video games to play when bored

Top 20 Video Games to Play When Bored at Home

Feeling a bit listless? There’s no better way to shake off the boredom than diving into a great game. Whether you’re in the mood for a sprawling adventure or just a few quick puzzles, we’ve got you covered.

This list features 20 engaging video games to play when bored, each selected to help you lose yourself in fun challenges and captivating stories. From calming escapes to thrilling battles, these games promise to transform your dull moments into exciting adventures. Ready to see what’s in store? Let’s dive in!

Top 20 Video Games to Play When Bored

1. Stardew Valley

Stardew

Image source: Pinterest

  • Developer: ConcernedApe
  • Genre: Farming Simulation, Role-playing
  • Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
  • Release Date: February 2016

Stardew Valley invites players into a charming pixel-art world where they inherit an old farm. Your task is to turn this overgrown field into a thriving homestead. You’ll grow crops, raise animals, mine for ore, and participate in seasonal festivals. You can also romance various characters and even get married to start a family.

What Makes It Great: This game stands out for its deep farming mechanics and the freedom it offers to shape your farm and story. The vibrant community, ongoing updates, and the relaxing atmosphere make Stardew Valley a perfect escape from boredom.

2. Minecraft

  • Developer: Mojang Studios
  • Genre: Sandbox, Survival
  • Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
  • Release Date: November 2011

In Minecraft, players explore a blocky, procedurally generated 3D world with infinite terrain, and may discover and extract raw materials, craft tools, and items, and build structures or earthworks. Depending on the mode, players can fight computer-controlled “mobs”, as well as cooperate with or compete against other players in the same world.

What Makes It Great: The core appeal of Minecraft lies in its massive open-world sandbox that allows for endless creativity. You can build anything you can imagine, from a simple cottage to a vast city, making it an endlessly engaging game when you’re bored.

3. The Sims 4

Sims

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  • Developer: Maxis
  • Genre: Simulation
  • Platforms: PC, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
  • Release Date: September 2014

The Sims 4 enhances the experience of creating and controlling people in a virtual world without rules. Players express their creativity as they customize their Sims’ appearances and personalities and build them the perfect homes. Develop your Sims’ relationships, pursue careers, and explore vibrant new worlds.

What Makes It Great: The real charm of The Sims 4 is its deep simulation of life itself. From nuanced emotions and interactions to an impressive array of customization options, the game offers countless storytelling possibilities, making every playthrough unique and engaging.

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

  • Developer: Nintendo
  • Genre: Simulation
  • Platforms: Nintendo Switch
  • Release Date: March 2020

In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you move to a deserted island, courtesy of Tom Nook’s “Desert Island Getaway Package.” Your job is to turn this empty island into a bustling community of anthropomorphic animals. Customize your character, your home, and the landscape, while participating in activities like fishing, digging for fossils, and decorating.

What Makes It Great: The game’s real-time clock and season match the real world, which means there’s always something to look forward to. Its gentle pace and soothing activities make it an ideal choice for relaxation and creative expression.

5. Terraria

Terraria

Image source: Pinterest

  • Developer: Re-Logic
  • Genre: Action-Adventure, Sandbox
  • Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 3/4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
  • Release Date: May 2011

Terraria is an action-adventure sandbox game that is often described as a 2D version of Minecraft. Players explore a vast and varied pixel world, where they can fight off a host of enemies, engage in elaborate crafting, build their own structures, and dig for treasure.

What Makes It Great: With its expansive world filled with hundreds of different enemies, magical spells, and countless tools and weapons, the depth of Terraria’s gameplay is impressive. Its blend of construction, exploration, and combat is perfectly balanced, providing a rich and rewarding experience to alleviate boredom.

6. Skyrim

  • Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
  • Genre: Action Role-Playing
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3/4/5, Xbox 360/One/Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
  • Release Date: November 2011

Skyrim transports players to a massive open-world fantasy landscape where they can forge their own path as a Dragonborn, a prophetic hero born with the power of dragons. From battling ancient dragons to exploring vast dungeons, the game offers a richly detailed world filled with endless quests.

What Makes It Great: The freedom to explore at your own pace and make choices that affect the world around you makes Skyrim a captivating experience. Its immersive world, combined with the depth of customization and character development, ensures that no two playthroughs are the same.

7. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Zelda

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  • Developer: Nintendo
  • Genre: Action-Adventure
  • Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Wii U
  • Release Date: March 2017

In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, players step into the shoes of Link, who awakens from a long slumber to defeat Calamity Ganon and save the kingdom of Hyrule. This iteration of Zelda breaks new ground with its open-world exploration and physics-based gameplay.

What Makes It Great: The game’s open-ended structure and interactive environment invite creativity in solving puzzles and defeating enemies. Its stunning visuals and the sense of discovery make exploring every corner of Hyrule an endless adventure.

8. Portal 2

  • Developer: Valve
  • Genre: Puzzle Platformer
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Linux, macOS
  • Release Date: April 2011

Portal 2 enhances the original game’s formula with a longer campaign, more complex puzzles, and the introduction of new gameplay mechanics involving portals. Players must navigate through various test chambers using the portal gun under the watchful and often humorous guidance of the AI, GLaDOS.

What Makes It Great: The cleverly designed puzzles and witty narrative make Portal 2 a standout in the puzzle genre. The game’s co-op mode also adds a layer of fun, requiring teamwork and creative problem-solving.

9. Civilization VI

Civilization

Image source: Pinterest

  • Developer: Firaxis Games
  • Genre: Turn-Based Strategy
  • Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS
  • Release Date: October 2016

Civilization VI challenges players to build an empire that can stand the test of time. Choose from a variety of historical figures, each with unique abilities, and lead your civilization from the Stone Age to the Information Age.

What Makes It Great: The strategic depth required to manage and expand your empire offers a complex and rewarding gameplay experience. The game’s diplomacy, warfare, cultural, and technological advancements provide numerous strategies and outcomes, making each playthrough uniquely challenging.

10. Overcooked! 2

  • Developer: Ghost Town Games
  • Genre: Simulation, Cooperative
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS
  • Release Date: August 2018

Overcooked! 2 throws players into chaotic kitchen environments where they must prepare and serve food under increasingly frantic conditions. This sequel introduces new recipes, characters, kitchens, and the ability to throw ingredients to teammates, enhancing the mayhem.

What Makes It Great: The fast-paced, cooperative gameplay makes Overcooked! 2 a perfect party game that tests both culinary and teamwork skills. Its humorous and hectic gameplay ensures laughter and challenges in equal measure, making it a great choice to liven up any gathering.

11. Among Us

Among Us

Image source: Pinterest

  • Developer: InnerSloth
  • Genre: Party, Multiplayer
  • Platforms: PC, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S
  • Release Date: June 2018

Among Us sets players aboard a spaceship, where they must work together to complete tasks and prepare the ship for departure. However, some players are impostors with a mission to sabotage the crew and eliminate them without being caught.

What Makes It Great: The thrill of deceit and detection makes Among Us incredibly engaging. The game hinges on social interaction and manipulation, challenging players to be cunning and perceptive. It’s particularly fun with friends and promotes lively group dynamics and discussion.

12. Candy Crush Saga

  • Developer: King
  • Genre: Puzzle
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Web browser
  • Release Date: April 2012

Candy Crush Saga is a match-three puzzle game where players switch and match colorful candies in combinations of three or more to progress through levels with varying objectives and movement restrictions.

What Makes It Great: The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, along with thousands of levels and frequent updates, keeps players continuously engaged. It’s easy to learn but challenging to master, making it a perfect casual game to pass the time.

13. Monument Valley

Valley

Image source: Pinterest

  • Developer: Ustwo Games
  • Genre: Puzzle
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
  • Release Date: April 2014

Monument Valley requires players to manipulate impossible architecture and guide a silent princess through a stunningly beautiful world. The game is known for its surreal designs and optical illusions.

What Makes It Great: The game combines incredible visual aesthetics with brain-teasing puzzles that require you to think in three dimensions. Its peaceful atmosphere and inventive design make it a serene and mesmerizing experience, perfect for relaxing gameplay.

14. Call of Duty: Warzone

  • Developer: Infinity Ward, Raven Software
  • Genre: Battle Royale, Shooter
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S
  • Release Date: March 2020

Call of Duty: Warzone is a free-to-play battle royale game that pits up to 150 players against each other in a massive, dynamically changing battlefield. Players can choose to play solo, in pairs, or in teams of four.

What Makes It Great: The game integrates high-quality graphics, intense shooting mechanics, and tactical play. Its constantly evolving challenges and the adrenaline-pumping pace keep players on their toes and provide a compelling gaming experience for those seeking action.

15. Fortnite

Fortnite

Image source: Pinterest

  • Developer: Epic Games
  • Genre: Battle Royale, Survival
  • Platforms: PC, macOS, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
  • Release Date: July 2017

Fortnite combines shooting, building, and survival elements in a battle royale format where 100 players fight to be the last person standing. The game is notable for its fast-paced action, vibrant, cartoonish graphics, and creative building mechanics.

What Makes It Great: Fortnite’s unique blend of building and combat offers a fresh twist on the traditional battle royale genre. Its regularly updated content, including new skins, challenges, and collaborations with popular culture franchises, keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging for a diverse player base.

16. Rocket League

  • Developer: Psyonix
  • Genre: Sports, Action
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
  • Release Date: July 2015

Rocket League combines soccer with rocket-powered cars, offering players a fast-paced and exhilarating experience. Participants compete to score goals by driving the ball into the opponent’s net using vehicles capable of incredible feats and tricks.

What Makes It Great: The game’s unique premise of car soccer creates dynamic and unpredictable matches, with a high skill ceiling that appeals to both casual and competitive players. Its physics-based gameplay ensures that no two matches are ever the same, providing endless entertainment and challenge.

17. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Witcher

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  • Developer: CD Projekt Red
  • Genre: Action RPG
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
  • Release Date: May 2015

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt immerses players in the gritty and morally ambiguous world of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter. The game is celebrated for its complex narrative, vast open world, and deep role-playing elements.

What Makes It Great: The rich story-driven gameplay, combined with its expansive and beautifully rendered world, provides a deep and immersive experience. The game’s narrative complexity and well-crafted side quests make it one of the most engaging and rewarding RPGs available.

18. Tetris

  • Developer: Alexey Pajitnov
  • Genre: Puzzle
  • Platforms: Virtually every platform
  • Release Date: June 1984

Tetris is a timeless puzzle game where players must align falling blocks to complete rows and prevent the screen from filling up. Its simple yet addictive gameplay has captivated players for decades.

What Makes It Great: The simplicity of Tetris is its greatest strength. It requires quick reflexes and strategic planning, offering a mentally stimulating challenge that remains engaging over time. The game’s universal appeal and easy-to-learn mechanics make it a classic that’s perfect for quick sessions to alleviate boredom.

19. Dark Souls III

Souls

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  • Developer: FromSoftware
  • Genre: Action RPG
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
  • Release Date: March 2016

Dark Souls III continues the series’ tradition of challenging gameplay, complex world-building, and deep lore. Players explore a dark and atmospheric world filled with dangerous enemies and massive bosses that require skill and strategy to defeat.

What Makes It Great: The game is known for its difficulty, which, rather than being frustrating, is deeply rewarding. Each victory feels earned, and the complex lore and interconnected world design enrich the experience. It’s ideal for gamers who enjoy overcoming tough challenges and engaging in intense combat.

20. Final Fantasy XV

  • Developer: Square Enix
  • Genre: Action RPG
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
  • Release Date: November 2016

Final Fantasy XV follows Prince Noctis and his friends on an epic journey across the land of Eos to reclaim his throne. The game combines fast-paced action sequences with a deep narrative and expansive world.

What Makes It Great: With its blend of action-packed gameplay, compelling story, and stunning visuals, Final Fantasy XV provides an engaging experience that evolves the series’ formula. The camaraderie between characters and the journey they undertake offer both heartwarming moments and thrilling adventures, making it a memorable game for any RPG lover.

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