Stardew Valley's influence on cozy games is finally coming to an end

Stardew Valley helped make cozy games a breakout hit, but it also set a formula that many follow.

New titles like Moonlight Peaks and Grave Seasons are pushing the genre toward darker, more complex territory.

These games mix cozy farm-sim appeal with horror, toxic family dynamics, and social conflict.

The shift could expand cozy games beyond upbeat escapism into richer storytelling and worldbuilding.