17 Fantasy Worlds Built Around Everyday Magic Instead of Epic Quests

Video games often transport players to realms where magic permeates the mundane aspects of life rather than serving only as a weapon for war. These virtual worlds prioritize farming and crafting or socializing over saving the universe from impending doom. Players find satisfaction in the rhythmic loops of brewing potions or tending to magical creatures. The following titles showcase immersive environments where the supernatural enhances the cozy atmosphere of daily existence.

‘Stardew Valley’ (2016)

Players inherit a dilapidated farm in a small town filled with quirky residents and forest spirits. You spend your days clearing land and planting crops while befriending the local villagers. The existence of a wizard and magical Junimos adds a mystical layer to the agricultural routine. Exploring the mines reveals monsters and magical ores without demanding a grand hero narrative. This simulation emphasizes the steady rhythm of rural life interspersed with light supernatural elements.

‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ (2020)

Humans live alongside anthropomorphic animals on a deserted island paradise. You craft furniture and terraform the landscape to create a perfect community. Magical elements appear through talking creatures and ghosts that visit at night. The gameplay focuses entirely on decoration and socialization rather than combat or conflict. It allows players to curate a gentle existence where the biggest worry is the turnip market.

‘Spiritfarer’ (2020)

The protagonist Stella takes over the role of ferrymaster for the deceased. You build a boat to explore the world while caring for spirits before they move on to the afterlife. The management mechanics involve cooking and farming to keep your passengers comfortable. Emotional storytelling takes precedence over high stakes action as you learn about the lives of your guests. This management game treats death as a gentle transition rather than a terrifying end.

‘Cozy Grove’ (2021)

A Spirit Scout camps on a haunted island that changes color as you help the local ghosts. Players complete daily tasks to soothe the spirits and uncover their past memories. The environment creates a relaxing loop of collecting resources and crafting decorations. Time progresses in sync with the real world to encourage short daily play sessions. It blends the life simulation genre with a supernatural setting that feels comforting instead of spooky.

‘Wylde Flowers’ (2022)

Tara Wylde moves to a rural island to help her grandmother run the family farm. She soon discovers that she comes from a line of witches and must learn to control her powers. The game balances agricultural management with broomstick riding and potion brewing. You join a local coven while keeping your magical identity a secret from the townspeople. The narrative weaves relationship building with the mastery of everyday spells.

‘Little Witch in the Woods’ (2022)

Ellie is an apprentice witch who settles in a mystical forest to complete her training. You gather ingredients from the local flora and fauna to brew potions for various purposes. The gameplay involves helping the nearby villagers and solving minor problems with your magical concoctions. Exploration reveals the secrets of the woods without the pressure of saving the world. It captures the whimsical nature of being a witch through peaceful gathering and crafting.

‘Potion Permit’ (2022)

The town of Moonbury needs a chemist to cure the residents when traditional methods fail. Players gather ingredients from the wilderness to diagnose symptoms and brew specific remedies. You must earn the trust of the wary townsfolk by successfully treating their ailments. The game combines simple combat with a complex diagnosis and crafting system. Healing the community serves as the primary goal rather than defeating a great evil.

‘Strange Horticulture’ (2022)

You operate a local plant shop and identify new specimens for customers. The narrative unfolds through the requests of patrons and the letters you receive. Players use an encyclopedia to determine which plants have magical properties or dangerous effects. Solving puzzles relies on observation and deduction within the confines of your store. The occult atmosphere permeates the experience without requiring the player to leave their desk.

‘Recettear: An Item Shop’s Tale’ (2010)

Recette must run an item shop to pay off the massive debt left by her father. You hire adventurers to explore dungeons and gather loot that you then sell to customers. The core loop revolves around haggling prices and managing inventory to maximize profits. A fairy companion guides you through the nuances of capitalism in a fantasy setting. The game shifts the focus from the hero to the merchant who supplies them.

‘Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book’ (2015)

Sophie discovers a talking book and decides to restore its memories through alchemy. The game revolves around gathering materials and synthesizing items in a magical cauldron. Turn based battles exist but serve mainly to facilitate the collection of ingredients. The narrative focuses on personal growth and the mastery of a craft. It celebrates the joy of creation in a vibrant fantasy world.

‘Fantasy Life’ (2012)

Players choose from twelve different lives that range from paladin to cook. You can switch between combat roles and crafting professions at any time. The world allows you to ignore fighting entirely to focus on fishing or carpentry. Quests often involve making high quality furniture or cooking delicious meals for the king. This open approach lets players define their own existence in a magical realm.

‘Coffee Talk’ (2020)

A barista serves warm drinks to elves and orcs in a recognizable version of modern Seattle. You listen to the problems of your customers and influence the story by the beverages you serve. The fantasy races deal with relatable issues like writer block and relationship drama. There is no combat or exploration as the game takes place entirely behind the counter. It explores the human condition through the lens of fantasy creatures in a coffee shop.

‘Slime Rancher’ (2016)

Beatrix LeBeau travels to the Far, Far Range to make a living wrangling slimes. You explore the alien landscape to collect different species of adorable slimes for your ranch. The gameplay involves feeding them to produce resources that you sell for profit. Gadgets and upgrades help you manage the chaotic ecosystem of bouncing creatures. It offers a cheerful sandbox experience focused on exploration and ranch management.

‘Moonstone Island’ (2023)

This open world life sim combines creature collecting with deck building mechanics. You fly between floating islands on a broom to gather resources and uncover secrets. Players tame spirits that help in card based encounters and produce energy for crafting. Alchemy and farming play significant roles in your daily routine as an alchemist in training. The game emphasizes freedom of movement and discovery in a pixelated sky world.

‘Graveyard Keeper’ (2018)

Players manage a medieval cemetery while trying to find a way back home. You perform autopsies and organize burials to keep the church profitable. The game features magical technologies and ethical dilemmas presented with dark humor. Crafting systems are complex and require you to build an efficient automated workflow. It offers a grim but comical twist on the standard farming simulation formula.

‘Ooblets’ (2020)

You arrive in a strange town where people settle disputes through dance battles. Players grow crops and collect small creatures called Ooblets that love to dance. The game encourages customization of your character and your house. Daily tasks involve helping the mayor and participating in dance tournaments. It presents a weird and colorful world where friendship and rhythm solve every problem.

‘Wytchwood’ (2021)

An old witch in a fairytale forest must repay a debt to a suspicious goat. You explore the countryside to collect ingredients for magical spells and reagents. The game focuses heavily on crafting complex recipes to solve puzzles and manipulate the environment. There is no combat as you use your wits and potions to outsmart creatures. It captures the essence of folklore through a distinct artistic style.

Tell us which cozy fantasy game world you would love to live in by sharing your pick in the comments.