I’m kicking off October with some of the many incredible, wholesome and cosy life simulation games that are coming next year! We’ve seen several announcements and showcases of some of the new cosy life simulation games landing next year. Some very big reveals and some slightly smaller but each deserver their own spotlight. There’s no denying that there’s a fair few planned to release in 2026, and it is incredibly exciting that there are so many to explore!
However, what are some of these new cosy life simulation games that are coming next year? Well, there’s certainly a lot coming however, for the instance of this post, I’ve chosen my current top five, plus one I’d like to see launch next year as well!
Heartopia
Heartopia is a game that I first learnt about when an email recently landed in my inbox. It’s also one that I haven’t seen many people talk about much.
The game is set to launch on PC and Mobile in 2026 and comes from the XD Games team. Heartopia is a game where you can find a number of ways to explore, relax, garden, cook, take care of cats and more!
Players will find themselves following the guidance of the Star Spirit, who is mysterious to say the least. You take on the role of the town developer of the island. The island features a peaceful laid back atmosphere but will also allow you to uncover the hidden secrets and stories from other residents. Players can also customize their own furniture, create colour outfits, build your dream home as well as support for user generate content.
So get ready to explore an open world where you can explore a variety of hobbies including bug catching, birdwatching, and cooking as well as completing your encyclopedia, experience island life and forget the daily 9-5 grind!
Curious? Have a look at the trailer below!
Starsand Island
Now, you may have seen that I’ve posted a little bit about Starsand Island previously, especially since the early pre-alpha test earlier this year. However, the game finally has a release date, and it is 1st February 2026!
From Seed Lab, Starsand Island is an inspired by a combination of anime style graphics and cosy, wholesome gameplay. The game features in-depth character customization, plenty of skills to explore, learn and develop, get to know the local residents, raise animals, craft your home, traverse the world with different modes of transport and more.
That’s not to mention plans for additional customizable options in game as well as multiplayer features planned to be added to the game at a later date too.
Get ready to dive into the world of Starsand Island and discover paradise in an immersive and relaxing world!
Petit Planet
The second new game coming from Genshin Impact creators HoYoverse next year is none other than Petit Planet! A planetary take on cosy life simulation games, but when where you explore and create a life between the stars.
Farming, building your homes, befriending quirky neighbours and infusing the world with the essence of Luca. Explore far away galaxies and discover the wonders of the universe amongst the stars.
This is one upcoming cosy life simulation game that I’m curious about, especially it’s setting in space. Taking on quests on one planet to another and seeing what secrets and stories you discover along the way.
Animula Nook
Another recently revealed game is none other than Animula Nook from Lilliandia Games. You’ll discover the world from a smaller perspective, but at the same time the world is immersive and immense.
Craft, collect and build your way through the unique world and make use of the everyday objects. Make friends with other residents and animals, and even give your creations your own personal touch!
Bring your character to life through a variety of options and details. Even the smallest of details is powerful in Animula Nook! Speaking of powerful, players will also have a variety of convenient and creative tools to use to help them on their journey in game.
Animula Nook is planned to release next year on PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5!
Pokémon Pokopia
This is a no-brainer! Since it’s reveal, this is one life simulation game launching next year that has everyone talking. Who would have thought, combing features of cosy gaming with Pokémon would create the perfect combination.
Planned to release on Nintendo Switch 2 in Spring 2026, Pokémon Pokopia plans to bring a variety of wholesome features to Nintendo Switch consoles. You play as a Ditto who has transformed into a Human character and harness the skills from other Pokémon to help craft a place to call home from what was once an empty island. Craft, create and build your way through the game for a truly one of a kind perspective in the life simulation genre.
There isn’t much more I can really say about Pokémon Pokopia, so I’ll let the adorable reveal trailer do the talking!
Bonus Pick: Loftia
Okay, okay, I know I said five games, but here’s a sixth game! Well, actually it’s the bonus pick!
Although there is currently no confirmed release date, this is one I’m hoping is on the horizon for release next year is and that is Loftia. This cosy solar punk world, featuring a variety of life simulation features and multiplayer, has been on my radar for some time and looks incredible!
While in Loftia, players can expect to explore that floating skies, craft, build, create renewable energy, turn trash into treasure, go on adventures with friends and curate your own little neighbourhood on a floating island in the sky!
The Loftia team share regular updates on social media regarding the development of the game, as well as insights and behind the scenes looks too. Why not give them a follow to stay up to date?
While this is only a handful of the upcoming cosy games planned for release in 2026, many of these have also only been revealed recently! It certainly looks that 2026 will be the year of cosy life simulation games, with many still on the way!
Is there one that you are looking forward to playing when it releases? Maybe one I haven’t mentioned in this post? Let me know in the comments!
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