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

When boredom strikes, the digital realm offers an escape like no other. PC games, with their vast landscapes, intricate storylines, and endless possibilities, provide a sanctuary for the weary mind. Whether you’re looking to kill time or immerse yourself in a world far removed from your own, there’s a game out there for every mood and preference. Here, we explore a variety of PC games that are perfect for those moments when you find yourself staring at the ceiling, wondering what to do next.
1. Open-World Adventures: The Ultimate Escape
Open-world games are the epitome of freedom. They allow you to roam vast landscapes, discover hidden treasures, and engage in countless side quests. When boredom sets in, these games offer a sense of exploration and discovery that can keep you engaged for hours on end.
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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: This game is a masterpiece of storytelling and world-building. As Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire, you navigate a morally complex world filled with political intrigue, mythical creatures, and personal dilemmas. The game’s open world is teeming with life, from bustling cities to eerie forests, ensuring that there’s always something new to discover.
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Red Dead Redemption 2: Set in the dying days of the American Wild West, this game offers a richly detailed world that feels alive. As Arthur Morgan, an outlaw on the run, you can engage in everything from bank heists to hunting wildlife. The game’s attention to detail is staggering, making it a perfect choice for those who want to lose themselves in a different era.
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Although originally a console game, this title has been ported to PC through emulators. It offers a vast, open world filled with puzzles, enemies, and secrets. The game’s emphasis on exploration and experimentation makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a more hands-on approach to gaming.
2. Strategy Games: Exercise Your Brain
If you’re looking for something that challenges your mind rather than just your reflexes, strategy games are the way to go. These games require careful planning, resource management, and tactical thinking, making them perfect for those who want to engage their brains while staving off boredom.
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Civilization VI: This turn-based strategy game allows you to build and manage your own civilization from the ground up. From choosing your leader to deciding on your research priorities, every decision you make has long-term consequences. The game’s depth and complexity ensure that no two playthroughs are the same.
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Stellaris: For those who prefer their strategy games set in space, Stellaris offers a grand strategy experience on a galactic scale. You can design your own species, explore the cosmos, and engage in diplomacy or warfare with other civilizations. The game’s vast scope and endless possibilities make it a great choice for those who enjoy thinking big.
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XCOM 2: This turn-based tactical game puts you in charge of a resistance force fighting against an alien occupation. You’ll need to manage your resources, train your soldiers, and make tough decisions on the battlefield. The game’s high stakes and challenging gameplay make it a great choice for those who enjoy a good mental workout.
3. Simulation Games: Live Another Life
Simulation games allow you to step into someone else’s shoes and experience life from a different perspective. Whether you’re managing a farm, running a city, or even living the life of a medieval lord, these games offer a unique form of escapism that can be incredibly satisfying.
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Stardew Valley: This charming farming simulator lets you escape to a quiet countryside where you can grow crops, raise animals, and build relationships with the townsfolk. The game’s relaxed pace and wholesome atmosphere make it a perfect choice for those looking to unwind.
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Cities: Skylines: If you’ve ever dreamed of building your own city, this game is for you. From zoning and infrastructure to public services and taxation, you’ll need to manage every aspect of your city’s growth. The game’s complexity and attention to detail make it a great choice for those who enjoy micromanagement.
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Crusader Kings III: This grand strategy game allows you to take on the role of a medieval ruler. You’ll need to manage your dynasty, forge alliances, and navigate the treacherous waters of medieval politics. The game’s depth and complexity make it a great choice for those who enjoy historical simulations.
4. Multiplayer Games: Socialize and Compete
Sometimes, the best way to beat boredom is to connect with others. Multiplayer games offer a social experience that can be both competitive and cooperative, providing a sense of community that can be hard to find elsewhere.
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Among Us: This social deduction game has taken the world by storm. As a crewmate or an impostor, you’ll need to work together to complete tasks or deceive your friends. The game’s simple mechanics and emphasis on social interaction make it a great choice for those looking to have some fun with friends.
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League of Legends: This popular MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game offers fast-paced, team-based gameplay. With a roster of over 150 champions, each with unique abilities, the game offers endless possibilities for strategy and competition. The game’s competitive nature and vibrant community make it a great choice for those who enjoy a challenge.
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Minecraft: This sandbox game allows you to build, explore, and survive in a blocky, procedurally-generated world. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, the game’s endless possibilities make it a great choice for those who enjoy creativity and exploration.
5. Indie Games: Hidden Gems
Indie games often offer unique experiences that you won’t find in mainstream titles. These games are often created by small teams or even individual developers, resulting in creative and innovative gameplay that can be incredibly refreshing.
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Hollow Knight: This Metroidvania-style game offers a beautifully crafted world filled with challenging enemies and intricate platforming. The game’s atmospheric design and tight controls make it a great choice for those who enjoy exploration and combat.
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Celeste: This platformer tells the story of a young woman named Madeline as she climbs a treacherous mountain. The game’s tight controls and challenging levels make it a great choice for those who enjoy precision platforming. The game’s heartfelt story and beautiful soundtrack add an emotional depth that sets it apart from other platformers.
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Undertale: This RPG offers a unique twist on the genre, with a focus on player choice and moral dilemmas. The game’s quirky humor and memorable characters make it a great choice for those who enjoy a good story. The game’s innovative combat system, which allows you to choose between fighting or talking your way out of encounters, adds a layer of depth that keeps players coming back for more.
6. Horror Games: A Thrilling Escape
For those who enjoy a good scare, horror games offer an adrenaline-pumping experience that can be both terrifying and exhilarating. These games often rely on atmosphere, tension, and psychological horror to keep players on the edge of their seats.
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Resident Evil 2 (Remake): This survival horror game offers a modern take on the classic 1998 title. As Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, you’ll need to navigate a zombie-infested Raccoon City while solving puzzles and managing your resources. The game’s tense atmosphere and gruesome visuals make it a great choice for horror fans.
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Amnesia: The Dark Descent: This first-person survival horror game is known for its oppressive atmosphere and psychological horror. As Daniel, a man who has lost his memory, you’ll need to explore a dark and foreboding castle while avoiding monstrous creatures. The game’s emphasis on tension and fear makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a good scare.
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Outlast: This first-person survival horror game puts you in the shoes of investigative journalist Miles Upshur as he explores a remote psychiatric hospital. The game’s found-footage style and relentless scares make it a great choice for those who enjoy a more visceral horror experience.
7. Puzzle Games: Challenge Your Mind
Puzzle games offer a different kind of challenge, one that requires logic, pattern recognition, and sometimes a bit of creativity. These games are perfect for those who enjoy solving problems and thinking outside the box.
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Portal 2: This first-person puzzle game is a masterpiece of design and innovation. As Chell, you’ll need to navigate a series of test chambers using a portal gun that creates inter-spatial portals. The game’s clever puzzles and dark humor make it a great choice for those who enjoy a mental challenge.
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The Witness: This puzzle game takes place on a mysterious island filled with intricate puzzles. The game’s non-linear structure and open-world design allow you to explore at your own pace, solving puzzles that range from simple to mind-bending. The game’s emphasis on observation and lateral thinking makes it a great choice for puzzle enthusiasts.
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Baba Is You: This unique puzzle game allows you to manipulate the rules of the game itself. By pushing blocks of text, you can change the way the game works, creating new possibilities and solutions. The game’s innovative mechanics and challenging puzzles make it a great choice for those who enjoy creative problem-solving.
8. RPGs: Immerse Yourself in a Story
Role-playing games (RPGs) offer some of the most immersive storytelling in gaming. These games often feature complex characters, branching narratives, and deep world-building, making them perfect for those who enjoy getting lost in a good story.
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Divinity: Original Sin 2: This RPG offers a rich, interactive world filled with complex characters and moral dilemmas. The game’s turn-based combat and deep customization options make it a great choice for those who enjoy tactical gameplay. The game’s emphasis on player choice and consequence ensures that no two playthroughs are the same.
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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: This open-world RPG is a classic for a reason. As the Dragonborn, you’ll explore a vast, snowy landscape filled with dragons, dungeons, and ancient secrets. The game’s modding community ensures that there’s always something new to discover, making it a great choice for those who enjoy endless replayability.
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Mass Effect 2: This sci-fi RPG offers a gripping story filled with memorable characters and tough choices. As Commander Shepard, you’ll assemble a team of specialists to take on a mysterious threat to the galaxy. The game’s emphasis on character development and player choice makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a good narrative.
9. Roguelikes: Embrace the Challenge
Roguelikes are known for their challenging gameplay and permadeath mechanics, making them perfect for those who enjoy a good challenge. These games often feature procedurally-generated levels, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same.
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Dead Cells: This action-platformer combines the fast-paced combat of a Metroidvania with the procedural generation of a roguelike. As a reanimated corpse, you’ll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle filled with enemies and secrets. The game’s tight controls and challenging gameplay make it a great choice for those who enjoy a good challenge.
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Hades: This action-packed roguelike puts you in the shoes of Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he attempts to escape the underworld. The game’s fast-paced combat and rich storytelling make it a great choice for those who enjoy a good narrative. The game’s procedurally-generated levels and permadeath mechanics ensure that no two runs are the same.
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Slay the Spire: This deck-building roguelike combines strategy and card game mechanics. As one of four unique characters, you’ll climb a spire filled with enemies, traps, and treasures. The game’s deep strategy and endless replayability make it a great choice for those who enjoy a good mental challenge.
10. Creative Games: Unleash Your Imagination
For those who enjoy creativity and self-expression, there are games that allow you to build, design, and create to your heart’s content. These games offer a sandbox experience where the only limit is your imagination.
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Minecraft: This sandbox game needs no introduction. Whether you’re building a simple house or an elaborate castle, the game’s blocky world offers endless possibilities for creativity. The game’s modding community ensures that there’s always something new to try, making it a great choice for those who enjoy building and exploration.
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Terraria: This 2D sandbox game offers a similar experience to Minecraft but with a focus on exploration and combat. The game’s pixel art style and retro-inspired gameplay make it a great choice for those who enjoy a more old-school experience. The game’s emphasis on crafting and exploration ensures that there’s always something new to discover.
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Dreams: This game creation system allows you to create, share, and play games made by other players. The game’s intuitive tools and endless possibilities make it a great choice for those who enjoy creativity and game design. Whether you’re creating a simple platformer or an elaborate RPG, the only limit is your imagination.
Conclusion
When boredom strikes, the world of PC gaming offers a vast array of options to keep you entertained. Whether you’re looking to explore a new world, challenge your mind, or simply unwind, there’s a game out there for you. From open-world adventures to indie gems, the possibilities are endless. So the next time you find yourself staring at the ceiling, wondering what to do, fire up your PC and dive into one of these fantastic games. After all, reality is overrated anyway.
Related Q&A
Q: What are some good PC games for casual gamers?
A: Casual gamers might enjoy games like Stardew Valley, Among Us, or Minecraft. These games are easy to pick up and play, with simple mechanics and relaxed gameplay.
Q: Are there any free PC games worth playing?
A: Absolutely! Games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Warframe offer high-quality experiences without requiring any upfront cost. Additionally, platforms like Epic Games Store often give away free games on a weekly basis.
Q: What are the best PC games for multiplayer?
A: Some of the best multiplayer PC games include Among Us, League of Legends, Minecraft, and Call of Duty: Warzone. These games offer a mix of cooperative and competitive gameplay, making them great for socializing with friends.
Q: Can I play PC games on a low-end system?
A: Yes, there are plenty of games that are optimized for low-end systems. Games like Stardew Valley, Terraria, and Undertale have low system requirements and can run on most PCs.
Q: What are some good PC games for kids?
A: Games like Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and LEGO Worlds are great choices for kids. These games are family-friendly, easy to play, and offer plenty of creative and educational opportunities.