Updated on September 15th, 2026
It is that time of year again to share my wish list of cozy games from the 2026 Wholesome Direct!
What is the Wholesome Direct?
The Wholesome Direct is a yearly showcase all about cozy games. The showcase is hosted by Jenny Windom with cozy YouTubers and Twitch streamers as guest co-hosts. For 2026, the Wholesome Direct aired on June 6th and featured over 50 newly released, soon-to-be-released, and announced games. With all that said, here is my wish list of games from the 2026 Wholesome Direct.
Wholesome Direct 2026 Wish List
Book Nook
Book Nook is the next game by the developers of Camper Van: Make It Home. In Book Nook, you build miniature diorama scenes. I have played the demo, and it was a lot of fun punching out the pieces and assembling the scene. I want to play the full game and see what other dioramas there are.
Book Nook is releasing in 2026 on Steam.
Capy Castaway
In Capy Castaway, you play as a capybara named Capy who, with the assistance of Corvi the crow, helps lost animals after a flood. Capy Castaway allows solo or co-op play, and you will explore the island, solve puzzles, and befriend the lost residents. I have a fondness for games where you play as an animal, and Capy Castaway does seem like it will be a good game for me.
Capy Castaway released on August 6th, 2026, for Steam. I have since played and reviewed Capy Castaway on my channel.
Deer & Boy
Deer & Boy is a single-player game that follows a runaway boy who meets a fawn. As their bond grows on their journey, so do their abilities. Deer & Boy looks like it will be a sweet game, and the style of gameplay does remind me a bit of Never Alone, where you play as both Nuna and Fox.
Deer & Boy released on June 23rd, 2026, for Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Design and Conjure
In Design and Conjure, you play as a witch who tidies spaces, designs magical rooms, and solves gentle puzzles to bring peace back to her village. I love the combination of tidying and designing, and the demo reminds me of a mix of Unpacking, Cleaning Up!, and MakeRoom with magical elements.
Design and Conjure is coming soon to Steam.
Dressmaker
Dressmaker is a simulation game where you design dresses, cut out patterns, sew the pieces, and add appliqués for your customers. I am a huge fan of job simulation games as they let you experience different jobs in a more accessible way. I love the idea of becoming a dressmaker in the game, and it looks like it will be a fun game to play.
Dressmaker is releasing on September 21st, 2026 for Steam.
Fossil Quest
Fossil Quest is a simulation game where you follow your dreams of opening a dinosaur museum. In the game, you will dig for fossils, assemble exhibits, and make the museum of your dreams. Fossil Quest looks like it will be a joy to play, and I love the idea of designing a museum with fossils you have found in the game.
Fossil Quest is expected to release in 2027 on Steam.
Froggy Brews
In Froggy Brews, you play as a frog who runs a teahouse in his hometown. You can brew tea, forage for ingredients, meet the villagers, and play mini games. Froggy Brews combines two of my passions: cooking games and games where you play as an animal, and I am looking forward to the release.
The release date of Froggy Brews is to be announced on Steam.
Milki Delivery
Milki Delivery is from the same developers as Minami Lane. In the game, you play as Neha as you deliver milk from your pet cow, Milki. You will explore the town, deliver milk bottles, gather food for Milki, and meet the villagers. I loved playing Minami Lane, and Milki Delivery does look like it is going to be a short and fun adventure game.
Milki Delivery is releasing on November 17th, 2026 for Steam.
Otterly Lost
Otterly Lost follows Otto the otter, who was swept away far from home. As Otto, you will explore the world, solve light puzzles, and make friends as you find your way back home with your favorite rock. Otterly Lost does remind me of Smushi Come Home, but instead of playing as a mushroom, you play as an otter. I have played the demo of Otterly Lost, and I enjoyed exploring the map by land and sea and completing the various quests.
Otterly Lost is releasing on September 23rd, 2026 on Steam.
Pelican Post
The last game on my wish list is Pelican Post. In the game, you play as Pepper the mailman and deliver mail, meet the residents, and bring the coastal community of Port Pleasant back together. I have played a couple of mail delivery games, including Lake and Mail Time, and based on the demo, Pelican Post looks like it will be a cute and cozy game.
Pelican Post is coming soon to Steam.
Great wishlist! The 2026 Wholesome Direct was packed with charming and cozy titles. It’s exciting to see so many creative games coming soon. Can’t wait to hear which one you’re most excited to play!
Thank you so much! I won a copy of Deer & Boy in a giveaway, and I was sent a copy of Capy Castaway for review, so I am excited to play both of the games!
What a wonderful list of cozy games! Book Nook, Froggy Brews, and Pelican Post look especially charming. Thanks for sharing these exciting Wholesome Direct 2026 picks. I’ve already added a few to my wish list!
Thanks! I am excited for the full games to release, especially Book Nook!
These all look so cute.
They are cute, and hopefully the games will be fun!