Most of us have at least one streaming service, whether it’s Disney+, Netflix, or one of Amazon’s many channels. If you’re already enjoying your Netflix subscription, you might be wondering how to get even more out of it. While Netflix offers a variety of games, some may seem underwhelming at first glance, but there are definitely some adorable gems hidden in there. Let’s go over the best cosy games that are free on Netflix!
For fans of the cosy game genre, Netflix UK has a selection you can play for “free” with your subscription. This can be a great alternative to buying these games on Steam, especially if you’re on a budget. Even if you’re using the ad-supported version of Netflix at £4.99 a month, you might as well make the most of it.
That monthly fee is actually less than the cost of any of the games listed below. Each one typically costs £8.50 or more to purchase and play elsewhere, which would add to the expense of your Netflix subscription. But let’s be honest—you’re probably not cancelling Netflix any time soon.
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The Best Cosy Games That Are Free to Play on Netflix UK
Below is a list of the best cosy games that are free to play with your Netflix subscription. Keep yourself snug and entertained at home, without watching any more money drain out of your bank account!
Spiritfarer – A Cosy Game That Will Take You to a Very Real Place
Spiritfarer beautifully intertwines heartfelt storytelling with soothing gameplay. In the game, you play as Stella, a new spiritfarer who helps lost souls find peace before they move on to the afterlife. The core of the game is about caring and compassion. As you build relationships with your passengers, you gradually learn about their pasts and help them complete their unfinished business.
The game’s hand-drawn visuals feature vibrant and lovingly detailed environments that shift seamlessly from sunny days to starry nights. Every part of Spiritfarer is designed to put you at ease. The soundtrack is calming, with gentle melodies that accompany you as you explore the world. You can also enjoy spending time tending to your garden, cooking meals, and building new rooms on your ever-expanding boat.
What truly makes Spiritfarer a cosy experience, however, is the slow-paced, reflective nature of the gameplay. There’s no rush to complete tasks. Instead, you can take your time, enjoy the scenery, and get to know each spirit at your own pace.
Ultimately, the game encourages mindfulness and offers a comforting, almost meditative experience that’s perfect for unwinding. Given its £24.99 price tag on Steam, getting it for free with your Netflix subscription is an absolute steal.
Paper Trail – Fold Your Way Through a New Journey
Paper Trail is a game that stands out for its minimalist and charming art style. Set in a world made entirely of paper, you manipulate the environment by folding and unfolding it to solve puzzles. This concept is both creative and incredibly satisfying, as each fold reveals new paths and possibilities.
The cosiest part of Paper Trail is its simplicity. You can progress through the game at a gentle pace, and enjoy each scene. The puzzles are challenging yet never overwhelming, allowing you to enjoy the process without the pressure of fast-paced gameplay. The visual design uses a soft colour palette and clean lines, making the game easy on the eyes.
The soundtrack of Paper Trail complements the serene atmosphere with light, ambient sounds. There’s also something inherently relaxing about the tactile feel of folding paper – even in a digital format. If you have a friend who enjoys origami, I feel like this could be a welcome recommendation.
Highwater – A Cosy Apocalypse Without Any Zombies
Highwater takes you on an adventure through a post-apocalyptic world where rising sea levels have submerged much of the land. Despite its bleak premise, the game creates a surprisingly cosy atmosphere through its thoughtful storytelling and stunning visual design. You play as a survivor navigating this watery world, making new friends and discovering what remains of civilisation.
This cosy game’s appeal lies in its blend of exploration and strategy; with a focus on human connection and resilience. The world of Highwater, though devastated, is still full of life and beauty. The gentle lapping of waves, the soft glow of the sun reflecting off the water… The tranquil soundscapes create an atmosphere that is contemplative, rather than chaotic.
Highwater’s story-driven gameplay is engaging without being stressful. You can take your time to explore and piece together the game’s narrative at your own pace. The game’s colourful, hand-painted art style further enhances the experience, bringing warmth and character to the otherwise desolate world.
DESTA: The Memories Between – Let’s Just Prod at That Trauma You Have
DESTA: The Memories Between offers a unique strategy experience by combining tactical gameplay with a deeply personal and emotional narrative. You explore the protagonist’s memories and relationships in a dream-like world through a series of turn-based encounters. The nostalgic, dreamy environment sets this game apart in the genre. With its lo-fi-esque art style—rarely seen in recent releases—DESTA’s visuals stand out.
The game invites you into Desta’s subconscious, where you explore complicated feelings and examine her past experiences. Although the journey might not seem comfortable, the warm, vibrant art style creates a world that feels fantastical and familiar.
The strategy elements are engaging but not difficult, which allows you to focus on the narrative without feeling pressured. Each encounter in the dream world is a chance to resolve emotional conflicts using turn-based gameplay. This gives you the time to think through your moves, making the experience more reflective than stressful. It has the potential to be a healing game for those who resonate with it.
Cozy Grove: Camp Spirit – Somewhere Where Your Troubles Go Away
Sequel not available on Steam, Cozy Grove £12.79 on Steam
Cozy Grove: Camp Spirit is the mobile sequel to the Cozy Grove. It’s available for free with your Netflix subscription. Just like its predecessor, Camp Spirit is a combination of a life simulation and a hidden object game.
In Cozy Grove: Camp Spirit, you find yourself on a mysterious, ever-changing island inhabited by adorable ghost bears. This time, though, you’re helping these spirits by managing a campsite. The game’s signature hand-drawn art style returns, bringing the island to life with vibrant colours and plenty of charming details.
What makes Camp Spirit particularly cosy is its real-time gameplay. The game encourages short, daily sessions where you complete small tasks. You can interact with the island’s ghostly residents, and gradually uncover more of the island’s secrets. This pacing makes it perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day. As a result, you can enjoy a sense of accomplishment without being overwhelmed after work or school.
Storyteller – A New Way to Write Stories
Storyteller is a unique game that lets you craft your own stories using a set of characters, backgrounds, and scenarios. It’s a game that celebrates creativity, allowing you to play with different narrative outcomes in a simple yet engaging way. The art style is charmingly minimalistic! The cartoonish characters and setting are easy on the eyes, making it a perfect choice for a relaxing gaming session.
The cosy element of Storyteller mainly comes from its open-ended gameplay, where there’s no right or wrong way to play. You can experiment with different combinations, enjoy the humorous results, and let your imagination run wild. The game doesn’t rush you. Instead, it invites you to take your time and explore all the possibilities, making it a low-pressure, highly enjoyable experience.
Because the sound design is so calming, the gentle background music supports your story crafting without distracting you.
OXENFREE – If Dark-Cosy Was a Genre
OXENFREE is a supernatural game that manages to be both eerie and comforting at the same time. You play as Alex, a teenager who unwittingly opens a ghostly rift during an overnight party on an abandoned island. While the game might sound intense, the narrative-driven gameplay and focus on character development make it a great cosy game.
The game’s dialogue system is one of its standout features, allowing for natural, flowing conversations that shape the story. This system encourages you to connect with the characters, making the experience feel personal and immersive. Despite the supernatural elements, OXENFREE’s story is deeply human, exploring themes of friendship, loss, and forgiveness.
Before Your Eyes – Be Weirded Out by a Game Tracking Your Blinks
Before Your Eyes is a deeply emotional game that uses eye-tracking technology to immerse you in its story. The game follows the life of a character from birth to death, with your blinks controlling the passage of time. It’s a unique mechanic that creates a powerful connection between you and the narrative. Because of this, each moment feels much more significant than it otherwise might.
The game invites you to slow down, focus on the small details, and immerse yourself in the character’s life. The art style is simple yet it uses bright, warm colours to depict memories and experiences. The soundtrack also adds to the depth of the game with its gentle, emotive sounds.
You may find yourself trying to avoid blinking in real life to stay in the moment that the game is showing you. But, what you need to consider is whether staying in the moment is the right choice.
Conclusion
That’s it for good cosy games on Netflix, but there are other games we’ve reviewed here on Screen Hype that are sure to grab your attention. Why not read about the free productivity game On Track or check out our Tchia Review? Join the discussion over in our Facebook community or tweet us on Twitter!
