Before reading:
If you have severe ME/CFS then do not game. All games will be unhealthy for you, I'm sorry. This list is best for people with Mild-Moderate ME/CFS. Meaning, might have 4+ hours of usable light energy per day, but need to stay restful most of the time or you'll be back in bed recovering. I'm in the mild-moderate category. I tend to have 3-6 hours of usable energy most days, and that's my perspective on this list.
ME/CFS means really low energy, meaning it can be hard to do enjoyable things. Video games CAN be a great way to feel like I'm accomplishing things, even when it's hard to get out of bed. They can help me feel like I'm living without leaving my bed. The best part about video games is that they activate my brain when I'm physically tired, and even when I have brain fog the right game can help me pass the time. They do reduce boredom, and they can make me feel like I'm still smart (even when my brain is mush.) They can also be a great way to experience a story in a more active way than watching TV, and with less complications than attempting to comprehend books.
The trouble is, many video games require so much energy that they'll cause me to crash. I absolutely must avoid heavy action games and timed games. (I was good at action games before I got sick...) They drain me and I have to recover from playing them, which is the opposite of why I play them. I play them to keep my brain occupied while I'm recovering from real life exertion.
So I want to share PC games that have been great for me to play, and many of these will play well on a laptop in bed. I'm choosing to focus on PC because most of the games I'm recommending can be played on a newer laptop, which you're more likely to already own. Also, it's a lot easier to make slow-paced PC games vs console games. There are loads of games that require only a mouse. Console games usually need to focus on action, and I'm avoiding action games in this blog.
I buy my games on both Steam and GOG (and GOG is fantastic for budget gamers.) I'm not going to deep-dive into the games, just give highlights. You can go to Steam or GOG to explore them further if you're interested. I just want to show you games I've personally played that are worth considering if you need something to do to pass the time.
A little more on GOG.com: They focus on selling older classic PC games at really reasonable prices. You can always find some great classic game for less than $5 there, so if you're interested in trying PC games to help you manage your time feeling sick and tired in bed with this illness, then this is the most affordable site to buy your games from. Also, the great thing about playing older games is that they don't have high demands on computing power. Older and cheaper laptops can play many games on GOG.
Heroes of Might and Magic 3 (NOT the HD edition)
Stress level: None
Features:
- Probably any laptop or computer can play it
- Only need a mouse
- Turn-based strategy, full of easy exploration and low-key city management.
- Nothing is timed or urgent, so play at your own pace. You can easily take breaks at any time.
- Highly rewarding gameplay. Features lots of small and large victories to feel good about.
- Visually easy. No stimulating graphics or sensory issues.
- Extremely repayable, with an initial low-moderate learning curve.
- Satisfying to play even when you're playing poorly and you will lose the game.
Cons:
- It has the potential to be difficult
This 1997 game is old school, but the gameplay is timeless, like chess. The most important part of this game for me is the Random Map feature, which is not included in the HD edition. In fact, I exclusively play the random maps these days. All the other games in the series do not have good Random Map gameplay - it's unique to this game. They're all good games if you want to play campaigns, but they can be really hard and frustrating if you're not mentally sharp.
Dorf Romantik
Stress level: None
Features:
- It's a newer game, but most laptops and PCs should be able play it
- Only need a mouse
- Very easy to learn and play
- Simple jigsaw-like puzzle that is possible while feeling brain-dead
- Visually pleasing, so you can see your choices create something beautiful
- Creative, with different modes depending on your mood
- Endlessly replayable!
- Designed to be an anti-anxiety game with very calming music
- Very little to focus on. Not much to remember as you play.
Cons:
- Those with OCD might get very very aggravated, even angry, by the mismatched pieces you're forced to use.
Sometimes I find this game a little too mindless, so I avoid it when I'm feeling a little stronger. It's awesome to play when I'm feeling anxious. It's incredible how calming it is! It's also really satisfying and I can easily play it for hours when I'm exhausted.
Monument Valley
Stress level: None
Features:
- It's a newer game, but probably most laptops can play it
- Only need a mouse
- Low learning curve, most puzzles are not too difficult
- Visually fascinating, but not too stimulating.
- Anti-anxiety, but also interesting and engaging
- A low-key emotional expression of sad feelings visualized in a puzzle game
Cons:
- It can be so relaxing that it makes me sleepy, then suddenly I find myself in a challenging puzzle and can't move forward without waking up a little.
- Rare puzzles that require some timing, but they're not difficult and don't induce adrenaline.
- Not meant to be replayed, once you beat the puzzles you probably won't want to again
I think it's a beautiful and captivating game, but certainly feels dreamy. It will not help me wake up. And if you need to stay restful with the ability to fall asleep, that's a helpful thing.
Point-and-click adventure games (genre)
Games include: The Longet Journey, Monkey Island series, Chains of Satinav and Memoria, Syberia series, Broken Sword series, The Grim Fandago, Atlantis, Mysterious Island, Myst, Riven
Stress level: None (Usually - occasional exceptions of low stress)
Pros:
- Most of these games are older and most laptops could play them (a couple newer games will require specific graphic requirements that might be too much for a laptop)
- No combat
- Play only with a mouse (usually)
- Play at your own pace and pause whenever you want
- Voice acting, not a lot of reading for a story-rich game
- Easy to find solutions to hard puzzles online, so you don't need to get stuck
- Very easy learning curve
- Basically just a visual novel where you need to solve puzzles to advance the story
Cons:
- Pretty much none, except for the occasional game including one or two abnormal things like controlling a car with your keyboard or making you do a simple/ easy timed task.
- Not repayable, unless you want to relive the story all over again, so once you're done you're done
This genre of games is honestly the best for people with ME who need something creative and interesting to engage with. They usually have no stress of taking action or doing something timed (Monkey Island has one or two quick things, but they're not stressful to do.) There is no combat. They're just visual novels in which you control a character as the story progresses by solving puzzles. They also are played with only a mouse, so you can keep your arms in a restful position while playing.
Fans of stories, who maybe can't comprehend a book well, would enjoy these games. They're very visual and allow you take all the time you need to understand what you're looking at. They move slower than a movie because they move at your own pace.
I will note that some newer point-and-click adventure games, such as the two newest entries in the Syberia series, require a keyboard and mouse to control. Many people were unhappy with the change, because they wanted a point-and-click style like the previous games. That said, it takes a little more energy and coordination to play them, but they still have all the benefits of a slow story-driven puzzle game.
House Flipper
Stress level: None to Low, but with potential frustrations
Pros:
- Doesn't require high computer power, but older laptops might not handle it
- It's very easy
- Highly creative
- Rewarding and strong sense of accomplishment
- Low graphics, so not that stimulating
Cons:
- Although the game has a great concept, the gameplay is clucky
- Meant to be a creative experience, but the choices are too limited
- Simple game, but requires keyboard and mouse to play
It's a good concept of a game, and I did put many hours into it. It's a simulation in which you buy houses, then flip them. So you do things like clean, paint, tear down walls, build new walls, furnish homes, design spaces... it's really relaxing and fun, but I did get frustrated because I couldn't easily get measurements right and things wouldn't always align. I would have a vision for a space I created, but couldn't find furniture that fit the space properly. But if you're feeling a little like I often feel (blah, just need something to do where my actions don't matter much) then this game is a good way to pass the time. If you try to be a perfectionist it will drive you crazy in some points.
Turn-based tactics games: Expeditions: Conquistadors & Vikings and Divinity: Original Sin 1 & 2
Stress level: Low for experienced gamers, learning curve could initially cause medium to high stress for newer gamers
Pros:
- A lot of fun and reward for relaxed and slow game play
- Turn-based, so you can play slowly at your own pace and think
- Rich stories and characters, with voice acting to help you (as opposed to only reading)
- The difficulty isn't stressful, but instead mentally engaging
- Full of adventure to get your mind off reality and feel like you're living
- Best for experienced gamers needing a challenge without adrenaline
- Although these aren't meant to be replayed, they are fun to play a 2nd time
Cons:
- Will need a more powerful laptop or a good desktop PC to play
- Higher learning curve, and not as brain-fog friendly, but fun when you're just tired
- Come with some challenging puzzles
ME/CFS means really low energy, meaning it can be hard to do enjoyable things. Video games CAN be a great way to feel like I'm accomplishing things, even when it's hard to get out of bed. They can help me feel like I'm living without leaving my bed. The best part about video games is that they activate my brain when I'm physically tired, and even when I have brain fog the right game can help me pass the time. They do reduce boredom, and they can make me feel like I'm still smart (even when my brain is mush.) They can also be a great way to experience a story in a more active way than watching TV, and with less complications than attempting to comprehend books.
The trouble is, many video games require so much energy that they'll cause me to crash. I absolutely must avoid heavy action games and timed games. (I was good at action games before I got sick...) They drain me and I have to recover from playing them, which is the opposite of why I play them. I play them to keep my brain occupied while I'm recovering from real life exertion.
So I want to share PC games that have been great for me to play, and many of these will play well on a laptop in bed. I'm choosing to focus on PC because most of the games I'm recommending can be played on a newer laptop, which you're more likely to already own. Also, it's a lot easier to make slow-paced PC games vs console games. There are loads of games that require only a mouse. Console games usually need to focus on action, and I'm avoiding action games in this blog.
I buy my games on both Steam and GOG (and GOG is fantastic for budget gamers.) I'm not going to deep-dive into the games, just give highlights. You can go to Steam or GOG to explore them further if you're interested. I just want to show you games I've personally played that are worth considering if you need something to do to pass the time.
A little more on GOG.com: They focus on selling older classic PC games at really reasonable prices. You can always find some great classic game for less than $5 there, so if you're interested in trying PC games to help you manage your time feeling sick and tired in bed with this illness, then this is the most affordable site to buy your games from. Also, the great thing about playing older games is that they don't have high demands on computing power. Older and cheaper laptops can play many games on GOG.
Heroes of Might and Magic 3 (NOT the HD edition)
Stress level: None
Features:
- Probably any laptop or computer can play it
- Only need a mouse
- Turn-based strategy, full of easy exploration and low-key city management.
- Nothing is timed or urgent, so play at your own pace. You can easily take breaks at any time.
- Highly rewarding gameplay. Features lots of small and large victories to feel good about.
- Visually easy. No stimulating graphics or sensory issues.
- Extremely repayable, with an initial low-moderate learning curve.
- Satisfying to play even when you're playing poorly and you will lose the game.
Cons:
- It has the potential to be difficult
This 1997 game is old school, but the gameplay is timeless, like chess. The most important part of this game for me is the Random Map feature, which is not included in the HD edition. In fact, I exclusively play the random maps these days. All the other games in the series do not have good Random Map gameplay - it's unique to this game. They're all good games if you want to play campaigns, but they can be really hard and frustrating if you're not mentally sharp.
Dorf Romantik
Stress level: None
Features:
- It's a newer game, but most laptops and PCs should be able play it
- Only need a mouse
- Very easy to learn and play
- Simple jigsaw-like puzzle that is possible while feeling brain-dead
- Visually pleasing, so you can see your choices create something beautiful
- Creative, with different modes depending on your mood
- Endlessly replayable!
- Designed to be an anti-anxiety game with very calming music
- Very little to focus on. Not much to remember as you play.
Cons:
- Those with OCD might get very very aggravated, even angry, by the mismatched pieces you're forced to use.
Sometimes I find this game a little too mindless, so I avoid it when I'm feeling a little stronger. It's awesome to play when I'm feeling anxious. It's incredible how calming it is! It's also really satisfying and I can easily play it for hours when I'm exhausted.
Monument Valley
Stress level: None
Features:
- It's a newer game, but probably most laptops can play it
- Only need a mouse
- Low learning curve, most puzzles are not too difficult
- Visually fascinating, but not too stimulating.
- Anti-anxiety, but also interesting and engaging
- A low-key emotional expression of sad feelings visualized in a puzzle game
Cons:
- It can be so relaxing that it makes me sleepy, then suddenly I find myself in a challenging puzzle and can't move forward without waking up a little.
- Rare puzzles that require some timing, but they're not difficult and don't induce adrenaline.
- Not meant to be replayed, once you beat the puzzles you probably won't want to again
I think it's a beautiful and captivating game, but certainly feels dreamy. It will not help me wake up. And if you need to stay restful with the ability to fall asleep, that's a helpful thing.
Point-and-click adventure games (genre)
Games include: The Longet Journey, Monkey Island series, Chains of Satinav and Memoria, Syberia series, Broken Sword series, The Grim Fandago, Atlantis, Mysterious Island, Myst, Riven
Stress level: None (Usually - occasional exceptions of low stress)
 |
| The Longest Journey - from 1999, but the incredible story makes up for the old graphics |
 |
| Chains of Satinav |
Pros:
- Most of these games are older and most laptops could play them (a couple newer games will require specific graphic requirements that might be too much for a laptop)
- No combat
- Play only with a mouse (usually)
- Play at your own pace and pause whenever you want
- Voice acting, not a lot of reading for a story-rich game
- Easy to find solutions to hard puzzles online, so you don't need to get stuck
- Very easy learning curve
- Basically just a visual novel where you need to solve puzzles to advance the story
Cons:
- Pretty much none, except for the occasional game including one or two abnormal things like controlling a car with your keyboard or making you do a simple/ easy timed task.
- Not repayable, unless you want to relive the story all over again, so once you're done you're done
This genre of games is honestly the best for people with ME who need something creative and interesting to engage with. They usually have no stress of taking action or doing something timed (Monkey Island has one or two quick things, but they're not stressful to do.) There is no combat. They're just visual novels in which you control a character as the story progresses by solving puzzles. They also are played with only a mouse, so you can keep your arms in a restful position while playing.
Fans of stories, who maybe can't comprehend a book well, would enjoy these games. They're very visual and allow you take all the time you need to understand what you're looking at. They move slower than a movie because they move at your own pace.
I will note that some newer point-and-click adventure games, such as the two newest entries in the Syberia series, require a keyboard and mouse to control. Many people were unhappy with the change, because they wanted a point-and-click style like the previous games. That said, it takes a little more energy and coordination to play them, but they still have all the benefits of a slow story-driven puzzle game.
House Flipper
Stress level: None to Low, but with potential frustrations
 |
| If you want to clean this up and make this room look pretty, then this game is for you |
Pros:
- Doesn't require high computer power, but older laptops might not handle it
- It's very easy
- Highly creative
- Rewarding and strong sense of accomplishment
- Low graphics, so not that stimulating
Cons:
- Although the game has a great concept, the gameplay is clucky
- Meant to be a creative experience, but the choices are too limited
- Simple game, but requires keyboard and mouse to play
It's a good concept of a game, and I did put many hours into it. It's a simulation in which you buy houses, then flip them. So you do things like clean, paint, tear down walls, build new walls, furnish homes, design spaces... it's really relaxing and fun, but I did get frustrated because I couldn't easily get measurements right and things wouldn't always align. I would have a vision for a space I created, but couldn't find furniture that fit the space properly. But if you're feeling a little like I often feel (blah, just need something to do where my actions don't matter much) then this game is a good way to pass the time. If you try to be a perfectionist it will drive you crazy in some points.
Turn-based tactics games: Expeditions: Conquistadors & Vikings and Divinity: Original Sin 1 & 2
Stress level: Low for experienced gamers, learning curve could initially cause medium to high stress for newer gamers
 |
| Expeditions: Vikings, during a battle |
 |
| Divinity: Original Sin 2, during battle |
Pros:
- A lot of fun and reward for relaxed and slow game play
- Turn-based, so you can play slowly at your own pace and think
- Rich stories and characters, with voice acting to help you (as opposed to only reading)
- The difficulty isn't stressful, but instead mentally engaging
- Full of adventure to get your mind off reality and feel like you're living
- Best for experienced gamers needing a challenge without adrenaline
- Although these aren't meant to be replayed, they are fun to play a 2nd time
Cons:
- Will need a more powerful laptop or a good desktop PC to play
- Higher learning curve, and not as brain-fog friendly, but fun when you're just tired
- Come with some challenging puzzles
- Visually rich with lots to look at, could be too stimulating for some
- Need a mouse and keyboard to play
- Moments of intensity, but not necessarily adrenaline-inducing
Warning:
- These games do feature some mature themes, especially in the Divinity Games. The Divinity games try to be comical and light hearted, so some mature jokes are thrown in.
These games are a lot of fun, especially because they don't create much stress to play them while having a lot to do and engage with. They feature a lot of combat, but it's all turn-based on a grid system. You can be slow and thoughtful, treating combat like a puzzle instead of an action sequence.
They're more engaging than most other types of games on this blog, though, so be aware that they might come across as overwhelming. Experienced gamers won't feel so overwhelmed by them. Actually, they're good for experienced gamers craving that "hardcore" experience without getting drained by playing something actually "hardcore."
There are more games in this genre, but I haven't played them to be able to comment on them. Banner Saga and Xcom come to mind, but I really don't know if they're safe to suggest.
Maybe: CRPGs (genre)
Games include: Arcanum, Nox, Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale, Pillars of Eternity, Pathfinder, Tyranny, Temple of Elemental Evil, Torment... (Many of these, but not all, are Dungeons and Dragons games.)
Stress level: Low to Medium due to combat (can control the difficulty settlings.)
Pros:
- The older games should run well on a decent laptop
- Pause-system for combat
- Play mostly with the mouse, keyboard requirements are easy
- Good for experienced gamers who need something more engaging
- Rich worlds that help you escape reality and feel accomplished
- Can adjust game settings for an easy to difficult gaming experience (they allow for players who just want to enjoy the world and don't want the stress of hard gameplay)
Cons:
- The newer games will have more demanding computer requirements
- Pause-system for combat is a little more taxing than turn-based
- There's a medium learning curve for this genre, but once you learn how they work the learning curve is fairly low for most games in the genre.
- Not a good entry point for new gamers
- Tend to be rich in combat, which is fun for some, and stressful for others
- Tends to be a lot of reading, even when there is voice acting
Warning:
- These games tend to have a mature rating and can feature the violence and brutality of war, but Torment and Tyranny feature the most that I have seen.
These are story-based role playing games that play out in real time, but allow you to pause at all times. Nothing is timed, but you do have to be sharp enough to pay attention to when to pause to give your characters instructions. Some games will let you program when the game auto-pauses for you, which makes it a lot easier to manage. When I'm feeling mentally sharp enough I really enjoy this type of game because I find them engaging and interesting, and the action management is simple enough (but I understand how the games work.) The stories, the choices you have to make, and the exploration of worlds is a great escape for me. These games never feel tedious or too much for me - but I also understand them. These games would be hard to learn if you're mentally tired or full of brain fog, but that's why I suggested games like Dorf Romantik first, because you can play that in any mental state.
They are typically isometric, meaning a top-down view on the world and characters. I like this because it helps me feel in control instead of in sensory overload. That said, these games are designed for more advanced types of gamers, but you can play them on easy modes.
These games do, however, require a lot of reading. A LOT. And comprehending what you read is important because you do have to make choices based on what you read, and choices do have consequences in these games. So these games are good when you have enough mental energy for a story and challenging quests, but need to let your body rest.
I struggle with the reading element... I enjoy reading, and the stories in these games are really rich and you're never going to feel it wasn't worth reading anything. But, sometimes, I read and read and read and still don't fully understand what I just read. This is why I struggle with books too. Focusing on the visual things to do is way easier for me. Thankfully, you can get through these games without reading everything. The most important dialogue has voice acting to listen to instead.
Note: I really didn't like Pathfinder. It had a lot of potential, but it has a horrible kingdom management system that actually caused me to lose the game without doing anything wrong. Other people loved it though, so I won't say much more.
Note: Baldur's Gate 2 is one of my favorite games of all time.
Note: Arcanum is old and a little clunky, but I've played it 3 times over the years. It's a gem. Really rewarding experience.
Note: I'm currently playing Tyranny after it went on sale on GOG for $10. I'm surprised by how much fun it is to play an evil character in this game. I almost always play a good character in these games, but honestly... I'm laughing at how much fun it is to be evil in this game. It doesn't take itself too seriously. So far the game mechanics are easy - there's less to micromanage than similar games of this genre.
Note: I strongly recommend against the game "Age of Decadence." You will probably see it suggested if you search this genre of games. It's strictly meant for hardcore gamers - NOT for people like us who have to battle feeling fatigued while we play. I played 1 hour of it and hated it. I had no tolerance for that level of difficulty.
Games I Don't Recommend for ME/CFS, even though they seem like they might be good:
(But if you know yourself well enough to know you can tolerate some adrenaline and action sometimes, then you might enjoy these games, because they're still much lower action than most games on consoles.)
- JRPGS like Final Fantasy, Octopath Traveler, YS, Tales Of..., etc.
While these games actually could be fine for people with only mild to moderate ME/CFS, I don't want to recommend something with action sequences, timed events, or adrenaline-inducing sequences. Even though they tend to feature turn-based combat and mostly calm experiences, there's still a lot of fast-paced action involved.
- First Person Perspective RPGS like Elderscrolls Games (Skyrim)
While there are plenty of low-stress and relaxing things to do in these games, and they're a lot of fun, they have too much action. Sometimes the action isn't hard, but there are always moments of intensity that will cause adrenaline rushes. The problem is that games like Skyrim start out difficult, but it doesn't take long before they're easy to play... and once you reach that point it can be incredibly relaxing to wander around the world just enjoying interacting with it. The problem will always be that combat is in first-person and in real-time, which automatically triggers some level of an adrenaline response.
- Real-time isometric strategy games like Age of Empires, Sim City, Anno, Warcraft, and the like.
While they seem relaxed because they focus on building cities.... they're not relaxed at all. There's always threats that requires you to be on high alert. This is bad for the nervous system of those with ME/CFS.
- King's Bounty. I hesitated on putting this on a "maybe" list, but you know what... no. Because the combat is turn-based and low stress, but exploring the world requires a fast response time and quick action. I found myself getting amped up to run away from fights that I knew I couldn't handle. But again, if you can handle some low-level of adrenaline in games, then this would probably work for you.
Games that are probably great that I haven't played:
- Need a mouse and keyboard to play
- Moments of intensity, but not necessarily adrenaline-inducing
Warning:
- These games do feature some mature themes, especially in the Divinity Games. The Divinity games try to be comical and light hearted, so some mature jokes are thrown in.
These games are a lot of fun, especially because they don't create much stress to play them while having a lot to do and engage with. They feature a lot of combat, but it's all turn-based on a grid system. You can be slow and thoughtful, treating combat like a puzzle instead of an action sequence.
They're more engaging than most other types of games on this blog, though, so be aware that they might come across as overwhelming. Experienced gamers won't feel so overwhelmed by them. Actually, they're good for experienced gamers craving that "hardcore" experience without getting drained by playing something actually "hardcore."
There are more games in this genre, but I haven't played them to be able to comment on them. Banner Saga and Xcom come to mind, but I really don't know if they're safe to suggest.
Maybe: CRPGs (genre)
Games include: Arcanum, Nox, Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale, Pillars of Eternity, Pathfinder, Tyranny, Temple of Elemental Evil, Torment... (Many of these, but not all, are Dungeons and Dragons games.)
Stress level: Low to Medium due to combat (can control the difficulty settlings.)
 |
| Tyranny - A game in which you have to play an evil villain, and it's fun |
 |
| Pillars of Eternity 2 |
Pros:
- The older games should run well on a decent laptop
- Pause-system for combat
- Play mostly with the mouse, keyboard requirements are easy
- Good for experienced gamers who need something more engaging
- Rich worlds that help you escape reality and feel accomplished
- Can adjust game settings for an easy to difficult gaming experience (they allow for players who just want to enjoy the world and don't want the stress of hard gameplay)
Cons:
- The newer games will have more demanding computer requirements
- Pause-system for combat is a little more taxing than turn-based
- There's a medium learning curve for this genre, but once you learn how they work the learning curve is fairly low for most games in the genre.
- Not a good entry point for new gamers
- Tend to be rich in combat, which is fun for some, and stressful for others
- Tends to be a lot of reading, even when there is voice acting
Warning:
- These games tend to have a mature rating and can feature the violence and brutality of war, but Torment and Tyranny feature the most that I have seen.
These are story-based role playing games that play out in real time, but allow you to pause at all times. Nothing is timed, but you do have to be sharp enough to pay attention to when to pause to give your characters instructions. Some games will let you program when the game auto-pauses for you, which makes it a lot easier to manage. When I'm feeling mentally sharp enough I really enjoy this type of game because I find them engaging and interesting, and the action management is simple enough (but I understand how the games work.) The stories, the choices you have to make, and the exploration of worlds is a great escape for me. These games never feel tedious or too much for me - but I also understand them. These games would be hard to learn if you're mentally tired or full of brain fog, but that's why I suggested games like Dorf Romantik first, because you can play that in any mental state.
They are typically isometric, meaning a top-down view on the world and characters. I like this because it helps me feel in control instead of in sensory overload. That said, these games are designed for more advanced types of gamers, but you can play them on easy modes.
These games do, however, require a lot of reading. A LOT. And comprehending what you read is important because you do have to make choices based on what you read, and choices do have consequences in these games. So these games are good when you have enough mental energy for a story and challenging quests, but need to let your body rest.
I struggle with the reading element... I enjoy reading, and the stories in these games are really rich and you're never going to feel it wasn't worth reading anything. But, sometimes, I read and read and read and still don't fully understand what I just read. This is why I struggle with books too. Focusing on the visual things to do is way easier for me. Thankfully, you can get through these games without reading everything. The most important dialogue has voice acting to listen to instead.
Note: I really didn't like Pathfinder. It had a lot of potential, but it has a horrible kingdom management system that actually caused me to lose the game without doing anything wrong. Other people loved it though, so I won't say much more.
Note: Baldur's Gate 2 is one of my favorite games of all time.
Note: Arcanum is old and a little clunky, but I've played it 3 times over the years. It's a gem. Really rewarding experience.
Note: I'm currently playing Tyranny after it went on sale on GOG for $10. I'm surprised by how much fun it is to play an evil character in this game. I almost always play a good character in these games, but honestly... I'm laughing at how much fun it is to be evil in this game. It doesn't take itself too seriously. So far the game mechanics are easy - there's less to micromanage than similar games of this genre.
Note: I strongly recommend against the game "Age of Decadence." You will probably see it suggested if you search this genre of games. It's strictly meant for hardcore gamers - NOT for people like us who have to battle feeling fatigued while we play. I played 1 hour of it and hated it. I had no tolerance for that level of difficulty.
(But if you know yourself well enough to know you can tolerate some adrenaline and action sometimes, then you might enjoy these games, because they're still much lower action than most games on consoles.)
- JRPGS like Final Fantasy, Octopath Traveler, YS, Tales Of..., etc.
While these games actually could be fine for people with only mild to moderate ME/CFS, I don't want to recommend something with action sequences, timed events, or adrenaline-inducing sequences. Even though they tend to feature turn-based combat and mostly calm experiences, there's still a lot of fast-paced action involved.
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| Octopath Traveler - I really adore this game! |
While there are plenty of low-stress and relaxing things to do in these games, and they're a lot of fun, they have too much action. Sometimes the action isn't hard, but there are always moments of intensity that will cause adrenaline rushes. The problem is that games like Skyrim start out difficult, but it doesn't take long before they're easy to play... and once you reach that point it can be incredibly relaxing to wander around the world just enjoying interacting with it. The problem will always be that combat is in first-person and in real-time, which automatically triggers some level of an adrenaline response.
- Real-time isometric strategy games like Age of Empires, Sim City, Anno, Warcraft, and the like.
While they seem relaxed because they focus on building cities.... they're not relaxed at all. There's always threats that requires you to be on high alert. This is bad for the nervous system of those with ME/CFS.
- King's Bounty. I hesitated on putting this on a "maybe" list, but you know what... no. Because the combat is turn-based and low stress, but exploring the world requires a fast response time and quick action. I found myself getting amped up to run away from fights that I knew I couldn't handle. But again, if you can handle some low-level of adrenaline in games, then this would probably work for you.
Games that are probably great that I haven't played:
- Farming simulators, like Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon.
- Terranil, which is a low-stress anti-anxiety like Dorfromantik
- Islanders, a low-stress creative puzzle game
- Terranil, which is a low-stress anti-anxiety like Dorfromantik
- Islanders, a low-stress creative puzzle game
- Civilization, Endless Legend, and other Hex-Grid games. I have briefly tried them, and couldn't get into them, but they are a low-stress style of gameplay.
- Fez, which is a no-combat action game without consequences. I own it, but haven't tried it yet.
Do you have suggestions? Please leave a comment below!
Coming up next... mobile and console games...
- Fez, which is a no-combat action game without consequences. I own it, but haven't tried it yet.
Do you have suggestions? Please leave a comment below!
Coming up next... mobile and console games...
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