Cozy game players have an amazing July ahead. Games likeFields of MistriaandThe Sims 4are getting major updates and an expansion pack respectively, while the long-anticipatedTales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Gamewill finally arrive after months of delays.
Cozy games are having a moment.Stardew Valleyrecently topped Steam’s Best Game of All Time list, while other cozy games by indie developers such asFields of Mistria,Melatonin, andTiny Gladeare receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam. The Steam Summer Sale, which runs until July 10, means that most of these games are on sale, and are significantly cheaper than games developed by bigger studios.TheSims 4expansion packs on the EA app and Steam are also on sale.
July is Bringing Significant Updates to Popular Cozy Games
The Sims 4 is Getting a New Garden and Nature-Themed Expansion Pack
The Sims 4will see a nature-themed expansion pack released this month. TitledThe Sims 4: Enchanted by Nature, this expansion pack will add more plants, expand on gardening, and add an apothecary mechanic. The Build and Buy mode items will allow Sims to live in a hybrid home that is both indoors and outdoors, or retreat to the outdoors entirely.
While not strictly a cozy game,The Sims 4can still be played as one, andEnchanted by Nature’s additionswill emphasize this part ofThe Sims 4’s gameplay. A cozy sim vibe can be created inThe Sims 4with the right expansion packs, particularlyThe Sims 4: Cottage Living,The Sims 4: Horse Ranch, andThe Sims 4: Seasons.
Fields of Mistria is Getting More Romantic
Fields of Mistriahas made waves in the cozy gaming space as an indie game with streamlined mechanics and compelling characters. Mistria feels like a town that’s alive thanks to the relationships its residents have with each other.Fields of Mistria’s refined combat system, magic system, deep lore, and distinctive art style go a long way to making it a unique experience.
The best part is thatFields of Mistriaalready has dozens of hours of content for players, even while in early access. On July 21, there will be even more for players to discover as thethird major update forFields of Mistriawill be released. July’s update is going to bring some features players have been waiting for months to experience, notably the introduction of a dating system. Players will finally be able to romance any of the marriage candidates, and experience events up to and including 8 hearts.
New Cozy Games are On the Horizon in July
Tales of the Shirewill be released on July 29, just one week afterFields of Mistria’s update. As the first cozy game set within the world ofThe Lord of the Rings,Tales of the Shirewill allow players to create a hobbit and build a life within the Shire. Characters like Gandalf will appear, and features like cooking, foraging, gardening, and building friendships will be fully implemented.
One of the features that players can look forward to inTales of the Shireis gridless decorating, which should allow for more freedom in decorating both indoors and outdoors, while eliminating frustrations such as off-center placement that tends to plague cozy games that work on a grid system.
Even cozy gamers who aren’t fans ofThe Lord of the Ringswill get something out ofTales of the Shire. As the story is self-contained in the Shire, and will likely have little to do with the widerworld ofThe Lord of the Rings, everyone will be able to participate in the game without needing to know about lore. IfTales of the Shire’s cozy game features are a standout, it’ll likely appeal to a broad audience, especially as it deviates fromStardew Valley’s formula and has a strong identity.
