pc games to play when bored: because reality is overrated anyway

When boredom strikes, there’s no better escape than diving into the immersive worlds of PC gaming. Whether you’re looking for a quick distraction or a deep, hours-long adventure, the vast library of PC games offers something for everyone. From fast-paced action to mind-bending puzzles, the options are endless. But with so many choices, how do you decide which game to play when boredom hits? Let’s explore some of the best PC games to play when you’re bored, and why they might just be the perfect antidote to your ennui.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Why it’s great for boredom: This open-world RPG is a masterpiece of storytelling, with a rich narrative, complex characters, and a vast, beautifully crafted world to explore. When you’re bored, there’s nothing like losing yourself in the morally ambiguous decisions and epic quests of Geralt of Rivia.
What makes it stand out: The game’s attention to detail is staggering. Every side quest feels meaningful, and the world is filled with lore and secrets waiting to be uncovered. Plus, the combat system is both challenging and rewarding, keeping you engaged for hours on end.

2. Stardew Valley

Why it’s great for boredom: Sometimes, the best way to combat boredom is to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. Stardew Valley offers a peaceful escape to a rural farm where you can grow crops, raise animals, and build relationships with the townsfolk.
What makes it stand out: The game’s charm lies in its simplicity and the sense of accomplishment you feel as you transform your run-down farm into a thriving homestead. It’s a game that encourages creativity and relaxation, making it perfect for those lazy afternoons when you just want to unwind.

3. Portal 2

Why it’s great for boredom: If you’re in the mood for something that will really make you think, Portal 2 is the game for you. This puzzle-platformer challenges you to navigate through a series of increasingly complex test chambers using a portal gun that creates inter-spatial portals.
What makes it stand out: The game’s clever puzzles and dark humor make it a standout title. The co-op mode is also a blast, allowing you to team up with a friend to solve puzzles together. It’s a game that will keep your brain engaged and your boredom at bay.

4. The Sims 4

Why it’s great for boredom: The Sims 4 is the ultimate life simulation game, allowing you to create and control virtual people in a world of your own design. Whether you want to build the perfect home, pursue a dream career, or just cause a little chaos, The Sims 4 offers endless possibilities.
What makes it stand out: The game’s customization options are unparalleled. You can create unique characters, design elaborate homes, and even tell your own stories. It’s a game that encourages creativity and experimentation, making it a great choice when you’re feeling bored and uninspired.

5. Doom Eternal

Why it’s great for boredom: When you’re bored, sometimes you just need to blow off some steam. Doom Eternal delivers fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping action as you battle hordes of demons in a fight for survival.
What makes it stand out: The game’s combat is intense and satisfying, with a wide variety of weapons and abilities at your disposal. The level design is also top-notch, offering a mix of exploration and combat that keeps things fresh and exciting. It’s the perfect game to play when you need a quick burst of excitement.

6. Minecraft

Why it’s great for boredom: Minecraft is the ultimate sandbox game, offering endless possibilities for creativity and exploration. Whether you want to build a towering castle, explore vast underground caverns, or just survive the night against hostile mobs, Minecraft has something for everyone.
What makes it stand out: The game’s open-ended nature is its greatest strength. There are no set goals or objectives, allowing you to play however you want. It’s a game that encourages creativity and imagination, making it a great choice when you’re feeling bored and in need of inspiration.

7. Civilization VI

Why it’s great for boredom: If you’re in the mood for something more strategic, Civilization VI is the perfect choice. This turn-based strategy game allows you to build and manage your own civilization, from the ancient era to the modern age.
What makes it stand out: The game’s depth and complexity are unmatched. You’ll need to carefully manage resources, negotiate with other leaders, and make strategic decisions to ensure your civilization’s survival. It’s a game that will keep you engaged for hours, making it a great choice when you’re bored and looking for a challenge.

8. Among Us

Why it’s great for boredom: Sometimes, the best way to combat boredom is to play with friends. Among Us is a multiplayer game of deception and strategy, where players work together to complete tasks on a spaceship while trying to identify the impostors among them.
What makes it stand out: The game’s social dynamics are what make it so engaging. You’ll need to use your wits and communication skills to figure out who the impostors are, or to deceive your friends if you’re the impostor. It’s a game that’s as much about psychology as it is about strategy, making it a great choice for a fun and social gaming session.

9. Hades

Why it’s great for boredom: Hades is a roguelike action game that combines fast-paced combat with a compelling narrative. You play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, as you attempt to escape the underworld and reach Mount Olympus.
What makes it stand out: The game’s combat is fluid and satisfying, with a wide variety of weapons and abilities to choose from. The story is also deeply engaging, with well-written characters and a narrative that unfolds over multiple playthroughs. It’s a game that will keep you coming back for more, making it a great choice when you’re bored and looking for something to sink your teeth into.

10. Disco Elysium

Why it’s great for boredom: If you’re in the mood for something more cerebral, Disco Elysium is the game for you. This narrative-driven RPG puts you in the shoes of a detective with a troubled past as you investigate a murder in a dystopian city.
What makes it stand out: The game’s writing is some of the best in the industry, with a deep and complex narrative that explores themes of politics, philosophy, and personal identity. The game’s unique skill system also allows for a wide range of playstyles, making each playthrough feel fresh and unique. It’s a game that will challenge your mind and keep you engaged, making it a great choice when you’re bored and looking for something thought-provoking.

11. Rocket League

Why it’s great for boredom: Rocket League is a high-octane mix of soccer and racing, where players control rocket-powered cars to score goals. It’s fast, fun, and incredibly addictive.
What makes it stand out: The game’s simplicity is its greatest strength. It’s easy to pick up and play, but difficult to master. The competitive nature of the game also makes it incredibly rewarding, especially when you pull off an amazing goal or save. It’s the perfect game to play when you’re bored and looking for some quick, adrenaline-fueled fun.

12. Celeste

Why it’s great for boredom: Celeste is a challenging platformer that tells the story of a young woman named Madeline as she climbs a mysterious mountain. The game’s tight controls and clever level design make it a joy to play, even when the difficulty ramps up.
What makes it stand out: The game’s story is deeply personal and touching, exploring themes of mental health and self-discovery. The gameplay is also incredibly satisfying, with each level offering a new challenge to overcome. It’s a game that will keep you engaged and motivated, making it a great choice when you’re bored and looking for something to test your skills.

13. Factorio

Why it’s great for boredom: Factorio is a game about building and managing factories. You’ll need to gather resources, automate production, and defend your factory from hostile creatures.
What makes it stand out: The game’s complexity is what makes it so engaging. You’ll need to carefully plan and optimize your factory to ensure it runs efficiently. The game also offers a high degree of customization, allowing you to create unique and intricate production lines. It’s a game that will keep your mind busy, making it a great choice when you’re bored and looking for something to sink your teeth into.

14. Undertale

Why it’s great for boredom: Undertale is a unique RPG that subverts traditional game mechanics. You can choose to fight or spare your enemies, and your choices will have a lasting impact on the game’s story.
What makes it stand out: The game’s humor, charm, and emotional depth make it a standout title. The soundtrack is also incredible, adding to the game’s overall atmosphere. It’s a game that will keep you engaged from start to finish, making it a great choice when you’re bored and looking for something a little different.

15. Dark Souls III

Why it’s great for boredom: Dark Souls III is a challenging action RPG that will test your skills and patience. The game’s dark, atmospheric world is filled with deadly enemies and treacherous environments.
What makes it stand out: The game’s difficulty is what makes it so rewarding. Every victory feels earned, and the sense of accomplishment you get from overcoming a tough boss is unparalleled. It’s a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat, making it a great choice when you’re bored and looking for a challenge.

16. Terraria

Why it’s great for boredom: Terraria is a 2D sandbox game that combines elements of exploration, building, and combat. You’ll need to gather resources, craft items, and fight off enemies to survive in a procedurally generated world.
What makes it stand out: The game’s depth and variety are what make it so engaging. There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a hidden treasure or a powerful boss. The game also offers a high degree of customization, allowing you to create unique and intricate builds. It’s a game that will keep you entertained for hours, making it a great choice when you’re bored and looking for something to explore.

17. Hollow Knight

Why it’s great for boredom: Hollow Knight is a beautifully crafted Metroidvania game that takes you on a journey through a dark and mysterious underground world. The game’s tight controls and challenging combat make it a joy to play.
What makes it stand out: The game’s art style and atmosphere are what make it so memorable. The world is filled with intricate details and hidden secrets, making exploration a rewarding experience. The story is also deeply engaging, with a narrative that unfolds as you progress through the game. It’s a game that will keep you hooked from start to finish, making it a great choice when you’re bored and looking for something to immerse yourself in.

18. League of Legends

Why it’s great for boredom: League of Legends is a competitive multiplayer game that pits two teams of five players against each other in a battle to destroy the enemy’s base. The game’s fast-paced action and strategic depth make it incredibly addictive.
What makes it stand out: The game’s variety is what makes it so engaging. With over 150 champions to choose from, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles, there’s always something new to try. The game also offers a high degree of teamwork and strategy, making each match a unique and exciting experience. It’s a game that will keep you coming back for more, making it a great choice when you’re bored and looking for some competitive fun.

19. Subnautica

Why it’s great for boredom: Subnautica is an underwater survival game that takes you on a journey through a mysterious alien ocean. You’ll need to gather resources, build equipment, and explore the depths to survive.
What makes it stand out: The game’s sense of exploration and discovery is what makes it so engaging. The underwater world is filled with beautiful and terrifying creatures, and the sense of isolation adds to the game’s atmosphere. The story is also deeply compelling, with a narrative that unfolds as you explore the ocean. It’s a game that will keep you hooked from start to finish, making it a great choice when you’re bored and looking for something to immerse yourself in.

20. Apex Legends

Why it’s great for boredom: Apex Legends is a fast-paced battle royale game that combines elements of shooting, looting, and teamwork. The game’s unique characters and abilities make it stand out from other battle royale games.
What makes it stand out: The game’s focus on teamwork and strategy is what makes it so engaging. Each character has their own unique abilities, and working together with your team is key to victory. The game also offers a high degree of customization, allowing you to tailor your playstyle to your preferences. It’s a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat, making it a great choice when you’re bored and looking for some fast-paced action.

FAQs

Q: What are some good PC games to play when bored? A: Some great PC games to play when bored include The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Stardew Valley, Portal 2, The Sims 4, Doom Eternal, Minecraft, Civilization VI, Among Us, Hades, Disco Elysium, Rocket League, Celeste, Factorio, Undertale, Dark Souls III, Terraria, Hollow Knight, League of Legends, Subnautica, and Apex Legends.

Q: Are there any relaxing PC games to play when bored? A: Yes, games like Stardew Valley, Minecraft, and The Sims 4 are great for relaxing and unwinding when you’re bored.

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 Factorio will test your skills and keep you engaged.

Q: Are there any multiplayer PC games to play when bored? A: Yes, games like Among Us, Rocket League, League of Legends, and Apex Legends are great for playing with friends and combating boredom together.

Q: What are some story-driven PC games to play when bored? A: If you’re in the mood for a compelling narrative, games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Disco Elysium, and Hades offer deep and engaging stories that will keep you hooked.

Q: Are there any creative PC games to play when bored? A: Absolutely! Games like Minecraft, Terraria, and The Sims 4 encourage creativity and allow you to build and design to your heart’s content.