Cozy games mean different things to different people. For some, it’s curling up with a farming sim and watching crops grow. For others, it’s a puzzle game that lets you sink into a rhythm and forget the world for a while. And then, for some of us, a game about stamping passports and making tough moral choices can be the perfect way to unwind.
Papers, Please
That’s where Papers, Please comes in. This game is a brilliant mix of strategy, storytelling, and stress, but in the best way possible. You play as an immigration inspector in the fictional country of Arstotzka, responsible for deciding who gets in and who gets turned away. At first, it’s just about checking paperwork, but soon you’re dealing with bribes, moral dilemmas, and the ever-present worry of keeping your own family alive.
One small mistake can cost you money, and that might mean no food or heat for your family that night. Do you risk your job to help someone in need? Do you follow orders without question? The choices are yours, and they’re never easy. It’s a tense, gripping, and surprisingly emotional experience that sticks with you long after you stop playing.
Now, if you love the feeling of carefully reviewing details, making tough calls, and uncovering deeper stories hidden in everyday tasks, then you’ll probably enjoy some other games that offer a similar experience. Let’s dive in and check out some great alternatives to Papers, Please!
Cozy Games Like Papers, Please
Lil Guardsman
This game is what people call a “cozy Papers, Please”. In Lil Guardsman, you’re 12 years old, and somehow, you’ve ended up in charge of guarding the castle gate. No pressure! Decide who gets in (elves, goblins, and all sorts of quirky characters) with sharp deduction skills and a bit of sass. Lil Guardsman blends puzzles, humor, and a delightful fantasy world into a game that’s equal parts charming and clever. The voice acting is extremely good too! It’s definitely worth getting in my opinion.
Death and Taxes
Ever wondered what it’s like to be the Grim Reaper… with a desk job? In Death and Taxes, you decide who lives and who dies. No scythe required, just paperwork. Every choice has consequences, shaping the world and unraveling the mystery of your existence. If you loved the tough decisions in Papers, Please, this thought-provoking, slightly dark yet oddly cozy experience will keep you hooked.
Package Inspector
Being a customs officer in Taxien isn’t as simple as it sounds. Your job? Inspect packages. Your problem? The growing influence of rebels, questionable government policies, and an increasing list of rules. The game starts easy: check for damage, inspect for smuggled goods. But soon, the choices get tougher. No spoil here though, so you’ll have to discover that for yourself! With multiple endings and a mix of satire and strategy, Package Inspector delivers a fun, immersive experience with just the right amount of challenge.
Not Tonight
In an alternate Britain where Brexit negotiations have crumbled, a far-right government has taken over. You, a person of European heritage, have been forced into relocation and given one option: work as a bouncer and survive. With a booming gig economy and tough choices at every turn, Not Tonight is a gripping mix of time-management and political storytelling. Will you resist, or will you try to keep your head down and make it through? A challenging, thought-provoking experience with a great graphical art style and immersive music. I really love pixel art, so I might be biased about that! Oh, and if you enjoy it, Not Tonight 2 is also out! I haven’t played it yet, but it looks super interesting as well!
Yes, Your Grace
Being king isn’t all feasts and fancy robes. Every day, petitioners arrive at your throne, asking for help, resources, or justice. But your supplies are limited, and not everyone has the kingdom’s best interests at heart. Do you help your people, or do you save up for bigger threats? Yes, Your Grace blends deep storytelling, tough decisions, and quirky humor into a kingdom management experience that will have you laughing, stressing, and (if you have a heart) maybe even tearing up a little. (I personally did tear up, but I tear up easily)
Return of the Obra Dinn
A merchant ship lost at sea. A crew with a tragic fate. A mystery only you can solve. Step aboard the Obra Dinn with nothing but a magic pocket watch and your sharp mind. As you piece together the ship’s eerie history, you’ll use every clue (from job titles to accents) to reconstruct what happened. Created by the developer of Papers, Please, this game delivers an unforgettable detective experience with a stunning monochrome art style and a story that will stay with you long after you’ve cracked the case. I suggest you go in this game completely blind. Do not look up reviews, or videos about it. You’ll be blown away.
Orwell: Keeping an Eye on You
Welcome to the future, where you’re not just being watched… you’re the one watching. In Orwell, you play as an investigator for a powerful surveillance system, combing through personal data to find those responsible for a series of attacks. But every piece of information you report has consequences. Will you uncover the truth, or will you manipulate it? Thought-provoking and disturbingly relevant, this game puts you in control of privacy and power in a way that feels all too real. The reviews about this one are a bit mixed, but just be curious and give it a try, you might like it.
No Umbrellas Allowed
Running a secondhand shop isn’t just about selling items. It’s about uncovering their secrets. In No Umbrellas Allowed, every object has a history, and it’s up to you to figure out its true value. Customers will haggle, lie, and try to get a deal, but if you sharpen your appraisal skills, you might just make a fortune. The game has a surprising depth, with hidden details and a compelling story that sometimes overshadows the shopkeeping. Despite a few rough edges, this one deserves way more love! Honestly, if you like shopkeeper games, I truly recommend this one for you to try.
Strange Horticulture
I’ve already written about Strange Horticulture on the blog multiple times. And the game gives off a similar vibe to Papers Please while being quite different. Strange Horticulture is a puzzle game in which you play as the owner of a plant store. The story is intriguing, the puzzles are clever, and while it’s not the longest game, it’s a delightfully eerie experience. A must-play if you love cozy-yet-creepy games with a touch of the occult. It’s a little short (around 5 to 10 hours of gameplay) but I definitely recommend it. The writing is good, and the whole game revolving around this eerie vibe just got me.
Beholder
Welcome to your new job: spying on your tenants. In Beholder, you play as a government-appointed landlord tasked with installing cameras, searching apartments, and reporting anyone who might be a threat to the regime. Will you uphold the law, or will you bend the rules to protect those in danger? The game is morally challenging, darkly immersive, and full of tough decisions that will keep you questioning your every move. Just don’t get caught, and live with your decisions!
Do Not Feed the Monkeys
Ever wanted to secretly watch strangers through hidden surveillance cameras? In Do Not Feed the Monkeys, you’re part of an exclusive club that lets you do just that. Your job is simple: observe, collect information, and absolutely, under no circumstances, interact. But curiosity is a dangerous thing… and breaking the rules might lead to unexpected consequences. It’s a unique, addictive experience that makes you question just how much you really want to know. Sooo… Will you feed the monkeys?
Organs Please
Welcome to the world’s strangest recycling plant… where people are the raw materials. In Organs Please, you’re in charge of deciding who gets a golden ticket to escape Earth and who, well… contributes to the survival of humanity in a more “biological” way. Despite the grim premise, the game leans more into strategy and resource management than gore, offering a darkly humorous and surprisingly addictive experience. Who knew saving humanity could be such a logistical nightmare? If the idea of recycling humans for the survival doesn’t bother you too much, I suggest you give it a try!
Galaxy Pass Station
Running a space station isn’t just about keeping the lights on. It’s about creating the ultimate intergalactic hangout. In Galaxy Pass Station, you’ll build everything from karaoke bars to capsule hotels while juggling immigration duties as a human inspector. Should you let this alien in? Are they a threat? Or just here for a cosmic vacation? In my opinion, this game is like a mix of Papers, Please and Oxygen Not Included. It blends document-checking with deep customization. A little buggy but full of charm!
Contraband Police
In 1981, deep in the mountains of Karikatka, border security is no joke. As a rookie officer, you’ll be searching cars, checking papers, and keeping an eye out for smugglers. But the job gets messy when corruption and violence enter the mix. Contraband Police expands on the Papers, Please formula with open-world mechanics, driving, and even shootouts. Some elements feel a bit rough around the edges, and a lot of people wouldn’t call this game cozy. But if you love catching shady travelers, this one’s worth checking out.
Mind Scanners
In a dystopian city where mental health is monitored like a public utility, you are a Mind Scanner. Your job? Diagnose and “treat” citizens using arcade-style devices. But with a strict time limit and an authoritarian system breathing down your neck, you’ll have to decide: do you follow the rules or question the system? The repetitive minigames might not be for everyone, but the eerie atmosphere and intriguing world make this a psychological ride worth taking.
That’s Not My Neighbor
The year is 1955, and things are… strange. Doppelgangers are popping up everywhere, and the Department of Doppelganger Detection (D.D.D.) is on high alert. As the doorman of an apartment complex, it’s your job to figure out who’s who. Are they really your neighbor, or is something sinister at play? Scrutinize IDs, pick up on suspicious details, and keep those imposters out. A thrilling mix of deduction and paranoia awaits!
Note: The game is not out yet, but should release in 2025!
Wrap Up
I hope this list helped you find at least one game that caught your interest! Whether you enjoy puzzle-like decision-making, deep storytelling, or a mix of both, there’s definitely something here for you.
Cozy gaming isn’t always about soft colors and peaceful farms. It can also be about finding comfort in engaging, thought-provoking gameplay. Sometimes, it’s relaxing to slip into a game where you’re in control, making decisions, and seeing the world react to them. As always, it depends on individuals and your opinion might differ from mine, and that’s okay. ♥
Thank you for reading today’s article! If you end up trying any of these games, I’d love to hear what you think. And, of course, if you have any other recommendations for cozy decision-based games, feel free to share!
Other “Cozy Games Like”
- 10 Cozy Farming Games Similar to Fields of Mistria
- 11 Cozy Games Similar to Unpacking
- Best Cozy Games Like Hello Kitty Island Adventure
