Here’s a recap of our best games, scoring the golden ‘Two Thumbs Up’ published in July, August, and September 2026.
We didn’t review every Switch or Steam game released in these months, so let us know in the comments if you came across a fantastic game that the LadiesGamers community should know about.
Moss: The Forgotten Relic
Journey through the pages of a living fable.
I was as quiet as a mouse playing Moss: The Forgotten Relic
Moss: The Forgotten Relic combines adventure, exploration, puzzling, and battling (if desired) into one cohesive story, albeit in two separate parts. The graphics are simply magnificent, complemented by atmospheric music and wonderful voice acting.
It is a game that deserves to be played, and I – unlike the relic – will not find Moss: The Forgotten Relic easy to forget!
Available on Steam, Switch 2 and Switch
PowerWash Simulator 2 – Star Wars Pack
Step into the Star Wars galaxy as P0-W2, a humble Class Five cleaning droid, turned filth-fighting rebel!
Kalina did even more cleaning with the PowerWash Simulator 2 – Star Wars Pack
So, in conclusion, Powerwash Simulator 2: Star Wars DLC is a great little pack that’s a delight for fans of the Star Wars Universe and the Powerwash Simulator games.
Available on Steam and Switch 2,
DAICE
DAICE is a unique merge of turn-based dice-powered combat with inventory management, a roguelite where you control an evergrowing AI Core.
James was rolling the dice in DAICE
DAICE ended up becoming one of my favourite strategy roguelites I’ve played this year. It takes several familiar ideas, dice mechanics, inventory management, and roguelite progression, and combines them into something that feels fresh, thoughtful and incredibly enjoyable.
The learning curve is gentle, the tactical depth steadily grows with each run, and there’s always another ship to unlock or another build to experiment with. It rewards careful planning without ever becoming overwhelming, making it equally enjoyable whether you’re sitting at your PC or relaxing with a Steam Deck. Yes, the presentation is modest, and those looking purely for visual spectacle may overlook it. That would be a real shame because underneath its simple exterior lies one of the smartest strategy games I’ve played this year.
If you’ve been enjoying the recent wave of dice-powered games, DAICE absolutely deserves a place on your wishlist. Better still, if you’re someone who enjoys strategy games that reward thoughtful decisions over lightning-fast reflexes, this is an easy recommendation.
Sometimes the biggest surprises come in the smallest packages. DAICE is one of those surprises, and for me it’s one of the standout strategy roguelites of 2026.
Available on Steam
Suncraft
Another sun-filled day begins in this cozy pixel-art adventure.
Amanda gathered and crafted to bring the village back to grandure in Suncraft
Suncraft delivers on the promise of its demo, though I still think it’s a bit short. I spent a little over ten hours completing the game and most of its achievements—only five remain. Still, every hour was enjoyable. Even when the gameplay felt a little repetitive, the steady progression of skills, upgrades, and passives provided the boost needed to push through the trickiest tasks.
I do wish there was more post-game content; my village is now so automated that it’s a shame the journey ends here. Still, I genuinely loved Suncraft. Not just because I’m a crafting game enthusiast, but because it avoids the generic and carves out its own unique identity. I’m already looking forward to the full release—maybe then the community can help me track down that elusive final blessing!
Available on Steam
Rita
Rita is a cozy adventure where a little chicklet solves word-based puzzles to transform the world around her.
Kalina solved the puzzles in Rita
Back in November last year, I had the pleasure of reviewing Rita’s demo. As I said back then, I didn’t have any expectations when I started Rita, but it’s safe to say that afterwards, I was very excited for the final release of the game. I am happy to report that Rita is exactly what I was hoping for. If you liked A Short Hike and Haven Park, and you like word-based puzzles, I think you will also enjoy Rita.
Available on Steam
Case Solved: The London Files
Solve logic puzzles and crack multiple cases in a cosy noir London using reason, not guesswork.
Kalina cracked the clues in Case Solved: The London Files
Case Solved: The London Files is a welcome addition to the cozy detective genre. The cases and the interactions and clue gathering are not especially challenging, but the game’s real strength comes from the closed logic puzzles. Those can be a bit mind-boggling, especially at later stages, but still very fun and satisfying to solve.
If you’ve liked working as the Duck Detective or you are in the mood for a level from Logic Town, Case Solved: The London Files might just be the game for you.
Available on Steam, and Switch (compatible with Switch 2).
Turnip Mountain
The ultimate physics-based climbing adventure
James climbed to the top of Turnip Mountain
Turnip Mountain won me over. What first looked like another quirky physics game turned into something surprisingly relaxing, surprisingly rewarding and surprisingly difficult to put down. The climbing mechanics are satisfying, the controls become second nature surprisingly quickly, and every successful leap feels earned.
More importantly, it understands that failure can still be enjoyable. Missing a jump rarely feels frustrating because the game gives you room to experiment, learn and immediately have another go. It became one of those games I found myself dipping into after a long day simply because climbing another level felt… nice. There’s something oddly therapeutic about slowly making your way higher, finding your own route and occasionally launching a turnip through the air with far more confidence than ability.
It won’t be for everyone. Players looking for constant action or a deep narrative may find its simplicity a little too straightforward. But if you’re after a charming little adventure that lets physics, creativity and curiosity do most of the talking, Turnip Mountain is well worth the climb. Sometimes all you need for a memorable adventure is a mountain, a determined turnip and two ridiculously oversized hands.
Available on Steam, and Switch (compatible with Switch 2)
Splatoon Raiders
Get raiding, get riches
James sprayed the ink in Splatoon Raiders
Splatoon Raiders feels like a natural evolution for the series. Rather than simply delivering another multiplayer-focused package with a short campaign attached, Nintendo has fully embraced what made those previous single-player modes enjoyable and expanded them into a complete adventure. The exploration is rewarding, the progression keeps you constantly unlocking exciting new toys, and the familiar ink-based gameplay remains every bit as entertaining as ever.
Will it convert players who have never enjoyed Splatoon? Probably not. If the core shooting mechanics have never appealed to you, Raiders is unlikely to change your mind. Likewise, players who only ever cared about competitive multiplayer may still prefer the mainline entries. But if, like me, you’ve always found yourself wishing Nintendo would make a proper single-player Splatoon adventure… Well, this is exactly that.
It’s colourful, funny, packed with personality and incredibly easy to lose yourself in for both quick sessions and longer evenings. Add in flexible difficulty options, satisfying progression and Nintendo’s usual level of polish, and you’ve got a fantastic new direction for the franchise. I genuinely loved my time with Splatoon Raiders, and I sincerely hope this isn’t the last time Nintendo lets the series venture into dedicated single-player territory. For me, this is an easy recommendation.
Available on Switch 2
Spiritstead
Build a village in a world of magic and care for the people who live there, with the help of hidden spirits you discover along the way.
Dana went building in Spiritstead
Spiritstead is such a lovely combination of a cozy and engaging city builder without overcomplicating itself and overwhelming you with tasks.
In a lot of city builders, I get this pressure to maximize natural resources in order to expand as much as I can. However, it is worth noting that Spiritstead’s goal of restoring harmony to the world takes that pressure away. There are tasks where you work alongside spirits and wildlife that serve as a reminder to take care of nature and our world in order to build a peaceful place to live in.
With Miyazaki’s inspired art style and the developers’ sense of humor, this game is unique on its own. I can’t wait to complete all the achievements and see how Spiritstead evolves. I’m hoping we get more spirits and more biomes to explore, as I’d love to stay longer in this world.
Available on Steam
Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass
Expand your town-building adventures
Yvonne dived into the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass
There are 50 new Pokémon to find in the Bubbly Basin, and some that can even live in the water caves that aren’t flooded. You get new crops, new furniture, new outfits, a new cooking tool, and so much more. Also, you get treasure maps where X literally marks the spot.
The gameplay of gathering Pokémon, building habitats and beautifying the area in Bubbly Basin stays the same, of course, and if you didn’t enjoy playing the base game, the Expansion Pack won’t persuade you. But if you already love your time in Pokémon Pokopia, then the Expansion Pass with Bubbly Basin is a must. I do realise you have to pay now to get some of the expansions as late as 2027, but to be honest, to me, even the Bubbly Basin already seems worth it.
Available on Switch 2
Servant of the Lake
Begin your new job as a servant at the mysterious Vanderboom estate.
Amanda became Servant of the Lake
Servant of the Lake in another brilliant title from the Rusty Lake series. It offers a glimpse of the story about the first generation of Vanderboom—Alduos, Willian and Alexandra—and reveals the kind of people they are. The unnerving narrative and events that unfold during their family reunion will keep you engaged and curious.
The puzzles are clever and well-thought-out; even if they are not that hard, it is still rewarding to solve. The full playthrough lasted about five hours—a pretty decent duration. This title will most appeal to long-time fans, but newcomers shouldn’t be discouraged. Even if you miss some narrative details, the gameplay is still well worth your time. I truly think any fan of mystery and point-and-click adventures will enjoy Servant of the Lake.
Available on Steam
Sephiria
Save Bunnyville from a doomed fate
James hopped into Sephiria
Sephiria is a lovely little surprise. It takes the familiar action roguelite structure and gives it a clever inventory system that genuinely affects how you approach each run. The combat is simple but satisfying, the weapon variety gives you room to experiment, and the progression keeps giving you reasons to return to Bunnyville and have another go. The boss fights are my biggest complaint, mainly because some of them feel unnecessarily padded, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the overall experience. There’s also something wonderfully ridiculous about watching a tiny bunny battle its way through a dungeon with a gigantic sword.
It’s cute without being completely fluffy, strategic without becoming overwhelming, and straightforward enough to dip into whenever you fancy another run. If you’re looking for a new roguelite to disappear into for a while, Sephiria is well worth hopping into.
Available on Steam
Tukoni: Forest Keepers
Tukoni: Forest Keepers is a cute & cozy puzzle adventure
Kalina helped the animals in Tukoni: Forest Keepers
Tukoni: Forest Keepers is a gentle and yet vibrant autumnal adventure, perfect for the upcoming autumnal months. It is a game about preparing for winter that will seamlessly fit into my own preparations.
Available on Steam
Research Story
Tame creatures, grow crops, and record your findings!
Get ready to study in Research Story
I’ve played several great games this year, and Research Story is definitely vying for the top spot. It combines foraging, farming, and mining into a clever gameplay loop that builds on your gained knowledge as you progress through the seasons. Couple that with fishing, cooking, crafting, and romance, plus a handful of clever puzzles, and the resulting game is an all-encompassing simulation.
Research Story has definitely gained its Master of Perfection from my University of Gaming!
Available on Steam and Switch (compatible with Switch 2).
The Sorting Bureau
A cozy sorting game set in a quiet Tokyo workshop.
Kalina got sorting in The Sorting Bureau
I’ve been waiting for The Sorting Bureau since I saw the demo back in May. It was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and I am happy to report that it is exactly what I was hoping for. It is a quiet respite from the chaos of the real world, best enjoyed in any weather and at any time of the day, with a good cup of tea.
Available on Steam
Small Saga
Beneath the streets of London, an angry mouse seeks revenge against the god who stole his tail. An epic RPG of miniature proportions!
Dana took her turn in Small Saga
I love how everything comes together in the world of Small Saga, from complex characters who discuss the morality of an empire, to the fascinating soundtrack and in-game dialogues mixing formal medieval writing and contemporary humor slang. Small Saga delivered all these elements just fine.
Small Saga also widens your perspective and reminds you that humans are not the only species living in this world. We are sharing our place in it, and our actions also impact other living beings in ways we don’t even stop to think about at times.
I’m such a sucker for narrative-driven games, where you’re in the front-row seat watching the main characters’ growth process in real time. Small Saga is sure an emotional roller coaster.
It is a short game with no grinding whatsoever; you’re just free to explore and battle the titans that appear on your path. If you’re someone who is nostalgic for older RPGs, or simply want to try a smaller and newer RPG game, Small Saga definitely scratches that itch. Be sure to check it out on the Nintendo Store or on Steam. On the Steam page, you can also get the soundtrack (which I highly recommend!) and the Travel Guide, an illustrated digital companion book to Small Saga.
Available on Steam and Switch (compatible with Switch 2).
Garden Ink
Paint, combine and discover!
Dana went exploring in Garden Ink
This is one of the coziest games I’ve ever played! I had such a great time tending to my world in Garden Ink. If you are looking for a game to relax and slow down to enjoy the moment, this is definitely the game for you!
With its peaceful atmosphere and zero grind, Garden Ink is the perfect game to play when feeling overwhelmed or when you need to take a small break and turn off your brain for a moment. Immerse yourself in the cozy world of Garden Ink and simply tend to your garden and make it grow. Make sure to check Garden Ink out on Steam and share how your garden looks!
Available on Steam
Woodo
Woodo is a cozy 3D puzzle matching game
Kalina fitted the pieces in Woodo
Woodo is a cozy puzzle game, perfect for rainy days or in between work breaks. It stands out among other cozy games with its relaxing gameplay and gorgeous visuals. Woodo was one of my most anticipated releases for the year, and thankfully, it didn’t disappoint. I think I’ll keep recommending this game for years to come.
Available on Steam, Switch 2, and Switch (with free upgrade pack).
MONOWAVE
MONOWAVE is a puzzle adventure through colorful worlds powered by four emotions.
James helped Mono restore harmony in MONOWAVE
Monowave is exactly the sort of indie game I don’t want people to let fly under the radar. It’s creative, colourful, clever and, most importantly, it has heart. The puzzles continually introduce new ideas without becoming needlessly frustrating, while the presentation and soundtrack do a wonderful job of bringing its emotional themes to life. For me, this turned out to be a genuinely touching experience and one I was very glad I had the opportunity to play.
Available on Steam
Orbitals
We are one!
James joined forces to play Orbitals
I really, really liked Orbitals. There’s something slightly strange about how few games we get that are built around this sort of co-op experience. When it works, there’s nothing quite like sitting with someone and solving problems together, laughing when you get something completely wrong and celebrating when everything finally clicks. The puzzles are varied, the characters are lovely, the anime-inspired presentation is beautiful and, most importantly, it consistently gives both players something meaningful to do.
Whether you play locally with a partner, with a friend or online with someone on the other side of the world, I can easily see Orbitals creating some lovely gaming memories. For me, this is a reminder of why co-op games can be so special. An absolute essential Switch 2 purchase if you have someone to play with.
Available on Switch 2
Worming From Home
Remote work simulator where you are a worm 🙂
Mina worked from home in Worming From Home
I love Worming From Home. It’s goofy with a great hint system, helpful tutorials you can access at any time, easy resetting of objects on the desk, and a lot of fun things to do. It’s silly and weird and well-made. Who would have thought that playing as a worm working a desk job could be so engaging!
Available on Steam
Rivage
Rivage is an immersive sci-fi puzzle adventure set aboard the A.R.E.S. space station trapped in a space phenomenon.
Kalina puzzled her way through space in Rivage
This year was strong for sci-fi fans- we had a lot of good books being published, new seasons for a lot of sci-fi series (including Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), and of course, some new movies, including the adaptation of Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary. Rivage fits well with these stories and will offer a few hours of time-bending, space-station fun for true sci-fi fans.
Available on Steam
TOEM 2
Ready your camera and set off on a new photo adventure in TOEM 2!
Mina grabbed her camera in TOEM 2
TOEM 2 is perfect. I love the music, the collectables, the outfits, the puzzles, the camera tools, the changes, and everything that stayed the same. It has such a beautiful, wonderful vibe. I love going around and helping all the NPCs, chatting with the locals, and of course, seeing the TOEM for myself at the very end! If you liked the first one, or if you like cozy games in general, I think you will enjoy this game as well.
Available on Steam, Switch 2, and Switch
The Merlies
Meet the Merlies, adorable little birds scattered by the wind. Gather them together and recycle the trash to make a cozy nest.
Kalina gathered up The Merlies
Normally I don’t like platformer puzzles, but I loved this one. I normally struggle with the platforming part, but this time the developers have made even the dreaded double jump quite doable, even for people not fond of platformers. The lack of timers and enemies, the calm visuals and soundtrack, and the very cute tiny birds make The Merlies one of the very best games to add to your backlog this Fall.
Available on Steam, and Switch (compatible with Switch 2).
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