The Best Video Games to Play While Stuck at Home

For kids all around the world, school and activities are being canceled due to the Coronavirus. Even though things might seem tough right now, there is plenty of fun and learning to be had, and video games are a great way to both unwind and socialize while we are encouraged to stay inside. Here are some recommendations for awesome games to play while we stay safe and practice social distancing!

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

We loved Animal Crossing: New Horizons in our review, but the game could not have arrived at a better time. The game is very much a stress-free experience, for the most part, you do have to pay back debts to Tom Nook. Other than that, though, there is so much laid back fun to be had as you build up your island paradise as you see fit. The lovable animal characters are all cute and funny in their own ways, and the game lets you play little by little every day. Getting together with your friends online is a great way to socialize virtually, and you can even trade resources like unique fruits that only your islands have. It is one of the best games to hit the Nintendo Switch so far and is one we’ll be playing for a long time to come.

Free-To-Play Multiplayer Games

There has never been a better time to game on a budget since there are so many great games to play for free! For a long time, the best free-to-plays found their home on the PC, but so many of these experiences can now be found on console, with some even on Nintendo Switch! Fortnite is super popular still, but there are so many options now that there is bound to be something to suit your style.

Warframe

For sci-fi action fans, look no further than Warframe. It is one of the most accessible games on the list since it is available on basically every current platform including the Switch, and has hours upon hours of space ninja action. You can collect a ton of different character classes or Warframes, and glide, flip or jump through the entire solar system taking on droves of hostile aliens. The latest update introduced massive space battles, and new features never stop coming to this one.

Apex Legends

If you’re looking for a battle royale other than Fortnite, Apex Legends has you covered with its slick gameplay, unique cast of playable characters all with their special abilities to master, and a constantly evolving map that changes as the game’s seasons progress. The weapons feel great to wield, and the innovative “ping” system makes it easier than ever for solo players to communicate with their squad. It is the tried and true battle royale formula where a colossal amount of players jump into a huge map, gather supplies and battle it out, but Apex has a leg up on the competition thanks to its super smooth gameplay and charming cast.

Brawlhalla

For a bit of party-fighting action, Brawlhalla is a fine option. Taking many ideas from Super Smash Bros, including appearances from a few guest characters like Shovel Knight and Rayman. Knock the other players off the edge just like Smash, and test your skills in an ever-growing list of arenas.

DC Universe Online

Another game you can play for hours upon hours is the superhero MMO DC Universe Online. It recently arrived on the Switch, and the superhero customization alone is worth giving the game a download. It has tons of content built up over its long life and lets you fight alongside the heroes and villains of the DC Universe.

These are only a few of the many options available right now for free-to-play games. If you and your friends need an easy way to group up and hang out online, these are a solid bunch to try out.

Single Player Games

If you’re like me and prefer a deep single player experience to immerse yourself in, there is no shortage of options.

Super Mario Odyssey

Still to this day one of the most joyful gaming experiences I’ve had is Super Mario Odyssey. I love the Mario games, who doesn’t, but Odyssey distilled the best of the 3D games in this world-hopping adventure that gave you the platforming playground of a lifetime. Each world feels unique, Cappy lets you become the enemies you try to avoid to completely change up the feel of the game, and the experience feels like the closest gaming equivalent to a hug. For the players looking for a challenge, the upwards of 900 moons to collect will test the mettle of even the most seasoned platformer veterans.

Dreams

Now is a great opportunity to stretch our creativity, and Dreams does just that. In Dreams, you can play hundreds of games, listen to music, watch animations, or create them. The tools in the game are easy to learn, but like any great piece of art take time to master. Some truly great things have been created in Dreams, and if you have an awesome idea for a game you want to make, why not try it in here?

No Man’s Sky

If the simulation gameplay of Animal Crossing appeals to you, but prefer a setting of more cosmic proportions, No Man’s Sky offers a literally universe sized space to explore. It is complete with planets to chart and space to fly through. It technically can be played in multiplayer, but you can also experience the entire game on your own and there aren’t any gaming experiences quite like it. If you have a VR headset, you can also play the game that way, which is a blast. Exploring the galaxy, cataloging plants and animals and finding new ships to collect as you build up your resources is a technically impressive, sci-fi twist on games like Minecraft and Animal Crossing.

Share Your Thoughts

What do you think? What games are you going to play while social distancing? Let us know below!

 

By: Noah Friscopp