Great Games to Play While Under Quarantine

With the COVID-19 outbreak spreading across the world many people have had to resort to spending most of their time in their home. Some don’t know what to do with themselves and others are going stir crazy from the isolation. No one knows how long this self-quarantine is required, but luckily it doesn’t have to feel like a prison. It seems that more people than ever are playing games right now and it’s helping to lift a lot of spirits up in this uncertain time. So, to keep you from going crazy or bored, here’s a list of some great games to play to make the most out of this quarantine.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons launched just in time for those who want to get away from all the global pandemic drama going on in the world. The newest installment in the Animal Crossing looks like it’s the best one yet! Instead of going to an already established town, you’re starting from scratch as you move to an uncharted island with many mysteries to be discovered and settlements to create.

This time around, you have more freedom than ever before. You can move your tent around the island where ever you want. You can craft unique DIY creations, such as furniture and useful tools to get to inaccessible areas of the island. And, you can literally lay down the foundation for walkways, houses, and entire buildings and plazas to your liking.

Not only is New Horizons great to play by yourself, but also your friends and family as well. The game supports up to 8 players to play simultaneously on one system. So, if you wanted to explore the island with your family and have a few friends over you’ll still meet the CDC’s social distance recommendation of having gatherings with less than 10 people.

Still don’t want that many people around in one place? The game also supports online multiplayer where you can play with your friends across the street or across the world in the safety of your own home.

New Horizons is the perfect getaway in this time of anxiety and uncertainty, while still being involved in community. I’m picking this game up today and diving in, so I hope to see you and your growing communities soon!

Sims 4

Wish you could go out to restaurants, hang with your friends, and become an astronaut all in the span of a weekend? Well with Sims you can do all that and more.

Nothing beats a pandemic than living a virtual life where diseases don’t exist and bum you out. Sims gives you the complete freedom to construct your own dream life with nothing to hold you back. When you’re spending time in your house in self-quarantine, you can take a leisurely stroll through the park, party it up in the city, or go on a relaxing getaway to a private island with no hassle or concern for your safety.

While, unfortunately, you can’t play with other real life players in the Sims, there’s nothing to stop you from creating Sim characters of your closest friends and family. They might be virtual, but it can help with the crippling loneliness seeing your Sim friends have fun together.

The best part is, there’s no such thing as social distancing. You can be as close or far away from people as you want. So, if you want to come back to a simple time before everything was shut down, pick up the Sims now on PC or consoles!

Breath of the Wild

Staring at the wall wondering what to do with yourself is both boring and depressing. Instead, get lost in the expansive and beautiful world of Hyrule, in Nintendo’s big hit Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

If you’re a fan of open worlds and The Legend of Zelda series, this is a must play. From beautiful towns and villages to dynamic characters and enemies to encounter, you’ll have plenty of fun unveiling Hyrule’s secrets as you fight to free the world from Ganon’s clutches.

This game breaks away from the formula of past Legend of Zelda games, while still staying true to what makes Legend of Zelda great. Venture out into a world with no boundaries finding new weapons and settlements to explore. Complete puzzles in dungeons to find new gear and permanent upgrades and become the hero that Hyrule needs!

This is the perfect time to pick Breath of the Wild up if you haven’t played it yet. There is so much depth and detail to this game it’s insane. Every inch of this world is meant to be explored by wandering heroes like yourself.

It took me 3 months to beat this game and I only got through half of what Hyrule had to offer me. So, trust me, by the time you beat this game the quarantine will be lifted and you’ll re-enter society before you know it!

Overcooked

Overcooked is one of the best co-op games I’ve played in a long time. Put on your chef’s hat with up to 3 other players as you work together to create meals in insane situations. Cook burgers on two moving trucks on the highway, bake a pizza in a haunted mansion, or even make a burrito in space.

The controls are simple, so anyone can pick up a controller and jump in with ease. It’s a fun and chaotic experience that will keep you coming back for more as you and your friends play for hours on end. I can’t recommend this game enough.

Don’t have people to play with you in your home? No worries, if you have a PS4 you can play with others online via share play or play with your friends on steam. If you can’t do that, you can always jump into Overcooked 2 which has a built in online service for all systems!

Battle Royale (Apex Legends/Fortnite)

Whether you’re a veteran gamer or a casual player, you can’t go wrong with battle royale games. These games are great to play by yourself or grab a friend a two and battle it out together in squads as you fight to be the last one alive. Nothing get’s your blood pumping knowing you are down to the last few people in a match and every decision you make must be made carefully and quickly to win it all!

If you’re looking for an easy to pick up game with a goofy, cartoonish tone Fortnite is a great fit. It’s been one of the top battle royale games for years now and has a vibrant community with new players joining everyday.

If you’re looking for something a little different then I highly recommend Apex Legends. You play as different characters each with unique abilities and personalities in an expansive world with a rich story hidden underneath. If you’re a fan of Overwatch or Team Fortress 2 then this game is right up your alley. I have played it nonstop since it’s release over a year ago and I’m still having a blast with it.

Battle Royale games like these always have something new to offer the player with constant map changes and new exciting game modes to play, so you don't have to worry about getting bored.

And you want to know what the best part is? They’re completely free, so you don’t have to worry about breaking your wallet to play with your fellow quarantined friends. What games are you playing now? Comment below. Stay safe and have fun everyone!

Dean Willms Gamer. Designer. Friend