IF YOU NEED a break from The Office reruns, or you’re looking to fill the void now that WandaVision is over, check out these mobile video games we’ve rounded up below. They’re sure to distract you from all the bad news, at least temporarily.
Prefer to game on a larger screen? Check out our favorite console and PC games to play if you’re stuck inside. For passing the time passively, our list of what to watch while you’re stuck inside and our favorite geeky YouTube channels may help.
Updated March 2021: We added several new games.
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PHOTOGRAPH: TRU LUV
A Game Where You Stay in Bed
#SelfCareThis game is all about staying in bed. There’s no way to win, no clear objectives, and no timers or countdowns. #SelfCare encourages you to be gentle with yourself and mindful of your own mental state. Sweet reminders (there’s no rush) and bits of encouragement (the storm will pass) will leave you feeling peaceful after each session. Added bonus? Your laundry sorts itself with just a few taps. MyOasis (Android, iOS) is a similar game with a less overtly feminine design.
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PHOTOGRAPH: BLIZZARD
Play Your Cards Right
HearthstoneIf you’re looking to sling cards à la Magic the Gathering but prefer to use them in the Warcraft universe, Hearthstone (Android, iOS) is what you want. The game is easy to learn and tough to master. Weekly tavern brawls and solo game modes keep things feeling fresh. Fans of card games (or The Witcher) might also like Gwent.
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PHOTOGRAPH: ANNAPURNA PICTURES
Life Gets Better
FlorenceFlorence isn’t your typical game. It’s from the designers of Monument Valley, another one of our favorites, and it’s all about falling in—and out of—love. The narrative-driven game (Android, iOS) will only take you a couple of hours, but we’re betting it’ll be on your mind for much longer than that (especially its excellent soundtrack). We don’t want to get too detailed, in the interest of avoiding spoilers, but trust us when we say this one is worth your time. When you’re done, if you’re on iPhone or iPad, check out Journey. It’s another incredible title from the same publisher, Annapurna Interactive.
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PHOTOGRAPH: AMAZON
A Fixable Pandemic
Pandemic: The Board GameThis might feel a little too timely, but we’re still fans of Pandemic, which scales the much-loved board game down to a smartphone-sized package (Android, iOS). You can play alone or pass your smartphone around with two to four people for multiplayer action (just wash your hands after). It’s your goal to find cures for the new global pandemic. If that sounds interesting, you might also like Plague Inc., where your objective is pretty much the opposite.
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PHOTOGRAPH: FANDOM
Tap Tap Tap
AdVenture CapitalistIdle games are a blast because they don’t require a ton of critical thinking or hard work. AdVenture Capitalist (Android, iOS) is as easy as it is fun, and you can play it passively. Start with a single lemonade stand and work your way up to owning decillions of shrimp boats, all with just several taps. If capitalism isn’t your thing, you might want to check out AdVenture Communist (Android, iOS) instead. It has a similar play style, and both games have tongue-in-cheek humor that’ll make you chuckle. For an idle game with similar mechanics in a completely different package, I quite like Realm Grinder (Android, iOS).
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PHOTOGRAPH: CHERITZ
Call on Me
Mystic MessengerThere’s immersion, and then there’s Mystic Messenger (Android, iOS), an otome game where the characters chat, text, call, and email you. Over the course of 12 days, you’ll face plenty of romance, intrigue, and mystery. The multilayered story has multiple branches and endings as well. If you’re anything like the WIRED staff who’ve played it, you’ll find yourself thinking about the characters long after the game is over.
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PHOTOGRAPH: INKLE STUDIOS
Circumnavigate
80 DaysIt’s an oldie but a goodie. If you haven’t played 80 Days (Android, iOS), now’s the perfect time to do so. This strategy game gives you the quest to race around the world in 80 days or less. You’ll need to balance your health and finances, keep an eye on the time, and ensure that you don’t fall too far behind. The story is vast, and things will be a little different every time you play. There aren’t any in-app purchases either, which is quite refreshing.
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PHOTOGRAPH: LOÓNA
Fast Asleep
LoónaI tried this app after I saw it on Instagram and now I can’t live without it. Loóna (Android, iOS) uses science to help you fall asleep. It features guided meditation, coloring, peaceful music, and relaxing sounds, parceled out over 20-minute “Sleepscapes” that help get you in the right mindset to doze off. Blame it on “corona brain,” but I’ve been having a really tough time getting to bed, or focusing on anything at all. Loóna has put a stop to my insomnia-fueled doomscrolling. If you are struggling to fall asleep, I can’t recommend this highly enough. Wear headphones while using the app for the best experience.
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PHOTOGRAPH: RIOT GAMES
Think Fast
Teamfight TacticsAnother standout from Riot Games, this auto-battler has all the best aspects of free-to-play: Adorable cosmetics, rewards that actually feel rewarding, and zero pay-to-win features. It’s easy to play solo but you can also queue up with your pals. While particularly great for fans of the League of Legends universe, anyone looking for a change of pace from match-3s and trading cards should give Teamfight Tactics (Android, iOS) a shot. It’s one of the games I loved most in 2020, and I’m still playing.
Note: Riot Games’ CEO is facing allegations of gender discrimination, and many top executives have been hit with accusations of sexism and harassment.
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PHOTOGRAPH: DINOSAUR POLO CLUB
No Wi-Fi? No Problem
Mini MotorwaysMini Motorways (Steam, iOS) feels like it was designed to alleviate the specific ennui associated with being stuck on public transit without Wi-Fi or a cell signal. What better way to contemplate public transportation than to make sure tiny little shapes get to their intended destination? With sounds and music that would give your favorite meditation app a run for its subscription money, you’ll get to your destination more zen than when you left the house. Mini Motorways isn’t currently available on Android, but you can download its predecessor, Mini Metro. —Phuc Pham
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