Everyone starts the New Year in high gear. Ready to tackle their resolutions, and make this year better than the year before. But traditionally, winter is a time of reflection, slowing down, and appreciating the things we already have in our lives. This season’s quiet beauty gives us the opportunity to embrace what’s right in front of us, whether it’s a cozy nook in our home, a favorite sweater, or a relationship we’ve built with a game.
I want to share with you the games I turn to during the winter. They share these themes of patience, growth, and connection. These games help immerse me in other worlds, and offer opportunities for personal reflection, which echoes the reflective nature of this season.
It’s a season for cozy moments, hot drinks by the fire, and the quiet joy of appreciating the little things. In the world of gaming, winter is the perfect time to revisit those cozy, replayable games that have already earned a special place in our hearts.
1 - Stardew Valley (2016)
Stardew Valley embodies winter’s quiet productivity, allowing you to nurture relationships and creativity during the long, cold nights.
Why it fits: Every season of game play offers you the opportunity to choose what tasks you want to prioritize for your farm, but winter in Stardew Valley embodies the essence of slowing down. It’s a time for self-reflection, nurturing relationships, and focusing on creativity (or slaying monster) in the quiet months. The game’s winter aesthetic, with its snow-covered hills and peaceful ambiance, invites players to appreciate the smaller, quieter aspects of life.
Themes: Renewal, and community.
Why you should replay it: Your farm's success and relationships with the townspeople determine how the game concludes. Whether you dedicate yourself to farming, building relationships, or uncovering mysteries, your choices shape the world around you, making each playthrough uniquely personal.
2 - Night in the Woods (2017)
Although set in autumn, Night in the Woods draws on the introspective nature of winter, with its small-town atmosphere and emphasis on nostalgia and self-discovery.
Why it fits: Mae’s return to her small hometown is both a physical and emotional journey. The reflective tone of the game, paired with its introspective dialogue, makes it perfect for winter’s quieter pace. The small-town setting feels like a safe, familiar place to dive into reflection, while Mae’s growth mirrors the season's theme of self-discovery.
Themes: Reflection, nostalgia, and resilience.
Why you should replay it: The relationships you build with Mae’s friends and your choices throughout the game lead to different endings. Whether Mae finds closure or a new sense of purpose, the story unfolds based on how you interact with the people around you.
3 - Oxenfree (2016)
Oxenfree offers a quiet, mysterious atmosphere perfect for cold, snowy evenings, full of emotional depth and moments of reconciliation.
Why it fits: Despite being set during a warmer part of the year, the eerie yet cozy atmosphere of Oxenfree pairs perfectly with winter’s quiet nature. Set on a mysterious island, the game mixes supernatural elements with deeply human emotions. It feels like a quiet, reflective mystery, where each choice impacts not only the plot but the emotional depth of your relationships.
Themes: Reconciliation, second chances, and facing the past.
Why you should replay it: The dialogue choices you make throughout the game directly impact the relationships and the story's conclusion, offering a variety of outcomes based on how you engage with the mystery and the characters.
4 - Undertale (2015)
Undertale reminds us to find joy in simple, kind acts, capturing winter’s spirit of generosity and reflection.
Why it fits: Undertale’s quirky characters and offbeat humor provide a unique kind of warmth during the winter months. It’s a game about kindness, empathy, and the choices we make—and the winter season is a perfect time to reflect on those values. Whether you play through it peacefully or choose a more challenging route, the story’s message remains thought-provoking and heartfelt.
Themes: Compassion, forgiveness, and finding joy in the little things.
Why you should replay it: The Pacifist, Neutral, and Genocide routes each offer dramatically different experiences, from heartwarming and joyous to somber and intense. Every path offers new insights into the characters and the game’s deeper themes.
5 - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
One of my personal favorite winter games, winter in Skyrim mirrors the challenges and introspective moments of the season. With snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and frozen tundras, the game’s setting creates a perfect backdrop for winter reflections. Whether you're battling dragons or uncovering secrets, Skyrim invites you to explore a world that is cold and beautiful.
Why it fits: The landscape in Skyrim is breathtaking, with towering mountains and snow-filled valleys. The environment feels like the perfect winter retreat, full of hidden gems to discover. Much like other cozy games, you can explore Skyrim at your own pace, whether it’s hiking through snowy landscapes, finding side quests, or gathering resources. There’s no rush, just an open world full of possibilities.
Themes: Adventure, Reflection, Freedom
Why you should replay it: The game offers endless replayability with different quests, factions, and moral choices. Every new character build brings a fresh experience, just like how each winter can bring new memories and lessons.
As we step into the new year, these cozy games invite us to slow down, reflect, and embrace the quieter moments that winter brings. They remind us that we don’t need the latest releases to find joy—sometimes the best experiences are the ones waiting for us in our libraries.
This winter, I encourage you to revisit one of these games or explore a new path through a familiar world. What games are you revisiting this season? How are you embracing the reflective spirit of winter? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear about your cozy gaming adventures!
Here’s to a peaceful and introspective start to the new year, filled with warmth and discovery!