5 cozy game demos I’m downloading right now after I counted a whole 37 dropping during Summer Game Fest weekend

With a definition regulated entirely by vibes, cozy games might be one of the biggest categories to keep track of in gaming right now. Thanks to the big weekend of showcases we just gauntleted through, what was already a full time job kicked into overtime for me. I lost count of how many cozy games I saw between the Wholesome Games Showcase and all the other many publisher shows.

I did count the cozy game demos that dropped during the showcases and came up with a whole 37 that we can play right now. That’s before the Steam Next Fest demo event kicks off next week, even, whew! I’ve got a full list of all 37 demos I spotted down below, but to help you cut through the noise I’m also telling you which five I’m personally downloading right now.

5 cozy game demos I’m downloading right now

Toem 2

The first Toem game was an adorable adventure where you’re armed with a camera to complete a stamp rally. I’ve been so eager to see what Something We Made has cooked up for Toem 2 so I’m playing this demo posthaste. I really enjoy how all the little prompts challenge you to pay attention to the world and try to solve how to snap the shot in question.

Spiritstead

The classic cartoons art style in Spiritstead caught my attention immediately but what’s keeping me curious is the building and management. I really loved the lite-ish resource management of Fabledom and I’m hoping this activates the same fun beautification plus strategy parts of my brain.

Arcane Eats

Don’t let “roguelike deckbuilder” scare you off! I got to play a smidge of Arcane Eats at GDC this year and I’m eager to get a look at defeating hungry tummies with my deck of dishes on my own time. It takes a bit of getting to grips with the “battle” system, but it’s turn-based so it’s low stress once you grok it. If you find strategy cozy like I do, it’s a fun one.

Horses of Hoofprint Bay

I’m not a horse girl myself, but I know a few, and from what I can tell this little hand-drawn horse training game is the one the real horse girls are psyched for. My own horse-knowing bestie gushed to me about the Hoofprint Bay demo already, so I feel like I need to go find out what the fuss is about.

Wish Upon A Llama

I’m always up for another 2D farm sim, especially one with breeding. I’ve had my eye on Wish Upon A Llama for a couple years now and while normally the datable townsfolk are what’s got my attention this time it’s those juicy family trees for all my little llamas, deer, and capybaras.