5 Wholesome Indies You Should Play in 2023

The Indie game space has allowed for so much creativity over the years. With this creativity, has come the subgenre of cozy games. These cozy, or wholesome games often have a way of capturing and melting players' hearts as they play them. This could be due to the charming aesthetic of the game, or its story and gameplay. No matter the reason, these games are great. So today, we bring you our picks for the 5 Wholesome Indies You Should Play in 2023. 

5. Cozy Grove

So, to begin our delve into the comfortable world of cozy gaming, we have Cozy Grove. This charming indie title initially stole the hearts of many when it was released. The game, which has a plethora of content to enjoy, mainly consists of players carving out a comfortable life in Cozy Grove. Players will be able to meet a diverse cast of characters and make an adventure all their own. This is great as it really opens up the game's world for players and lets them create their own goals.

Creating your own goals can be immensely important in a game like this, due to the fact that it is that motion that drives you forward. However, the premise for Cozy Grove is rather unique. Players will be in charge of putting spirits to rest and soothing the landscape around them. This is wonderful and is really a game that you can nuzzle up to at night after a long day's work. So if you are someone who enjoys wholesome indie games, make sure you check out one of the coziest entries of 2023.

4. Potion Permit

Next up, we have Potion Permit. Potion Permit is a game that through its unique premise, allows for gameplay variety and possibilities that often aren't found even in other life sims. Players will be able to create potions, tend to the sick, and overall, just be in charge of the general wellbeing of their village. This is great, as it allows players to help out those in need, and incentivizes you for doing so. The art style for the game is also incredibly adorable and is one that you won't soon forget.

The residents of Moonbury are always welcoming as well. This makes the game feel less like a chore, and more like a second home you are able to sneak away to. Players will be able to gather resources, craft, and do many of the other activities found in life sim games. Albeit with an alchemical twist. No matter how you like to play, this game does a great job of incorporating multiple playstyles as well. So if you are looking for a game that is downright wholesome to play, and is also one of the most charming indies you'll play in 2023, then look no further.

3. Slime Rancher 2

Switching things up quite a bit, we have Slime Rancher 2. Now, the Slime Rancher series is one that has been highly-praised for its gameplay, as well las the variety within its creatures. In this game, players will be in charge of running a consortium and maintaining slimes. Through maintaining and taking care of these slimes, players will be able to use the slimes to create Plorts. These Plorts can then be exchanged for currency, in which players will reinvest in their operations.

This creates a comfy gameplay loop that really does a great job of teaching the player the ropes, all the while, making sure that they will be able to do what they want. YOu can feed your slimes, go out and capture more slimes, or even grow gardens of food for your slimes. This is great and really gives the player many ways to have fun in this game. Additionally, the amount of upgrades you can make in the game is also impressive. So if you are looking for a great title with tons of charm, check out one of the most wholesome indies you can play in 2023.

2. Stardew Valley

Next up on our list, we have an entry that should come as no surprise to cozy gaming fans out there. Stardew Valley is a game that took inspiration from games like Harvest Moon and absolutely ran with it. Players will be able to carve out their own existence within Stardew Valley. And in doing so they will meet its wonderful townsfolk, each of which can have a relationship with the player. This is great, and really served to immerse the player within this game's world.

Players can farm to their heart's content, or go adventuring in the mines. Doing this will allow the player to experience the game's combat, that while not too punishing, still feels rewarding to participate in. The bulk of the player's time can be spent however they wish. Whether that be fishing by the dock, or participating in the game's many other activities. So if you are someone who is a fan of cozy gaming, and is looking for wholesome indies to comfort you, check out one of the finest games you could be playing in 2023.

1. Sun Haven

For our final entry into wholesome indies in 2023, we have Sun Haven. Now, Sun Haven is a game that much like Stardew Valley, allows players to live a cozy existence. However, Sun Haven does something that few entries on this list do. Namely, have a class-based system. The class-based system within Sun Haven incentivizes playing the way you want to play and rewards you greatly for doing so. For example, if you want to be a fisherman, there is an entire skill tree dedicated to just that. The fishing class also features many passive traits and buffs that players can use to their advantage.

This makes it so that no matter how you choose to make your living in Sun Haven, all paths are valid. And in terms of coziness, this title is simply snuggly. There are many creatures that you will run into on your journey, as well as charming and memorable townsfolk to interact with and also woo. This will be great for players who enjoy that type of gameplay. The game's combat is also great and allows for great customization, and multiplayer is simply a sight to behold. In short, if you are looking for wholesome indie games in 2023, Sun Haven is right up your alley.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Wholesome Indies You Should Play in 2023? What are some of your favorites? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.