I’m looking to set up a co-op video game night with my friends and I’m looking for suggestions for a cozy game we can all play together virtually. We all enjoy Stardew Valley but we’ve all played it and I’d like to start something new with them. Looking for ideas that would allow me to walk away from the computer if I need to take care of my kids but still allows my friends to continue playing.
Here’s some parameters to narrow down the list:
- switch, Steam, or GOG availability
- can walk away and not die without having to pause for my friends
- preferably affordable
- lower graphics requirements, we all have older hardware
- game controller compatible
- fun to play over multiple short sessions
- either 2 player or up to 4 players
Thanks everyone in advance!
Edit: I’m so excited with all the suggestions! I realized I should put co-op in the title and add the number of players. Might be anywhere between 2 and 4. Even the single player suggestions I’ve been getting are so up my alley I’m excited to check them out. This was my first post on this platform and it’s been amazing thank you!
74 Comments
shittydwarf@piefed.ca · 31 pts · 17d
This might be a weird suggestion but deep rock galactic sort of fits this theme in my mind. I found it to be pretty chill on the lower hazard levels, you can hang out and play mini games in your base ship between missions. Lots of fun multiplayer, upgradeable classes, short missions, funny VA and themes..
Skua@kbin.earth · 10 pts · 17d
It's really good about not pressuring players too. You get slightly bigger rewards for pmaying on higher difficulties / completing missions faster / doing extra objectives and so on but the rewards are only small power boosts and lots of fun cosmetics. You can do what you want at your own pace and not feel like you're missing out
littlelordfauntleroy@lemmy.zip · 9 pts · 17d
Rock and stone!
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 6 pts · 16d
Haha I’ve watched my husband play this and I wouldn’t have thought it as cozy. I see what you mean about it being lower stakes though. Now he wants to see us play so we may give it a go thank you for the suggestion!
snoons@lemmy.ca · 5 pts · 17d
Can ostensibly walk away from it by making a dorf cocoon: dig hole with dorf in it, plug with cheese (engi platforms). Have saved many afk dorfs from certain doom this way. Has to have at least 2 dorf distance from glyphids though. They can do damage through walls.
Vespair@lemmy.zip · 3 pts · 17d
DRG was not cosy for me, it made me feel very stupid. I don't know what I did wrong, but I played for hours and tried multiple missions but every time I ended up like 10 short of whatever the mineral I needed to mine to win was, and would scour everywhere trying to find it, digging crisscross tunnels all across the map, never finding the last node.
I still truly do not know what I was doing wrong, but I found the experience so discouraging and it made me feel so stupid ☹️
Augmented1207@feddit.org · 2 pts · 16d
I feel like they improved that, I had a few of those runs at the beginning as well. Idk how long it has been since you touched it, but I suggest trying again :) and use the map to see other caves nearby
Vespair@lemmy.zip · 2 pts · 16d
It was November 2025.
Bluescluestoothpaste@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 16d
If it makes you feel better i just dug around and went seemingly nowhere for an hour and never played it again so yeah made me feel like i have 50 iq, just literally couldn't get past starting the game and digging into the earth and never seeing anything lmao
EnsignWashout@startrek.website · 1 pts · 15d
I had these runs early on, as well - where the rock I need to win simply is not present, or is so rare that I would have needed to be an expert to mine it.
They seem to have improved the randomizer, since then. I haven't had that happen, lately - where the ore I need is too rare.
Also, mods that slash the ammo refill costs to 40 go a long way toward making DRG a much more relaxed gameplay.
Vespair@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 15d
Improved since November 2025?
And I didn't have any complaints with the gameplay experience or difficulty beyond that, but it's a pretty significant wall...
solarvector@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 15 pts · 17d
Edit - I somehow missed the multiplayer part. For that, try Torchlight 2, it willl run fine on a laptop from 2005.
Single player:
Tactical Breach Wizards
Brilliant writing, awesome characters, and overall extremely well done turn based game. Has a rewind feature that is integrated into gameplay in a way that both makes it more fun and even less stress.
Well done graphics with slightly more than potatoe requirements.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1043810/Tactical_Breach_Wizards/
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 16d
Definitely adding Tactical Breach Wizards to my Steam wishlist, it looks like a fun time. Thanks for your suggestions!
littlelordfauntleroy@lemmy.zip · 12 pts · 17d
Terraria will literally run on your phone and you can set up a world to suit your needs ie. No combat etc.
Valheim is good for a bit of building and exploration.
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 14d
Terraria looks super accessible and fun thank you for the suggestion! Valheim looks so pretty as well. Thank you
EnsignWashout@startrek.website · 2 pts · 16d
I would have loves Terraria with combat turned off. Thanks, I didn't realize that's an option, now.
YoiksAndAway@piefed.zip · 9 pts · 17d
You Don't Know Jack. There are several packs of trivia and party games, and you can use smartphones as controllers. Available on Steam and reasonably priced.
On edit: I didn't notice the "virtual" part. I'm not sure if you can do that.
Deconceptualist@leminal.space · 6 pts · 17d
Honestly you could jump on a zoom call or whatever, as long as everybody has the same game room code loaded on their phone YDKJ Party Packs should be pretty fun. No need for game controllers even.
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 14d
This is a great idea, we could use a screen share to play and it doesn’t take long to pick up and play. Thank you!
YoiksAndAway@piefed.zip · 1 pts · 14d
You're welcome! I've accumulated 7 packs in my library (probably bundles, but I can't remember). Enjoy!
Zarobi@aussie.zone · 9 pts · 16d
I also recommend Palworld as others have suggested. Or Valheim, for it's darker grim cousin.
Maybe unconventional recommendation, but FFXIV has an extremely generous, unlimited time free trial. Like hundreds of hours of free trial. Most of it's dungeons and content is designed for roughly 4 players concurrently (tank, healer, 2dps), though every class does lots of damage so nobody is just standing there bored. There's combat of course as an MMO but it's pretty relaxed pace most of the time. But this is a big commitment of course.
Core Keeper is basically Stardew Valley + Minecraft. You kill bosses and stuff but also mostly gather resources and farm and upgrade gear.
Factorio and Satisfactory has multiplayer, if you enjoyed the automation and progression part of Stardew Valley.
Raft you are on a raft at sea — you all work together to upgrade your raft.
I've heard good things about Dinkum and Grounded and Coral Island but haven't tried them yet.
mushroommunk@lemmy.today · 3 pts · 14d
You missed a big plus for FFXIV - it's controller support is next level. People successfully do end raids with a controller just fine.
If MMOs are on the table Lord of the Rings online should also be looked at. Peak cozy
Killer_Tree@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 15d
+1 for Dinkum (Think multiplayer animal Crossing but with minimal combat, progression, and Stardew Valley-esk day timer instead of real time) Also +1 for Grounded, it's more survival crafting and combat but still a great vibe.
EnsignWashout@startrek.website · 3 pts · 16d
+1 to Palworld. The difficulty/accessibility settings are very good for achieving co-op chill vibes.
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 14d
Thank you so much for your detailed reply! These are all amazing suggestions and I cannot wait to give them a go
Sanctus@anarchist.nexus · 9 pts · 17d
Sky: Children of Light (dont do the season pass shit, just play the main story with your friends and then let it be done and it will be fun)
Webfishing (no controller compat)
Flock Around
Of course, imo, Project Ozone 3 for Minecraft Java 1.12.2 is the best chill game for me, everyone on their own island, just tinkering with their shit. I do go into creative mode if we play this way and immediately setup connected portals to everyone's islands so we can all come and chill and watch other's progress if we want (but its such an early progression that we dont do that anymore, you gotta earn the right to connect to the portal network)
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 14d
All of these look like fantastic options thanks so much for the suggestions. The webfishing game looks so chill I’m excited to give it a go.
kender242@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 17d
Lovers in Dangerous space time and Pico Park come to mind. Sort of couch co-op vibes but can be online.
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 14d
These look like fun, thank you so much for the suggestions
CultLeader4Hire@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 17d
Raft, but you will die if you walk away too long but there might be settings where this isn’t the case. I have no idea about the controller since I never tried to play that way.
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 14d
Ooo that looks like a fun challenge thank you
Zahille7@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 17d
Palworld can be kinda cozy/chill, but there are no real NPCs to hang out with.
I was going to suggest Paleo Pines because it's basically Stardew/Animal Crossing with dinosaurs, but it's singleplayer only.
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 14d
Palworld is a popular suggestion, I’ll have to suggest it to the group for sure. Thank you!
ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net · 7 pts · 16d
Dome Keeper is a really fun up-to 4-player co-op game about digging for minerals beneath a dome and defending it from creatures on the surface who try to break in every so often.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1637320/Dome_Keeper/
It's mostly a chill game, but the defense of the dome can be exciting, though only one player needs to actually man the defenses, the rest can continue to mine below ground.
EnsignWashout@startrek.website · 3 pts · 15d
Great recommendation!
And there is an accessible game play mode available that turns off the dome defense portion of the game, as well.
thatsTheCatch@lemmy.nz · 3 pts · 16d
Yes! My partner and I love playing this. I defend and she mines
rozodru@piefed.world · 7 pts · 17d
If you're a Millennial I highly suggest the "Emily is Away" trilogy.
3 games that are extremely simple, but god damn do they make you feel like a teen/20 something again.
The first game, "Emily is Away" takes place in AOL IM. it's a visual novel but it's very good and allows you to set your avatar, etc just like you did with AOL IM. it's brutal when it gets to the end. the Second game "Emily is Away Too" also takes place in AOL IM but is a bit more difficult as this time there are timing choicse. the third game "Emily is Away <3" takes place on the original Facebook IM. that one is even more difficult. so the difficulty between the games ramps up.
fantastic series. I have all three and I love them. honestly the first game made me cry at the end.
Klanky@sopuli.xyz · 6 pts · 17d
As someone who was all over AIM in the early 2000s and had some similar experiences, yeah that first one made me tear up too at the end.
rozodru@piefed.world · 5 pts · 17d
it was so brutal at the end wasn't it? like the constant backspacing was like "oh man that was me"
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 14d
I just snagged the first game and can’t wait to try it out! Thank you for your suggestions!
Cris_Citrus@piefed.zip · 7 pts · 17d
Depending on what you enjoy Minecraft on peaceful mode may be an option :)
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 14d
An awesome thought thank you!
Cris_Citrus@piefed.zip · 1 pts · 14d
Glad its helpful! Have a good one, I hope you find some games y'all enjoy! ☺️
Auster@thebrainbin.org · 7 pts · 17d
Starbound maybe?
Might not match the hardware and controller requirements since its optimization changes depending on the machine, and the commands are keyboard and mouse-centric so adapting to a 24-keys controller can be hard.
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 14d
This looks like a lot of fun thank you for the suggestion :)
unwillingsomnambulist@midwest.social · 6 pts · 17d
Powerwash Simulator.
mushroommunk@lemmy.today · 6 pts · 17d
If it's just two of you I enjoyed phogs with a buddy of mine. Technically you pause if you walk away as it takes both people. I'm not sure you'll find many games that fits literally everything on your list but fingers crossed for ya.
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 14d
Yeah, it’s an extensive wishlist so I don’t anticipate hitting all the points, just hoping for most or even some. Phogs looks like a lot of silly fun, thanks for the suggestion!
mushroommunk@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 14d
I get that. I just thought of it, others suggested Peak but RV There Yet is just as fun and actually easier to step away from as one guy can just drive or repair or explore or whatever. It doesn't halt progress quite as much as in Peak I feel.
I also think Trine might work if it hasn't been suggested. It's a fun little action adventure game but it's not hard or stressful, been playing through them with my own friends
Leax@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 6 pts · 16d
Tiny Bookshop! Stardew valley vibe but the core gameplay is more relax as you decide the kind of books you store on your shelves and give book recommendations to your client. Very chill
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 14d
Looks so cute thank you!
jacksilver@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 15d
Escape Academy or similar type of escape room/puzzle games might work.
Slay the Spire 2 has a good co-op option. And technically any digital boardgame (ticket to ride for example) would meet your vibes.
Maybe a little more intense, but Rayman Legends/Origins are pretty cozy.
Any of the Lego games would probably work.
Peak has an "easy" setting that just makes it a goofy teamwork based game.
Sylence@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 4 pts · 17d
It's not out for another 3 days but Big Walk seems to suit all of your requirements and looks like it will be a hoot!
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 14d
That does look like a hoot, I’ve wishlisted it!
MrSelfDestruct@lemmy.zip · 4 pts · 17d
I'm really loving Splatoon Raiders.
gl38@feddit.uk · 3 pts · 16d
I recommend Heave-Ho even though it doesn't meet your second point. Dying is so funny, I often found myself doing it on purpose for a laugh.
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 16d
Heave Ho is hilarious! I’ll suggest it to the group thanks for the reminder
Taokan@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 16d
Go Go Town on steam came out recently, co-op available local or online, controller compatible, up to 4 players (aside: you didn't tell us how many players needed, but stardew is 4 so I'm going to assume a 4 max isn't a problem). Not sure on system requirements, might be a little heavier than stardew but it's not all that graphically intense. Had a blast playing it local co-op with the kids.
Gameplay loop is familiar: extract resources to grow your town, unlock higher tiered buildings, eventually automating most of the logistics such that it runs itself like a little town simulator. The game is very casual friendly and forgiving, for example, you can freely just pick up and move a building, no reconstruction or lost costs, you can't really "die", and if you need to step away, shops might run out of inventory and stop producing but they won't death spiral or anything.
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 14d
Aww this one looks cute, thank you for the suggestion!
bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 17d
Gone home is fun and cozy
EnsignWashout@startrek.website · 2 pts · 12d
Ale and Tale Tavern is great co-op fun, and terribly cozy. It's primarily fantasy themed overcooked, but with much chiller vibes.
There's optional adventurer stuff, but it is pretty light, there's good accessibility settings, and the adventuring can be delayed until stronger gear is available or done cooperatively, making it much easier.
Over time, you can upgrade your gear and decorate the tavern.
If anything, the game's flaw is just that it's relatively short, for an economy simulation game.
(6 to 8 hours with my group unlocked everything. We played past the end for maybe another two hours just for the chill vibes.)
EnsignWashout@startrek.website · 2 pts · 16d
Voxlibre has solid cozy / accessible settings, and great multiplayer support. (And is free!)
Kirk@startrek.website · 2 pts · 16d
Surprised nobody recommended "Overcooked!" It has really fun bite-sized rounds with four player local coop.
EDIT: It's also $4 on Steam with right now: https://store.steampowered.com/app/448510/overcooked/
Prunebutt@slrpnk.net · 3 pts · 14d
Overcooked is great, but rather the opposite of what I'd call "cozy".
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 4 pts · 14d
I agree haha, it’s low stakes but high stress imo. Lots of fun with the right group though!
Kirk@startrek.website · 2 pts · 14d
True actually it can get quite hectic 😅
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 14d
Overcooked is a blast, thanks for the suggestion!
JustAnotherLemming@lemmy.zip · 2 pts · 15d
Palia is free to play and keeps expanding their game. No problem if you just walk away, no player health meter, just focus to get extra XP from the things you are already doing. Fun for solo, duos or more. Has hunting creatures that are more challenging to track down, basic supply gathering via wood chopping and mining, crafting of all kinds of stuff, farming and ranching too! Crazy they still have it for free.
ZUUL0@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 16d
Astroneer i believe fits all your needs
Purpsle@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 14d
This looks like a great option for us thank you!
BoosBeau@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 15d
Witchspire - similar to Palworld, but "witchy" themed
littlelordfauntleroy@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 17d
AceFuzzLord@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 15d
Flock Around
Chill game about basically just going around a bird sanctuary and taking pictures of birds.
Sledding Game
It's an early access game about sledding... Kinda self explanatory as to what you do in game.
Edit:
Cannot confirm right now whether they got controller support, but most games do anymore so it shouldn't be a huge problem.
Axeman666@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 17d
dudesss@lemmy.ca · 1 pts · 16d
Local Multiplayer
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1286580/Ship_of_Fools/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/701160/Kingdom_Two_Crowns/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2019810/Boxes_Lost_Fragments/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/972660/Spiritfarer_Farewell_Edition/
Thalfon@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 16d
In case you want something closer to Stardew Valley, a couple of good choices in that genre would be Coral Island and Fields of Mistria. Both farming sims with their own unique spins on things, can check both of them out and see if either one fits your vibe better.
Coral Island has been full release for a while now, but Fields of Mistria has its 1.0 official release on Aug 5.