pc games to play when bored: because sometimes even Netflix needs a break

When boredom strikes, and scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows no longer cuts it, turning to PC games can be a refreshing escape. The world of PC gaming is vast, offering a plethora of options that cater to every taste and mood. Whether you’re looking for a quick distraction or an immersive experience, there’s a game out there for you. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of PC games that are perfect for those moments when you’re feeling bored and in need of some entertainment.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Why it’s great for boredom: This open-world RPG is a masterpiece that can easily consume hours of your time. With its rich storytelling, complex characters, and breathtaking visuals, The Witcher 3 offers an immersive experience that will keep you engaged for days.
- What to expect: You play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a morally ambiguous world. The game is filled with side quests, exploration, and combat that will keep you on your toes.
2. Stardew Valley
- Why it’s great for boredom: If you’re looking for something more relaxing, Stardew Valley is the perfect choice. This farming simulation game allows you to escape to a peaceful countryside where you can grow crops, raise animals, and build relationships with the townsfolk.
- What to expect: The game offers a slow-paced, rewarding experience where you can take your time to build your farm and explore the world at your own pace.
3. Among Us
- Why it’s great for boredom: This multiplayer game is perfect for when you’re bored and looking for some social interaction. Among Us is a game of deception and strategy where players work together to complete tasks while trying to identify the impostors among them.
- What to expect: Quick, fun rounds that can be played with friends or strangers online. The game is easy to pick up but offers endless replayability.
4. Minecraft
- Why it’s great for boredom: Minecraft is a sandbox game that offers endless possibilities. Whether you’re in the mood for building, exploring, or surviving, Minecraft has something for everyone.
- What to expect: A world where you can create anything you can imagine. The game offers both creative and survival modes, allowing you to tailor your experience to your mood.
5. Portal 2
- Why it’s great for boredom: If you’re in the mood for some brain-teasing puzzles, Portal 2 is the game for you. This first-person puzzle game challenges you to think outside the box as you navigate through a series of increasingly complex levels.
- What to expect: A mix of humor, challenging puzzles, and a unique gameplay mechanic that involves creating portals to solve problems.
6. The Sims 4
- Why it’s great for boredom: The Sims 4 is a life simulation game that allows you to create and control virtual people. It’s perfect for when you’re bored and want to live out your fantasies or experiment with different life scenarios.
- What to expect: A sandbox experience where you can build homes, develop relationships, and guide your Sims through various life stages.
7. Rocket League
- Why it’s great for boredom: Rocket League combines soccer with rocket-powered cars, creating a fast-paced and exciting game that’s perfect for quick bursts of entertainment.
- What to expect: Competitive matches that are easy to pick up but difficult to master. The game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes.
8. Celeste
- Why it’s great for boredom: Celeste is a platformer that offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. The game’s tight controls and beautiful pixel art make it a joy to play, even when you’re stuck on a particularly difficult level.
- What to expect: A heartfelt story about overcoming personal struggles, combined with challenging platforming levels that will test your skills.
9. Hades
- Why it’s great for boredom: Hades is a roguelike action game that offers fast-paced combat and a compelling narrative. Each run is different, making it a great game to pick up when you’re bored and looking for something new.
- What to expect: A mix of hack-and-slash combat, Greek mythology, and a story that unfolds with each playthrough.
10. Disco Elysium
- Why it’s great for boredom: Disco Elysium is a narrative-driven RPG that offers a deep and thought-provoking experience. The game’s unique dialogue system and branching storylines make it a great choice for when you’re in the mood for something more cerebral.
- What to expect: A detective story where your choices and interactions shape the outcome. The game offers a rich narrative experience with a focus on character development and world-building.
11. Factorio
- Why it’s great for boredom: Factorio is a game about building and managing factories. It’s perfect for when you’re bored and want to dive into a complex, strategic game that requires careful planning and optimization.
- What to expect: A game that starts simple but quickly becomes complex as you expand your factory and automate production. The game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes.
12. Undertale
- Why it’s great for boredom: Undertale is a unique RPG that subverts traditional game mechanics. The game’s quirky humor and emotional storytelling make it a memorable experience.
- What to expect: A game where your choices matter, and combat can be resolved through dialogue or traditional fighting. The game offers multiple endings based on your actions.
13. Dark Souls III
- Why it’s great for boredom: If you’re looking for a challenge, Dark Souls III is the game for you. This action RPG is known for its difficult combat and dark, atmospheric world.
- What to expect: A game that will test your patience and skill. The game offers a deep combat system and a world filled with lore and secrets to uncover.
14. Cities: Skylines
- Why it’s great for boredom: Cities: Skylines is a city-building simulation game that allows you to create and manage your own metropolis. It’s perfect for when you’re bored and want to dive into a complex, strategic game.
- What to expect: A game that offers a high level of customization and control over your city. The game includes various challenges and scenarios to keep you engaged.
15. Slay the Spire
- Why it’s great for boredom: Slay the Spire is a deck-building roguelike that offers a unique blend of strategy and luck. Each run is different, making it a great game to pick up when you’re bored and looking for something new.
- What to expect: A game that combines card-based combat with roguelike elements. The game offers a variety of characters and strategies to explore.
16. Terraria
- Why it’s great for boredom: Terraria is a 2D sandbox game that offers a mix of exploration, building, and combat. It’s perfect for when you’re bored and want to dive into a world filled with adventure.
- What to expect: A game that offers a high level of customization and exploration. The game includes various biomes, enemies, and items to discover.
17. Divinity: Original Sin 2
- Why it’s great for boredom: Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a turn-based RPG that offers a deep and immersive experience. The game’s complex mechanics and branching storylines make it a great choice for when you’re in the mood for something more cerebral.
- What to expect: A game that offers a high level of customization and strategic combat. The game includes a rich narrative and a world filled with lore and secrets to uncover.
18. Subnautica
- Why it’s great for boredom: Subnautica is an underwater survival game that offers a unique and immersive experience. The game’s beautiful visuals and sense of exploration make it a great choice for when you’re bored and want to escape to another world.
- What to expect: A game that combines survival mechanics with exploration and crafting. The game includes a variety of biomes and creatures to discover.
19. Hollow Knight
- Why it’s great for boredom: Hollow Knight is a metroidvania game that offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. The game’s beautiful art style and atmospheric world make it a joy to explore.
- What to expect: A game that combines tight platforming with challenging combat. The game includes a rich narrative and a world filled with secrets to uncover.
20. Civilization VI
- Why it’s great for boredom: Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game that allows you to build and manage your own civilization. It’s perfect for when you’re bored and want to dive into a complex, strategic game.
- What to expect: A game that offers a high level of customization and control over your civilization. The game includes various challenges and scenarios to keep you engaged.
FAQs
Q: What are some good PC games for short play sessions? A: Games like Among Us, Rocket League, and Slay the Spire are perfect for short play sessions. They offer quick, fun rounds that can be easily picked up and put down.
Q: Are there any PC games that are good for relaxation? A: Yes, games like Stardew Valley, Minecraft, and Cities: Skylines are great for relaxation. They offer slow-paced, rewarding experiences that allow you to unwind.
Q: What are some challenging PC games to play when bored? A: If you’re looking for a challenge, games like Dark Souls III, Celeste, and Hollow Knight are great options. They offer difficult gameplay that will test your skills and patience.
Q: Are there any narrative-driven PC games that are good for boredom? A: Yes, games like Disco Elysium, The Witcher 3, and Divinity: Original Sin 2 offer deep, narrative-driven experiences that are perfect for when you’re in the mood for a good story.
Q: What are some good multiplayer PC games to play when bored? A: Among Us, Rocket League, and Minecraft are great multiplayer games that can be played with friends or strangers online. They offer fun, social experiences that are perfect for when you’re bored.
Q: Are there any PC games that are good for creativity? A: Yes, games like Minecraft, Terraria, and The Sims 4 offer high levels of customization and creativity. They allow you to build, create, and experiment in unique ways.