Cats Can Fly

Some days, games just don’t hit the spot like they usually do. That can be a frustrating feeling since sometimes we want to play games, but just can’t seem to enjoy it. Whether you just want some more variety or you need to do some well deserved self care, there are a few ways to avoid burning out on your favorite hobby!

Play With Friends

This might seem self explanatory, but playing with your friends can give you the added benefit of social time along with your gaming time. Games can be a solitary sport, so switching it up and bringing in a friend or two can be a great change of pace!

Cozy games like Stardew Valley are built for multiplayer if you still want to live the farming life. If you want a faster-paced game you can try Valheim. For even more chaos, Lethal Company is a fun horror game that you can play with up to four friends. But beware, the Company is an unforgiving boss.

If you don’t want to buy a game, you can try playing Club Penguin or Toontown Rewritten and get a boost of nostalgia while you’re at it.

Try a New Genre

Maybe you’ve just spent too much time playing the same few games. A new genre can be an exciting challenge. There are plenty of games that have chill vibes but are decidedly not cozy, like Halo. It can be intimidating to start games in genres you’re not familiar with. Other games that might be more exciting for someone coming from a cozy gaming background include RPGs like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, strategy games like Civilization V or VI, roguelites like Hades, and survival games like Raft.

Change Directions

If games just aren’t doin’ it for you, that’s okay! You can always try new hobbies or rediscover old hobbies. Here are some ideas for non-gaming activities you can do alone or with friends!

Return to Books

Book girlies (gender neutral) and the gaming girlies are two sides of the same coin. Stories are magical no matter what medium you choose to experience them through. Whether you like to read epic post-apocalyptic thrillers or sweet slice of life fanfictions, it’s always a good idea to immerse yourself in stories that can whisk you away to another world. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even be inspired to write your own story. Then you could start a book club and a writer’s club!

Touch Grass

The outdoors are healing. I spent most of my time outside when I was small, and I didn’t realize how much enrichment I missed out after I moved from my rural town to a big city as a young adult. Going into nature for a hike, a picnic, or just a 20 minute breather can make a huge difference in your health. Plus, you can make a fun picnic date out of it with your friends or yourself!

Switch to Analog

Maybe you just need a break from screens but don’t want to or can’t go outside. Fortunately, there are a host of games out there that don’t require any technology at all! No friends? No problem! There are plenty of solo board games (although they are, of course, always better with friends). For example, you can save the world from infectious diseases alone or with friends in Pandemic.

For a more immersive solo experience you can play a Dungeons and Dragons based game designed just for solo players. You can start with a simple guide like Roll Player or The Solo Adventurer’s Toolbox. If you have a partner or just one friend who wants to join, there are even campaigns designed just for two players, like

If you’re lucky enough to have a good group to play with, simple games like Uno, Phase 10, or Unstable Unicorns are affordable and simple. Lords of Waterdeep, 7 Wonders, and Settlers of Catan are also cult classic board games that are great with a bigger group!

Just Keep Trying

Say you’re trying to rank up in Teamfight Tactics or your friends really need you to run errands on your giant group Stardew farm. Maybe you’re just in a really bad mood and you don’t want to play. Take a nap and try again another day. Don’t give up on your passions! But if you feel like you are getting tired of the same old games, taking an indefinite break is also okay. The games will be there when you feel better.

Maybe it’s the seasonal depression or the business of the holiday season, but I tend to play less video games in the winter. I hope I’m not alone in this feeling. Do you ever feel like your favorite activities just aren’t bringing you joy anymore? If you do, how do you deal?