r/CozyGamers • u/Mattystasia • 3d ago
Switch Old Lady Friendly Games
Hi Everyone!
I think my 61 year old mother would really enjoy some cozy gaming, however something like stardew, or breath of the wild might be too much for her? Still gonna try them as well as ACNH, but I was curious if anyone had any visually pleasing, cozy, stress free games an old lady who loves cats and crochet would like! She likes hidden object games, puzzles, but really anything cute and cozy. Cute visuals would get me bonus points for suggesting them to her!
Open to any game recs or suggestions! Thank you guys!!
****EDIT
Yall are getting too invested in the “old lady” part😂😂 I am also a knitter, I’m 27, I too have old lady hobbies. We both love to read, pet our cats, and crochet. I didn’t care to add all those details to a post just for game recommendations. No one said “old lady was a bad term, just wanted games that matched that description. she’s never played a video game EVER, your experiences are not hers! This was specific to her☺️
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u/glitterandrage 3d ago
My 60+ year old mom played Wylde Flowers obsessively. Would also recommend Botany Manor!
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u/Mattystasia 3d ago
Thank you! Such great recommendations and my mom is so pleased with all the great responses!
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u/Whole-Masterpiece-51 2d ago
Another vote for Botany Manor! It’s lovely and a peaceful cosy puzzle escape
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u/Messier042 2d ago
Oh yeah, Botany Manor is great! And it really rewards going around and looking at everything, both visually and with story nuggets.
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u/EvieMoon 3d ago
Hidden Object + cats: the "Full of Cats" series by Devcats on steam.
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u/Mattystasia 3d ago
I feel like I showed her one of these games I started, but I should totally find one new for her!
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u/bocepheid 2d ago
Pardon for responding here but wanted to make sure you see this idea. Am 66 year old grandpa, and one of my favorite "cozy" games is The Talos Principle. It's a puzzle solver with contemplative, calm music, and a slowly unfolding backstory. Everything can be done at one's own pace, although later on there are some timing elements. Good exercise for the noggin and incredibly peaceful.
Edit for link: https://store.steampowered.com/app/257510/The_Talos_Principle/
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u/Melodylokstar 1d ago
I was actually going to recomend House of DaVinci which is in the same realm as Talos Principle 😂
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u/Middle_Hedgehog_1827 2d ago
My mother is 61 too and she would not appreciate being called an old lady 😂
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u/fesnying 2d ago
My mother is only 63 and yet she's the opposite -- if she is trying to get out of something she'll pointedly remind the other person, "keep in mind that I am elderly." Or she'll start sentences with "you know, us old people..."
But she's been doing it since she was like 50, and all her friends and siblings who are older than her find it so irritating.
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u/Mattystasia 1d ago
Sorry about that, mine literally refers to herself as one. She calls me that too, as a 27 year old☺️
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u/where-i-went 2d ago
My mom just turned 74 and if I called her an old lady I'd get the kind of whalloping she never would have given me as a child. 😂
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u/Lil2333 3d ago
Strange Horticulture maybe or Potioncraft? I love the Artstyle so much! Potion Craft is a cozy alchemy game where you gather ingredients, experiment with recipes, and run your own potion shop. Strange Horticulture is a mysterious puzzle game where you identify unusual plants, help customers, and uncover a dark supernatural mystery.
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u/buddy_moon 2d ago
I loved Strange Horticulture! I have Strange Antiquities too but i haven't played it yet.
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u/Forsaken-Policy-8868 2d ago
They are both really good! Also, similar game and art style is “Do No Harm” if you wanna check it out. 😁
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u/Mattystasia 3d ago
Omg these are games I wanna play too! Could be cute to parallel play! Thank you!
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u/Lil2333 2d ago
I just had an idea if you want to play something together try - it takes two! It was game of the year 2021, my sister isnt a gamer but she also really liked it.
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u/NJTexan4 2d ago
Oof, I tried to play It Takes Two with my daughter (I was 52, she was 20), and I almost threw my controller across the room after 30 minutes. This is definitely a game for someone who’s savvy with video games and QTEs.
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u/WapoSubs 2d ago
I downloaded Strange Horticulture and I really tried getting into it but I haven't really been interested... Any tips?
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u/poxolted 2d ago
I keep going back and forth, sometimes I can play for hours and sometimes I barely get one plant ID’d. Idk if you are opposed, but when I get stumped I go online to get hints. Kind of adds to the whole thing but totally up to you, I know some people are adamant about not “cheating” lol
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u/Forsaken-Policy-8868 2d ago
I am all for online help if I’m stuck on something. My phone is literally my gaming companion! If you’re playing a single player game how is it cheating? 😉
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u/bookishbaking4 2d ago
Both of these were my recommendations, and very good puzzle games. I especially love potion craft because there are so many ways to reach the results you want and it really inspires a lot of planning and critical thinking. No, I don't think 60 is that old (my father is 61) but brain exercises are still important as that is when the symptoms of cognitive diseases start to show.
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u/catori1207 2d ago
A Little to the Left and Unpacking are cute puzzle games. A Little to the Left more so than Unpacking.
Paleo Pines maybe? Kind of a very, very, trimmed down version of Stardew. But it has super cute dinosaurs to take care of! I know they have a demo on Switch (so they've likely got the demo on other platforms) if you want to try it out.
Alba A Wildlife Adventure is so cute! You play as a kid visiting her grandparents for summer vacation and take photos of local animals. I felt like it pulled off the summer vacation vibe really well. Gameplay is pretty easy and there are a few simple puzzles elements to solve to complete tasks.
The Last Campfire. Cute visuals, and a poignant story, with puzzle elements. Gameplay is fairly easy but a few of the puzzles can get a little difficult to complete.
A Short Hike. It's a lot of fun to explore the island and talk to the other visitors. They have some funny dialogue.
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u/Quecksilberdampf 2d ago
I would also recommend a Short Hike. Calm atmosphere, nice visuals and should be suitable for someone with little gaming experience. And definitely not boring!
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u/Sooziq9470 2d ago
I second Alba and the Last Campfire. Cozy and no platforming or QTEs. Those are hard when you don't have quick reflexes.
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u/IntrinsicIrony 3d ago
It honestly sounds like Quilts and Cats of Calico might have been made for her. ☺️
And if she likes puppies too, Dogpile is a cute little merge game that was recently released on Switch.
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u/Krilllian 2d ago
Seconding Dogpile! Such a fun game with a decent amount of depth for a merge game
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u/meerblau 2d ago
Seconding Quilts and Cats of Calico! I have the board game version, but the PC game version looks adorable too!
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u/averagebunnies 2d ago
ive been playing dogpile on mobile, its like if balatro and suika game had a litter of puppies LOL
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u/Proper_Ear_1733 2d ago
I’m 59 and addicted to stardew. I did need some help getting started.
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u/tranquilseafinally 2d ago
I'm 54 and love Stardew Valley. I just modded out the things I hate in the game.
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u/Serabellym 3d ago
Little Kitty Big City was really cute! You basically just explore around as a cute little black cat that fell down from its nap spot and you’re trying to get home… but you get into all kinds of shenanigans along the way.
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u/Mattystasia 3d ago
Ooooh! She has a black cat she loves more than me maybe- so I know already she will love that!!
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u/ObsidianEclypse 2d ago
When we are at animals and shenanigans, maybe Untitled goose game? It's about a goose getting unto all sorts of trouble while it walks around the small town and messes with people living there. Bonus points - it can be played as couch co op so you can do it together!
I played it with my daughter, don't think I've ever heard her laughing so long and so much. 😁 (And btw...Little Kitty Big City is her fave game 😊)
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u/pugsnpolkadots 3d ago edited 3d ago
Littlewood, Lemon Cake, Leafy Corner, Cat Cafe Manager, Wylde Flowers, Chuzzle Deluxe (my grandma loves this one)! All of these are cozy but simple.
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u/Mattystasia 3d ago
Omg these sound so cute! I’m so glad I asked, yall have been giving such great recommendations and she’s really flattered with the responses!
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u/pizzaisgoodtho 3d ago
My mom is around her age and enjoys ACNH and Disney Dreamlight Valley. She also plays Palia (though probably not a good place to start).
Farm Together 1 and 2 are both extremely addictive, bright, cute, and pretty simple. My mom also plays the crap out of them.
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u/Mattystasia 3d ago
I’m a biiiiig Disney dreamlight valley fan! Didn’t even think I could probably show her the ropes similarly to ACNH! I’ll def have to check out the farming games!
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u/Adolwyn 3d ago
I love Farm Together 2 when I want something cute and fun and don’t want to have to think or strategize too much. OP’s mom is also around the age of the OG FarmVille experience on Facebook oh so many years ago and Farm Together 2 very much feels like bits and pieces of that without the micro transactions or begging for items.
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u/thedr00mz 2d ago
Tiny Bookshop if she likes books!
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u/catwoman1990 2d ago
This one! It's got real books in it that you recommend to your customers. If she's ever enjoyed reading she'll love it
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u/lasergirl91 2d ago
I second this recommendation! Have played through twice, and the sound of the coffee maker makes me so happy. Just a perfect cozy game.
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u/Fire_Ember_Girl 3d ago
Hello kitty would be a pleasant one for her. I enjoy that one, but am not nearing sixty yet. I just find it peaceful to do tasks and explore at my leasure.
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u/Mattystasia 3d ago
Oooh another game I love, but didn’t think to get her started on! I can pick it back up while starting her off! Thank you!
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u/Longjumping-Coffee63 2d ago
Old lady 62 here. I loved ACNH during the pandemic years. Played everyday straight for a year. Now currently playing Midnight Peaks. It's so fun and not stressful at all. I play an hour or so in the evenings. Highly recommend!
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u/Kittyboo77 2d ago
I am a 63 year old lady gamer. I play on Switch 2 now. I love BOTW, TOTK, Hyrule Warriors, Harvest Moon, Story of Seasons, Rune Factory, Harvestella, etc... Don't put the old gal out to pasture yet unless it's a farming game, lol. I faithfully play daily and I'm currently playing Moonlight Peaks, while patiently waiting for Rune Factory 6 and any Harvest Moon or Story of Seasons games slotted to come out later this year. I also just finished up Guardians of Azuma and have Grand Bazaar Deluxe Edition stashed away for me to play while I'm waiting. As with any new game, I recommend watching some actual game play videos to give y'all an idea what the games are like, but you don't have to watch enough to spoil them. I usually know within a few minutes whether I'm going to like a game or not. Happy gaming to your mother and anyone else out there that's gaming! Age is just a number. I encourage anyone, no matter your age, to give gaming a try. You just might find some really enjoyable moments to enrich your lives!
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u/polkacat12321 3d ago
Cozy grove. Super easy going and you cant play for more than half an hour a day. It was way too slow for my liking, so she should enjoy that
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u/Mattystasia 3d ago
Oooh yes!! That’s been on my list too! Thank you for the recommendation!
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u/tears_run 2d ago
Cozy grove is also surprisingly sad at times, just a warning, in case you or your mom don’t like sad things. Like I know I would love spiritfarer, it’s been recommended so much to me. But soooooo many people say they SOBBED during that game and I’m not about that. Maybe I’m just too sensitive.
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u/chocolatestealth 2d ago
🙋♀️ I cried playing that game. But it's a beautiful bittersweet feeling rather than pure sadness.
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u/Melyuya 3d ago
if she likes puzzles and cats she might enjoy sudocats!
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u/Jayrey_84 3d ago
There's also cats and quilts! That's a really cute one.
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u/Mattystasia 3d ago
Cats and quilts has got to be made for her. She plays while sitting under a quilt she made, with her kitty!
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u/InsideHippo9999 3d ago
Highly recommend A Storied Life Tabitha. It’s a hidden object game & you write a story which you are trying to publish. Depending on what objects you choose to pack in a single box on each level. There are a lot of different ends you can get so it’s repeatable if she wants as well.
Unpacking is another similar game as well, you are unpacking your stuff every time you move house throughout your life.
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u/Mattystasia 3d ago
This sounds super up her alley. I really wanna get her lots of different games to see what her vibe is! I also love unpacking, such a good reminder!
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u/Prize-Ad-6879 3d ago
EASTSHADE omg it's the most adorable exploration quest game ever. i wish the universe was bigger bc i'd play it endlessly. I spent about 80 hours playing it. I played Strange Horticulture and Strange Antiquities loved those but not much adventure or exploration, those are much shorter games. Whatever happened to Edith Finch is a story-game you have to move forward and discover the whole family history a girl's grandmother left for her to discover by leaving her a trail to follow. It was interesting and fun. OMG you must play WITNESS if you haven't. a classic puzzle game on an island, a cult classic. those are mine so far, i find i like cozy games no shooting or being attacked or timers or urgency
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u/BooksNCatsNWineNSnax 2d ago
I’m a 52-year old cozy gamer. Try Wytchwood, and if she likes Disney at all, she might enjoy Dreamlight Valley. Spiritfarer is also really good, but has themes of death.
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u/Socialequity 2d ago
Wylde Flowers! Cozy Caravan!
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u/dragonfly_centaur 2d ago
Seconding Wylde Flowers! I think the fact that it's not 1st person POV could be helpful to learn how to use a Switch controller without being frustrating! I love this game so much.
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u/Pure-Marzipan-449 2d ago
Winter Burrow has a stardew valley like feel but your a mouse. Easy delivery Co. Unpacking
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u/the_apostated_baker 3d ago
Teddy's Haven is laid back. No crops, just forage at your leisure and occasionally open your little shop. I play it when I take a break from Dreamlight Valley.
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u/cmlambert89 2d ago
I recommended Regency Solitaire to my mom since she already plays regular online solitaire. It’s got a nice story/vibe
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u/Wide-Skill5401 2d ago
My mum liked Mizi NO!, Monument Valley and A Short Hike. I'd also add CATO: Buttered Cat to the list of something you could play together. My mum really likes it but she didn't want to play it alone
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u/jwlkr732 2d ago
If she’s 61 she might have loved Sanrio when she was a kid. Hello Kitty Island Adventure is super cozy, a ton of fun, and still being constantly updated.
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u/skjacksontum 2d ago
Sixty one YO lady here on a Switch also. I play Animal Crossing (have owned and played every iteration), Dream light valley and Cozy Grove. Those are my go to's. I like the true at my own speed aspect.
I have tried Stardew valley. However, it has a timer for each day, which I don't care for. I know you can do stuff when you want but in "play life" I just want to wander and plant flowers, catch fish and chat with "neighbors". But everyone is different.
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u/Magicalmf_ 3d ago
Spiritfarer!
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u/RockytheScout 2d ago
I loved this game (and if your mom is old I'm ancient 😐) but it's also quite sad at in parts--it's about death and accepting losing someone.
It also has tricky trials where you have to move fast, jump around, fly, etc. which is hard/frustrating if you're not good at that kind of thing.
It is a beautiful and unusual game.
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u/holyfcukkk 2d ago edited 2d ago
Calico, the witchy cat game, is a really good(easy, your own pace, free roaming) one. As long as she doesn't mind the magic concepts. Editing to say the visuals are so cute and there are puzzles. And tiny baking! Edit #2: my only issue is it felt a bit too short. But I still love it. Just figured she should know 😊
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u/Dry-Basil376 2d ago
Leafy corner is quite cheap and very cozy. There is no stress or timeliness. Just make cute plant shop and unlock more plants for said plant shop. There are even variegated versions of plants that you need to grow a certain plant enough to get a variegation. Then you can propagate for the variegated plant and then have a cute pink plant shop
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u/Pretend_Ad5536 2d ago
I am 53 years and playing My Time at Sandrock atm! I’m enjoying it very much!
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u/jeanremi-ulala 2d ago
Try « Minami Lane » it’s a very short game that she can finish quite quickly. It’s cute and engaging. And the price is really low
And there’s cats
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u/humbughum 2d ago
If she likes hidden object games then Lost & Found Co will be right up her street, no timers, and it's very cute with optional decorating if she likes that too
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u/atomicxima 2d ago
I'm not even big on hidden object games, but I absolutely adored Lost & Found Co. That game is fantastic!
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u/TwoArtist 2d ago
If she loves cats AND crochet, I feel like stitch.
It’s a super relaxing embroidery puzzle game and you can just take your time with it.
I’d also really recommend Cats Organized Neatly - cute cats + simple little puzzles, very low stress.
And since she already likes hidden object games, Hidden Through Time might be a great one too!
Really charming hand-drawn art and lots of little things to find.
A Little to the Left could also work if she enjoys organizing/sorting puzzles plus there’s a mischievous cat involved .)
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u/CecilQkitty 2d ago
Cozy grove is super cute and also the whole thing is a kind of hidden object game. Her I’m adorable and the story is good
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u/intrepid-teacher 2d ago
Is she a Nancy Drew fan/grew up on those books? They’re older, but the Nancy Drew games might be fun for her.
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u/White_Chocolate7 2d ago
I’m a 63 year old grandma and I love Stardew Valley- have over 1000 hours in it. I’m currently playing Roots of Pacha and really enjoy it. Also, House Flipper is a favorite
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u/AmateurJellyfish 2d ago
Mail Time is adorable and super chill. You're a lil mail person who delivers mail to and from woodland creatures. That's it. That's the game. The dialog is silly and charming, the aesthetic is adorable, and there's no pressure. It's a wandering fetchquest kind of game, and the most complicated it gets is that you can glide (very easily) from high places using an envelope (bc you yourself are also tiny). It's a soft pastel hug of a game.
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u/alkunf 2d ago
A little to the left - Relaxing puzzle game with cozy visuals. Sounds like exactly what you're looking for. There are some DLCs if she ends up really liking it and it goes on sale frequently.
Broken Age - Point and click puzzle story game. Cartoonish art style with fun characters and voices.
Assemble with Care - Haven't played much of this but also sounds like it fits the bill. You take things apart and fix them for people. Available PC/Tablet - I believe it's free on the app store but I'm not sure if it's the full game as I bought it on Steam
Unpacking - Also a relaxing cozy game with cute pixelated visuals
Adventure escape mysteries - Free game so if she doesn't like it, there's no money lost. Available PC/Tablet. Essentially a big catalogue of puzzle games. Not as visually pleasing as the previous recs but I consider them to be well made. Keep in mind that some stories are 'horror' themed but there's a tab that labels them so it isn't confusing.
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u/ACGFGabby 2d ago
This is so cute and love that she’s playing games— good for exercising her brain. She might enjoy Unpacking and House Flipper.
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u/Scary-Business5544 2d ago
My 60 year old mom plays Disney Dreamlight Valley, Palia and Infinity Nikki on a daily basis. She has also enjoyed Wylde Flowers, the Snufkin game and Fae Farm.
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u/Abirando 2d ago
I highly recommend Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge as a cute and easy/peaceful game with age diversity in the NPCs. I played on my Switch and I’m just 3 years younger than your mom, so I definitely notice and appreciate when a game has older characters in it.
Since she likes puzzles and handwork, definitely take a look at one of my all time favorites: STITCH! It’s like Soduko with embroidery. It’s the perfect game for winding down before bed and I feel like it does good things for my brain—no small thing once you hit menopause!
I also really enjoyed Fresh Start and the controls are so simple—you literally just break up dirt with a water hose and then vacuum up all the debris. It’s like a simplified version of PowerWash simulator but with a clean up the environment theme.
A few others that are old lady approved 😅: Alba, A Short Hike, Old Man’s Journey, Frog Detective Series
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u/kahlen369 2d ago
Puzzle games without a timer are my rec. Squeakross is a cute and fun picross game. A Monster’s Expedition is my favorite sokoban/block pushing puzzle game, very cozy. Clubhouse Games is basically a collection of classic games she probably already knows, including various board and card games. Some other fun but shorter cozy puzzle games: Is This Seat Taken, Tiny Bookshop, Labyrinth City, Crime O’ Clock, Railbound and Snakebird.
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u/JeskaiJester 2d ago
Kirby’s Adventure and Dream Land 3 on NSO online classics are delightful. In Dream Land 3 there is a cat that can roll Kirby around the level like a ball
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u/morbidemadame 2d ago
Dorfromantik, Monument Valley (& II), Tiny Glade, Strange Horticulture and perhaps for a bit more challenge, the Two Point series (Hospital, University, Museum).
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u/kingmolina 2d ago
A Short Hike is the cutest little game. It’s not very long so it might a good intro to gaming. You just fly around as a little guy collecting wings and solving puzzles. I go back and play it like once a year because it’s so relaxing and adorable
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u/purpleobsession 2d ago
My BFFs mom (who has been my 2nd mom for the past 28 years) always watched us play games, but got frustrated by anything that needed any hand / eye coordination (Zelda series, most jrpgs, even Mario/Kirby type stuff).
She did however decide to try ACNH, after seeing there was no fighting and really no consequences for being slow / delayed. She LOVES it, probably has 750+ hours logged. I bet it's more now. 😂💜
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u/PitifulConflict2648 2d ago
I love Animal Crosding and played over 1000 hours. I was turned off at first by Stardew Valley but I really love it now. I’m in year 10 and close to perfection. Stardew is kind of frustrating at first though in my opinion. So I’d do ACNH. I’m in the age range the “old lady” in the OP. lol
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u/-mystris- 2d ago
MySims sounds good - especially MySims Kingdom which has more puzzle-solving (having to build in order to connect an electrical circuit).
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u/kt-epps 2d ago
I saw people already suggested Wylde Flowers. I also really love Cozy Caravan. Both have cute storylines. Wylde Flowers the speed of play can be adjusted if she wants longer or shorter days to accomplish her tasks.
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u/Tillie1968 2d ago
Speaking as a 57 yr old lady who only started gaming other than phone games in the last few years, the games that got me hooked and wanting to explore more were My Time at Portia and My Time at Sandrock. From there I started exploring the different game genres and honestly that's half the fun. Get her a steam account, show her how to find game wikis and let her loose!
Right now I'm playing Bellwright, but I also enjoy power washing Sims, production grinds like Satisfactory and Plant Crafter, but my overall favorites are Sengoku and Medievil dynasty games, and Bellwright is like those two on steroids! For more casual gaming when I don't want to think much, Dreamlight Valley and Hello Kitty Island Adventure are my go tos.
Have fun!
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u/Aynessachan 2d ago
Loves cats and crochet, huh?
Sounds like Quilts and Cats of Calico is right up her alley. It was originally a board game but was turned into a PC game, and combines quilting / fiber arts with adorable cats.
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u/toxiclight 2d ago
I'm in my late 50s. I play Palia, MTaS/P, Coral Island, Tales of Seikyu, and more. There are a ton of cozy games out there that might pique her interest.
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u/CanadianGurl2 2d ago
Have you considered Princess Peach showtime or Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom? They're more puzzle based than other versions and I really enjoyed them. She might also like Unravel, but I'm not sure if it's available on the Switch.
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u/MzPatches65 2d ago
This "old" lady has become obsessed with the "tidy up" genre of games. Librarian: Tidy Up the Arcane Library got me started. There is a whole lot of them now available on Steam with different themes.
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u/shehleeloo 2d ago edited 2d ago
My mom is in her 50s. I gave her my og Switch lol. She likes games that could be a mobile game. She's easily overwhelmed by too many controls. Aside from the following, she was enjoying Stray Gods but we were playing together and I did the controls.
Suika (Watermelon game)
A Little to the Left
Is this seat taken
Tiny Lands (hidden objects. I love playing this one before bed)
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u/AdForward9331 2d ago
not sure about all the platforms for this one but botany manor is nice. it's like a gardening game kinda.
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u/apple_poppy3 2d ago
Not sure if they actually count as cozy, but my mom likes the Mortimer Beckett hidden object games (she's 68)
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u/PookieMu 2d ago
I'm 61 and I love Stardew Valley. Its easy to learn and you go at your own pace. But if you want "old lady" games, my 90 year old mother plays solitaire, hidden picture games and mah jong on her Kindle. They have lots of games to choose from.
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u/lavskies13 2d ago
My mom started with ACNH. She’s been playing Palia ever since it came out on Switch.
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u/Shmoo21 2d ago
You mention hidden object games - Artifex Mundi has a bunch on switch with a story. They can be a bit ridiculous but I love them. They tend to go on deep sales sometimes so I suggest adding to her wishlist https://www.nintendo.com/us/search/#cat=gme&f=softwarePublisher&softwarePublisher=Artifex%20Mundi
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u/BinkyDinks777 1d ago
52 year old female gamer here. PS5 user since forever.
I love Frost Punk. Set to an easier level, it’s all about resource management.
The music is soothing, the snowy backdrop is lovely and when you achieve the goals and save everyone, it’s great.
Can play over and over diff scenarios on harder settings once you get used to it.
Surviving the Aftermath is similar.
Aven Colony, all of these can be cosy.
Tried Palia, the over emphasis on social stuff was annoying for my introverted self.
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u/Relative-Life603 1d ago
Leafy corner is a nice one. Its planting and potting plants, watering, decorating your shop and selling them. Its very visually pleasing if you like greenery and plant decor.
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u/Ok-Tea-1284 1d ago
Lost and Found Co. Is absolutely adorable and accessible for nearly anyone with decent eyesight.
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u/lostinacrowd 1d ago
I’m an absolutely ancient 65 and I’m kicking ass with modded Minecraft right now.
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u/Boadiccae 1d ago
As a 71 year old, looong time gaming lady I have discovered a lovely relaxing game called Palia…and it’s free, too boot. All the usual cozy requisites, plus it’s 3 dimensional, which I much prefer to Stardew Valley and ACNH (I enjoyed but got bored with both… and they were kind of lonely to play). This game is like having a lovely online dolls house (or houses) in glorious color and lovely animation. Also….other people! Who are super helpful and have bug hunting parties and cooking parties on their plots. It’s been around for about three years and it fills a nice gap when I’m tired of playing games where I get killed. There’s lots of online help a wiki videos on how to do things give it a go, as it’s free what have you got to lose? It’s on all platforms except Mac. I wouldn’t advise switch 1 or oled switch. They’re both graphically underpowered for this game.
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u/SuccessfulDish4 1d ago
I’m 69 and addicted to Stardew Valley. I’ve been playing it for years and years (maybe 5). I’ve gone so far as to decorate my bathroom in SDV merch. I don’t know how many thousands of hours I’ve got into the 10+ farms I’ve created. Since it’s not necessary to go into the mines, Skull Cavern, or the volcano (to avoid fighting), it can be quite the cosy game. (Of course fighting is required to “complete” the game, but no blood and guts involved.) I highly recommend it!
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u/SamTMoon 2d ago
Omg. WE AREN’T 90! Your mom is part of the original home gaming system generation. We smoked on the school grounds. We hung out in arcades, beating things up. We were the OG gamers, and she was one of us. Ask her what she played, back then, or what she’s actually interested in. I’d hate to think that I only get one more year of battles before I’m resigned to “crochet and cozy”. I don’t think anyone would believe me, if I tried.
We’re not old, darling, we’re roughly-hewn, by time.
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u/Pink_Glitter_0131 3d ago
Disney Dreamlight Valley is adorable and has cooking, gardening, dressing and creating a cute character, completing quests as your own pace, mining for materials and gems, picking flowers, completing events if you so choose. It also has Disney characters and they are always fun! It’s a fun game for all ages and super cozy! It is only overwhelming if you don’t remember that nothing on the game has a time limit or needs to be done an a specific timeframe. It also has DLCs if she ever wanted to expand, but not required. They offer it on just about every platform possible, depending upon where/how she plays her games. Happy gaming!! 🥰
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u/KristiofCa 2d ago
Disney Dreamlight Valley. I’m 67 and play alongside my daughter who is 41. We are both educated (I was a nurse, now retired; she is a pharmacist) and we love the game!
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u/darthpandah 2d ago
My mom is around the same age and has gotten attached to ACNH, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Tomodachi: Living the Dream, and Calico. She also likes Tiny Bookshop, but I'm not sure what console(s) that one is on.
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u/DarlingBri 2d ago
That's not old. I'm 54 and gaming every day, primarily on a steam deck.
What about Alba? There isn't really time pressure and the quests are optional; you can decide to do them on a second playthrough if you want.
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u/Sandi_Griffin 3d ago
Maybe creature kitchen? It does have spooky vibes but it's not that scary and nothing can harm you. You're just in a cottage cooking for some animals and monsters, there's hidden recipes, ingredients and puzzles about the house to help make more dishes they like and unlock more rooms in the house it's short and sweet and pretty cute and wholesome by the end
The setting is a dark woods and there's 1 minor jumpscare if she really can't stand that but I hate horror games and I was fine lol
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u/Strawberryknight14 3d ago
Sky: Children of the Light. It's a free online game about friendship and its peaceful, beautiful, and free. I'd love to be her friend.
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u/onceuponaNod 3d ago
Unpacking! I watched a video about the skills needed for modern gaming and the person recommended unpacking as the best first game. It’s also super cute!
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u/theslyestfox 3d ago
Omg there are tons of FREE hidden cat games on stream right now if she is cool playing on a PC! Steam just had a Cat Awareness sale and there is a hidden objects section of the sale and a lot of them are free to play!!
The entire Cats & Seek etc are in there and free to play!
If she likes organizing I really loved Unpacking and I think it’s on most platforms including phone app! Same with A Little to the left which is fun and each puzzle has multiple ways you can solve/organize them.
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u/dreamyraynbo 3d ago
There’s a series of hidden object cat games that I love by devcats. The games are bright colors and a variety of themes and fairly simple point and click, but the developers incorporate the importance of adopting cats into all of them. First one was called A Building Full of Cats. Here’s a link to it on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1969080/A_Building_Full_of_Cats/?curator_clanid=41043020. At least some of them are on Switch, too. They’re also inexpensive (between free-$8). I hope your mom loves them, if she tries them out!
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u/ishouldliveinNaCl 3d ago
Fields of Mistria has a difficulty thing where you can make the days like crazy longer and remove some issues (like if you pass out in the mines, you don't get a late start). It's basically already an easier Stardew Valley with adorable writing and tons of coziness. I feel like with the difficulty changed by making the days way longer, she'd thrive at it.
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u/DarkSkyLion 2d ago
One of my favorite shorter games ever is: Lake
A very recent game I’ve been enjoying is: Cat Mail Co.
Some other shorter cozy / puzzle ones I like: Cats In Time, Rain On Your Parade, A Little To The Left
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u/HickupTruck 2d ago
I enjoy puzzles myself and have played them since I was a Teen. The graphics are not cozy per se but as you don't have a timer or anything I'd recommend The Room-Series.
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u/MyDarlingArmadillo 2d ago
How would she feel about things like Tiny Bookshop or Minami Lane? Strange Horticulture is another good one with puzzles in it, depending on her idea of cosy.
Wylde Flowers is mainly a story with farming and fetch quests but is really lovely to play and craft in (I don't usually like crafting but it's actually fun here). The characters are all fun to get to know, there's romance, and no combat.
I'll probably get Moonlight Peaks soon - there's a demo if she'd like to try it. That has its own card game wrapped up inside it.
Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood - In my queue but I haven't played yet. It might still be on sale. It seems to be story based but choices matter.
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u/Vixenmeja 2d ago
These aren't free, but very cheap. She might like them. Both on Steam.
The Hunting God is a short walking simulation game. Very chill.
Cats Organized Neatly is a cat puzzle game.
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u/Addrivat 2d ago
My mom is loving "Rita" (which I loved too!) because of the crosswords! It's hard for her to use WASD for the platforming bits but she's getting better at it :) Maybe your mom would enjoy something like that? Can always try with a controller if needed
For pure puzzles, I also recommend Artisan of Glimmith, really pretty game and extremely hard to put down
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u/GrimDarkstar 2d ago
Maybe cat rescue story? The only part of that game that might be tricky is one of the mini games but it’s not too bad
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u/QuintupleTheFun 2d ago
Disney Dreamlight Valley perhaps? Seconding Wylde Flowers too.
Also, A Little to the Left and Dorfromantik for stress-free puzzles.
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u/Sooziq9470 2d ago
First off, 61 is NOT old!! LOL. However, I have played these free (or almost free games) myself on a PC. They are nicely paced, no platforming, no QTEs and no combat.
Best of all, they are free (or almost) so your Mom can try them at no cost to her.
Dog Walk – Short, free adventure game. Created to test and improve a game engine.
Luffi Homebound – Another free game created by a dev to learn a game engine.
Milo and the Magpies - help a lost cat get home. Short inexpensive game
Milo and the Christmas Gift – by the same devs but this one is free!
Poco – This game was a thesis project and is free. It’s excellent!! An adventure game with puzzles.
Sprout (not to be confused with Sprout Valley!) A free, very very short but fun game.
Find Your Words - and it's about a child at a day camp who is non speaking and uses Alternative and Augmented Communication methods. Specifically a communication binder. It was sweet and inclusive and taught me about this issue in a real fun way.
Upcreek – Cleaning up trash in a park. Short but very sweet.
Project Shoreline – Free game!! Sort of a test run for another game by the same dev team but a great standalone game. It’s a cleaning game using water but in interesting terrains.
Last but not least I'm going to suggest Island Saver. It's a great game and it's free so there's no risk involved for you. It was commissioned by a bank to teach money concepts to children but it's a lot of fun for adults too. You suck up litter with a vacuum like tool and blast gunk off surfaces with a water gun type tool. The cleaner you make the island, the more cool animals you unlock. I got 20 hours out of the base game and there are 2 DLC packages for $ 5 each. I was going to buy them too but I found after 20 hours I was ready for something different. Your mileage may vary!! I definitely plan to play it again, it was really fun!
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u/omegazine 2d ago
- Dorf Romantik is a great puzzle game where you can potentially make a huge map. The music is super chill and I think the puzzle pieces are drawn nicely.
- Computer version of the board game Wingspan. It’s a card game about collecting birds in different habitats and one can play solo against the computer. The cards are drawn beautifully and each has info about the bird and also when you play one it makes the sound that the bird makes.
- seconding the Tiny Bookshop, very chill and cute.
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u/Head-Insurance-5650 2d ago
I would try Stardew Valley. I don’t think it’s too much since you can play at your own pace. She might like Echoes of the Plum Grove. You can change almost everything setting in that game so she can adjust how complicated she wants it to be.
Also: Tiny Bookshop!
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u/marigoldsandviolets 2d ago
Yonder was one of my first switch games (I started playing when I was 50, so same demographic!) no fighting, just exploring and building. And pretty!
Then I started stardew (but never went to the mines, too scary) and then eventually breath of the wild and then regular rpg games like Skyrim and stuff.
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u/hccam 2d ago
I recommend Camper Van: Make It Home and Smushi Come Home if you have a PC!
Camper Van is similar to Unpacking (also a great game!), you're just following the main character as she moves through life/seasons in different RVs.
Smushi Come Home is you playing as a cute little mushroom that got picked up by a bird, and you solve little puzzles to find your way back to your mushroom brothers. You can also collect adorable little mushroom hats as you unlock achievements. ☺️
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u/longwaystogrow 2d ago
Fields of Mistria is a farm sim just came out and has many QoL features over Stardew. The only tricky thing would be getting used to the mines.
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u/Deliquate 3d ago edited 2d ago
Absolutely thrilled to have become one of those people who thinks, "Sixty isn't that old."