A lot of times when the weather isn’t so great – or there’s nothing good on TV – it’s easy to find yourself feeling kinda blah. One of the best things you can do to both have fun and brighten your spirits is play fun games, especially board games. And there are some specific games that will really break the meh moments up and revitalize your day. Here’s our pick of the best games to play when bored, whether it’s just you or you’ve got a crowd complaining of the rainy day blahs.
The Top 10 Games to Play When Bored
Fireball Island: The Curse of Vul-Kar
Age: 7+ (Community 8+) Players: 2-4 Time: 45-60 minutes
If you’ve got 2 to 4 people kinda feeling “meh,” grab a copy of Fireball Island: The Curse of Vul-Kar. This game will knock the boredom right out of you! The game finds its origins in the original Fireball Island that, yes, you may have played as a kid. But Vul-Kar didn’t like that old game – and didn’t like having his gem stolen. Now, there’s volcanic upheaval, feral tigers, death-mongering trees, swarms of bees, and conclaves of snakes bent on destroying human life on the island. And that’s where you, the players, come in.
Adventures begin at the helipad on Fireball Island: The Curse of Vul-Kar, and players immediately know they’re in danger: they’ve got to sign the waiver to enter and now have to take photos across the island for records. As they rush along the pathways of the tempestuous island, dangers await – but so, also, do treasures that players can keep. This version of the game features a 3D island model that’s bigger and better than the original, created with loads of marbles, and offers tons of fun. The game plays between 30 and 45 minutes usually, with simple card play, set collection of treasures, and loads of interesting choices for players to make.
Monopoly Deal
Age: 8+ Players: 2-3 Time: 15 minutes
For 2 to 3 players, as young as 8, grab a copy of Monopoly Deal, the fast-paced, card-based version of the classic board game everyone can enjoy with a friend. This is basically the “lite” version of the game, with 15 minutes of playing time full of card-stealing, fast-dealing fun. Every player aims to collect full property sets, like in the board game, using 52 cards, 3 Forced Purchase cards, wildcards, Action cards, Money cards, and 6 sets of Property cards in play to keep things moving quickly.
King of Tokyo
Age: 8+ (Community 6+) Players: 2-6 Time: 30 minutes
One of the most popular board games in recent decades, King of Tokyo is one of the best ways to break boredom for the whole gang. Meant for 2 to 6 players, this silly, fun game features mutant monsters, massive robots, and bizarre aliens who are all bent on destroying Tokyo – and each other – in order to claim the crown as the one and only King of Tokyo.
At the start of every turn, players roll six dice revealing symbols (Victory Points, energy, heal, attack, or 1-3). Using three successive rolls, players then decide which to keep and which to discard to work their way to victory. You’ll have to consider carefully though, as battles can destroy character health or drain energy – and choosing the right combination of health, attack, and energy can matter greatly, even if victory points are the ultimate goal. Fierce gameplay is required – you need it to gain extra points while also navigating strategies to success. And, ultimately, the one player who becomes the fiercest player must face all the monsters alone, without the help of healing. Toss in special card purchases for permanent or temporary effects throughout, new gear, and more, for victory. Ultimately, whoever scores 20 Victory Points first – or whoever makes it as the sole survivor against all the other monsters – wins.
My Little Scythe
Age: 8+ (Community 6+) Players: 1-6 Time: 45-60 minutes
An adorable game enjoyed by kids as young as 6, My Little Scythe works for 1 to 6 players looking for games to play when bored. You see, this family-friendly board game gives players control of 2 animal miniatures each, as players embark on an adventure through the Kingdom of Pomme. The competitive game isn’t built towards only grown-ups winning, either – kiddos beat their parents all the time, meaning it’s a fair game for all.
In My Little Scythe, players aim to be the first to earn 4 trophies out of 8 possible categories. Players take turns between moving, seeking, and making actions, each of which increases the friendships and delicious pies, increases powers and actions, completes quests, delivers apples and gems to Castle Everfree, has a pie fight, or learns magic spells. Players may also draw cards that add new elements to the game, enhancing the overall experience.
And yes, this game is inspired by the popular game Scythe but made more accessible for the littles while still being super fun. The mechanics of the game come from the original, with the fun, kid-friendly twists and turns as mentioned above.
Can’t Stop
Age: 9+ (Community 8+) Players: 2-4 Time: 30 minutes
A classic game from Sid Sackson, Can’t Stop pits 2 to 4 players against each other in a game of luck mixed with strategy. The game uses dice combinations to tactically close out three columns of numbers players need to “collect.” This game to play when bored has one column for each possible total of 2 six-sided dice, with the number of spaces in each column varying. The more likely a given total is to be rolled, the more spaces exist in that column – and the more rolls it takes to complete the collection.
Players roll four dice on their turns and arrange them in duos (e.g., 1362 could become 1+3 and 6+2 or 1+6 and 3+2 or 1+2 and 6+3). Players must watch their opponents’ moves carefully to anticipate their strategies and make informed decisions. Players advance their progress markers in open columns per their chosen totals, and then they must decide if they’ll roll again or end their turn and replace the turn markers with markers of their color. Players may advance in three different columns at each turn only, and cannot advance in a column that another player has closed out by reaching the final space. Ultimately, whoever completes 3 columns first wins the game.
Bohnanza
Age: 12+ (Community 8+) Players: 2-7 Time: 45 minutes
The game community says players 8 and older will enjoy this raucous fun game for 2 to 7 players: Bohnanza. The original game in the series remains one of the favorites of all time, though the 2023 version includes a flower expansion.
In the game of Bohnanza, players plant and harvest bean cards to earn coins. The game introduces players to a new word, ‘Bohnanza’, which signifies the exciting and rewarding experience of bean trading and harvesting. Every player starts with a collection of random bean cards in their hand, with each card containing a number that corresponds to the type of beans in the deck. The trick is, that players can’t rearrange the order of cards in their hands – the cards have to be played in the order in which they are drawn from the deck. But you can trade cards with other players.
During each turn, players must plant the first one or two cards in their hands into the “fields” on the table. Every field may contain only one type of bean, though, so you can’t add a second copy to a single field. If your card is already present in the field, you’ve got to harvest that field to make room for a new field and then plant that bean. Of course, this often means you don’t get far, so your goal is to trade or manage fields in other ways. Next, two cards from the deck are revealed and you can either trade these or any other cards in your hand with any other player. Or you can make future promises to fellow players for any cards received right now (e.g., I’ll take a green bean now with the promise of a cocoa bean later). Once trading ends (the active player must be involved in every trade at the time), the turn ends with the active player drawing cards from the deck to fill their hand once again to the set number.
Something good about harvesting beans, even if early, is that players receive coins based on the number of bean cards in the field harvested and the points for the given beans. Players flip cards 1 to 4 over to turn them into coins, and then the rest of the cards go into the discard pile.
When the game deck runs out, the cards are shuffled from the discard pile, and the deck is played through a total of three times. When the final round on the deck ends, players harvest their fields and whoever has the most “coins” wins the game.
Splendor
Age: 10+ (Community 8+) Players: 2-4 Time: 30 minutes
If you find seafaring adventures exciting, Splendor will be your perfect game to play when bored. The game uses chip-collecting and card development as its mechanics, and between 2 and 4 players can have a good time with this 30-minute game.
Players take on the role of Renaissance merchants aiming to gain more transport options, open shops, and buy gem mines – all for the prestige of the empire they have created. For those who earn enough cash in-game, a visit from a noble dignitary might even occur, which means your prestige ranks even higher.
On every turn of play, you may do 1 of 3 actions: collect chips (gems), reserve a card, or buy and build a card. Collecting chips involves collecting 2 of a kind or 3 of different kinds. Reserving cards means you set aside a specific card you need to guarantee you’ll be able to get later on. Buying a card means you pay its price in gems and add it to your playing area.
Buying cards increases your wealth – giving you permanent gem bonuses later on. Some cards, instead, give you prestige points. Ultimately, whoever first gains 15 prestige points wins the game.
Village Pillage
Age: 10+ (Community 8+) Players: 2-5 Time: 20 minutes
The perfect game to bust boredom, Village Pillage works for kids as young as 8 according to the board game community, and lasts about 20 minutes for 2 to 5 players. The game involves some nutty characters and silly fun, with players protecting their borders, attacking their neighbors, and collecting turnip relics to win the game, often playing against a friend.
Simultaneous play helps keep the pace going on Village Pillage, with players each taking actions at any front of their choosing. During each turn, players simultaneously choose 2 cards from their hands and play one against each neighbor. All the cards being played are revealed at once, and resolve in this order: farmers, walls, raiders, and merchants. Farmers produce the turnips, while walls block raiders from breaking in. Raiders steal turnips, and merchants either add new cards to a player’s hand or help them purchase a turnip relic. All cards then return to the hands, and the next round of play begins. The game ends whenever one player is able to gain 3 turnip relics.
Flamme Rouge
Age: 8+ Players: 2-4 Time: 30-45 minutes
A game for players aged 8 and up, running between 30 and 45 minutes, Flamme Rouge gives that boring afternoon an exciting thrill with cyclists racing against the clock to beat each other as leaders in the sport. But it’s not just racing – it’s skillful use of turns and positioning to score points and ultimately win.
The fast-paced, strategic bicycle racing game pits players against each other, each in control of a team of two riders: a Sprinteur and a Rouleur. Players must move their riders along the race course by drawing and playing cards from the specific deck assigned to each rider. Players must watch their opponents’ moves carefully to anticipate their strategies and make informed decisions. This depletes the deck and means that the riders can only use the skills allotted to them before they run out of steam. So choose your riding actions wisely! Ultimately, as most races go, whoever crosses the finish line first wins the title.
Hive
Age: 9+ (Community 8+) Players: 2 Time: 20 minutes
For a competition between 2, grab a game of Hive to blast the boredom. The strategic game doesn’t use a board but rather can be played on any flat surface you’ve got available. Players must draw upon their strategic thinking to outmaneuver their opponent and surround the queen. (This makes it particularly perfect for travel!) Hive has 22 pieces, with 11 black and 11 white, each resembling a variety of creatures who move uniquely across the gameplay surface. As pieces are placed, the pattern forms and becomes this playing surface (that is, the pieces themselves are the playing board). Pieces aren’t eliminated during the game, though, and the goal is to surround your opponent’s queen while blocking them from surrounding yours. Whichever player first manages to surround the opponent’s queen wins the game.
Online Games to Play When Bored
Fun and Engaging Online Games
When you’re looking to alleviate boredom, online games can be a fantastic option. They offer a wide range of experiences, from solo adventures to multiplayer interactions, all accessible from your computer, phone, or tablet. Here are some popular online games that are sure to keep you entertained:
Fortnite: Dive into this multiplayer battle royale game where you can team up with friends or go solo to be the last one standing. The vibrant world and constant updates keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.
Minecraft: Explore endless worlds and build anything you can imagine. Whether you’re gathering resources to survive or creating intricate structures, Minecraft offers endless possibilities for fun.
Tetris: This classic puzzle game challenges you to fit falling blocks into complete lines. It’s simple yet addictive, making it a perfect game to play when you need a quick mental break.
Candy Crush: Match colorful candies to complete levels and progress through the game. Its easy-to-learn mechanics and increasing difficulty make it a fun and engaging way to pass the time.
Clash of Clans: Build your village, train your troops, and battle other players in this strategy game. Gathering resources and planning your attacks require both patience and skill.
Game of War: Another strategy game where you build an empire, train armies, and engage in epic battles. The social aspect of forming alliances adds an extra layer of excitement.
Roblox: A platform that allows you to create and play games made by other users. The variety of games and the ability to explore different virtual worlds make Roblox a unique and fun experience.
Second Life: Immerse yourself in a virtual world where you can create an avatar, explore, and interact with other players. It’s a great way to escape reality and embark on new adventures.
Online games can be played solo or with friends, making them a versatile option for fun. Many of these games are free to play, so you can enjoy them without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking to compete, create, or simply relax, there’s an online game out there for you.
Mobile Games to Play When Bored
Brain Teasers and Puzzles to Play When Bored
Crossword Puzzles and Other Brain Teasers
If you’re looking to challenge your mind and have fun at the same time, brain teasers and puzzles are the way to go. These games not only help alleviate boredom but also improve cognitive function and memory. Here are some popular brain teasers and puzzles to try:
Crossword Puzzles: Fill in the blanks with the correct words to complete the grid. Crossword puzzles are a great way to expand your vocabulary and keep your brain sharp.
Sudoku: Place numbers in a 9×9 grid so that each row, column, and 3×3 section contains all the digits from 1 to 9. This number puzzle is both challenging and satisfying to solve.
Logic Puzzles: Solve problems using reasoning and deduction. These puzzles come in various forms, from grid-based puzzles to riddles, and they provide a great mental workout.
Word Searches: Find and circle words hidden in a grid of letters. Word searches are a fun way to improve your word recognition skills and pass the time.
Jigsaw Puzzles: Piece together a picture from individual puzzle pieces. Jigsaw puzzles are relaxing and can be a great way to unwind while keeping your mind engaged.
Brain Training Apps: Apps like Lumosity and Peak offer a variety of games designed to improve different cognitive skills, from memory to problem-solving.
Many of these brain teasers and puzzles are available online or as mobile apps, making them easy to access and play whenever you have a few spare moments. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or simply relax, these puzzles are a fun and engaging way to pass the time.
Conclusion
Ready to bust the blahs with a collection of games to play when bored? If so, you’ve definitely found a great selection of 10 games for your enjoyment. From quick 15-20 minute games to the longer 45-60 minute options, your bored crew is bound to liven up and stop complaining about the “mehness” of it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some fun board games to play when bored?
The article highlights several board games that are perfect for alleviating boredom, including Fireball Island: The Curse of Vul-Kar, King of Tokyo, and My Little Scythe. These games provide engaging adventures, strategic challenges, and fun for players of various ages.
2. Are there any online games that can help me pass the time when I’m bored?
Yes, the article mentions multiple online games such as Fortnite, Minecraft, and Candy Crush. These games offer diverse experiences, from battle royales to creative building and addictive puzzles, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
3. How can brain teasers and puzzles be beneficial when I’m bored?
Brain teasers and puzzles like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and logic puzzles not only help alleviate boredom but also improve cognitive function and memory. They provide a mental workout while keeping things fun and engaging.
4. Can mobile games be a good option when I’m bored?
Absolutely! The article suggests that mobile games are a versatile option for fun, as they can be played solo or with friends. They are often free to play and provide various experiences, from competitive to creative gameplay.
5. What are some quick games to play when I don’t have much time?
For those short on time, the article recommends games like Monopoly Deal and Can’t Stop, which are quick to set up and play. These games offer fast-paced fun and are perfect for a quick break from boredom.