If you’re staying safe by staying home, consider catching up on some of the best games to play during the quarantine.
We all have a backlog of entertainment clogging up our DVR, bookshelf, Netflix cue, and podcasts app. Video game backlogs can be the most overwhelming (it’s an embarrassment of riches, people), but with a little bit of guidance, you’ll find the best games to play during quarantine help you escape stress and fall into the world of collecting, traveling, leveling up, and crafting.
Don’t worry about the comments floating around during quarantine. Some say, “Be more productive!” Others say, “Catch up on everything!” We’re mourning our freedom, people. Don’t expect too much out of yourself.
Instead of feeling the pressure to play every good video game ever, dabble at some of the tried and true bests for a guaranteed good time. Come escape the world and enjoy the wonderful virtual reality of the best games to play during quarantine.
The best games to play during quarantine to keep you entertained and stress-free
‘Uncharted’ collection (it’s free until May 5!) – PS4
The first three Uncharted games are some of the best video games of all time. They broke sales records and won over critics for their addictive exploration, smart shootout AI, and intelligent puzzle design.
The story is what drives me through an Uncharted playthrough. The games follow globetrotting treasure hunter Nathan Drake and his cohort/mentor Victor Sullivan as they punch, crawl, leap, shoot, and swing their way through some of the most beautiful vistas in the world.
A lot is borrowed from the Tomb Raider series, with platforming having you leap up to ledges and hugging walls with care. Especially because it is free, I could not give you a higher recommendation for Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection. Even if you don’t want to play it during quarantine, you get to keep the game for good if you download it during the free period!
‘Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee!’ – Switch
The Pokémon games of your childhood were remade for the Nintendo Switch in the style of Pokémon GO. If you’re in love with the original 151 and can’t get enough of GO, look no further than the Let’s Go games.
As you travel through the Kanto region collecting all eight Gym Leader badges, you’ll find unique exploration methods and battles to keep the adventure fresh and new. You can ride on many Pokémon, such as a flying Charizard or a galloping Arcanine, and your first party member will follow you around.
It’s all as cool as it sounds. The game axes wild Pokémon battles in favor of GO-like motion-controlled catch sequences that level up your whole team all at once. It’s a brief, refreshing return to Kanto that cannot be missed by Pokémon Masters of all ages.
‘Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5’ collection – PS4/Xbox One
The Disney movies of your childhood are revisited in a Final Fantasy take of the family-friendly brand. Everything from Winnie the Pooh to Tarzan to The Nightmare Before Christmas is covered in the Kingdom Hearts games.
KH stars Sora, a young boy who wields a sword shaped like a key. Sora uses his Keyblade to vanquish darkness and unlock dreams in the six games covered in the Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5 collection.
The first game in the series is a classic, as it has difficult platforming yet charming story beats. In case you’re curious which is the best, it’s hands down Kingdom Hearts 2. Check out this collection to get yourself hooked on the Disney/Square Enix mashup series.
‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ – Switch/Wii U
Breath of the Wild is the first game in the Zelda series to do a massive open world. There is so much detail in this game that you could discover a brand new element over 20 hours into playing the game.
This is simply the best Zelda game to play during quarantine. You’ll be busy for at least 40 hours, if not more, but it will seem as though no time has passed. Roaming through the grassy plains of Hyrule or carving a new path in the snowy peaks is all so much fun!
Related: In times like these, Animal Crossing is our only hope
And, of course, the series-standard puzzles return in Link’s latest adventure. The four major dungeons are only the appetizer for what the various shrines scattered throughout Hyrule have to offer. Almost all shrines are original and challenging, with the reward of extra hearts and stamina making the trial feel worth it.
If you’re keen on collecting the coolest fashion, know that the Breath of the Wild developers kept you in mind. Finding the perfect combo to sneak through the woods as a Shiekah ninja or the best battle armor to take down a fearsome Lynel is a unique Zelda experience bound to give you hours and hours of escapism fun.