What are the best cosy games on steam that are also spooky RPG games on Steam in 2024?
Craving a spooky twist on your cozy gaming experience? Steam’s diverse library offers a unique selection of cozy games that blend comfort with a dash of the macabre, perfect for alt cozy fans and the upcoming spooky season. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best cozy games on Steam, featuring creepy RPGs that promise to deliver both charm and chills. Whether you’re seeking the best Steam Deck game to enjoy on the go or simply want to unwind with some eerie adventures, we’ve curated a list of five standout titles that masterfully combine cozy elements with haunting atmospheres. Get ready to discover games that will whisk you away to enchanting worlds while keeping you on the edge of your seat!
| ✓ Progression | ✓ Story Depth | ✓ Atmosphere | ✓ Character Development |
| ✓ Graphics |
Fran Bow /rating:4.6
Ratings (Out of 5)
Available On:
Game Features
Fran Bow stands out as a pinnacle of cozy-spooky RPGs, offering a deeply unsettling yet strangely comforting adventure. This point-and-click psychological horror game follows the journey of a young girl navigating between reality and a disturbing dream world.
Progression
Fran Bow’s progression system is a masterclass in balancing relaxation with creeping dread. As players guide Fran through her surreal journey, the game maintains a steady pace that allows for exploration and puzzle-solving without feeling rushed. The ability to switch between reality and the nightmarish alternate world provides a unique twist on progression, allowing players to uncover new paths and solutions at their own pace. This mechanic creates a sense of discovery that’s both exciting and unsettling, perfectly capturing the essence of a cozy-spooky RPG.
Story Depth
The narrative of Fran Bow is where the game truly shines, weaving a tale that’s as disturbing as it is touching. The story delves into themes of mental health, loss, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination. As players unravel the mysteries surrounding Fran’s past and her current predicament, they’re treated to a narrative that’s both deeply unsettling and surprisingly heartwarming. The game’s ability to maintain a sense of coziness amidst its darker themes is remarkable, creating a story that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
Atmosphere
Fran Bow excels in crafting an atmosphere that seamlessly blends cozy and spooky elements. The game’s world is a surreal mix of childlike wonder and nightmarish imagery, creating an environment that’s simultaneously comforting and unsettling. The ability to switch between the “normal” world and its darker counterpart adds a layer of depth to the atmosphere, allowing players to experience the contrast between cozy and creepy in real-time. This unique approach to world-building results in an immersive experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats while still providing moments of warmth and comfort.
Character Development
The character development in Fran Bow is both nuanced and compelling. Fran herself is a wonderfully complex protagonist, with players witnessing her growth and resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances. The supporting cast, from the mysterious Mr. Midnight to the various beings Fran encounters, are all well-realized and contribute significantly to the game’s narrative. While the focus is primarily on Fran’s journey, the interactions with other characters provide depth and context to her story, creating a rich tapestry of relationships that enhance the overall experience.
Graphics
Visually, Fran Bow is a stunning achievement in the cozy-spooky genre. The hand-drawn art style is both charming and unsettling, perfectly capturing the game’s dual nature. Characters and environments are rendered with intricate detail, bringing the surreal world to life in vivid, sometimes disturbing clarity. The use of color is particularly noteworthy, with the “normal” world featuring warm, comforting tones that contrast sharply with the muted, eerie palette of the alternate reality. This visual dichotomy not only enhances the gameplay but also contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere.
Fran Bow offers a unique and unforgettable experience in the cozy-spooky RPG genre. Its masterful blend of unsettling themes with moments of warmth and comfort creates a game that’s both deeply engaging and surprisingly cozy. For players seeking a thought-provoking adventure that balances horror with heart, Fran Bow is an essential title.
Cult Of The Lamb /rating:4.2
Ratings (Out of 5)
Available on:
Game Features
Cult of the Lamb emerges as a delightful surprise in the cozy-spooky RPG genre, offering a unique blend of cute aesthetics and dark themes. This roguelike action-adventure game puts players in the role of a possessed lamb building a cult in a world of false prophets.
Progression
The progression system in Cult of the Lamb strikes an impressive balance between relaxing management and spooky dungeon crawling. As players build and manage their cult, they experience a satisfying sense of growth and expansion. The base-building aspects provide a cozy counterpoint to the more intense roguelike sections, allowing players to alternate between relaxing town management and thrilling combat encounters. This dual nature of progression keeps the game engaging without becoming overwhelming, perfectly embodying the cozy-spooky ethos.
Story Depth
Cult of the Lamb’s narrative weaves a tale that’s both whimsical and sinister. The story explores themes of faith, power, and corruption, all through the lens of adorable animal characters. As players uncover the secrets of the game’s world and the origins of their cult, they’re treated to a narrative that’s surprisingly deep and often unsettling. The game’s ability to maintain a lighthearted tone while dealing with darker themes is commendable, creating a story that’s both accessible and thought-provoking.
Atmosphere
Where Cult of the Lamb truly excels is in its atmosphere. The game masterfully blends cute, cuddly aesthetics with dark, occult themes, creating a world that’s simultaneously charming and unnerving. The contrast between the adorable cult members and the eldritch horrors they worship adds a layer of cognitive dissonance that enhances the overall spooky-cozy vibe. From the cheerful camp management to the foreboding dungeons, every aspect of the game contributes to its unique atmosphere.
Character Development
While character development isn’t the primary focus of Cult of the Lamb, the game still offers interesting growth opportunities for both the player character and cult members. As the cult leader, players can shape their followers’ beliefs and abilities, adding a layer of personalization to the experience. The various NPCs encountered throughout the game, from rival cult leaders to mysterious forest dwellers, add depth to the world. However, the emphasis on gameplay over deep character arcs means that individual character development is somewhat limited.
Graphics
Visually, Cult of the Lamb is a feast for the eyes. The game’s art style is a perfect embodiment of the cozy-spooky genre, featuring adorable character designs set against backdrops that range from cheerful to creepy. The attention to detail in both the cult camp and the procedurally generated dungeons is impressive, with each area feeling distinct and alive. The use of color and lighting is particularly noteworthy, with the game effortlessly transitioning between warm, inviting tones and darker, more ominous palettes.
Cult of the Lamb offers a unique and engaging experience in the cozy-spooky RPG genre. Its blend of cute aesthetics with dark themes, combined with satisfying gameplay loops, creates a game that’s both comforting and unsettling. For players seeking a fresh take on the genre that balances management sim coziness with roguelike spookiness, Cult of the Lamb is an excellent choice.
Undertale /rating:4
Ratings (Out of 5)
Available On:
Game Features
Undertale stands as a beloved indie classic that has redefined expectations in the RPG genre, offering a unique blend of heartwarming interactions and unsettling moments. This retro-style RPG subverts traditional gaming tropes, creating an experience that’s both cozy and occasionally spine-chilling.
Progression
Undertale’s progression system is unconventional, focusing more on player choices and moral decisions than traditional leveling. The game’s approach to advancement is relaxed, allowing players to explore and interact with the world at their own pace. While not overtly spooky, the progression takes unexpected turns that can be unsettling, especially as players realize the consequences of their actions. The balance between cozy character interactions and the looming sense of consequence creates a unique progression experience that keeps players engaged and sometimes on edge.
Story Depth
The narrative of Undertale is where the game truly shines, offering a story that’s both deeply emotional and surprisingly dark. As players navigate the underground world of monsters, they uncover layers of lore and personal histories that are both heartwarming and haunting. The game’s ability to switch between lighthearted humor and profound, sometimes disturbing revelations is masterful. The multiple endings and hidden storylines add depth and replayability, encouraging players to explore different approaches and uncover the full scope of the narrative.
Atmosphere
Undertale excels in creating an atmosphere that’s predominantly cozy but punctuated by moments of genuine unease. The game’s world is filled with charming characters and whimsical locations, fostering a sense of comfort and belonging. However, this coziness is regularly disrupted by encounters and revelations that can be deeply unsettling. The juxtaposition of friendly monsters with occasional glimpses of horror creates a unique atmosphere that keeps players both comforted and on their toes.
Character Development
Character development is a cornerstone of Undertale’s experience. Each character, from the protagonist to the various monsters encountered, is well-developed with distinct personalities and backstories. The game allows players to form deep connections with these characters, making every interaction meaningful. The way characters evolve based on player choices adds a layer of depth to the relationships, creating emotional investment that enhances both the cozy and spooky aspects of the game.
Graphics
Visually, Undertale opts for a simple, retro-inspired pixel art style. While not technically impressive, the graphics serve the game’s purposes well. Character designs are memorable and expressive, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions despite their simplicity. The game’s visual style contributes to its overall charm, with the basic graphics sometimes making the more unsettling moments even more impactful through contrast. While not as visually striking as some other entries in the cozy-spooky genre, Undertale’s graphics effectively support its unique atmosphere and storytelling.
Undertale offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the cozy-spooky RPG genre. Its innovative approach to storytelling, character development, and player choice creates a game that’s both heartwarming and occasionally chilling. For players seeking a thought-provoking adventure that challenges gaming conventions while delivering both comfort and creepiness, Undertale is an essential title.
Little Misfortune /rating:4
Ratings (Out of 5)
Available On:
Game Features
Little Misfortune presents a darkly whimsical adventure that balances childlike innocence with mature, often unsettling themes. This point-and-click narrative game follows the journey of a young girl seeking happiness in a world that’s far more sinister than it first appears.
Progression
The progression in Little Misfortune is linear but engaging, guiding players through a series of choices that shape Misfortune’s adventure. While not as open-ended as some RPGs, the game’s progression feels relaxed, allowing players to explore and interact with the environment at their own pace. The journey from seemingly innocent beginnings to increasingly disturbing scenarios creates a unique sense of advancement that’s both cozy in its familiarity and spooky in its revelations.
Story Depth
Little Misfortune’s narrative is a masterclass in balancing dark themes with childlike wonder. The story delves into heavy topics such as neglect, abuse, and the loss of innocence, all viewed through the lens of its naive protagonist. This approach creates a narrative that’s simultaneously heartwarming and deeply unsettling. The game’s ability to maintain Misfortune’s innocence while exposing players to increasingly disturbing elements results in a story that’s both emotionally impactful and genuinely creepy.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere in Little Misfortune is where the game truly shines in its blend of cozy and spooky elements. The world is presented through Misfortune’s eyes, filled with glitter, unicorns, and childish wonder. However, this sweet exterior is constantly undercut by darker elements that become more prominent as the game progresses. The juxtaposition of Misfortune’s cheerful narration with the increasingly ominous surroundings creates an atmosphere that’s uniquely unsettling while maintaining a thread of coziness through the protagonist’s unwavering optimism.
Character Development
Character development in Little Misfortune focuses primarily on the titular protagonist, with players witnessing her journey and growth throughout the game. Misfortune’s character is well-realized, with her innocence and resilience in the face of a dark world forming the emotional core of the game. While other characters are less developed, they serve to highlight different aspects of Misfortune’s personality and the world she inhabits. The way Misfortune’s character evolves, or in some ways remains unchanged, in response to the events of the game adds depth to the narrative and enhances both the cozy and spooky elements of the experience.
Graphics
Visually, Little Misfortune is a treat that perfectly encapsulates the game’s dual nature. The art style is charming and colorful, with a storybook quality that reflects Misfortune’s childlike perspective. Character designs are expressive and memorable, particularly Misfortune herself. The use of color and lighting is particularly effective, with the game’s palette shifting subtly to reflect the changing tone of the narrative. The contrast between the cute, colorful foreground elements and the often dark, foreboding backgrounds creates a visual dissonance that enhances the game’s unsettling atmosphere.
Little Misfortune offers a unique and memorable experience in the cozy-spooky RPG genre. Its blend of childlike wonder with dark, mature themes creates a game that’s both endearing and deeply unsettling. For players seeking an emotionally resonant adventure that challenges perceptions and delivers both comfort and creepiness, Little Misfortune is a standout title.
Ravenous Devils /rating:3.4
Ratings (Out of 5)
Available On:
Game Features
Ravenous Devils offers a macabre twist on the management sim genre, blending dark humor with genuinely unsettling themes. This horror cooking sim puts players in charge of a Victorian-era tailor shop and pie emporium with a gruesome secret, creating a unique experience that’s more spooky than cozy.
Progression
The progression system in Ravenous Devils revolves around expanding and improving your nefarious business operations. Players gradually unlock new recipes, equipment, and business opportunities as they navigate the dark underbelly of Victorian London. While the progression is satisfying, it leans more heavily on the spooky side, with each advancement deepening the player’s involvement in the game’s grim activities. The balance between relaxing management gameplay and the unsettling nature of the business creates a progression that’s engaging but may be too dark for those seeking a truly cozy experience.
Story Depth
Ravenous Devils weaves a tale that’s as disturbing as it is intriguing. The narrative explores themes of desperation, morality, and the lengths people will go to for success. As players uncover more about the protagonists’ past and the dark world they inhabit, they’re treated to a story that’s rich in dark humor and gothic horror elements. The game’s ability to maintain a sense of grim fascination while dealing with truly horrific themes is noteworthy, creating a narrative that’s compelling despite (or perhaps because of) its macabre nature.
Atmosphere
Where Ravenous Devils struggles to fit the cozy-spooky mold is in its atmosphere. The game leans heavily into its spooky and macabre elements, creating an environment that’s more unsettling than comforting. The Victorian setting is well-realized, with a gloomy, oppressive ambiance that perfectly suits the game’s themes. However, the constant presence of gore and the nature of the protagonists’ business means that moments of coziness are few and far between. The game’s atmosphere is undeniably effective in creating a sense of dread and dark humor, but it may be too intense for players seeking a more balanced cozy-spooky experience.
Character Development
Character development in Ravenous Devils focuses primarily on the main protagonists, Percival and Hildred. While their backstory and motivations are gradually revealed throughout the game, the nature of their actions limits the depth of emotional connection players can form with them. The supporting characters and customers serve more as props for the protagonists’ schemes rather than fully developed individuals. This approach fits the game’s dark tone but may leave players wanting more in terms of character growth and relationships.
Graphics
Visually, Ravenous Devils captures the grim atmosphere of Victorian London with impressive detail. The pixel art style is used effectively to create a world that’s both charming in its nostalgic aesthetic and disturbing in its content. The character designs, particularly of Percival and Hildred, are memorable and fit well within the game’s gothic horror theme. The animations, especially those depicting the more gruesome aspects of the business, are disturbingly well-executed, contributing significantly to the game’s unsettling atmosphere. While the graphics serve the game’s themes well, they may be too graphic for some players, pushing the boundaries of what can be considered “cozy” in the cozy-spooky genre.
Ravenous Devils offers a unique and darkly humorous take on the management sim genre. Its blend of time management gameplay with macabre themes creates an experience that’s more spooky than cozy. While it may not appeal to all fans of cozy games, those with a taste for dark humor and gothic horror will find a compelling, if unsettling, experience in this grisly tale of entrepreneurship gone wrong.
In conclusion, the cozy-spooky RPGs highlighted in this blog showcase the delightful blend of warmth and eerie themes that can create a captivating gaming experience. From the emotional depth of Fran Bow to the charming yet dark world of Cult of the Lamb, each title offers unique narratives and atmospheres that invite players to explore the balance between comfort and creepiness. Whether you’re seeking heartfelt stories or whimsical adventures with a twist, these games provide a perfect escape into worlds where coziness and spookiness coexist beautifully.
