There is only one catch: The building is haunted—not by scary ghosts, but by eccentric "Soul Tenants" (spirits with unfinished business). Rather than exorcising them, your job is to renovate the rooms, collect rent, and help these supernatural beings find peace through the power of domestic bliss.

In the vast ocean of indie simulation games, few titles manage to capture a vibe as specific and charming as Doki Doki Little Landlady . At first glance, the name might trigger a sense of familiarity for fans of psychological horror (thanks to a certain other famous "Doki Doki" title), but let’s clear the air immediately: This is not that game.

9/10 – A cozy masterpiece that makes landlording look adorable. Have you played Doki Doki Little Landlady? What’s your favorite tenant? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to water the rooftop strawberries.

Here is everything you need to know about the gameplay, characters, and secret sauce that makes Doki Doki Little Landlady so addictive. Developed by the indie studio GameLoad , Doki Doki Little Landlady (released in early access in late 2024) puts you in the role of Makoto , a cheerful but slightly overwhelmed high school student who inherits a run-down, two-story apartment building from her late grandmother.

Whether you are decorating a room with fairy lights, cooking a shared meal, or nervously knocking on a crush’s door to remind them that rent is due, the game delivers a constant "Doki Doki"—a heart-beating warmth.

However, the devs have leaned into the confusion humorously. In the intro sequence, Makoto looks directly at the camera and says, "No, this isn't that kind of Doki Doki. The only thing that will haunt you here is your student loan debt."