The best cosy mobile games – and why people love playing them

When one thinks of gaming, major games like Call of Duty, Animal Crossing, or The Sims may come to mind. In terms of consoles, the Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch are what most people would consider gaming platforms.

But is Candy Crush a video game? Is the iPhone considered to be a gaming console? Perhaps it should be, as mobile gaming is serious business.

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, mobile gaming is expected to be worth $269.8 billion by 2032, dwarfing the global film and entertainment market which was valued at $90 billion in 2021, according to a report by Grand View Research.

While mobile gaming encompasses several genres, such as action, adventure, and puzzle games for example, cosy games have become one of the most popular genres under this umbrella. Cosy games can vary greatly, from puzzle games like Candy Crush to world-building games like Animal Crossing, but they are generally relaxing, meditative, wholesome and heartwarming.

And cosy mobile gaming in particular is also proving to be a major genre for publishers. In addition to being accessible and convenient, it’s also lucrative: mobile game company Wooga reports that its hidden object game June’s Journey surpassed $1 billion in revenue last year, and it’s far from the only one.

So what games should you download to get started? Find out below.

Who plays mobile games?

When it comes to mobile gaming - and cosy gaming in particular - the majority of players are actually female. A study by Newzoo found that 49 per cent of mobile gamers are women and than 65 per cent of women aged 10-65 in the US play mobile games.

But notably, a 2023 YouGov survey commissioned by mobile game company Wooga found that most of the women over 55 (87 per cent) surveyed play games on their mobile phone daily.

Wooga also found that the majority of June’s Journey (a cosy mystery game) players are women over the age of 55. Despite this, women are less inclined than men to call themselves gamers (29 per cent versus 57 per cent).

Why do people play cosy mobile games?

The YouGov survey found that women said they play mobile games for relaxation (73 per cent), entertainment (44 per cent), and excitement (36 per cent).

The Standard spoke to women who predominantly play cosy games, such as Candy Crush and Homescapes, to find out why.

Cath Davies, 57, who plays Homescapes among other games, says: “It gets exciting when I solve the puzzles and decorate more rooms. It makes me quite happy.”

“It’s a way of switching off,” adds Jane Evans, 58. “During the duration of the game, you’re concentrating on that one goal, so daily worries, stresses and problems are, albeit for a few minutes, put aside.”

Sebastian Nussbaum, VP Creative at Wooga, told the Standard: “Cosy games find that perfect balance of offering a relaxing experience that will still keep players excited and curious. It's important to progress, while not worrying too much about failure. There is no ‘wrong play’ and that’s what makes these games so calming.”

The best 10 cosy mobile games

Candy Crush

Candy Crush has remained one of the most popular mobile games since it was released more than a decade ago, being played by around 273 million people each month.

It is considered to be a cosy game for its whimsical aesthetics and relaxing mechanics; fans of low-stakes puzzle and organisation games will find it very satisfying.

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is undoubtedly one of the most beloved cosy games across every platform. Thankfully, mobile gamers can get in on the action too.

Players move to the valley to establish their late grandfather’s farm, make friends with their neighbours, learn to fish, forage, mine and embark on a grand adventure uncovering the secrets of the valley.

Homescapes

Homescapes is a heartwarming game in which players solve puzzles and play mini games (similar to Candy Crush) and flex their interior design muscles in order to restore a mansion to its former glory.

Players will get to know the mansion's inhabitants along the way, as they strive to create a cosy atmosphere.

Townscaper

In Townscaper, you’ll build quaint towns on water, with winding streets and soaring turrets. The game mechanics are very simple, and players needn’t worry about making money or gathering resources: they can simply build.

This game is very relaxing and meditative, and it’s very satisfying seeing your architectural creation spring to life.

June’s Journey

June’s Journey is a hidden object mystery game set in the 1920s. Games will work through a series of puzzles in order to solve the mystery.

Players can also collect items to decorate their own island along the way: perfect for fans of world-building games.

Cats and Soup

In Cats and Soup, players help establish a forest-based kitchen operation where cats make soup. The cute cats each have their own role: from chopping carrots, shredding cabbage, to stirring soup.

The game is entirely adorable and wholesome–players also get to name their cats, dress them up, and feed them fish. It’s too cute.

Pokemon Go

Pokemon Go remains a classic cosy game. This family-friendly game can be enjoyed by people of all ages (but perhaps especially by those who grew up with the Pokemon franchise).

Catch adorable Pokemon to add to your team, train them up and compete in gym battles.

Wylde Flowers

Wylde Flowers is a cosy farming sim set on a rural island, with a magical twist. The lead character, Tara, has been tasked with helping her grandma’s family farm.

But Tara is also a witch, and she can use her magical abilities to tend to the farm – or even transform into a cat. Fans of Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing are sure to enjoy Wylde Flowers.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is another iteration of the beloved Animal Crossing franchise. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of Animal Crossing on the go, or for those without a Nintendo Switch.

Though less developed than the Switch version, Pocket Camp is a sweet game that challengers players to design a campsite and fill it with adorable campers.

Unpacking

Unpacking is a cute puzzle game where players are tasked with unpacking the main character’s belongings over the course of their life.

It’s a very relaxing game and will suit gamers who enjoy organisation and decoration.