Social Distancing Part 2: Two More Ways To Beat Boredom
Over 100 hours of fun with only two hobbies
Are you still at home looking for things to do?
Social distancing isn’t easy and most are desperate to pass the time doing something we can enjoy. Here are 2 new hobbies that can destroy boredom: Solo board games and writing!
Most board games are meant to be played with 2 or more players, but the games mentioned below were built with single-player mechanics in mind.
Then there’s writing which isn’t new to anyone on Medium. However, social distancing has given us more time to write creatively and get our thoughts on digital paper.
Try them out and let me know what you think!
Solo Board Games
During your quarantine, it might be difficult to include board games in your list of boredom beating activities. Monopoly and Sorry aren’t really games you can play on your own.
You might live alone at home or you’re living with people that aren’t too fond of board games. I know I’ve wanted to play for a while, but since the virus, it’s been impossible to play with friends for obvious safety reasons.
That’s when I realized that there are some board games designed to allow a single-player experience. Below is a list of the best board games I’ve found with solo mechanics.
These games are definitely more complex than your traditional family board game, but once you understand how they play, it will be worth it.
I’d suggest watching a video on YouTube to learn how to play and use the rulebook as a reference.
If you’re willing to learn, you can get weeks or even months of playtime out of a single board game.
1. Gloomhaven
Possibly one of the best board games I have ever played, Gloomhaven plays similar to a video game RPG.
There are several stories that branch off into other stories that expand the lore of the game and improve your character over time. You make game-changing choices that can actually affect how your story progresses. Your character gradually gets stronger and learns new skills that you can take on your next mission.
Plus, there is very little to no luck involved. You need to use strategy and planning in order to survive the gauntlet of enemies in your path. If you’re looking for a board game that can give you something new even after 100 hours of gameplay, then this is the game for you.
2. Mage Knight
Mage Knight is an RPG deck builder with a focus on exploration and conquest.
You play one of several Mage Knights questing on a randomly generated map with a goal based on a randomly selected scenario. Each round, which consists of a day and night cycle, you can explore the map to interact with locals, fight enemies, recruit soldiers, ransack villages, and more. You choose how you want to progress your character.
On the surface, Mage Knight looks similar to Gloomhaven. However, the focus is mainly on your character taking on new scenarios rather than a continuous storyline. With that said, this is still one of the best complex strategy games for solo players.
3. Eldritch Horror
Based on the stories of horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, Eldritch Horror is a cooperative role-playing game where you alone or a team of investigators journey across the globe to prevent the end of the world.
During your adventure, you will discover ancient objects, solve mysteries, and fight cosmic beings in various locations, all while avoiding madness and death. Every game is different from the next as you face new scenarios to prevent the rise of the elder gods.
Expect to put at least 6 hours into a single game and don’t be surprised if you lose. Eldritch Horror is not easy, but every attempt increases your desire to win.
Write!
We all have something to say.
Now that you have more time on your hands, go ahead and write something!
Write a short story, a blog, or a news article. If you have something on your mind, write about it and share it with the world.
Since I’ve had a lot more free time, I’ve started writing and posting blogs to Medium. I might not post frequently but I make sure to write at least 1 paragraph a day to make it a habit.
If you think writing could be a hobby you can get into, here are a few tips that may help you get started.
1. Write notes
Sometimes you might come up with ideas while you’re busy. An idea may generate while you’re playing video games or when you’re working or even when you’re showering.
Make sure to put those ideas into a notepad as soon as possible so you can write about it at a later date. Write notes whenever you can and you’ll be on your way to finishing your first draft.
2. Write in a comfortable location
Whatever you consider a comfortable location, whether it be indoors or outdoors, should be your writing spot. You may prefer writing at a desk, on a couch, or in your backyard.
I personally like to write on a little lap desk in my bedroom. It’s where I feel most comfortable writing.
The more pleasant the writing experience, the more likely you’ll write longer.
3. Write what you’re passionate about
If you love talking about movies, try writing a review.
If you enjoy traveling, write about your discoveries.
If you love knitting, write about the history or intricacies of your hobby.
Overall, don’t be afraid to write what you’re passionate about. Write about literally anything you want because everyone is a fan of something and will find your writing interesting.
Conclusion
There are plenty of new hobbies you can explore while in isolation.
The two listed are just some of the activities I personally enjoy and hope that others can as well.
Check out Part 1 of my blog here — Social Distancing: How To Beat Boredom
Have fun and stay safe!
