Five cosy games for winding down

Some evenings you don't want to be tested. You want a game that asks nothing sharp of you. That's a whole category worth taking seriously, and mobile does it well.

Lantern Hollow is my current favourite for this. There's no fail state, just a quiet village and a gentle mystery. Tidepool Tycoon scratches a similar itch if you like tidying and building rather than exploring.

The common thread is pacing. Cosy games trust you to set your own speed. They don't blink up urgent notifications or nag you back with timers.

If you're new to the genre, start with something short. A two-hour adventure you finish beats a sprawling one you abandon.