Cozy Caravan sails to the Ibis Isles in a massive free expansion
5 Lives Studios has launched the largest update yet for Cozy Caravan, adding a new island region, quests, recipes and outfits — plus a 35% discount on Steam and Switch.
Cozy Caravan has packed its little travelling wagon and sailed off to the Ibis Isles, with 5 Lives Studios launching the game’s biggest free update yet. The 1.6 expansion adds a new region, characters, quests, recipes and outfits — essentially a holiday for anyone who thinks a relaxing afternoon should involve running a tiny mobile shop.
According to the announcement, Ibis Isles is available now on all platforms. The island getaway includes the Pineapple Pavilion, Zen Garden, Glow Worm Cave and Aviary Airport, plus other surprises. Players can cook dozens of new recipes, including spicy sushi rolls, mushroom risotto and coconut cream pies, then dress their custom character in 10 new outfits and five accessories spanning grunge, skater, surfer and pirate styles.
The update is free, and Cozy Caravan is 35% off on Steam and Switch through Sept. 13. Steam’s listing puts the regular price at US$19.99, with the current sale price at US$12.99, and identifies 5 Lives Studios as both developer and publisher.3 That makes this less of a “please buy our new island” stunt and more of a generous content drop with a timely discount attached.
For newcomers, Cozy Caravan combines crafting, trading and exploration. You travel with your best mate Bubba, set up market stalls in different towns, make goods through mini-games and help local characters with their stories and requests. Steam describes the broader game as a gentle road trip built around crafting meals and outfits, sharing wares and spreading kindness — a welcome change from games that treat every NPC like a quest vending machine.3
The studio says the game launched into Steam Early Access in May 2024, has earned a “Very Positive” rating from more than 550 players and won Excellence in Sound Design at the 2024 Australian Game Developer Awards.1 The press release also says Ibis Isles follows three major updates centred on Harvestvale, Cottonbluff Cove and Bayside, so this is not a one-and-done content sprinkle.
## Our opinion
A free expansion this substantial is exactly how a cosy game keeps its welcome from turning stale. Ibis Isles sounds like more of what Cozy Caravan already does well rather than an awkward genre detour, and the temporary 35% discount gives curious players a sensible excuse to climb aboard. If you want explosions, look elsewhere; if you want a charming little holiday with a caravan, recipes and a suspiciously large wardrobe, this is an easy recommendation.
Sources: 5 Lives Studios / Plan of Attack press release; 5 Lives Studios press kit; Steam store listing.