Summer has finally arrived—a time when the gaming industry typically takes a breather before the autumn blockbuster season. With no major releases on the horizon for the next few weeks, it’s the perfect opportunity to relax and catch up on some of 2026’s most noteworthy titles so far. With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of cozy and indie games you need to play this summer.
1- Pokémon Pokopia
Topping your list should be Pokémon Pokopia, a perfect title for relaxing—though be warned, it demands a significant time investment. If you’re a fan of either Pokémon or Animal Crossing, this game is absolutely golden. Playing as a Ditto, you’ll create new habitats, build houses, and solve quests while uncovering the mystery of why all the humans have disappeared. As you find new Pokémon, you’ll unlock new areas to explore and new abilities to help you build and clear environments for even more Pokémon to inhabit.
It’s no exaggeration to say this game can get you absolutely hooked. There are tons to explore and dozens of hours of potential gameplay. If you enjoy collecting Pokémon, Pokopia introduces a brand-new, exciting, and engaging way to do so. This title will have you coming back daily to visit dream islands and check on your new buildings.
Don’t forget to check out Yvonne’s review of Pokopia, where she gave it the highest rating:
“The developers took the best of several other ace games and added them to the world of Pokémon, making a game that will prove to be a real time-sink.”
2- Phonopolis
Phonopolis is an interesting, wonderfully weird title. Set in a hand-painted 3D paper-box world, you must solve numerous puzzles to help Felix—the protagonist—end the oppressive influence of the Leader. This narrative-driven dystopian adventure is a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and hand-made art, all wrapped in a compelling and intriguing story. The game has earned impressive reviews and showcases remarkable talent from a development team known for its uniquely creative portfolio.
This game should be on your list for its breathtaking art style alone. I love indie games that come with plenty of personality and such a distinctive look. I’m also a fan of puzzle games, and while the puzzles here aren’t brutally difficult, they remain pleasantly unusual in a good way. Also, if you’d rather not spend too much time indoors during summer, this game is only 5 hours long.
3- Subnautica 2
Launching in early access, Subnautica 2 is a more demanding journey involving building, crafting, and surviving. While it retains most of the core principles from the first game and its DLC, this sequel comes with a much-needed upgrade: co-op gameplay. The survival experience is significantly enhanced when shared with a friend—especially when it involves surviving on a planet you know nothing about. So prepare to be mesmerized and terrified by what the deep waters of this new world hold.
I have a personal preference for survival games, especially those that force you to explore extensively. There’s something about venturing into the unknown, discovering its dangers while trying to stay alive, that I find deeply alluring. It’s not rare for me to lose track of time playing these kinds of games, trying to extract every possible experience from them. I’m not satisfied with just watching the ending credits—I must explore every corner, uncover every mystery, and discover every creature. And Subnautica has all of that.
4- Cairn
Next up is Cairn, a game that will test your skill, patience, and planning. Your goal is to climb Mount Kami, and to succeed, you’ll need to manage your resources carefully and find the best path for your journey. Don’t expect the game to hold your hand—climbing takes place in an open-world fashion, meaning the journey is demanding and may sometimes force you to backtrack and choose a different route.
Few games let you explore the maximum of an experience quite like Cairn. It’s an absolutely gorgeous piece of art in the video game world, but it’s definitely not for the casual player. As I mentioned earlier, survival games are a favorite of mine, and a great part of this title lies in managing your resources so they last throughout your travels. Great challenges and amazing views await you if you decide to take on the climb.
Also, check James’s review of Cairn:
“Cairn is not a casual climbing game. It’s methodical, demanding, and occasionally stubborn. It will test your patience. It will make you rethink your route. And yes, it may frustrate you. But it’s also thoughtful, distinctive, and deeply absorbing when you meet it on its terms.”
5- Schrödinger’s Call
Schrödinger’s Call is one of the highest-scoring games on Metacritic this year, and you should certainly check it out if you haven’t yet. It’s a visual novel that will keep you awake at night pondering deeper, intricate meanings. Prepare yourself for an emotional journey in this story about the end of the world and human connection. The title is entirely story-driven and requires no particular skill to play—only a willingness to sit with heavy, thoughtful themes.
If you’re unsure about this title, you can play the first chapter for free—but be aware that once you finish it, you’ll be craving more. I believe video games have the potential to create even more engaging stories than other media, because you aren’t simply receiving the narrative; you’re living it. That’s why a game like Schrödinger’s Call resonates so deeply with me—the story becomes so much more powerful than it would be as a film or a book.
Laurene wrote a review for Schrödinger’s Call that you should definitely check out:
“Somewhere between the endless ringing phones, the grieving spirits, the distorted soundscape, and the constant uncertainty surrounding Mary herself, the game creates an atmosphere that feels deeply personal and strangely hypnotic. I found myself emotionally attached to several of the characters far more than I expected.”
That’s it, fellow gamers! This is the list of games you should absolutely check out this summer before GTA VI inevitably consumes all your free time (and free will). While some of you—myself included—might not be chasing the Rockstar hype, there’s no denying that their upcoming release has reshaped the 2026 gaming landscape. But here’s hoping the second half of the year brings us even more brilliant titles to discover together.
Happy gaming!
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