Top Games Lists: 10 Unforgettable Cozy Games Like GRIS
Here is your list of games like GRIS if you have a huge love for atmospheric vibes and emotional storytelling. Someone pass me the tissues, please.

GRIS Game Features
10 Heartwarming Cozy Games Like GRIS
GRIS is the poignant journey of a young girl coming back to herself after experiencing a loss.
It was one of the first indie games I played on Nintendo Switch and I haven’t stopped recommending it to fellow cozy gamers ever since.
GRIS (pronounced like grease but I refuse to say it that way!) was an evocative experience that highlighted a gap in my gaming collection – games that can make me cry! Its use of metaphors allows players to interpret the powerful story in a personal way and leaves a lasting impression.
I wouldn’t normally choose to play a puzzle platformer unless it’s in co-op with my player 2, or if I’m playing solo I gravitate to management sims, but GRIS is a story I had to experience for myself. The art style helped the game flow effortlessly and I found myself unable to put it down.
For me, I would say GRIS is a deeply impactful work of art akin to looking at a painting hung on a museum wall. It’s the game you recommend to a loved one when you lack the words to describe how you are feeling so they may experience the grief you are going through.
GRIS is a puzzle-platform game with environmental puzzles requiring you to figure out how to move through the world. I wouldn’t recommend it to people who’ve never played video games before. You need at least a basic level of understanding of game controls and platformers to appreciate the beauty of this game, hence the 4 out of 5 stars.
Let’s take a look now at similar games to GRIS where emotion is beautifully conveyed through gameplay, providing you with a sense of understanding and connection.

1
NEVA
From the developers behind Gris comes more platforming and emotional storytelling in the tale of Alba and her wolf cub. As they set out to fight back against the encroaching darkness their bond will be tested. Will it blossom in time to stop the decay of their world?

2
Forgotton Anne
I first came across this enchanting game from a member of my community who recommended I play this as a fan of Studio Ghibli movies. They were so right!
The story goes that Anne is the enforcer of The Forgotton Lands, a place where all forgotten things go, like your left sock. She needs to squash a brewing rebellion so she and her master can get back home to the human realm. I played Forgotton Anne on Mobile.

3
Child of Light
If there is one game that captures the essence of GRIS it’s Child of Light. Released in 2014 this exquisite story is told through rhymes and poetry.
You play as Aurora, a young girl who awakens in a fairytale land. With a turn-based battle system, you’ll need to fight off the dark creatures that have stolen the sun, moon, and stars. Can you make it back to your homeland of Lemuria?

I played Spiritfarer straight after completing GRIS. That kind of back-to-back heavy emotion was a bit much but well worth it.
Venture out in your boat as Stella and her companion Daffodil to ferry lost souls across the seas. On your adventure, you’ll learn about who you used to be before you became the ferrymaster and how each of your new friends are connected.

free gamer bundle
Grab my Cozy Games Checklist with 125 cozy games for all platforms. Plus you’ll receive my TOP GAME PICKS for the month straight to your inbox!

5
Journey
If you’ve never played Journey you are missing out. It’s a wholesome and utterly moving experience. Probably the most fun I’ve had with a stranger in an online game.
There’s no way to communicate except with a series of clicks and twirls. You have one goal that is clear from the outset (because you are staring at it when you load in), reach the top of the mountain. Journey is an atmospheric puzzler that will win your heart with its simple gameplay.

6
SEASON: A Letter to the Future
Set off on your bicycle to document the end of the season. Play as a young woman in SEASON: A Letter to the Future as you leave your village and your family behind to explore a new world, one you’ve only heard stories about.
It’s about as slow as a game can get. You truly want to immerse yourself in every corner of this world. Take pictures of everything, trust me. I played this indie game on my Steam Deck and it worked like a dream!

7
NAIAD
NAIAD is a top-down exploration of nature through a gently flowing river. This relaxing game will have you singing like Pocahontas, “What’s Around the Riverbend?”.
You simply backstroke your way down (or up) the river as a cute water nymph who can duck, dive and dash. Make friends with the bugs and animals and lend them a helping hand navigating the river. It’s an easy puzzler that I found incredibly meditative. No release date for this game yet but here’s hoping the demo gets a re-release soon.

8
BLANC
I played BLANC with my fiance one Christmas and instantly fell in love with the characters. You play as a fawn and a wolf cub who are trying to get back to their respective families.
It’s cute and occasionally emotional but rather short, just 2-3 hours long at most. But the charm of this game is in the bond between cub and fawn that builds over this short period. If you’re looking for a wholesome co-op that feels like a nostalgic cartoon I wholeheartedly recommend BLANC.

9
Sky: Children of the Light
Unlock the mystery of the stars in Sky: Children of the Light. This is an award-winning MMO thoughtfully designed to help you meaningfully connect with other players.
With fresh regions, characters, and features added regularly it’s been a firm favorite of many folks in the cozy gaming community. The seasonal events are what really bring this atmospheric game to life. They can be quite emotional.

10
Lake
Take a break in beautiful Providence Oaks as Meredith Weiss who’s helping her father deliver mail in her hometown. There is so much beauty in this game but it’s the story that touches folks the most. With gentle game mechanics and a soothing soundtrack, you’ll wish you could holiday here for real.
Watch on youtube
Subscribe for more like this on my YouTube channel
- 10 Best Cozy Games for 2025 Already On My Wishlist - February 2, 2025
- 7 Cozy Winter Games to Play on Switch This Year - January 25, 2025
- Treating Gaming Content Creation Like a Business: Key Tools for Success - January 21, 2025
Discover more from Her Cozy Gaming
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.