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21 DELIGHTFULLY COZY AND FREE GAMES ON STEAM

Do you ever feel like entertainment costs are spiraling out of control? Because same. I’m juggling so many subscription services, but there’s barely any time to enjoy them. Sorry, Disney+, but you had to go. The same goes for my Nintendo Switch Online subscription—why am I even paying for that? Someone, please enlighten me, especially since I’ve been gaming almost exclusively on my PC lately.

It’s time to cut the subscriptions and explore free-to-play games instead. Or at least stick to games that only require a one-time purchase. Actually, now that I think about it, I’ve already downloaded tons of games in the past that I’ve barely touched—it’s time to change that!

To help both you and me, I’ve put together this list of free Steam games to enjoy guilt-free this month. Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom for a bonus game (and a video!) that didn’t make it onto this list!

LITTLE TRAVELER

In Little Traveler, you step into the tiny shoes of Nora, a Thumbelina-like character who travels from house to house, lending a hand to small families in need. Your mission? Stay hidden while bringing happiness back to the life of a lonely widow. Can you navigate all three levels without being discovered?

OPE

Ôpe is a charming 3D platformer where you take on the role of Bô, a tiny but courageous hero. With 10 captivating levels to explore, your adventure will guide you through magical forests and ancient temples. Master skills like wall dashing, rock pushing, double-jumping, and even transforming into a small sphere to overcome obstacles and uncover secrets!

BEWILDERED

Bewildered is a visually stunning action-adventure game crafted by students, where teamwork is key. Partner with a mighty beast to fight back against corruption and rescue your island from doom. Use your relic to command the creature, dodge danger with precision, and combine your unique abilities to seal the portal and restore peace once and for all!

AZTLAN UNCOVERED: PROLOGUE

Unleash your inner Lara Croft in Aztlan Uncovered, a thrilling 3D action-adventure game. Explore a newly unearthed temple, using your equipment and sharp mind to uncover its secrets. Solve intricate puzzles with a unique time device that lets you manipulate the state of specific objects, unlocking the mysteries of this ancient world.

PORCELAIN TALES

Step into the tiny shoes of a porcelain garden gnome in Porcelain Tales. Brought to life by a witch, your mission is to help gather all the missing items. Made of delicate porcelain, you’ll need to move carefully and avoid damage as you sneak around. With just one chapter, it offers a fun and short adventure that’s perfect for a quick playthrough.

TRIKAYA

Trikaya is a relaxing first-person puzzle game set in a long-forgotten temple. Your goal is to recover a mysterious artifact that has been hidden away for centuries. Use the powers of earth, fire, and wind to solve puzzles, uncover the artifact’s history, and restore it to its ancient glory.

POSTMOUSE

Postmouse is a charming third-person puzzle platformer where you play as an adorable mouse on a mail delivery mission. Step outside your cozy home and embark on an exciting adventure, exploring ancient ruins, solving puzzles, and meeting delightful animals along the way. Deliver letters to those eagerly awaiting news from their loved ones, and experience the joy of connecting hearts through the power of mail.

SHEEPY: A SHORT ADVENTURE

Sheepy: A Short Adventure is a heartwarming indie game inspired by classics like Hollow Knight and Ori. You play as Sheepy, an abandoned toy brought to life, who finds itself in unexpected and dangerous places that no plushie should ever go. This short pixel art adventure is beautifully complemented by its amazing soundtrack, which has captured the hearts of many players. It’s hard to believe it’s free—definitely a hidden gem worth playing!

CAT-ACLYSM

Cat-aclysmn is an action-adventure student project where you play as Vexa, the vibrant owner of a café called Catuccino. When your mischievous cat, Catuccino, runs away and starts a revolution to take over the city, it’s up to you to bring him back. Embark on a wild chase, battling evil robocats along the way in an effort to reclaim your beloved feline and restore order to the city!

MOOSE LOST IN THE WOODS

Moose Lost in the Woods is a delightful 3D platformer that encourages you to get lost in a whimsical Swedish-inspired forest. Run, leap, bounce, and explore while filling your backpack with fun treasures! Your goal? Find as many pine cones as you can while enjoying the serene and playful adventure.

SHUTTER

Shutter is a cozy, short third-person puzzle game where you step into the shoes of Keith, a new employee at the space-age research center L.I.E. (Learn, Investigate & Exploit). Using your camera, you manipulate objects through perspective (think Superliminal), unlocking mysteries hidden within the center. With its intriguing puzzles and mysterious atmosphere, it’s a captivating game that offers plenty of intrigue in a brief playthrough.

VIRIDI

Viridi is a soothing, work-from-home companion game where you can watch your succulents grow while you go about your day. Leave the game open in a second window and tend to your virtual garden, offering you a peaceful escape during busy moments. It’s a calming, safe haven you can return to whenever you need a quiet break from the hustle.

A PARK FULL OF CATS

If you love a good hidden object game, A Park Full of Cats is sure to delight. Step into a charming amusement park filled with thrilling rides and hidden cats waiting to be discovered. Search high and low as you explore the park, with each cat cleverly hidden in plain sight. The best part? It’s completely free to play!

GREEN REAPER

Green Reaper is a combat-focused third-person game set in a beautifully designed greenhouse. You play as Rubin, a rose blessed by the goddess Antheia and armed with her sacred scythe. When mushroom marauders invade the greenhouse, threatening the life of the garden goddess and her creations, it’s up to you to protect them. Venture through the expansive greenhouse, battling the invaders and restoring peace to the sacred garden.

EVERY LETTER

Every Letter is a cozy single-player game perfect for aspiring writers. Using an old-fashioned typewriter, you’ll craft heartfelt letters that embody your clients’ thoughts and emotions. As you type, you’ll uncover intertwining stories across multiple clients’ requests, get to know the charming quirks of the typewriter, and discover your own personal connection to the art of letter writing.

MEMORIES

Memories is a heartwarming dress-up game that explores how our clothes influence our mood and the memories we associate with them. Despite being free to play, it offers a remarkably emotional experience. Blending dress-up gameplay with visual novel elements, Memories uses a pastel, dream-like art style to evoke feelings of nostalgia and sadness, highlighting the emotional connection we have with the clothes we wear.

THE LOOKER

The Looker is a playful, free-to-play puzzle game set on a mysterious island, featuring over 55 creative puzzles spread across several enchanted locations. A lighthearted parody of The Witness, this short yet fun game offers unique challenges that vary in difficulty but never take themselves too seriously. It’s perfect for a quick, enjoyable puzzle-solving adventure.

CHECK IT OUT!

If you’re on the hunt for a free-to-play game like Supermarket Simulator, give Check it Out! a try. In this relaxing game, you step into the shoes of a cashier, encountering a variety of quirky and questionable customers. It turns the often mundane task of customer service into a fun and engaging experience. Honestly, if the customers in my store were even half as interesting as these, my day would fly by!

PLANT THERAPY

Plant Therapy is the ultimate cozy plant-collecting game where you can build your own indoor garden right in the heart of New York City. With over 60 unique plants to collect, grow, and repot, you’ll experience the simple joy of nurturing your greenery. As you wait for your plants to grow, you can decorate your apartment, collect artwork, and bask in the peaceful, calming atmosphere of your little sanctuary.

SKY: CHILDREN OF THE LIGHT

Sky: Children of the Light is a cozy, open-world adventure where you soar above the clouds in a peaceful, serene world. New players, affectionately called Moths because of their brown capes, are guided by seasoned players who help them navigate the game. With minimal dialogue and direction, the game encourages players to seek guidance from others, making it a beautiful exploration of the buddy system.

Created by thatgamecompany—the same studio behind Journey—Sky shares many elements with its predecessor, like flying creatures, sandy landscapes, and the presence of a mysterious stranger. But Sky takes the buddy system even further, allowing for more meaningful cooperation and connection. And exciting news: Sky: Children of the Light will be available on Steam starting April 2024!

PALIA

Palia is currently my favorite cozy game, and I can’t recommend it enough. While it’s not without its bugs and glitches—something that can be frustrating at times—it holds incredible potential to become something really special.

Set in a world where humans were once extinct but are now making a comeback, Palia invites you to uncover the mystery behind humanity’s disappearance while building a new life in this vibrant world.

The game is free-to-play on both Steam and Nintendo Switch, though a word of caution: the graphics on the Switch aren’t as polished as the PC version. That said, if you’re only playing on the Switch, you might not notice the difference. I mostly play it on Switch myself, and still find it incredibly enjoyable!

5 ESSENTIAL SHOES EVERY MAN SHOULD OWN

I’ll be the first to admit that I judge a guy based on his shoes. From a young age, I was taught that your shoes should always be spotless, comfortable, and well-maintained. They leave a lasting impression and show that you take pride in your appearance. Comfort and style are essential when choosing shoes, as the wrong pair can make even the most polished outfit look sloppy, while the right pair can elevate even the simplest look.

Black Dress Shoes

These are a timeless choice—simple, stylish, and comfortable. They can easily be paired with suits, denim, or chinos, making them ideal for both formal and casual occasions. When it comes to black dress shoes, there are very few things that don’t complement the color. If you’re looking for one versatile pair that works with everything, I recommend opting for a pair with a matte finish over a shiny one. Matte black shoes are much easier to pair with a variety of outfits. You have plenty of options to choose from, including loafers, brogues, oxfords, monk straps, moccasins, and derby shoes, all of which offer a polished yet adaptable look.

Brown Dress Shoes

These are everything that black dress shoes offer, but in a rich brown shade. Brown dress shoes have a warm, sophisticated look and complement most outfits beautifully. However, I would advise against buying the same style and design in both black and brown. The key is to mix things up and experiment a bit. If you’re only planning to own one pair of brown dress shoes, it’s worth putting some thought into your choice, rather than simply getting a brown version of your black pair. Look for unique designs or subtle details that set them apart and add a fresh twist to your wardrobe.

Boots

These boots have a certain allure and are undeniably stylish. They pair perfectly with casual outfits, including jeans, cargos, and corduroys. From ankle-length boots and chukkas to Chelsea boots, desert boots, snub-nose fry boots, riding boots, army boots, cowboy boots, and motorcycle boots, there’s a wide variety to choose from. With a slight heel, these boots not only enhance your style but also add a few extra inches to your height, making you appear taller. This is a great option for those conscious about their height, and definitely a better alternative to height-enhancing insoles.

LEATHER CASUALS

These are your go-to shoes—comfortable, hassle-free, and perfect for any occasion. You can wear them without socks, and they easily pair with both pants and shorts, offering the freedom to move without worrying about your footwear. They’re a versatile option that can handle just about anything. Whether you opt for lace-ups or slip-ons, I recommend driving moccasins, also known as driving mocs. These shoes provide the perfect blend of comfort and style, making them a great choice for everyday wear.

Sneakers

It’s important to note that these aren’t the sneakers you wear for running, training, or hitting the gym—those are designed specifically for exercise and tend to look worn quickly, even if you just bought them. What I’m referring to here are stylish fashion sneakers, meant for casual outings, not for working out. These sneakers are perfect when you’re stepping out for a day around town, offering a laid-back and comfortable vibe. They pair well with denim or chinos, and you can have fun with them by experimenting with contrasting, brightly colored laces or funky prints to add some personality to your look.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, having a versatile and well-curated collection of shoes is essential for any man’s wardrobe. From classic black dress shoes that go with everything, to stylish brown shoes that add warmth to your outfits, and boots that offer both flair and height—each pair serves a unique purpose. Fashion sneakers provide the perfect balance of comfort and style for casual days, while moccasins and other easygoing footwear offer a hassle-free, relaxed vibe. By choosing the right shoes for different occasions, you can elevate your overall style, ensure comfort, and make a lasting impression without much effort.