There are many types of gamers. Some like playing first-person shooter games, while others like role-playing games where they must go on quests. Then, some players just want a chill game that requires minimal effort. This is where cozy gaming comes in.

From farming games like Stardew Valley and Luma Island to community development games like Animal Crossing and Ooblets, cozy games have gained popularity in recent years.

These games aren’t characterized by competitive play or flashy graphics; what sets them apart is their gentle pacing, soothing visuals, and low-stress game mechanics. Players enjoy these games because they bring emotional comfort and quiet joy.

The popularity of cozy games has influenced even online platforms that aren’t traditionally cozy. This is evident in online gaming sites like Quatro Casino Canada that has recently started introducing relaxing interfaces and visually soothing themes to bring players comfort and stress-free engagement.

In this article, gaming experts from CasinoOnlineCA will discuss the characteristics that define cozy gaming, the most popular types of cozy games, and why players are drawn to them.

Let’s begin.

What Defines a Cozy Game?

In a nutshell, a cozy game is globally defined by soothing vibes, simple gameplay, and the absence of violence or serious consequences. However, CasinoOnlineCA expert and author James Segrest wants to note that the definition of cozy gaming is widely varied and often personal.

For example, one player may find resource management games like Raft cozy, while another could feel just as relaxed when playing a card game with soft background music. What feels cozy to one person may not be the same to another; it’s more about the emotional experience than the specific mechanics.

That said, the gaming community has agreed that a game would generally need the following elements to be considered “cozy:”

Low-Stress Gameplay with Lower Stakes

Cozy games typically don’t include high-pressure scenarios. Players don’t have to worry about losing or failing permanently. For example, if you’re playing a cozy RPG game, you might die, but you won’t lose your inventory, thereby any serious repercussions from dying are removed.

This means players are more “free” to explore and engage without worry, making gameplay more therapeutic than competitive.

Simple Mechanics with Minimal Violence

Cozy games are characterized by simple controls and objectives that are easy to learn. Whether it’s farming, fishing, cooking, or decorating, gameplay is usually straightforward and doesn’t require intense skill or precision. You can still be productive without pressure, which 51% of gamers appreciate.

Moreover, cozy games usually don’t include conflict or violence; if there’s any, it’s kept to a minimal level. This aligns with the goal of cozy games to maintain a low-stress gameplay.

Comforting Atmosphere

More than anything else, cozy games are meant to make you feel good and comfortable. This is why 54% of gamers say these games help alleviate stress.

Whether it’s the warmth of a digital home, the rhythm of daily routine tasks, or the nostalgia brought by pixel art, cozy games bring comfort and familiarity.

Types of Cozy Games: Gentle Worlds, Different Paths

Cozy games come in different genres. Let’s examine the various types of cozy games that bring calm and comfort in their own unique ways.

Farming and Life Simulators

These games let you grow crops, care for animals, decorate your home, and build relationships with characters in a small town or village. They often follow daily routines and have simple goals that provide players with a sense of escape. With these games, players can often play at their own pace.

Popular Titles: Stardew Valley, Harvest Moon, Coral Island

Puzzle Games

Although these games require you to think hard, they’re not stressful because they often lack timers. You simply solve puzzles at your own pace, often in a quiet, calm setting.

Popular Titles: Unpacking, Dorfromantik, Moncage

Design and Decor Games

With these types of cozy games, you can design rooms and add furniture and flair to certain spaces. They focus on creativity, allowing players to express themselves however they want. There are no wrong choices, just possibilities.

Popular Titles: The Sims 4, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Interior Story

Exploration Games

These games focus on movement and setting a calming mood. Often, a story unfolds as you explore the world in a game. For example, players can explore natural landscapes, such as forests and lakeside towns. Paired with high-quality graphics, these games are perfect for players who simply want to witness awe-inspiring views and exist in a beautiful world — even if it’s just virtually.

Popular Titles: A Short Hike, Lake, Spiritfarer

Creature Collectors and Pet Sims

Perfect for animal lovers, the central theme of these games is companionship. You can befriend woodland creatures, collect mythical beings, or take care of cute digital pets. This is great for players who enjoy nurturing creatures and pets in a light-hearted setting.

Popular Titles: Neko Atsume, Ooblets, Pokémon: Let’s Go

Cooking and Crafting Games

These cozy games are calming while allowing players to express their creativity. You can gather resources, craft items, and build. With cooking games, players typically need to collect the ingredients and unlock new recipes.

Whether preparing an intricate dish or creating a new potion, the process is usually hands-on and satisfying, appealing to players who enjoy methodical, task-based games.

Popular Titles: No Place Like Home, Cooking Mama, Potion Craft

Cozy Casino and Card Games

Some card and casino games are now designed to be slow-paced and easy to play. They use soft colours and sounds to keep things calm — perfect for players who don’t want the pressure and intensity of traditional gambling environments.

Popular Titles: Slotomania, Solitaire Stories, Regency Solitaire

Why Players Are Craving Calm, Cozy Games

Cozy games provide a glimpse into the future of gaming, where emotional connection and comfort are prioritized. If recent surveys have taught us anything, it’s that more players are now turning to gaming to relax and escape from the stress of daily life.

Modern society is fast-paced, with tight schedules, unending alerts and notifications, digital distractions, and global uncertainty. This is why relaxation has become a growing priority, and cozy games are on the rise.

For many people, cozy games provide a quiet corner where they can slow down, feel more in control, and take a break without pressure. Unlike traditional competitive (and often complicated) titles, these games focus on simple pleasure — tending a garden, solving light puzzles, or decorating a home.

Cozy Games and Their Contribution to Mental Health

Albeit its subtlety, cozy games support mental wellness in meaningful ways. They:

• Provide structure without stress
• Challenge players without frustration
• Outline goals without urgency

This type of gameplay helps players feel more grounded, especially when the real world feels chaotic. Even short sessions can provide a sense of comfort or achievement. As a result, players of all ages choose games that make them feel good.

Final Word

The popularity of cozy games is attributed to people’s growing need to relax and feel good when they play. These low-stress games often focus on simple tasks like farming, cooking, exploring, and solving puzzles.

Even online casino platforms are following the trend, adding cozier games to cater to their players’ needs. As life gets busier and more stressful, it’s understandable that the future of gaming is moving toward comfort and creating peaceful moments through play.

Key Points:

• Weaponsmithing lets you craft melee weapons for all classes, helping you gear up or earn gold efficiently.
• Leveling from 0 to 400 involves crafting and discovery, using materials like wood, ore, inscriptions, and sigils.
• Smart planning, material gathering, and diverse crafting recipes make the journey to master Weaponsmith smooth and cost-effective.

Introduction

Weaponsmithing is one of the primary crafting professions in Guild Wars 2. It allows you to craft melee weapons used by many classes, which is perfect if you want to gear up your characters or make gold by selling gear to other players. Here, we’ll walk you through leveling the skill from 0 to 400, step-by-step, while keeping it fast, simple, and beginner-friendly.

What Is Weaponsmithing in GW2?

Weaponsmithing is a crafting discipline that lets you create melee weapons. These weapons are used by almost every profession in the game. With Weaponsmithing, you can make:

• Axes
• Daggers
• Greatswords
• Hammers
• Maces
• Shields
• Spears
• Swords

To unlock the profession, you’ll need to visit a Weaponsmithing Trainer (found in major cities like Lion’s Arch, Divinity’s Reach, Hoelbrak, etc.). You can have two crafting disciplines active simultaneously, but switch between them later for a small fee.

Weaponsmithing is excellent for making powerful gear, leveling alts, or selling weapons on the Trading Post.

Also Read: Can You Play Elden Ring Offline? | Everything a Tarnished Needs to Know

Before You Start: Things You’ll Need

Crafting takes time and resources, so it’s smart to prepare a few things before starting:

• A character (Level 80 is ideal, but not required)
• A few gold coins (you’ll need to buy ingredients)
• Access to a bank and the Trading Post
• Salvage kits to break down unwanted gear
• Lots of bag space (crafting fills up your inventory fast)

You can gather materials while playing or buy them directly for faster leveling. Either way, planning ahead is good so you don’t get stuck.

Total Materials Needed (0–400)

Here’s a list of materials you’ll need from the start to level 400. Most of them can be gathered or bought from the Trading Post.

From Weaponsmith Vendor:

• 171 Lump of Coal
• 90 Lump of Primordium

From Trading Post / Gathering:

• 144 Green Wood Logs
• 72 Soft Wood Logs
• 54 Seasoned Wood Logs
• 162 Hard Wood Logs
• 240 Elder Wood Logs
• 796 Iron Ore
• 180 Platinum Ore
• 256 Mithril Ore
• 72 Claws
• 18 Pile of Shimmering Dust
• 72 Small Venom Sacs
• 2 Crystal Shards
• 8 Molten Cores
• 16 Molten Shards
• 13 Onyx Fragments

Special Components:

• 24 Bronze Axe Blade
• 27 Bronze Spear Head
• 27 Large Green Haft
• 13 Carrion Mithril Plated Inscription
• 27 Berserker’s Hard Inscription
• 13 Malign Bronze Plated Inscription
• 11 Malign Green Inscription
• 27 Rampager’s Elder Inscription
• 27 Rejuvenating Seasoned Inscription
• 27 Resilient Green Inscription

These numbers are optimized to help you level fast while using as few materials as possible.

Also Read: Is The Forest Cross-Platform?

How Leveling Works

Weaponsmithing XP comes mostly from Crafting and Discovery. Discovery gives more XP, especially when creating something for the first time. To use Discovery, combine base components (like sword blades, hilts, and inscriptions) in the discovery tab at a crafting station.

Level 0–75: Start With Bronze

Materials:

• Bronze Ingots (made from Copper + Tin)
• Green Wood Planks
• Small Green Hafts
• Malign Inscriptions

What to Craft:

1. Make 48 Green Wood Planks
2. Craft 24 Small Green Hafts
3. In Discovery, combine:
   • Bronze Axe Blade + Small Green Haft + Malign Green Inscription = Malign Bronze Axe
4. Make 10 Malign Bronze Axes
5. Discover Resilient Bronze Spear
6. Craft 26 Resilient Bronze Spears
7. Discover (Master) Malign Bronze Axe (uses Plated Inscription)
8. Make 12 of those

You’ll reach level 75 quickly by mixing different weapon types and using discovery.

Level 75–150: Move to Iron

Materials:

• 94 Iron Ingots
• 18 Soft Wood Planks
• Iron Shield Parts (Boss and Backing)
• Inscription materials
• Onyx Fragments + Dust

What to Craft:

1. Make 9 Iron Shield Backings and 9 Iron Shield Bosses
2. Discover and craft Simple Sharpening Stones
3. Discover and make a Minor Sigil of Strength
4. Make 9 Iron Plated Dowels
5. Craft 9 Ravaging Iron Inscriptions
6. Discover and craft (Master) Ravaging Iron Shield
7. Make 8 of those

You’ll now be halfway through T2 crafting.

Also Read: Is PUBG Cross Platform? [PC, Xbox One, PS4, And Mobiles]

Level 150–225: Steel Weapons

Materials:

• 171 Steel Ingots (Iron + Coal)
• 18 Seasoned Wood Planks
• Steel Shield Parts
• Pillaging and Rejuvenating Inscriptions

What to Craft:

1. Make 36 Steel Shield Bosses and 36 Backings
2. Discover and make Rejuvenating Steel Shield (26 total)
3. Make 9 Steel Plated Dowels
4. Create 9 Pillaging Inscriptions
5. Discover and craft (Master) Hunter’s Steel Shield (8 total)

You’ll reach 225 and be ready for high-level materials.

Level 225–300: Craft With Darksteel

Materials:

• 90 Darksteel Ingots (requires Iron + Mithril + Primordium)
• 54 Hardwood Planks
• 27 Spear Heads
• Large Hafts
• Crystal Shards and Molten Shards

What to Craft:

1. Make 27 Darksteel Spear Heads and 27 Large Hard Hafts
2. Discover the Major Sigil of Sanctuary
3. Discover and craft Berserker’s Darksteel Spear (26 total)
4. Discover and craft Major Sigil of Doom (7 total)

After this, you’ll reach level 300.

Level 300–400: Final Stretch With Mithril

Materials:

• 128 Mithril Ingots
• 80 Elder Wood Planks
• 40 Large Elder Hafts
• 13 Mithril Hammer Heads
• 27 Mithril Spear Heads
• Rampager’s, Carrion Inscriptions
• Molten Core

What to Craft:

1. Craft 27 Mithril Spear Heads + 40 Large Elder Hafts
2. Discover and craft Rampager’s Mithril Spear (26 total)
3. Discover and craft the Carrion Mithril Hammer (12 total)
4. Make 7 Major Sigils of Doom (Mithril + Molten Core)

Congratulations! You’re now a level 400 Weaponsmith!

What’s Next After 400?

After hitting level 400, you unlock the ability to:

• Craft exotic weapons
• Level up to 500 for ascended gear
• Do daily crafting for profit
• Make legendary components

You can also craft high-level gear for your other characters or sell them for gold.

Final Tips

• Use Discovery Often – It gives more XP than plain crafting.
• Salvage Gear You Don’t Need – This contains inscriptions, dust, and sigil parts.
• Don’t Overcraft One Item – Variety saves materials and gives better XP.
• Watch the Trading Post – Prices fluctuate, buy mats when they’re cheap.
• Craft Boosters – Use them during festivals or XP events for extra gains.

Also Read: Is DayZ Crossplay? Everything You Need to Know

Conclusion

This GW2 weaponsmith guide gives you everything you need to level from 0 to 400 quickly and with fewer wasted materials. You’ve learned what Weaponsmithing is, what materials are required, and how to optimize your journey through each crafting tier.

Whether you’re here to make gear, earn gold, or complete your crafting journal, you’re now well-equipped to start your adventure as a master Weaponsmith in Tyria.

Good luck—and happy forging!

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can play Elden Ring offline—fully and without missing the core story or mechanics.
• You’ll lose online messages, bloodstains, co-op, and PvP.
• You’ll gain immersion, peace, and improved stability.
• Ideal for solo players, modders, or anyone wanting a focused experience.

Have you ever found yourself wandering through the Lands Between, dodging arrows, dragons, and then you encounter a disconnect error? If you have done all the above in Elden Ring, you must also have wondered: Can you play Elden Ring offline? Well, the short answer is yes, you can.

But obviously, the story has to run deeper than this. As a hardcore gamer and FromSoftware veteran, we dived deep into both online and offline gameplay. So, in this guide, we’re not just answering the question; we’re unpacking every twist and turn Elden Ring brings with it.

Whether you’re dodging PvP invasions or preserving bandwidth in the wilds of Caelid, this is your definitive guide to playing Elden Ring offline, what changes when you do, and why some players might prefer it that way.

Quick Answer: Can You Play Elden Ring Offline?

Yes, Elden Ring does offer a fully functional offline mode. In fact, you can play the entire game, including main quests, side content, and even NG+ – without connecting to the internet at all. However, offline mode does alter certain game mechanics and removes online features like player messages, bloodstains, co-op summons, and PvP invasions.

But before you flip the switch, let’s dig into what that truly means.

Also Read: An Ultimate Guide On How To Drop Items In Elden Ring

How to Play Elden Ring Offline

Source: theverge.com

There are two main ways to play Elden Ring offline:

1. Disable Network at the System Level

• PC (Steam): Launch Steam in offline mode, or disable your internet connection entirely.
  
• PS4/PS5: Disconnect Wi-Fi or LAN under Settings > Network.
  
• Xbox: Go to Settings > General > Network Settings > Go Offline.
  

2. Use the In-Game Setting

From the main menu:

• Go to System > Network.
  
• Change Launch Setting to Play Offline.
  
• Save and restart the game.
  

This second method is the best option if you still want to keep your console/PC online for other apps or downloads while keeping Elden Ring isolated.

Also Read: Elden Ring Confessor Build: A Beginner Guide

What You Lose in Offline Mode

This is where things get spicy. While the core gameplay stays untouched, playing Elden Ring offline cuts out all the way asynchronous multiplayer features. Here’s what you’ll be missing:

Player Messages

Those cryptic (and often hilarious) messages left by other Tarnished – gone. No more “try jumping” next to a cliff or “liar ahead” in front of a friendly NPC. Offline play removes this crowd-sourced guidance system, for better or worse.

Bloodstains

Curious how another player met their doom? Offline mode removes bloodstains, so you won’t see ghostly replays of fatal mistakes. A small detail, but one that adds charm and caution to online play.

Summoning for Co-op

Need help with a boss? Offline mode blocks all co-op signs. You’ll need to face Malenia and her like solo. This also means:

• No access to Furlcalling Finger Remedy interactions.
  
• Spirit Ashes are still available (so you’re not totally alone).
  
• NPC summons like Blaidd or Millicent? Still there—they’re not affected.
  

PvP Invasions

The most divisive feature in FromSoftware games. Offline mode guarantees:

• No red phantom invaders.
  
• No blue phantom defenders.
  
• No duels.
  

Some players breathe a sigh of relief, others lament the loss of adrenaline-fueled encounters.

Also Read: Is Dying Light 2 Cross-platform?

What You Gain in Offline Mode

Surprisingly, playing Elden Ring offline offers a few unique advantages:

Peaceful Exploration

No fear of unexpected invasions while you’re admiring the Erdtree or getting your bearings in Nokron. Ideal for lore hunters and map lovers.

Solo Integrity

Every boss kill is yours alone. No summons, no crutches—just pure, raw grit. For purists, it’s the most authentic Soulsborne experience.

Fewer Distractions

Online features can be immersion-breaking. You’re deep into Leyndell’s grim majesty, and suddenly there’s a troll message spamming “try finger but hole.” Offline mode returns you to a pristine, atmospheric journey.

Stability

On rare occasions, FromSoft’s servers hiccup. Disconnects mid-boss? UI lag from online polling? Offline play can actually improve performance, especially on lower-end systems.

Does Playing Offline Affect Game Progress?

Nope. Elden Ring makes no gameplay concessions for offline mode. All NPC quests, endings, loot, and secrets are intact. You can:

• Beat the game entirely offline.
  
• Unlock all achievements/trophies.
  
• Return to online mode later without losing anything.

Just remember: multiplayer-related achievements (like successful invasions or co-op assists) can’t be unlocked in offline mode.

Also Read: Is The Forest Cross-Platform?

Offline Mode & Mods: A Hidden Bonus

For PC gamers, this is when things start to become very interesting.

Offline mode is your best friend if you’re a modder. Offline mode is frequently necessary for tools like Seamless Co-op, Elden Ring Reforged, and gameplay overhaul mods in order to prevent bans and preserve compatibility.

Why?

• In offline mode, anti-cheat is turned off.

• The servers of FromSoft won’t sync with your modified game.

• Shadow realms and soft bans don’t affect you.

• Offline play is therefore the key to freedom if you’re a challenge-runner or tinkerer.

Here’s where things get really interesting for PC players.

Elden Ring Offline: Who Is It Really For?

Let’s get real. Here’s who benefits most from staying offline:

• First-timers who want to learn enemy patterns and systems on their own terms.
  
• Hardcore veterans chasing the purest Soulsborne experience.
  
• Mod users avoiding online restrictions and bans.
  
• Minimalists seeking uninterrupted immersion.
  
• Players in low-bandwidth regions or with unstable internet.
  

Meanwhile, online mode is best for:

• Social gamers and streamers.
  
• Lore seekers crowdsourcing community discoveries.
  
• PvP duelists and co-op runners.

Can You Switch Between Online and Offline Mid-Playthrough?

Absolutely. Elden Ring is flexible. You can switch between offline and online anytime from the main menu. There’s no penalty, no reset, no weird side effects. The seamless game play between online and offline is what makes this game so loveable.

Pro tip: If you’re stuck on a tough boss, consider switching online just for that section, then going back offline for solo exploration.

Also Read: Is Deep Rock Galactic Crossplay: The Guide

Final Verdict: Should You Play Elden Ring Offline?

Without sacrificing the essential experience, the answer to the question “Can you play Elden Ring Offline?” is yes. While offline play removes communal aspects, it also makes room for a more individualized, lore-rich, and distraction-free experience.

It’s simply different, not better or worse. With the lights down, the volume down, and the stakes up, it’s Elden Ring.