Every New Cozy Game Launching in May 2026
- Ellie
- 11 hours ago
- 16 min read
May might be one of the biggest months EVER for new cozy games with over 35 new releases to look forward to. From some of the most wishlisted games on Steam, to hidden gems that might become your next favourite game!
As always, there's a video version with trailers too if you want to see what the gameplay is like:
Mining Merchant
Let's get started with Mining Merchant, a relaxing mining and shopkeeping adventure game that reminds me a lot of Gemporium! As with many cozy games, your <insert family member here>’s shop is failing and you decided to try and turn it back around again. In the case of Mining Merchant, it’s your uncle’s jewellery shop!
Spend your days mining for precious ore, jewels, and treasure beneath the ground in a giant mech, before smelting and crafting it into jewellery you can sell in your uncle’s store. The cool thing about Mining Merchant is that you can play it in solo or in co-op mode with your friends when it launches on the 1st of May on PC.
A Bumpy Ride
Next up is a chill game called A Bumpy Ride! Drive a train across an expansive world, picking up passengers and freight and carrying them to their end destination. Over time you’ll be able to expand your stops and upgrade your train to add first class and more!
A Bumpy Ride will also be launching on the 1st of May on PC, as will our next game!
A Piano Tale
A Piano Tale is a narrative game telling the story of a fictional musician with Alzheimer's trying to find her father’s missing concerto. Throughout the game, you’ll need to visit places from Alexandra’s past, such as Vienna and St. Petersburg, in search of the missing music and there’ll also be a musical minigame as well.
But judging by the Steam description, it seems this game will be released in chapters so the entire story won’t be available from the get go when A Piano Tale launches on the 1st of May on PC in Early Access.
Plantera 2: Golden Acorn
Return to the garden once more in the sequel to idle collectathon, Plantera! Tend to the magical tree and harvest its golden acorns as you grow a sprawling sanctuary of plants, vegetables, and cute creatures in Plantera 2: Golden Acorn!
This game has been out on PC for just over three years now and has received a 94% very positive rating from over 1,000 reviews. But Plantera 2: Golden Acorn is finally launching on consoles too with a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch release coming on the 1st of May!
Islantiles
Similar to Dorfromantik, this next game is a hex-strategy game combined with a roguelike deckbuilder. Place buildings, gather resources, shape your deck and trigger satisfying card combos as you gradually expand your settlement from a tiny island into a thriving town.
There are 100 different islands to place, six difficulty settings to try, and more than 100 technologies to play around with when Islantiles drops on the 4th of May on PC.
Wax Heads
This shop sim puts a unique spin on others in the genre! Instead of running a supermarket or similar, you’re running a struggling independent record store.
Fulfil customer requests by decoding clues, browsing records, scrolling social media, and poring over local music zines to find the perfect recommendation. You can even help out local bands by designing gig posters, running the lights or packing orders!
Each album you sell has been lovingly designed with hand-drawn cover art, fun band names and lore, and of course banging tracks from every genre!
Wax Heads really stands out as a charming conversation shop sim and it’ll be launching on the 5th of May on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch!
Mixtape
PC | EGS | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X|S | Nintendo Switch 2
Our next game also has a musical focus; it’s called Mixtape and reminds me a lot of the Life is Strange games!
Follow three friends in this coming of age adventure on their way to one final party together. As you play through the story, you’ll revisit pivotal moments from their past from their first kiss to their last dance bringing together the highs and lows of adolescence.
Mixtape will launch on the 7th of May on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2 and it’ll also be available on Games Pass!
Duck Side of the Moon
Play as a duck in this next game, who has just crash-landed on a mysterious planet and is now on a quest to repair their spaceship and find their home!
Explore the galaxy, gathering resources, mining materials, crafting gadgets, and upgrading your spaceship. But it’s also got elements of A Short Hike and TOEM with people to meet and help, which makes me so excited for it as I loved both of those games!
Duck Side of the Moon will launch on the 7th of May on PC & Nintendo Switch!
In Trusted Hands
Open a repair shop, where you’re tasked with taking apart and fixing broken mobile phones. But once they’re all fixed up, you might discover something you weren't meant to see…
From messages, photos, and hidden files, once you’ve seen the information you need to decide what you want to do with it. Do you keep your mouth shut or share them with whoever pays the highest price to make some extra money for rent?
In Trusted Hands is due to launch on the 7th of May on PC.
Lost Twins 2
There aren’t many co-op games on this list but Lost Twins 2 is one of them! This hand-crafted puzzle adventure promises an emotional story about finding your way back home. In it you play as Abi and Ben exploring a whimsical world filled with puzzles for you to solve.
Whether you play in solo or co-op mode, Lost Twins 2 promises a journey filled with exploration, creativity and heart-warming moments when it launches on the 7th of May on Nintendo Switch. It’s also already available on PC, Xbox & PlayStation!
Two Point Museum: Arty Facts DLC
We aren’t done with releases for the 7th of May as we’re also getting a brand new DLC for Two Point Museum!
Open a world-class art museum where you’ll be tasked with collecting and commissioning works of art! Set up an Art Studio to create endless original pieces, from paintings to sculptures or set out on expeditions to discover famous works, performance arts, and interactive art displays.
But you’ll need to be careful, as there'll also be frauds, fakes, and phonies to deal with when ArtyFacts launches on PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 on the 7th of May, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version coming soon.
Farm to Table
This next game combines two of my favourite genres: farming and cooking! Farm to Table is an upcoming game where you literally run a farm to table restaurant; grow fresh ingredients from scratch in your garden, before turning them into delicious recipes to sell in your restaurant.
From growing plants, to raising animals, foraging for herbs, and fishing, every action you complete is for the betterment of your restaurant, which in turn funds expanding and improving your farm.
I love the idea of this sort of full-circle gameplay loop, especially as so many farming games don’t really have an end goal beyond becoming rich from selling your crops. If you like the idea of Farm to Table too, it’ll be launching on the 11th of May on PC in Early Access.
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Greenhearth Necromancer
Idle games aren’t really my cup of tea, but this one has a plot and it’s written by the same person as I Was a Teenage Exocolonist so I was instantly invested!
In Greenhearth Necromancer, you step into the shoes of a young necromancer tending their late grandmother’s garden. But you aren’t a very talented gardener and must rely on necromancy to bring plants back to life. Resurrect your withered plants and discover special traits and yields unlocked through transformation. While also getting to know your neighbours and even your grandmother’s spirit.
I tried out the demo in Steam Next Fest and I loved the art style and characters you meet, plus the narrative is optional and can be played at your own pace when Greenhearth Necromancer launches on PC on the 11th May.
Boardwalk Builders
This next game is also an idle game, but it’s about building a beautiful boardwalk instead of growing a garden. Start with small stands and grow into a sprawling seaside paradise full of rides, high-end shops and fancy restaurants with dozens of options to choose from.
Manage and upgrade your stores to bring in more money and continue to expand your establishment adding new rides, restaurants, and stores to keep visitors coming in.
Boardwalk Builders is launching on the 11th of May on PC.
Elfie: A Sand Plan
This next game is about a cute elephant who wants to build sandcastles with you! This puzzle game has over 180 levels in total with unique sandcastle designs, multiple modes to explore, and a bunch of collectibles to find!
Each level you’ll receive a series of blocks that you will need to use to match your sand sculptures to what Elfie has in mind. So if you’re looking for a relaxing puzzle game to play in your spare time, Elfie: A Sand Plan is launching on the 12th of May on PC and Mac.
Feline Forensics and the Meowseum Mystery
Duck Detective really opened the door for other cozy animal detective games and this one looks amazing!
This game is about a cat detective, who’s been tasked with unraveling a murder that spirals into a museum heist! A priceless gemstone has disappeared and a guest has died but who is the perpetrator?
Investigate the crime scene, interrogate suspects and listen to way too many cat puns in Feline Forensics and the Meowseum Mystery, which will be launching on the 13th of May on PC! Plus part of the profits will support cat adoption and rescue efforts, which is so sweet.
Oddfauna: Secret of the Terrabeast
In this adorable game you play as a tiny creature living on the back of a giant space whale called a Terrabeast. Your home will start small, but as you nurture your creature, building a colourful biome of flora and fauna on their back, they’ll grow in size unlocking new abilities.
Every decision you make when terraforming the environment will affect the Oddfauna, encouraging new creatures to visit that you can befriend and win over.
The best part is that this game is made by a husband and wife team and every creature, building, and plant has been hand-sculpted in clay and painted before being scanned into the game.
OddFauna : Secret of the Terrabeast is launching into PC in Early Access on the 13th of May!
Outbound
PC | EGS | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X|S | Nintendo Switch
Originally due to launch last month, this sustainable open-world adventure was delayed until May, but that doesn’t make me any less excited for it!
Build your own home on wheels and live off-grid in Outbound, where you’ll be scavenging resources and developing new technologies to support your lifestyle. But unlike other games of the genre, there’s no danger or anything trying to harm you - it’s just you and your trusty camper van on an adventure.
At its heart, it’s a slow living game that you can enjoy at your own pace in solo or in co-op for up to four players!
I also tried out the demo for this one if you want to see what the gameplay is like before Outbound launches on the 14th May on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch!
Hotel Architect
This next game has been in Early Access for about a year and is sitting on a 94% very positive rating with just over 1,100 reviews.
Build and manage grand hotels scattered across the globe in Hotel Architect, but it won’t be easy! Guests can be demanding and you’ll need to keep everything running smoothly no matter what happens. Choose the right staff for the job from clumsy cleaners to five-star chefs, while keeping your finances balanced and you can even get creative with the decorating!
Hotel Architect will be launching into 1.0 on the 14th of May on PC.
Alchemist: Journey of the Soul
This next game reminds me of an escape room! Play as an alchemist blessed with incredible abilities that you can use on your quest to find the Philosopher's Stone.
Navigate through grand locations, facing challenges, decoding riddles, and solving puzzles to continue progressing towards your goal. But as you follow the trail to complete your adventure, you begin to sense that not everything is as it seems…
Alchemist: Journey of the Soul will launch on the 14th of May on PC.
Before Closure
Explore the aftermath of a break-up in this emotional narrative game. You’re getting ready to move out when you discover a box of your ex’s belongings. Sort through the forgotten momentos, each one attached to a fragment of memory that you can experience by closing your eyes.
That’s right! This game is controlled by your eyes opening and closing, like Before Your Eyes, with the story conveyed through audio. Before Closure is due to launch on the 15th of May on PC.
Thrifty Business
From the creators of Sticky Business and Rituals of Raven comes a laid-back management sim about running your very own 90’s-inspired thrift shop! Search through boxes filled with pre-loved gems and use them to create gorgeous displays. Unlock furniture, decorations, wallpaper & floors to create a beautiful community space that brings everybody together!
But it’s so much more than just a store. Listen to customer’s stories and try to fulfill their requests. You can also unlock and host hobbyist events, turning your business into a treasured space for locals in Thrifty Business, which will be launching on the 18th of May on PC!
Caravan Village: Farming Life
Honestly I’m surprised by how few farming and life sims are launching in May, but this is one of them! After being tricked by a scam, you decide to make the best of a bad situation and turn the rundown caravan park you were misled into purchasing into a luxury holiday park.
Learn to live off the land as you renovate the junkyard, farming the land, befriending the villagers, and trying your hand at cooking from your grandmother’s recipe book. This game shares the same formula as other farming games, but adds a new layer with the caravans to renovate.
Caravan Village: Farming Life is due to launch on the 19th of May on PC.
Arcane Merchant
There’s been so many new fantasy shopkeeping games recently and we have another one up next!
In Arcane Merchant you open your own magical store catering to the residents of a small medieval village. Sell a range of goods from potions to weapons, crystals, and magical artifacts to your customers, earning money to continue expanding your business.
But unlike most shopkeeping sims, you can explore the area outside of your shop. The more you sell and upgrade your store, the more your town will grow bringing with it new people to trade with and more customers for your shop!
Arcane Merchant is launching on the 20th of May on PC.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book
We have a Switch 2 exclusive up next! In Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Yoshi’s world is turned upside down when a talking book falls from the sky. Intrigued by the words within, Yoshi jumps between the pages and discovers magical worlds filled with unusual creatures.
Essentially taking on the role of a researcher, Yoshi studies and records new information about the behaviour of these creatures. With its whimsical charm and colourful artwork, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book looks set to be an adorable adventure and it’ll be launching on Nintendo Switch 2 on the 21st of May.
Coffee Talk Tokyo
PC | GOG | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X|S | Nintendo Switch
The newest Coffee Talk game will also be launching next month! While the beloved coffee brewing and heart-to-heart talking mechanics may be similar to the previous games, this next game will take you to an all-new café in Tokyo!
Meet new characters and discover their fresh new backstories, along with new gameplay options and a new soundtrack inspired by Tokyo’s summer nights.
Every cup you brew will influence the story as your warm (or cold) drinks encourage your patrons to reveal their stories, dreams, and struggles all over again, when Coffee Talk Tokyo launches on the 21st of May on PC, PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
The Guardian of Nature
Our next game has been in Early Access for the last year and has launched the first two chapters of the story. But it’ll be launching into 1.0 next month with the launch of the third and final chapter!
In the Guardian of Nature you play as Henry, a botanist with the unusual magical ability of changing his size. From growing to shrinking, Henry can use this strange power to navigate the world on his quest to find and save The Tree of Life.
On his journey, he’ll come across “Nature Cards” that reveal more about this magical world and its creatures, as well as how to proceed.
The Guardian of Nature will be launching into 1.0 on PC & Mac on the 21st of May.
Walk the Frog
This next game is so unique: it’s a puzzle platformer, but you literally need to move around the platforms!
Walk the Frog tells a heart-warming adventure about a frog trying to find his best friend, but it’s all played across sticky notes. Easily drag and drop each piece around the board to unlock new paths, meet new characters, and discover a moving story packed full of funny dialogue!
Walk the Frog is also launching on the 21st of May on PC & Mac.
Beastro
PC | EGS | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X|S
This next game fuses cooking gameplay with roguelike elements!
Play as a young chef running a local restaurant; you’ll need to collect fresh ingredients by foraging, farming, and caring for animals, which you’ll then use to dish up delicious meals!
The roguelike elements come from equipping adventurers who visit your eatery, with delicious meals to help them on their journeys. The ingredients you provide them with can affect their journey, helping them to survive the deck-building combat and hopefully bring home tasty treats to improve your dishes in Beastro! It’ll be launching on the 21st of May on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and Game Pass.
Paralives
It’s been a long time coming, but Paralives is finally expected to launch into Early Access next month!
Just like in the Sims, in this life simulation game you can create your own characters from scratch and control their lives in a fully-interactive world! Choose what they do and where they work, who they befriend and who they reject, their hobbies and their dreams and where they end up!
But Paralives really shines in the decorating aspect with resizable plots, unique homes, and a truly customisable build mode with split levels, curved walls, customisable furniture, and a colour wheel for everything! Plus the open world really is open!
Paralives is due to launch on PC in Early Access on the 25th of May.
Map Map: A Game About Maps
Next up is a cozy puzzle game where you are the map maker. Starting with a blank coastline, canvas uncharted islands in search of treasure and use your cartography skills to fill out each map. Measure distances, plot key landmarks, and create easy to read maps to lead your crew to the hidden treasure.
Every island has been handcrafted and seeded with ancient ruins, animals, and secret locations to discover. So while you’ve got a quest to complete, don’t forget to explore each island as well when MapMap: A Game About Maps launches on the 28th of May on PC.
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
If you’ve been waiting for the new Story of Seasons game to drop on consoles, you’ll be pleased to hear you don’t have to wait much longer!
After taking a new job working as a farmer in the town of Zephyr, you’re surprised to find that its world-famous bazaar is non-existent. Help the town revitalise the bazaar and restore it to its former glory by working hard on your farm and selling your produce.
The voice acting was definitely one of the standout parts of this game when I played the PC version. Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar launches on the 28th of May on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S!
Blueberry
PC | Mac | PlayStation 5 | Xbox One | Xbox Series X|S | Nintendo Switch
This next game has sensitive themes such as depression, addiction, and suicide so skip ahead if they aren’t for you, but I love that more games are tackling these topics.
Blueberry is a story-driven puzzle platformer that takes you deep into a woman’s mind. Climb the Tower of Life as she faces her trauma, living through key memories from her childhood and piecing together fragments of her past in a deeply emotional story about trauma, resilience, and forgiveness.
Every choice you make will impact the story and how her life plays out when Blueberry launches on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch on the 28th of May.
Trackastrophe
There’s actually a second wholesome train game launching in May - Trackastrophe is a puzzle game akin to Railbound where you lay tracks to get your little locomotive from one side of the level to another.
There are over 100 levels to play through in total across a variety of dreamy levels and you can customise your train as well when Trackastrophe launches on the 28th of May on PC.
NEW: Kioku: Last Summer
This next game is a heartfelt, cozy adventure inspired by childhood summers!
Head to the mysterious island of Kioku to enjoy your Summer holidays and there’s so much to get up to! Take part in bike races, go crab fishing, solve riddles, collect cards and battle your new friends.
However there’s no fixed way to play this game and you can spend your Summer holidays your way when Kioku: Last Summer launches on the 28th of May on PC.
Bluey's Quest for the Gold Pen
PC | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X|S | Nintendo Switch 2 | Android | iOS
There’s a new Bluey game coming and it’s launching on essentially every single platform! Bluey's Quest For The Gold Pen is a brand new, story-led adventure, inspired by the TV show that sees players transported into Bluey’s drawings!
Together the entire family must travel through this magical world in search of the Gold Pen on their quest to get home again. Bluey's Quest For The Gold Pen will launch on the 28th of May on PC, PlayStation, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2. It’s also already available on Android and iOS.
My Little Puppy
Our last game is also on the emotional side but it’s currently sitting on a 97% overwhelmingly positive rating on Steam!
My Little Puppy is a narrative-based adventure game, where you take on the role of a corgi who has crossed the rainbow bridge. But your owner is due to join you soon, so you set out on an adventure to reunite with them when they cross over.
It’s an incredibly moving game inspired by the project director’s personal story! My Little Puppy will be bounding onto Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 on the 29th of May.
I hope you’ve discovered some new cozy games! Let me know if any of them caught your eye down in the comments.
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