As the weather cools down, it’s time to swap out comfort food for comfort games.

With the arrival of chillier temperatures and shorter daylight hours, this season is ideal for enjoying soothing video games.

While many exciting new games have recently been released (check out our earlier lists here and here), there are also important updates for several beloved titles from recent years.

Here’s a recap of some notable updates for calming games:

Stardew Valley (Switch, PS4, Xbox One, mobile, PC)

The eagerly awaited 1.6 update for Stardew Valley was finally released on consoles this past Monday.

First launched in 2016, this delightful farming simulation game allows players to inherit a farm, cultivate the land, and form friendships with the valley’s inhabitants. Players also engage in mining, battling cave creatures, cooking new recipes, and completing quests that unlock new areas.

The latest extensive free update (version 1.6.9), which became available in March for PC, features additional festivals, a new farm type, home renovations, new crops, a fresh quest, new dialogues, updated NPC outfits, numerous new items, and assorted visual and functional enhancements. This marks the first significant update since version 1.5, which was released in 2020 for PC and 2021 for console.

Eric Barone, the developer known as ConcernedApe, mentioned that while players will enjoy exploring new content with existing saves, starting a new farm post-update will provide a better experience to fully appreciate all the new features.

A Little to the Left (Switch, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, PC)

A Little to the Left, a delightful puzzle game released in 2022 by Secret Mode, encourages players to organize various items while occasionally being interrupted by a playful cat.

In June, new downloadable content titled Seeing Stars became available for purchase, introducing many more levels, including extra puzzles. This DLC follows the earlier Cupboards & Drawers release (2023), along with the Daily Tidy puzzles offered daily.

Wylde Flowers (Switch, PC, mobile)

The recent update for Wylde Flowers now allows players to repair the island’s lighthouse.

This enchanting life and farming simulation game, launched in 2022, follows Tara who comes to Fairhaven to assist her ailing grandmother on the farm — only to discover she possesses magical abilities. In addition to traditional farming tasks, players will cook, engage with village residents, and join a coven to further explore Tara’s newfound powers. The game’s captivating storyline is enhanced by its excellent voice acting.

This year, two major free updates were rolled out for the game. The first released in February, introducing new hairstyles, a salon, and an additional character. The second update in September added magical creatures and the long-awaited repair option for the lighthouse. According to developer Studio Drydock, this marks the final major update for the game.

Moonstone Island (Switch, PC)

Since its release in 2023 and subsequent port to the Switch in June, Moonstone Island has seen several updates and downloadable content options.

This life simulation game, set among the clouds, combines elements of Stardew Valley and Pokémon. You play as a young alchemist who embarks on a year-long journey of learning, during which you collect and battle creatures, farm, fish, explore other islands, and build relationships with the local residents.

Recent downloadable content (DLC) from Studio Supersoft and Raw Fury has enriched the game with new creatures, festivals, and cooking quests through the “Chef’s Kiss” DLC launched in July, followed by the “Autumnal Accessories” DLC in September that introduced additional items.

It’s worth mentioning that there is a deluxe edition of Moonstone Island available, which includes all existing and upcoming DLC. This could be a good option for those considering a purchase.

Fae Farm (Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, PC)

Fae Farm is a charming life simulation and farming game published by Phoenix Labs, where players can build a home in the magical world of Azoria, filled with enchantment, mystery, and numerous activities to craft, customize, and explore. The game launched in 2023 and made its way to PlayStation and Xbox in October.

The Skies of Azoria DLC, released in June, is a complimentary update for the Nintendo Switch and PC Deluxe Edition, marking the second significant update for the game. It introduces players to an aerial realm featuring fresh activities, additional items, new characters, and exciting adventures.

No Man’s Sky (Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, PC)

No Man’s Sky is an expansive open-world game that transports players to the great unknown.

Recent free updates for No Man’s Sky include Aquarius, which was released in September and added fishing mechanisms, a new location, new expeditions, and items. Additionally, the October release of Cursed brought spectral anomalies, introducing a new threat and altering gameplay realities.