Top 24 Upcoming Cute Games Next Year (2026 edition)
We were spoilt with all the heart-achingly cozy games that were released this past year, but what cuteness awaits us in 2026? I’ve rounded up a list so sweet it’s going to give you a toothache! Let’s take a closer look at the cute games releasing next year.
I don’t know about you, but I’m already daydreaming about the games I’ll be playing next year. It’s kinda embarrassing how excited I get over anything with round chubby cheeks or a soft colour palette, but here we are.
But I do get worried whenever I see a game that tries to be the next Animal Crossing New Horizons. Often cute games can lack soul, in my opinion. Maybe it’s because the age demographic the developers are trying to capture is much younger than I am, I can’t be sure. But I think a good story should be at the heart of every game. Still, I don’t mind the occasional “brain-off” adorable game. They help numb my mind for a bit between all the stresses of work and family commitments.
So much time and effort goes into making a game look appealing I don’t see why that same attention to detail can’t be woven into the heart of the game. Maybe I was spoilt by Wylde Flowers?
Anyway, if you’re craving something sweet for your 2026 wishlist I’ve rounded up the cutest upcoming games I could find. Only time will tell if they melt our hearts.
Let’s take a look at some of these new and upcoming cute games I’ve already added to my Steam Wishlist, and you should too. Some of these games are available on other platforms too fyi.
As always, please keep in mind that release dates are subject to change, and although the following games are all slated to release in 2026 they may be pushed back. That’s just the nature of indie games I’m afraid.
The BEST 24 Upcoming Cute Games for you to Save
01
Heartopia
PC, Steam, Android & iOS
Heartopia is a gentle, cozy life-sim game focused on creativity, freedom and chill vibes. You arrive on a blissful island and take on the role of town-developer, guided by a mysterious “Star Spirit”. You can fish, garden, cook, watch the birds, decorate your home, and potter about at your leisure. No stamina, no loading screens and no boundaries.
02
Bubblegum Galaxy
Available to wishlist on Steam
Bubblegum Galaxy is a cozy narrative building game about rebuilding the galaxy tile by tile. Discover and design new planets, complete missions, explore your office and befriend your co-workers… all while trying to find out who deleted the galaxy!
03
NAMAKORIUM
Available to wishlist on Steam
You and your mates team up with the most adorable little sea cucumbers to tidy up a very messy ocean. NAMAKORIUM is a playful, slightly chaotic co-op game where up to four of you wrangle these bubbly “cleaners of the sea” and guide them around polluted waters. Think Pikmin energy, but wetter and with way more wiggly little guys trying their best.
04
Hawthorn™
PC • Consoles to follow
Hawthorn drops you into a cosy little fantasy valley where you and your friends (or just you, tbh) get to build a lakeside village straight out of an old storybook. It mixes that Victorian-fairytale charm with the warm, fuzzy feel of classic 80s and 90s animal adventures, all wrapped up in a gentle co-op sandbox RPG.
05
On-Together: Virtual Co-Working
Available to wishlist on Steam
A cute virtual co-working game to work, play games and hang out with your friends. Stay connected while you work, then use breaktimes to chat, chill, chew bubblegum and more!
06
Witchbrook
PC • Nintendo Switch 1 & 2 • Xbox Series
Step into Mossport as the town’s newest witch and settle into a life filled with spells and study sessions. Up to four of you can play together, making friends, maybe finding love, and uncovering all the little magical secrets tucked around this seaside city as you work your way toward graduation. It’s charming, cosy and a bit enchanting.
07
Geko Gods
Steam • Nintendo Switch • PS5
Gecko Gods is a gentle little puzzle-adventure where you scurry around ancient ruins as an adorable gecko, climbing walls, poking into hidden corners and uncovering the secrets of a long-lost civilisation. The tiny gecko is genuinely cute and the whole world has a calm, inviting feel. If you like low-stress adventures with a sweet little creature at the heart of it this one is for you.
08
Hela
PC • Switch 2 • PS5 • Mac • Xbox Series
Step into the tiny paws of a brave little mouse and wander through a gorgeous world inspired by Scandinavian forests and folklore. Hela is a gentle 3D adventure filled with soft light, clever puzzles and that magical “nature feels alive” atmosphere. You’ll scamper across mossy logs, help the creatures you meet and slowly uncover a story that’s all about kindness and caring for the land around you.
09
Adorable Adventures
Available to wishlist on Steam
Adorable Adventures follows Boris, the sweetest little baby boar you’ve ever seen, as he sets out to find his family after a forest fire scatters them. It’s a gentle third-person exploration game where you’ll trot through soft, storybook-style forests, poke around with your snuffly nose, and learn new tricks along the way. The whole journey is about curiosity, kindness and rebuilding what was lost, with plenty of cute moments that’ll make you want to scoop Boris up and protect him forever.
10
Animula Nook
PC • Switch 2 • PS5 • Mac
Animula Nook lets you shrink down into the tiniest, coziest little world and make a home among mugs, books and towering houseplants. You’ll journey across desktops and shelves like they’re whole neighbourhoods, gathering sunlight and raindrops to build dreamy miniature homes. Along the way you’ll meet quirky little characters, help them out with sweet odd jobs, and discover that even the smallest spaces can hold big, heartwarming stories. It’s whimsical, gentle and honestly feels like living inside a diorama.
11
Pao Pao
PC • Steam • PS5
Pao Pao looks like a real treat for fans of cute, casual chaos. You play as a fluffy chef-character in a bright sandbox world — gather fresh ingredients, take on cooking orders, and build your own restaurant empire. There’s open-world exploration with quests, mini-games galore, and full customization as you expand your kitchen into something legendary. It’s co-op for up to four players.
12
My Heaven’s Dale
Available to wishlist on Steam
In My Heaven’s Dale you arrive in a dreamy, pixel-charm world as a carpenter chosen by the Moon Goddess herself. You’ll manage a carpentry workshop, raise animals, farm, fish, explore caves, build up the town and even ponder a trip to the moon. The day-to-day is gentle and familiar yet sprinkled with mystery and little discoveries, bright fields, friendly animals, cosy NPCs and the occasional lunar secret. It’s full of “cute life-sim” energy, perfect for when you want something soft, inviting and just a little magical.
13
Petit Planet
Pre-register for PC
Petit Planet is a sweet little life-sim from HoYoverse where you’re put in charge of your very own tiny world. Think Animal Crossing meets stargazing! You’ll garden, craft, decorate and slowly shape your miniature planet into something bursting with charm. There’s a whole cosmic side to it too, you can sail through the Starsea Voyage, browse the quirky stalls of the Galactic Bazaar, and make friends with travellers who wander in from across the universe.
14
Moonlight Peaks
PC (demo available)
In Moonlight Peaks you step into the fangs of a vampire who has traded eternal gloom for a dreamy little farm. You’ll grow magical crops, mix potions, cast spells and settle into a supernatural valley. The locals include werewolves, mermaids and witches, and you can befriend them or even lean into a bit of romance. It mixes cosy farm life with gothic fantasy and it’s a lovely pick if you like your cute games with a touch of moonlit mystery.
15
Tukoni: Forest Keepers
PC (via Steam)
Tukoni is a gentle forest spirit tasked with caring for the woodland as autumn settles in. You’ll wander through hand-drawn glades, meet whimsical creatures, brew fragrant teas, solve light puzzles and help wrap the forest in comfort before the long winter. With its soft art style and soothing rhythm, this puzzle-adventure offers a warm, inviting world perfect for when you want something cute, calm and quietly enchanting.
16
Portabellows
Available to wishlist on steam
Cute indie games releasing next year don’t get much sweeter than Portabellows. You play as retired grandma Erma on a colourful island hunting down pie recipes, gathering ingredients and helping a group of stranded castaways rebuild their crashed plane. Along the way you’ll meet quirky characters and unlock new areas. It’s bright, playful and full of charm, the sort of adventure that leaves you grinning.
17
PancitoMerge
PC (via Steam) • free browser mini-version
PancitoMerge mixes the simple fun of a falling-block puzzler with the warm, colourful vibe of a neighbourhood panadería. You drop and stack bright little pieces of pan dulce, merging them into bigger and even tastier treats as you go. The visuals are adorable, the gameplay is easy to pick up, and the whole thing feels like a sweet nod to Mexican baking.
18
Heidi’s Legacy: Mountains Calling
Available to wishlist on Steam
In Heidi’s Legacy: Mountains Calling you leave city noise behind and move into the peaceful mountains, playing as Adèle, a young woman tasked with caring for goats and helping a small alpine village rebuild. You’ll herd goats through meadows, forage in forests, craft cheeses, wool goods and herbal remedies, and explore serene mountain lakes.
19
Clawsome
PC (Steam) & Consoles
Clawsome drops you into a bright, cheerful world where you help Clawby run a claw machine that is far more magical than it looks. The prizes you scoop up have their own little quirks and personalities, and you can arrange them into colourful dioramas as your collection grows. It is gentle, cute and full of that satisfying “one more try” feeling, making it a lovely pick for anyone craving a playful, low-stress game.
20
Puni the Florist
Available to wishlist on Steam
Puni the Florist is a soothing sim where you take over a charming little flower shop and let your creativity bloom. You’ll design unique bouquets to satisfy whimsical customers, decorate your space to reflect your vibe, and help Puni journey on a silly, wholesome, and relatable journey of self-discovery. It’s set to release in 2026, and I think it’s a lovely fit if you’re into gentle, cute indie games with plenty of heart.
21
ROVA
TBC – Steam
ROVA is a cozy space-rover photography game. Help a new space colony conduct research on large spherical planets, by documenting elements of alien worlds through photography. ROVA is a game about discovery and exploration.
22
Townseeker
Available to wishlist on Steam
Take to the skies on a whimsical voyage across Explora and uncover the lost legacy of Sir Reginald Sharkingston! Trade, fish, mine, and farm, meet a vibrant cast of characters and explore vibrant towns along the way. The whole world is your sea now, so set sail and see all it has to offer!
23
Cleaning Up!
Available to wishlist on Steam
Make mountains of trash disappear in Cleaning Up! Vacuum, mop, brush and spray through piles of rubbish from hoarder-tight apartments to old haunted mansions or ancient temples, all while enjoying the simple, satisfying joy of tidying up. The vibe is relaxed and low-pressure, with tool upgrades, fun character customisation and soft, colourful visuals that make it perfect for anyone looking for a cute indie game to unwind with.
24
Dogpile
Available to wishlist on Steam
You really shouldn’t adopt a dozen dogs, but now you can! Dogpile gets you to wrangle a cute collection of canines into the perfect deck, customize them, and play them expertly. Manage the clutter, upgrade and improve your cards as you go, and strive for the BIGGEST dogs.
Which one are you most looking forward to playing? Portabellows is probably my most anticipated cute game because I want more games with wholesome grandma’s in my life!
If I’ve missed a gem or you’ve spotted another adorable pick for 2026 then tell me. I love hearing what everyone else has tucked on their wishlist and it helps me keep these lists stocked with the best upcoming cute games.
Next up, I’ve got even more indie games for you to wishlist in 17 New Cozy Games You NEED to Wishlist for 2026!
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