In today’s multitasking world, many of us find pleasure in juggling our favorite activities. For gamers, this often means diving into gambling video games while watching TV. Whether you’re catching up on a beloved series or enjoying a movie marathon, some games are perfect for this mix. These video games usually demand less intense focus, allowing you to enjoy both the gameplay and the show at the same time. Below, we’ve put together a list of 15 best video games to play while watching TV, each one offering a unique blend of entertainment and relaxation.
Best Video Games to Play While Watching TV
1. Stardew Valley
With its delightful pixel art and calming gameplay, “Stardew Valley” is a fantastic game to enjoy while watching TV. The farming, fishing, and crafting elements are engaging yet relaxed, so you can easily divide your focus. Whether you’re caring for your crops or delving into the mines, the soothing music and straightforward controls make it a perfect companion for your favorite shows.
Stardew Valley on stardewvalley.net
2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
“Animal Crossing: New Horizons” is another excellent choice for those who like to multitask. The real-time mechanics and easygoing pace allow you to manage your island while still enjoying your programs. Whether you’re decorating your house, chatting with villagers, or catching bugs, these activities don’t demand intense concentration, making it a lovely way to relax.
3. The Sims 4
When it comes to life simulation games, “The Sims 4” ranks high as one of the best options for playing during your TV time. You can design and manage your Sims’ lives, build their homes, and explore different careers without having to focus too intently. The game’s open-ended nature allows for a relaxed style of play, enabling you to soak up the ups and downs of your Sims’ stories right alongside your favorite shows.
4. Minecraft
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“Minecraft” is full of opportunities for creativity and adventure, making it a great game to enjoy while you’ve got the TV on. Whether you’re constructing complex systems, gathering resources, or wandering through vast landscapes, the game’s blocky environment is both charming and welcoming. With its straightforward mechanics and repetitive tasks, it’s incredibly easy to play in a laid-back way.
5. Pokémon Sword and Shield
For die-hard Pokémon fans, “Pokémon Sword and Shield” strikes a great balance between adventure and relaxation. The turn-based battles and exploration keep things exciting without being too stressful, letting you dive into the excitement of catching and training Pokémon while still keeping up with your favorite shows.
Pokémon Sword and Shield on swordshield
6. Tetris Effect
“Tetris Effect” merges the classic puzzle gameplay of Tetris with stunning visuals and an enchanting soundtrack, making it one of the best video games to enjoy while watching TV. Its calming feel makes it a fantastic choice for multitasking. The familiar Tetris mechanics let you play almost on autopilot, so you can fully enjoy both the game and your favorite shows.
7. Two Point Hospital
“Two Point Hospital” is a hilarious and engaging simulation game where you get to run a clinic. Its lighthearted vibe and easy-to-understand mechanics make it perfect for multitasking. You’ll be designing hospital layouts, treating quirky illnesses, and managing your staff—all while keeping an eye on the TV, turning the whole experience into a fun and entertaining adventure.
Two Point Hospital on steampowered
8. Cookie Clicker
If you enjoy idle games, “Cookie Clicker” is an excellent choice. Its simple concept of clicking to earn cookies and upgrading your production facilities is both addictive and low-maintenance. You can easily play “Cookie Clicker” in the background while watching TV, making it the perfect companion for binge-watching sessions.
Cookie Clicker on orteil.dashnet.org
9. Slime Rancher
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“Slime Rancher” is a delightful and vibrant game, ideal for those moments when you want to enjoy some TV. In this game, you’ll manage a ranch filled with cute slimes. The fun pace and easy-to-grasp mechanics make it perfect for multitasking. Collecting slimes, exploring the landscape, and taking care of your ranch are all activities you can tackle at your own speed, providing a relaxing gaming experience.
10. Euro Truck Simulator 2
If you’re into simulation games, “Euro Truck Simulator 2” offers a truly unique and enjoyable experience. In this game, you’ll be driving trucks all over Europe, delivering shipments and managing your trucking business. The long drives and beautiful scenery make it perfect for playing while you watch TV, giving you a chill and immersive vibe.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 on eurotrucksimulator2
11. Civilization VI
“Civilization VI” is a turn-based strategy game that lets you build and manage your own empire. The turn-based gameplay allows you to take your time with every decision, making it a great option for those who like to watch TV while they play. Whether you’re expanding your land, negotiating with other civilizations, or managing your resources, the game’s depth and intricacy offer endless entertainment.
Civilization VI on Civilization
12. Planet Zoo
“Planet Zoo” is a simulation game that lets you build and manage a zoo, making it one of the best video games to play while watching TV. The game’s focus on animal care and park management is engaging without being too overwhelming, letting you create a successful zoo while you chill with the TV on. The stunning visuals and delightful soundtrack really enhance the overall experience.
13. House Flipper
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“House Flipper” is a simulation game where you can buy, renovate, and sell homes. Its reliable mechanics and repetitive tasks make it great for a little gaming while you watch TV. You can clean, paint, and redecorate at your own pace, providing a satisfying and chill gaming experience.
House Flipper on houseflippergame
14. Cities: Skylines
“Cities: Skylines” is a city-building simulation game that lets you create and oversee your own town. The game’s open-ended design and focus on management make it perfect for multitasking. You can plan city layouts, manage resources, and tackle challenges all while enjoying some TV time, which makes for a rewarding and engaging experience.
15. Factorio
“Factorio” is a pretty complex and addictive game where you construct and oversee automated factories. Its intricate mechanics and strategic planning make it a great pick for playing while catching up on your favorite shows. You can set up production lines, manage resources, and optimize operations at your own pace, creating a thoroughly enjoyable gaming experience.
Conclusion
Mixing the fun of gaming with the relaxation of TV watching can be a fantastic way to unwind. From the charming world of “Stardew Valley” to the strategic depth of “Civilization VI,” these top games to enjoy while watching TV strike the perfect balance between entertainment and relaxation. Whether you’re managing a farm, building a town, or exploring a virtual landscape, these games provide endless fun while you keep up with what’s on your screen.
Are there any video games that are specifically designed to be played while watching TV?
While there aren’t many games specifically designed for this purpose, many simulation and idle games are well-suited for multitasking. Games like “Cookie Clicker” and “House Flipper” have simple mechanics and repetitive tasks that make them ideal for playing while watching TV.
What are some tips for effectively multitasking between playing video games and watching TV?
To effectively multitask, choose games that don’t require intense focus or quick reflexes. Simulation, idle, and turn-based strategy games are great options. Additionally, consider using a second screen or playing on a handheld device like the Nintendo Switch to make it easier to switch your attention between the game and the TV.
Can playing video games while watching TV affect my gaming performance?
It can, depending on the type of game you’re playing. Games that require quick reflexes or intense concentration may suffer if you’re dividing your attention. However, for more relaxed and low-pressure games, multitasking can be a fun and enjoyable way to unwind.
