Spring has officially sprung, and despite blooming wildflowers, busy bumblebees, and rising temps, I’m still called to the comforting embrace of my bed and blanket. Still no spring in your step, either? You’re not alone. If you’re not quite ready to emerge from the warmth and comfort of that plush blanket on your couch, then it’s time to reach for your Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck (provided they’re not already by your side). With the right cozy game at arm’s length, you can buy yourself a few more minutes of sofa solace.
These wholesome indie games are slated to hit Steam and Nintendo eShop sometime this month, and whether you prefer to solve puzzles, assemble towns, or simply explore, there’s bound to be at least one release that speaks to you. Order a pizza, snuggle some pillows, and make sure your go-to handheld game system is all juiced up — it’s time to get cozy! Check out the cute indie games we can’t wait for:
Nippets (April 7)
Blink Industries’ whimsical, hand-drawn hidden object game Nippets lands on Steam this week, but there’s one thing I am struggling to find — my patience! This adorable point-and-click puzzle has been waiting in my wishlist for quite a while, but based on other Steam users’ wishlist activity, I’m not the only one. Nippets hit an impressive indie game milestone in late February, securing more than 10,000 Steam wishlist additions.
Tide yourself over with the game’s darling demo in the meantime, but be sure to wishlist or nab Nippets when the full title launches on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
ShantyTown (April 16)
Independent video game dev Erik Rempen introduced eager city-builders at PAX East 2026 to ShantyTown, a creative diorama-builder that’s sure to appeal to anyone who spent more time designing houses in The Sims than monitoring their characters. In the game’s Steam description, Rempen says ShantyTown is an ode to “[his] love for densely built cities around the world—the kind of places where every wall, alley, and rooftop tells a story.”
Take on a new role as an in-game surveyor tasked with planning, constructing, and monitoring across countless unique locales. Stack, demolish, renovate, and photograph your stunning structures using the game’s satisfying photo mode. Don’t stifle construction with real-world structural limitations; let your imagination run wild, and relish atmospheric lo-fi audio all the while.
Impatient? Hey, same! Luckily, players can find a free ShantyTown on Steam today. Be sure to add the game to your wishlist, too!
Outbound (April 23)
In Square Glade Games’ vibrant world of Outbound, players build their roamin’ new home in a quaint RV. As part of your journey, gamers will “[c]raft workstations, and source energy from the sun, wind, or water,” and can “[u]pgrade and customize [their] vehicle, grow crops, and live sustainably off-grid with up to 4 players.” Revving your engine already? Check out the game’s demo on Steam today. While you’re there, add Outbound to your wishlist and help this indie hit-in-waiting work its way up the Steam charts.
Vending Machine Co. (April 25)
Run your up-and-coming vending machine company in the aptly-named Vending Machine Co. from Rogue Duck Interactive. Available on Steam on Saturday, April 25, this cute and “kawaii” business management sim puts players in charge of vending machines across Japan. Strategize with stock, raise or lower retail prices, replenish inventory after a product takes off, and ultimately keep your snack-dispensing endeavor afloat. Unlock regions, explore new districts, and cater to customer preferences, all while tackling challenging and fun minigames.
Fan of similar business simulators like PowerWash Simulator or TCG Card Shop Simulator? Us, too. Add Vending Machine Co. to your Steam wishlist while you wait (perhaps impatiently) for April 25, and download the game’s free demo now to give it a spin.
Find Your Words (April 8)
Find Your Words was first shown in Wholesome Games’ Wholesome Snack games showcase last December, and we’ve been holding out for it since. On April 8, players can join their friends in a colorful summer camp setting, where they’ll explore a wildlife-rich map, snap pics, try new campsite activities, and more. Find Your Words was “[c]reated by two dads, inspired by their non-speaking kids’ journeys using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication),” and through the project, the dev pair hopes “to shine a light on the ways we communicate beyond speech.”
Find space on your Steam wishlist for Find Your Words, and pick up this outdoorsy adventure when it releases on Steam this Wednesday, April 8!
