The cozy survival title "Winter Burrow" has been confirmed as a day-one addition to Xbox Game Pass, launching in early 2025. This game offers a unique twist on the survival genre, allowing players to navigate a frozen environment as a mouse.
Developed by Pine Creek Games and published by Noodlecake Studio, the publisher behind the recent version of the first-person puzzle game "Myst," "Winter Burrow" features a hand-drawn 2D isometric design that gives it a storybook feel. This artistic choice enhances its cozy atmosphere, despite being a survival crafting game.
Announced during the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase, "Winter Burrow" is a single-player survival crafting title. The story follows a mouse returning to its childhood home, known as The Stump, after living in the city. The mouse hopes to reunite with its family, only to find the home abandoned. The mouse's Aunt, the supposed caretaker, is cut off due to a broken bridge. Scheduled for release on Xbox Series X|S and Steam in early 2025, the game will be priced at $19.99 USD.
Set during winter, the trailer depicts other mice that have fallen victim to the harsh conditions. However, players can knit clothes and cook delicious meals to keep their mouse healthy. Surviving in "Winter Burrow" relies heavily on crafting, with various recipes showcased in the trailer. Players can harvest resources, make woolen clothes to protect against the cold and snow, and relax in front of a fire.
Unlike other survival titles, "Winter Burrow" offers a relaxed and cozy vibe. Fans of Cottagecore themes will find much to love in this game. Players can cook mushroom soup using ingredients harvested from underground caves and knit woolen winter clothes by the fireplace. With its common Cottagecore motifs—from the art style and mushroom gathering to the decor of The Stump and the hearty meals—"Winter Burrow" epitomizes coziness.
While more details are needed to understand the gameplay fully, "Winter Burrow" is a title to watch for fans of less frantic survival games. It could also serve as an introduction to the genre for players who enjoy cozy games but haven't tried a survival game before. With its distinct style, it has the potential to become one of the best cozy games on Xbox Game Pass.