There’s no way that a Japanese Role-Playing Game can be relaxing…right? On the contrary! Today, let’s talk about some cozy JRPGs (and how they earned that title in the first place).
Typically, when someone thinks of a JRPG, they don’t think of the word “cozy”. Sure, anime characters can be cute, but these games in particular tend to focus on fighting weird monsters and, more often than not, super dark themes.
Now, reader, I understand if you’re a little confused; this blog focuses primarily on cozy, low-stress games, after all. We’re not here to be sad (for the most part)! We’re not here to throw a tantrum after failing to beat the boss for the 500th time! Why the heck would I dare to talk about an inherently non-cozy genre?!
I have my reasons, of course. Have I led you astray yet, reader? Rest assured I haven’t, and I won’t now!
So, let’s address the question that’s surely on your mind. Can JRPGs even be considered cozy?
The short answer: Yes. The long answer: Yeeeeeeeeeeees.
The longer answer: There are plenty of already-established cozy titles, like Stardew Valley, that have fighting elements, even dark or tragic themes, right? So, theoretically, a JRPG can be cozy too…assuming there’s something in it that makes it cozy, like the power of friendship, the aesthetics, or even just the feeling it gives its players.
With that being said, let’s check out some cozy (yup, legitimately cozy) JRPGs. 12, if you want to be specific.
Want to play something else? That’s okay, just click here!
12 of the Coziest JRPGs:
1. Atelier Ryza (Series)
ESRB: E
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
If you’re yearning for a JRPG that’s as cozy as your favorite oversized sweater, the Atelier Ryza series is here to whisk you away on a heartwarming adventure. This game isn’t just about slaying dragons or saving the world; it’s about the simple joys of friendship and discovery.
When Ryza, an ordinary village girl, is fed up with the mundanity of her daily life, she decides it’s time for a change. She gathers her trusty band of pals, and together, they embark on a quest to explore the forbidden “island across the shore.” It’s like a summer road trip, but with alchemists and magical adventures (minus battling for the aux cord).
True to most JRPGs, there’s a bit of monster fighting via a turn-based battle system. Honestly, though, you’ll be spending so much time admiring the sweet, warmhearted vibes and lovely scenery (as well as some of the characters themselves…*cough* Lent Marslink *cough*) that it won’t take away from any of the coziness.
While the entire series is wonderful, I’d personally recommend starting with Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout. It’s the first in the series and overall a great introduction to the Atelier universe!
2. Legend of Mana
ESRB: E
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Android, iOS
In the cozy realm of JRPGs, Legend of Mana invites you to embark on a whimsical adventure that’s as captivating as a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly evening. Which is perfect, because (as of writing this) it’s October. Unless you live in the future…
The game starts when you wake up from a dream of a mystical Mana Tree, eager to begin your quest. But here’s the twist, my fellow adventurers—when you unfold the world map, it’s blank. There’s absolutely nothing on it!
Don’t worry, your map will get filled up lickety-split. You’ll collect extraordinary artifacts during your journey and sprinkle them across the map like confetti at a carnival, watching towns and dungeons spring to life as your tale unfolds. With a colorful cast of characters, epic battles against fierce monsters, and a world as vast as your imagination, Legend of Mana is the equivalent of snuggling up with a choose-your-own-adventure book by a roaring fireplace. That sounds pretty cozy to me, y’all!
This game’s extra awesome for all my nostalgia-nerds out there, because it was recently remastered. You can even toggle between the new and original soundtrack as you immerse yourself in this whimsical wonderland. You basically get the benefits of a retro game without the downsides of tragically dated graphics.
3. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
ESRB: E
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
If you’re combat-averse, then this game’s for you; the most violence you’ll encounter is some hardcore fishing!
In Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles, adventure quite literally meets relaxation. Gemea, with its picturesque landscapes and eight diverse environments, might seem like the ultimate paradise for a vacation. Still, there’s just one tiny issue – it’s got a bit of a Murky situation. Yes, Murk, the unwelcome party guest who decided to stay for way too long, turning this idyllic island gloomy in the process. Talk about a Midwestern goodbye! (Sorry, Midwesterners)
But fear not, for you are Gemea’s hero, and you’ve got a job to do. Armed with the power of spirits and your unwavering determination, you can clear away the Murk and bring back the island’s natural beauty. Along the way, you can become a jack of all trades, mastering professions from carpentry to cooking, while making friends with the cutest creatures and even running your own farm.
Yonder invites you to set your own pace; whether you’re up for a thrilling quest or simply want to spend the day fishing by the serene lake, this game is your cozy escape to a world you’ll want to revisit again and again.
4. World of Final Fantasy
ESRB: E10+
Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita
Have you ever wanted to play a Final Fantasy title, but thought, “Ugh, it’s not cozy enough?” Well, look no further than World of Final Fantasy.
In this game, you can embark on a whimsical adventure with siblings Reynn and Lann in the enchanting world of Grymoire. The game’s vertical exploration adds a whole new layer of fun as you stack your way through dungeons. While, yes, there are battles (it’s still a JRPG, after all), instead of your typical RPG skirmishes, you’ll be collecting and stacking creatures called Mirages to take on your foes. They’re cute, they’re squishy, and they kick major butt.
Not captivated, yet? Well, you’ll not only capture these adorable critters but also customize and evolve them to suit your style. Want to teach a Mirage a new trick or transform it into a formidable form? No problem! Cheaper than buying a dog, I’ll tell you that.
5. Rune Factory 5
ESRB: T
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch
In the world of Rune Factory 5, life in the sleepy town of Rigbarth isn’t all about counting sheep – unless you’re farming them! (I thought that was a good joke, ok?)
As the newest member of SEED (of course it’s a farming pun), the town’s peacekeeping squad, your days are a magical blend of monster wrangling and cultivating crops. What’s up with all these monsters, anyway? Sounds like a mystery’s afoot! (No, seriously, there’s a whole mystery element to the game’s overall plot.)
More importantly, though, you’ll be bonding with the quirky folks of Rigbarth. Maybe you’ll join in on cooking contests that could turn even Gordon Ramsay into a teddy bear. Or, perhaps, you’ll seduce your one true love under the stars during the stargazing festival. How romantic! Fun fact, RF5 is the first in the series to allow same-sex marriage.
True to the rest of the series, Rune Factory 5 is a cozy fantastical magical version of Harvest Moon (assuming that’s your jam). If your budget’s a little tighter than you’d like, Rune Factory 4 is $20 cheaper on Steam and well-loved by many cozy JRPG fans. Or you can buy both. I won’t judge.
Looking for more farming games to play? Click here!
6. Persona 4 Golden
ESRB: T
Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox Cloud Gaming
When people think cozy, they don’t usually think of the Persona series. I mean, in Persona 4, you and your friends set out on an adventure filled with secrets, serial murders, and some (literal) soul-searching. That sounds…spooky.
But you know what isn’t spooky? The small-town vibes of Inaba. Set in Japan’s rural countryside, Persona 4 has you eating delicious local food (Rainy Day Mega Beef Bowl Challenge, anyone?), befriending townsfolk, participating in after-school clubs, and enjoying slow small-town life…when you’re not battling monsters.
Speaking of befriending, friendship mechanics are a major part of the Persona series, and 4 is no exception. The stronger your bonds with people, the stronger you are in battles. The power of friendship is real people. You know who you can befriend, by the way? A lil’ fox. I love lil’ foxes.
So, yeah, Persona 4 has some seriously cozy elements to it. Also, get Golden if you can. It has more content and is overall better. Just sayin’!
7. Bravely Default (Series)
ESRB: E
Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch
For all my 3DS-loving friends out there, this one’s for you! And if you don’t have or like the Nintendo 3DS…heck, you’ll still like this game.
Bravely Default is set in the world of Luxendarc, which is kept in balance by four elemental crystals protected by the Crystal Orthodoxy, a religious group with influence across the world. Sounds…shiny. Anyway, the story follows the adventures of four people, Agnes, Tiz, Ringabel, and Edea, who aim to reclaim the four crystals from the darkness and confront a greater evil along the way.
What makes Bravely Default cozy is, while the stakes sound kinda high, the reality is there’s plenty of humor and fun to make the journey lighthearted. You have four characters that you get to know intimately, making you feel genuinely connected to them by the game’s end. Also, the combat is never meant to be challenging, so you should be able to get through it without getting all stress-y.
So, yeah, if you want an adventure without all the frustration that typically comes with this style of game, you’ll love the Bravely Default series.
8. EarthBound
ESRB: E
Platforms: SNES
Normally, I try to promote games that are able to be purchased; while I am a retro gamer at heart, I know not everyone has the time (or funds) to hunt for old copies. However, I couldn’t make a list discussing cozy JRPGs without bringing up the SNES classic EarthBound.
Picture this: A baseball bat-wielding kid named Ness, a quirky cast of friends, and a world that’s under attack by bizarre aliens and paranormal phenomena. Welcome to the wonderfully weird universe of EarthBound, a cult classic JRPG that’s as cozy as it is kooky. This game takes you on a heartwarming, humorous, and utterly strange adventure that honestly feels like your favorite Saturday morning cartoon came to life.
With its charmingly odd characters, witty dialogue, and a battle system that involves fighting hippies and sentient piles of vomit, EarthBound is an unforgettable journey into a land where the mundane and the surreal collide. No one said a game couldn’t be cozy because of how weird it is!
Again, this game is no longer officially released, though if you find some other way to play it, I won’t tell anyone. That’s none of my business!
9. Ni no Kuni Wrath of the White Witch
ESRB: E
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
All my Studio Ghibli lovers will thoroughly enjoy Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, in my humble opinion.
Here, cozy meets captivating as you join young Oliver on his heartwarming quest to bring his mother back. Armed with nothing but a magical book and the quirkiest sidekick this side of Narnia, Drippy (who’s basically a talking lantern with a penchant for dad jokes), you’re in for a fantastical journey that’s equal parts heartache and hilarity.
I know, I know, I promised y’all wouldn’t get too sad with my game recommendations. But, believe me when I say that Ni no Kuni‘s a game you won’t want to miss. And hey, story aside, you have so much art to appreciate – it’s like you’re exploring your own Miyazaki film. What’s not to love?
10. Fantasy Life (series)
ESRB: E
Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch
Imagine a world where you can be a heroic knight in the morning, a master chef at lunchtime, and a legendary tailor by dinner. Welcome to Fantasy Life, the game that lets you live out all your wildest career fantasies in a whimsical, ever-changing land.
As you embark on this delightful adventure, you’ll explore the charming town of Reveria, meet quirky NPCs with more puns than a stand-up comedy show, and, most importantly, choose from a whopping 12 unique Life classes. Really, Fantasy Life is like the ultimate career fair with a side of adorable fantasy creatures.
Want to swing a sword as a Paladin? No problem. Prefer a more tranquil life as a Fisherman? Cast away! This game isn’t just about slaying monsters; it’s about mastering every profession under the sun, and maybe even cooking up a storm to whip up your own quirky concoctions. So, don your wizard hat or grab your blacksmith’s hammer; it’s time to live the most fantastical and coziest life you can dream of!
This underrated game was truly one of the best of the Nintendo 3DS, but Switch-owners, you’re in luck – a sequel, FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time, is being released this year! Finally!!
11. Dragon Quest (Series)
ESRB: E
Platforms: Way too many to list, dude
So, what if you were in a charming medieval world filled with whimsical creatures and endearing characters, armed with a wooden stick and a heart full of courage…well, that’s the magical journey that the Dragon Quest series invites you to embark upon.
Honestly, this JRPG franchise is like the comfort food of gaming. It’s a bit like being wrapped in a warm blanket made of nostalgia, where slimes are your friends, and you have conversations with dragons that don’t involve stinky, fiery breath. Not enough people talk about it, maybe because it’s seen as “old”…even though the latest game was released just last month. Come on, people!
Either way, the Dragon Quest series is renowned for its timeless appeal and delightful, lighthearted storytelling. Sure, there are stakes, but not the oh my gosh everyone I love is dying around me kind. Moreso the simple, “Oops, time to save the world again! Teehee!” kind. So, whether you’re chasing after a legendary hero’s legacy or simply in it for the thrill of defeating adorable yet menacing monsters, Dragon Quest is your ticket to (cozy) adventure.
Asking me to pick one Dragon Quest game to recommend is like having me choose my favorite dessert…it really depends on what I’m vibing with that day! Though if I had to recommend one…everyone says Dragon Quest V is the best. Regardless, you pick which one works best for you, boo!
12. Yo-Kai Watch (Series)
ESRB: E
Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch
Ever wondered what’s causing that inexplicable feeling of your socks mysteriously disappearing or your freshly purchased milk turning sour overnight? I know I have…that’s my third gallon this week!
Well, ponder no more, because Yo-Kai Watch lets you dive headfirst into a world teeming with mischievous, invisible critters known as Yo-Kai. As a junior ghostbuster with a wristwatch that can spot these spectral shenanigans, you’ll find yourself in the quirkiest of situations.
Not only does the game promise a heartwarming adventure and battles that are more wacky than worrisome, but it’s also a game that offers a fun twist on urban legends and everyday nuisances. From Toiletta, the toilet-dwelling Yo-Kai with a penchant for plumbing pranks, to Cheeksqueek, the bottom-burping Yo-Kai, you’ll be scratching your head and chuckling at the same time as you befriend these oddball entities.
If you like the Pokemon series, I guarantee that you’ll love these games, too. The only thing is, 1 through 3 are exclusive to the 3DS, and 4, while on the Switch, has only been released in Japanese so far. Fingers crossed that an English version comes out soon!
Ever wondered what makes a cozy game…well, cozy? Click here!
See, I told you JRPGs could be cozy. Anything can be cozy if you set your mind to it!
…Well, almost anything.
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