Best if you want a creative, combat-free adventure where you literally paint the world around you, blending exploration and self-expression with heartfelt themes about art and self-doubt.
Chicory gives you a magic paintbrush and a blank canvas world, then sets you loose to color everything however you like. The core loop alternates between Zelda-style exploration—unlocking new paint abilities to access previously unreachable areas—and freeform creative expression where you simply decorate the environment to your taste. There's no wrong way to paint, and the game never judges your artistic skill, making it welcoming whether you're a doodler or a perfectionist. The learning curve is gentle. Early abilities are straightforward (paint to reveal hidden paths, swim through your own paint), and new mechanics layer on gradually. Puzzles lean toward environmental observation rather than twitch reflexes or complex logic chains. Most challenges involve figuring out where and how to apply your current paint powers, with solutions that feel satisfying without being punishing. Combat exists but is minimal and pattern-based—more about timing than mechanical skill—keeping the focus squarely on exploration and creativity. Session structure is flexible. You can spend 20 minutes wandering a single screen, meticulously coloring every tree and building, or push through multiple areas in an hour-long exploration session. The game respects both approaches. Local co-op adds a second paintbrush without requiring coordination for progression, so one player can solve puzzles while the other decorates, or you can collaborate on transforming each area together. What makes Chicory distinctive is how it weaves themes of creative burnout, imposter syndrome, and self-worth into its mechanics. The act of painting becomes both the gameplay and the emotional throughline, though some players may find the introspective dialogue heavy if they're seeking pure cozy vibes. The world is charming and wholesome, filled with animal NPCs who offer small requests that double as gentle side activities—growing gardens, finding collectibles, customizing your character and home base. Replayability centers on creative freedom rather than mechanical mastery. Once you've seen the world, there's less incentive to return unless you want to repaint areas differently or complete remaining collectibles. The experience is more about the journey of self-expression than chasing completion metrics, making it ideal for players who value atmosphere and emotional resonance over endless content loops.
2 local
Chicory: A Colorful Tale does not support crossplay, supports up to 2 players locally, features co-op campaign mode.
Single Player • Co-op • Local Couch Co-op • Shared Screen
Supports 2-player local co-op only (second player assists by painting/using brush abilities). No online multiplayer and no LAN support. Co-op applies to the main story/campaign and is played on a shared screen (not split-screen).
Important details about which version to buy and where to play.
Straightforward controls make painting and movement easy to grasp. The second player in local co-op can participate meaningfully without understanding all systems. No time pressure or precision platforming. Themes about anxiety and self-doubt may resonate differently depending on personal experiences with creative work.
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If you enjoyed Chicory: A Colorful Tale, you'll love these similar games. We've handpicked titles based on gameplay style, difficulty, atmosphere, and what players like you are enjoying. Whether you're looking for something with a similar vibe, more challenge, or the same multiplayer features, these recommendations have you covered.
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Chill, charming exploration where your camera is the main tool. Light puzzles and friendly quests keep the vibe cozy and creative without any combat stress.
Cooperative multiplayer games that emphasize teamwork and shared objectives, building on the social aspects of Chicory: A Colorful Tale.
Two-player platforming built around cooperation—swing, pull, and combine abilities to traverse beautiful scenes. Works well for relaxed shared-screen play.
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A goofy two-headed dog co-op where you bite, stretch, and puzzle-solve together. Simple controls and playful worlds make it easy to enjoy as a duo.
Logic and puzzle games that challenge your problem-solving skills in ways similar to Chicory: A Colorful Tale.
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A gentle puzzle-adventure with clear, satisfying solutions. Move through small diorama-like areas, solve environmental puzzles, and keep a warm, hopeful tone.
Narrative-driven games that prioritize storytelling and character development over the gameplay focus of Chicory: A Colorful Tale.
A heartfelt narrative adventure where singing replaces combat. It’s playful and optimistic while still tackling meaningful themes through charming characters and quests.
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We've included this game in 1 article.
Chicory lets couples literally paint the world together using a shared magic paintbrush, transforming every area into a collaborative canvas. With no combat or time pressure, it's like an interactive coloring book wrapped in a heartfelt story about creativity and self-doubt—perfect for artistic duos who want cozy bonding with emotional depth and total creative freedom.
Common questions about this game answered by our team.
Gentle overall. Puzzles require observation more than reflexes, and minimal combat is pattern-based. A few late-game challenges may take some thought, but nothing demands high mechanical skill or punishes experimentation.
Around 10-15 hours for the main experience, longer if you meticulously paint every area or pursue all collectibles and side requests. Sessions of 20-40 minutes work well for steady progress.
Yes, but asymmetrical. Player two gets their own paintbrush and can paint freely, help solve puzzles, or just decorate alongside you. It doesn't require equal skill levels or constant coordination.
Not at all. The game never judges your painting quality. You can scribble, make elaborate designs, or leave areas minimally colored—all approaches work. It's about creative freedom, not artistic proficiency.
Both. The painting and exploration are soothing and wholesome, but themes of burnout, self-doubt, and creative anxiety run throughout. It's heartfelt and ultimately uplifting, though more introspective than purely lighthearted.
