If you’ve read my intro post, you already know I’m a blanket enthusiast with a weakness for tea and hobbies. But here’s something else you should know: I play video games. A lot.
Now, if you picture a cozy blogger with a Nintendo Switch, you might assume I only play sweet farming sims where the most dangerous thing is forgetting to water your crops. And yes, Stardew Valley is absolutely my happy place. But that’s only part of the story.
Because right next to my cozy farm, you’ll also find me wielding an axe alongside Kratos in God of War. And then, when I’m done saving the realms, I might hop into the Yakuza series, where I’m just as likely to be caught in an emotional cutscene as I am to be singing karaoke in a bar.
My taste in games is a little like life: sometimes it’s calm and gentle, sometimes it’s epic and intense, and sometimes it’s just plain ridiculous. And honestly? I love it that way.
So today, let me walk you through three of my favorite series—and why I keep coming back to them.
Stardew Valley
Ah, Stardew Valley. The game that has saved me from countless stressful days.
There’s something magical about waking up in a pixelated little farmhouse, watering crops, feeding chickens, and then wandering into town to chat with villagers who all have their own quirks. It’s like slipping into a slower, kinder version of life.
I still remember my first few hours of playing: I had no clue what I was doing, and somehow managed to spend an entire day in-game chopping down trees and accidentally passing out from exhaustion at 2 a.m. (10/10 relatable). But even then, I was hooked.
What I love about Stardew is how it rewards small, consistent efforts. You plant seeds, water them daily, and eventually see them grow into something beautiful. It’s oddly motivating, and it reflects something I’m always trying to remind myself: little steps matter.
It’s also ridiculously cozy. The music is soothing, the art style is charming, and the seasonal cycles make you feel like you’re really living there. Plus, there’s nothing quite like finishing a long, busy day and thinking, “Yes, time to check on my digital cows.”
And while Stardew is often labeled as a “relaxing” game, I’ve found that it can also scratch that challenge itch. Over time, I got really invested in pushing myself further—modding the game, going after every single achievement, and giving myself new challenges with each fresh farm. Suddenly, this little farming sim became a playground for creativity and goal-setting.
On PC, modding opened up endless possibilities (hello, dozens of new NPC’s and cities). On Switch, I played more “vanilla,” but still found ways to make each farm unique—like setting rules for myself or designing themed layouts. Between both platforms, I’ve easily clocked hundreds of hours, and I still keep coming back for more.
Stardew started as my cozy escape, but it turned into a world where I could both relax and challenge myself. And honestly? That balance is what keeps me hooked.
And let’s be honest—I may never have a thriving vegetable garden in real life, but my Stardew farm? Flourishing.
God of War Series️
Now let’s swing to the complete opposite end of the spectrum: God of War.
Where Stardew is soft, God of War is intense. You’re wielding an axe, battling gods and monsters, and running through a world that’s equal parts beautiful and terrifying. And yet… this series is more than just combat.
What keeps me coming back is the storytelling. The relationship between Kratos and Atreus is powerful, emotional, and surprisingly tender at times. It’s proof that even in the middle of epic boss fights, video games can tell stories that rival the best movies.
I’ll admit, there have been moments where I had to pause—not because the fight was too hard (okay, sometimes that too), but because the emotional weight of the scene hit me so hard. This game isn’t just about smashing enemies—it’s about family, grief, and trying to do better than the past.
And here’s another layer of joy for me: I’ve always loved Norse mythology. Even if God of War takes plenty of creative liberties, there’s something thrilling about seeing familiar myths, gods, and creatures woven into this epic narrative. It’s like getting a new, reimagined version of stories I’ve adored for years. Every time a mythological figure pops up, I can’t help but grin.
That love for the series inspired me to set a personal goal: play every single game in the franchise. Not just the most recent entries—all of them. It’s been such a fun journey to see how the series has evolved over time, and it makes me appreciate the newer games even more.
But also… let’s be real. Throwing that Leviathan axe and having it magically fly back into your hand? The most satisfying thing ever.
God of War reminds me that life doesn’t have to be all cozy comfort—it can also be about challenge, growth, and facing things head-on. And sometimes, it can even reignite an old passion, like my love of Norse myths.
Yakuza Series
If Stardew is my comfort blanket and God of War is my epic movie, the Yakuza series is… well, it’s chaos in the best way.
The thing about Yakuza is that it refuses to fit neatly into one box. One moment, you’re in a gritty, emotional drama, and the next you’re helping a stranger find their lost cat, singing karaoke, or running a cabaret club. It’s a rollercoaster of tone, but somehow it works beautifully.
And honestly? That’s why I love it.
Yakuza reminds me that life isn’t just serious or just silly—it’s both. You can be dealing with heavy stuff one day, and laughing at something ridiculous the next. And in between, maybe you’ll even win a game of darts at a cozy bar.
It’s also one of those series that makes me laugh out loud. The side quests are iconic, the characters are unforgettable, and the sheer randomness is endlessly entertaining. Every time I play, I know I’m in for something unexpected.
In a way, Yakuza is the most “life-like” game I play—not because my life is filled with street fights and karaoke battles (though I wouldn’t say no to karaoke), but because it blends seriousness with silliness in a way that feels real.
What I Don’t Play (much anymore)
Okay, confession time: I used to play FPS games. For years, actually! And I wasn’t bad at them either—I could hold my own in matches, get some decent kill streaks, and even enjoyed the competitive rush.
But when I eventually got my PC, something shifted. Suddenly, I found myself drawn more and more to story-driven games—the ones that pull you in with emotional depth, character arcs, and immersive worlds. The kind of games where you’re not just aiming at targets, you’re living a story.
Over time, my interest in FPS just… faded. It’s not that I dislike them, but they don’t give me the same spark anymore. These days, I’d much rather sink into a narrative-rich adventure than chase headshots.
So while I’ll always respect the genre (and the skills it takes to master it), my gaming heart now belongs to story-driven worlds—whether that’s farming in Stardew, battling gods in God of War, or belting karaoke in Yakuza (and much more).
Why I Love Gaming Across Genres
Here’s the thing: for me, gaming isn’t about sticking to one genre—it’s about matching my mood.
If I need peace, I go to Stardew Valley. If I want intensity, I pick up God of War. And if I just need to laugh and embrace chaos, I boot up Yakuza.
Gaming has taught me that hobbies don’t have to fit into neat categories. Just like life, they can be cozy one day and wild the next. And that’s what keeps it exciting.
It’s also one of the ways I practice self-care. Because whether I’m farming, fighting, or singing karaoke into my headset at midnight, I’m giving myself permission to play—to step into another world and just enjoy it. And honestly, that’s pretty magical.
The Cozy Takeaway
Hobbies don’t have to look the same every day. Sometimes they’re soft and soothing, sometimes they’re big and bold, and sometimes they’re just plain silly.
My gaming habits might look a little all over the place, but they reflect exactly what this blog is about: finding joy in every chapter, no matter how different they look from one another.
So whether I’m tending crops, slaying gods, or belting karaoke with a fictional yakuza, each moment is its own little cozy escape.
And now I want to know: what’s your comfort game?
Chapters of Millie 
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