prefer it over Grounded for sure. Glad to see Palworld as well :)

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I agree. Grounded is prettier and probably more suited to families, but Smalland does a lot of thinking outside the box. ♥

[@krose6537]

Thanks for the great video! I will be checking out several from your list. Looking forward to Solarpunk! Planet Crafter, Subnautica and Raft are 3 of my favorites. All time favorite is Dinkum. Offers pretty much everything. Cozy but simple combat, farm as much or little as you want, cute animals. Love how you need to purchase a wishing well in game to buy a "Peaceful Wish".

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I thought about including Dinkum but ultimately decided not to because it plays more like a town builder/life sim with some danger in it, but you're right that it's a good one! ♥☺

[@IstvanK_PC]

I am right now researching stuff in Palworld. So good to be back, and just enough things were updated to keep it fresh. Grounded was another favorite of mine, but base management solo became very tedious. I should give Smalland a try during the summer. Thank you for another great compilation

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Have a fantastic time in Palworld! The new island is pretty cool but so darn deadly!

[@IstvanK_PC]

@@BuckeyeBunny Started a new world, so I need to rebuild my army of servan... I mean friend circle.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

@@IstvanK_PC 🤣

[@JohnClarkW]

Planet Crafter is probably my favorite cozy game, but it has the best make the numbers go up thing to it. That is my favorite coop to play with my wife. My wife loves Raft, but I am burned out on it, and Planet Crafter saved me. I am hoping that Solar Punk becomes a good option for us. Forever Skies is a game I bought played early, and then never picked back up. I liked it, but it needed more, and I decided to avoid the update cycle, so I wasn't burned out when it did release ( I did that with Subnautica ). Grounded is fun, but you are correct, it needs a couple people ready to fight some bugs, or it is frustrating. It has great storage and crafting mechanics. Lightyear Frontier was interesting, but the engine noise from the Mech got old. The Long Dark is probably my favorite survival of all time, but it is a very challenging game, even in easy mode, the weather is still out to get you. The Interloper mode is absolutely brutal. No Man's Sky is amazing, and just keeps adding content, even after all this time.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Planet Crafter is a gem of a game and perfect for those who normally don't play survival games. Once you get past the beginning "what the heck do I do" it's incredibly rewarding (as long as you don't build your base by the crash pod)! 🤭

[@Ethrianor]

Great list - and, believe it or not, I have... uh, a couple of those (embarrassed look)(lol). Ok, four I neither have nor are likely to get. 3 wishlisted, 14 backlogged, 9 installed and I played Palia in the past right at the beginning, but just didn't hold me for more than a couple of months, may go back when broader. Play tested Astrometica for some hours - started it again, but other things are more interesting currently. Nearly 1000 hours in Enshrouded (haven't played in a few months due to backlog attempts), over 500 in Valheim (also not played in a while) and 30ish in Planet Crafter. All 3 in faves and ready to roll. As for suggestions - depends on definition. Drift is a cross between Astrometica and Raft (no pod for air, so straight in) - Sengoku is same folk as Medieval (not quite as popular) - obviously Subnautica:Below Zero is a likely follow (before Sub 2 comes out) - if Planet Crafter then perhaps Eden Crafters - if Astroneer then maybe Stationeers or Space Engineers (with SE 2 coming) - maybe Ostranauts (although it can be unforgiving). Stretching things My Time at Sandrock (600 hours) - has some combat but not too tough, and the story is fun. And stretched to transparency (as cozy is a very broad term) I will make a case for Project Zomboid (900 hours) - you can walk faster than the zombies (folk just panic unnecessarily), you can turn all the sliders to your advantage, there's a poop ton of mods, and if really frustrated or looking to play a particular character try with the debug startup (just limit it as it can make it too easy). Gosh, that was going to be much longer, but I managed to shorten it 😁

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I'm so happy you commented, as I knew you'd be an encyclopedia of game ideas. 🥰 Is Drift on Steam? Couldn't find it. I've pondered Sengoku Dynasty - looks cute, worried it has a lot of management vs. survival and crafting. Project Zomboid is one I looked at as well due to its sheer popularity. All great suggestions for others to consider too, thank you!

[@Ethrianor]

@@BuckeyeBunny Full title appears to be Drift: Space Survival. If it's not there it may have been withdrawn, but shows up on mine as I already have it. Maybe there is just a lot of racing Drifts and it's buried in the titles 😁 I haven't played enough of The Survivalists or Journey to the Savage Planet to recommend them, but they look fun - may have to install them now 🤣

[@chrs_lee]

Thanks for the video, I think you nailed what I've felt was missing from a lot of these types of games for me (particularly Palia) with the lack of risk/weight of decisions. I remember Aloft from Steamfest a few years ago, will have to look at it again now that it's hitting EA. I need to go through and wishlist/follow a few more in here too.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Glad to have helped you find that missing piece...overly cozy games just become too monotonous IMO. I'm just starting Aloft. First impression is exploration and crafting/building are a lot of fun, world seems a little empty, and combat is either full send (normal mode) or off (peaceful mode) with no in-between currently. 25 bucks is a bit steep for an early access title too, but it has a unique concept with the floating islands that can be sailed. ♥

[@Raychiey]

My current favorites are Oxygen Not Included and Oddsparks though the latter has a healthy dose of automation. I know that isn't everyone's cup of tea but I find it cute and charming.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I loved the graphics of Oddsparks but couldn't get into the gameplay. I will go take a closer look at Oxygen Not Included though, thank you!

[@jdhlsc169]

I love Medieval Dynasty! You can change the settings as much as you want to make it as cozy as you want. I have about 500 hours in it thru various playthroughs! I played it Solo and it works! You really should try it. :)

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Oh I'm tempted, but is Sendoku Dynasty better since its newer?

[@jdhlsc169]

@ I haven't played SD, but I watched a bit of it. SD is a completely different developer, so while it is alike in ways, it's not as good imo and also different in quite a few ways. I have played MD since it was in early access and they have improved it a lot since. They put a lot of love into it. Just look at the difference in reviews. Very positive overall for MD, Mixed/Mostly positive overall for SD.

[@GameFacePlus]

Lovely list. Hoping more of these come to Xbox

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Fingers crossed for more cozy goodness on Xbox!

[@grumpygramps]

Great video. Right up my street. I just wish all of these were playing on the Steam Deck, handheld. Sadly some aren’t. :(

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Same, these games excite, challenge, and relax me! I know some aren't listed as playable for Steam Deck, but many are, and I'm sure there's a way to use special controller layouts and the thumbpads to get some of the others to work. I have no idea how you can see on that baby screen. I have to pop these survival games on my ultrawide to see everything with my old eyes. 🤭

[@PixelFae42]

Looking forward to “Across the Wonderlands”

[@BuckeyeBunny]

That's one I had NOT heard of!! Thank you so much! Immediate add to wishlist. ♥

[@benjamintran1088]

hi great vid! What were the games at 27:04 and 27:08?

[@BuckeyeBunny]

That's Botany Manor, a VERY cozy little puzzle game involving plants. 🪴

[@bossdog4209]

Medieval Dynasty on the sandbox mode is my fav

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I've heard A LOT of good things about Medieval Dynasty! ♥

[@bossdog4209]

Im surprised Luma Island didnt make the list, its a textbook cozy survivl game, if you havent tried it I highly recommend, reminds me of stardew and my time at Portia.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I adore Luma Island, and it made my top 10 chill games list for 2024, but it's more of a very relaxing open world exploring and puzzle solving game with some crafting than a survival game, so I didn't include it in this list. But it's an awesome cozy game for sure! ☺

[@wild_child677]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ -💰💰💰💰💰💰 lol thanks! Love this video but you're determined to keep me broke, right?? 🤣

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Heck yeah! I just skip going out to dinner and then I can rationalize the game purchases. 🤣

[@vinthevampire]

I love your videos

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Aw, I appreciate your kindness, thank you!!

[@sunfastrose]

When you got to Raft I was about to hardcore disagree, but I can see where peaceful mode would be different from my experience.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I've only ever played in peaceful mode, because my kids didn't want the sharks, so I loved it...but apparently it's intense otherwise, eh? ☺

[@PixelKokola]

Can not wait for Voyagers of Nera to come out fully! Oh you have Enshrouded and Valheim but forgot Aska! Check it out if you have not already.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Crap!! I did forget about Aska. I wonder if it has difficulty settings. 🤔

[@coachcoble5099]

Great list but I only have time for Palworld 🤣But Lego Fortnite is another great game. Palia is also good, if it adds a way to play it on controller I would play it more.

[@crazyboutcraftz1439]

You can play Palia on controller. It's the only way I play.

[@coachcoble5099]

@crazyboutcraftz1439 thanks for letting me know they have added that. I guess it's time to play it again.

[@RLSENCRO]

Hey buckeye im an old viewer,and i haven’t been here in a while,have u streamed yet ?

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Nope, still no fiber internet, so I'm just doing prerecorded videos now.

[@avamae2003]

23:37 Me, someone who actually plays on Mac because I don’t have a PC: 👁️👄👁️

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Ya gotta work with what you have...I just didn't think there were many games even made for Mac. 🤭♥

[@RhiowMeow]

Core Keeper!

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Good suggestion!!

[@Jennooki]

I heard that Seinfeld reference. 🤣

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Oh gosh, was it the pool shrinkage one, or something else. The only quotes I can recall from Seinfeld are "Can you spare a square?" and "No soup for you!" Oh, and the Delores episode. 😂

[@Jennooki]

@@BuckeyeBunny Ha! It was the shrinkage. Also, who could forget Dolores?

[@BuckeyeBunny]

@Jennooki That was the best episode!!🤣

[@RamonAlek]

Astroneer is "almost" a hidden gem, if wasn't for the awful performance...

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I wasn't aware it had performance issues...on what platform?

[@RamonAlek]

@BuckeyeBunny yup sadly it performs quite bad, i'm on PS5.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

@RamonAlek That sucks, I hope the devs address this.

[@SonderGira]

Whats that cute cartoony game with the unicorn and stuff? That didn't seem to be on the list?

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Unicorn? 🤔 Was it shown in the video? If so, tell me a time in the video and I'll let you know what game it is.

[@SonderGira]

@BuckeyeBunny 3 seconds in! Riding a unicorn, the cow with the sunglasses and beach ball and Llama..and everything? It looks so cute and cozy?

[@BuckeyeBunny]

@@SonderGira Ah, that's Fields of Mistria, a game I was using as a comparison of survival games to cozy games. It IS a really fun and incredibly cute! ♥

[@SonderGira]

@BuckeyeBunny thank you!!! I need to see about getting it. It looks so good...

[@BuckeyeBunny]

@@SonderGira It's kind of like a cozy Stardew Valley with a hint of magic and cute animals to breed. Tons of content in early access and less than 15 bucks!

[@GoldenIrishRose]

Ark survival ascended PVE mode. Especially if you have a dedicated server you play on. Or single player.

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I recently read about someone having a super chill time in Ark, but I wasn't sure which one...it's confusing for a newbie with all the variations.

[@amyschleibaum974]

Here me out project zombiod..you can turn them zombies down or even off

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I'm not saying no to Project Zomboid, however freaky the zombies are. 🤣 I (and I'm sure others) appreciate knowing it has difficulty settings. Another one to add to my enormous wishlist!

[@amyschleibaum974]

@@BuckeyeBunny It is one of my favorite Survival games and it has little to do with the Zomboids, its one the more detailed ui I played with but that said the learning curve is steep. Like I can't cut up some meat unless I have a knife, the mod community is great, and if you want to just go rob some houses for supplies and drive a car around there is sliders that can make that happen. If not someone has moded it to do so.

[@luisfuneral]

18:35 Bruh, Rust is NOT a cozy game. 😭

[@BuckeyeBunny]

I know, I know...but as I said in the video, it CAN be made to be more of a cooperative, realistic survival game on modded/PVE servers. I even contemplated adding The Forest in peaceful mode for this reason. Looting and actual surviving without the excess combat. ☺

[@Gubbykahn]

several games are misplaced in there but ehy he got his views for this nonsense and we all fallen for it

[@BuckeyeBunny]

As I said in the video, some of the games are rather light on survival but have features I felt would appeal to those seeking cozy survival games. I spent a week working on the video only to receive a couple bucks in ad revenue. But thanks for your kind comment.