Are you a fan of horror games? Are you looking for the same vibes but without the jump scares and puzzles? Or maybe you’re just like me, who loves eerie atmospheric games that are borderline horror? Here are five games you can dip into.
The Longing
In The Longing, you are a servant of a king whose magic is about to run out and needs 400 days to recover, so he creates you. While waiting, you may roam his kingdom however you may like. The most unique thing about this game is that it counts the 400 days in real-time. This also means your character’s movements, like reading or walking, are at a realistic, human pace. It’s a unique and cozy take on an adventure game because it allows you, as a gamer, to experience the same timeframe as the character while waiting for the king. There are different endings to this game, so go ahead and open this game up once in a while and see your progress. The game is available on Steam, GOG Games, and Nintendo Switch for $14.99.
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The Supper
The Supper actually doesn’t tell you much at the start. It starts off with a kind-hearted lady called Mrs. Appleton who hears The Voice inside her head. It won’t stop talking and asks her to serve something to some familiar faces. This short adventure puzzle game can be finished in 15-30 minutes, so it’s better if you experience it yourself. The game is available on Steam for free.
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Ravenous Devils
If you like the critically acclaimed musical Sweeney Todd, this game is for you. Ravenous Devils is a business simulator with a twist. Your partner runs a barbershop, however, their customers don’t leave. Instead, they become the main ingredient for the pies at your restaurant and, of course, you can’t waste the clothing they were wearing the day they were murdered. Ravenous Devils is disturbingly cozy to play through, and you will definitely become numb to the blood with the sales you’re making. The game is available everywhere for both PC and console at $4.99.
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Strange Horticulture
This one has to be my favorite on the list. Who doesn’t love cults and plants merged together in one game? In Strange Horticulture, you are left with your late uncle’s plant shop. Each plant caters to different needs, and you have to be careful which ones to sell. Explore new places and solve puzzles to uncover the stories of each customer and continue to grow your plant collection while running the business. This game is also available on PC, Switch, and Xbox.
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Stardew Valley
My list wouldn’t be complete without Stardew Valley. I bet you didn’t expect a cozy farming game to be eerie. Stardew Valley is probably at the top of the list for cozy game players, but it also has a subtle eerie side to it with the atmosphere of the town your character is in. There’s so much more to the exploration, and the stories are incredibly in-depth which adds to the whole lore of the town. Not to mention the sounds also add a bit of extra to the spookiness of the game, like the sounds the character hears when it rains. The game is available on PC and consoles for $14.99. It’s also available on mobile for a cheaper price at $4.99.
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To end this article, it is evident that the games mentioned above bring together the best of the eerie and the cozy. From the mysterious happenings of The Longing to the farming simulation of Stardew Valley, there are a variety of games that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their preference in the genre. These games are available for multiple platforms and can be easily accessed for various prices. Whether it’s the thrill of an adventure or the calm of a farming simulation, these eerie-cozy games will surely bring gamers joy everywhere.
Photo credit: The feature image is a key art of Strange Horticulture and has been provided as part of a press kit from Iceberg Interactive.
