8 Best Cozy Visual Novels

Visual novels are video games that feel like immersive books. There is an emphasis on the 'novel' aspect of these games, and gameplay often consists of watching characters talk and interact with each other (and you). Within the visual novel genre, you can find a wide range of subgenres.

If cozy games are your favorite, then you're in luck. There are a variety of cozy visual novels out there. Here, we are going to take a look at some of the coziest visual novels that you can play. Visual novels can greatly vary in length, so we've also included an average completion time for the main story.

There are a lot of visual novels out there, with many cozy titles not on our list. These are just a few of our favorites!

8 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy

First up, we have the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy. This is made up of three games, all of which involve Phoenix Wright. Although solving crimes and going to court may not sound cozy, Ace Attorney is very comforting.

With nostalgic animation, funny dialogue, and memorable characters, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is the perfect game to play as you cuddle up on the couch. If you can't get enough Ace Attorney, be sure to check out the Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy as well.

7 The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood is a cozy and witchy game where you play as an exiled witch. Throughout the game, you will need to make your own tarot card deck, perform readings, and learn about the coven.

If you have any interest in tarot cards or witches, (or even cozy pixel graphics), then The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood is a must-try. The game is fairly short, so you can experience the story in just a few sittings.

6 Arcade Spirits

Arcade Spirits is a visual novel dating sim that takes place in a world where the video game crash of 1983 never happened. As a quick reference, during this time, console video games were dropping in popularity, which included arcades.

Within Arcade Spirits, you will work at an arcade where you meet a variety of characters that you can befriend and even date. Overall, this visual novel is dazzling, fun, and inclusive. You can even find a second game titled Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers, which puts you in the shoes of an esports gamer.

5 Coffee Talk

Coffee Talk is a talking simulator where you play as a barista. While working, you will be able to make a variety of coffee beverages, as well as chat with customers who come in. Some of these coffee drinkers may be having a problem and need a listening ear.

As a talking simulator, you can definitely expect to have a cozy experience filled with heartwarming conversations, a calming atmosphere, and a wonderful story. If you're craving more then, you can also play Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly.

4 Tavern Talk

You've heard of Coffee Talk; now, we bring Tavern Talk your way. This is essentially a tavern version of Coffee Talk, set in a world inspired by Dungeons and Dragons. Rather than setting off on your own journey, you can hear about the travels of other characters.

Tavern Talk isn't identical to Coffee Talk with a fantasy skin though. You will find even more unique characters and unique drinks. Sit back, relax, and make a Spoken Heart drink, guaranteed to boost the Charisma of anyone who takes a sip!

3 Our Life: Beginnings & Always

Our Life: Beginnings & Always is a unique visual novel that covers four stages of life. You will get the chance to play through all four in a character that you make yourself; this includes everything from personality to pronouns.

After playing XOXO Droplets (also developed by GB Patch Games), I quickly became a fan of the developer's work. Both Our Life: Beginnings & Always and XOXO Droplets are lighthearted games that put you in a relaxed mood.

As you progress through the different stages in life, will be able to shape who you are as a person and make friends that stick with you for many years. This is a great game to play if you are looking to sit back and experience a wholesome life.

2 Vampire: The Masquerade — Coteries of New York

Vampire: The Masquerade is a classic franchise with roots as a tabletop RPG from 1991. This has inspired many games set in the world including Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, a 2004 cult classic. As of 2019, you can now play Vampire: The Masquerade — Coteries of New York, which is a visual novel set in the same world.

In this game, you'll play as a vampire in New York, where two factions are struggling for power. While there aren't the biggest dialogue tree or route options, this game still brings an interesting story to the table filled with amazing artwork. If you're dying for more, you can also check out the sequel, titled Vampire: The Masquerade — Shadows of New York.

1 Beacon Pines

Lastly, we have Beacon Pines. This is a bit of an honorable mention, as it's not entirely a visual novel, although it's definitely worth playing. Within Beacon Pines, you will be able to explore around while still being confined to the 'storybook' that the game is set in.

Interestingly, you will play Beacon Pines as the main character, as well as the 'reader'. There is much more than meets the eye with Beacon Pines; underneath the cute graphics, there is a spooky and haunting story to uncover.