The Covid-19 lockdowns have probably sent some of us into a distressing restlessness called cabin fever (I’m almost there, I think). While it is enticing to spend the lovely day outside with friends at the park or arcade - DON’T. Seriously.

Thankfully, there’s a bunch of video games that can help curb cabin fever while still providing the same kind of bonding you’d get with your friends and family as you would at the cinema, park or arcade.

Here’s our top ten picks:

Gangbeasts

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vailable on PC, Xbox One and Playstation 4, this game is the perfect way to kick up some rivalry between friends and loved ones. Up to four people can play this game at a time and the goal is to bash the opposing team until they die.

My personal favourite way is to grab and throw them into the meat grinder.

Overcooked

While many have recommended picking up cooking or baking during the Covid-19 lockdown, we all know that learning how to bake and cook always comes with one consequence: cleaning (urgh, who wants that?).

So, instead of running around the kitchen with your friends and family, why not have a cook-off in a game instead? This game supports up to four players (two players per team) and the team with the most points (dishes prepared) wins.

There is a catch, though. The opposing team can sabotage the other team. I’ve personally pushed my brother into a wall for burning my kitchen. Let’s see if any friendships can outlast this game!

Mortal Kombat 11

Sick and tired of being stuck indoors with the same people? Why not settle it with… trial by Kombat! I mean, Mortal Kombat.

A fighting game is the perfect way to vent out some anger and frustration while settling the score (in a not-in-real-life violent kind of way). If you’re extra mad at the person? The perfect finishing move is a great way to add some insult to injury. Just make sure you don’t actually throw hands after you play the game.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

If you’re a fan of fun racing games, this is the game for you. Known as one of the most popular party games, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has players racing to the finish line. However, unlike other racing games, you’re actually allowed to sabotage other players with power-ups!

If you’re feeling extra bored, why not spice up the game with some bets, dares and extra bragging rights for the winners!?

A Way Out

Maybe you don’t hate the person you’re stuck indoors with but you do want to beat the boredom with them. A Way Out is a great co-op game to play with a friend or loved one. The storyline is very interesting where two players must work together to escape prison.

A single slip-up and you both will find yourselves failing the game. What’s great about the game is that it is available to play as a co-op on the couch and even online. If you decide to play online, only one of you needs to own the game and send an invite to the other friend instead of both people needing to own the game to play.

Halo

Ah yes, one of the most iconic first person shooters on the market. If you’re looking for some action with a group of friends, this is definitely the game to get. While Xbox is quite unpopular in Southeast Asia, thankfully, the game is now out on Steam for a very reasonable price!

Stardew Valley

If you’re looking for something chill and comfy to do with your friends, you may want to try out Stardew Valley.

Stardew Valley is a farming simulator where you plant vegetables, go fishing and mining while getting caught up in some mini-storylines with the villagers. The game now comes with multiplayer mode so a friend can join in the fun and care for your farm together. Don’t forget to play some lofi music in the background for some extra chill!

Until Dawn

Until Dawn is a decision-making game where every choice matters. It highlights the “Butterfly Effect” where one choice will eventually lead to different consequences. While this game is a single-player game, having your friends and family sit with you and influencing your decisions can be pretty fun. Bonus: You can always blame them if your choices end up being bad.

Any Lego Game Series

Listen, you can’t go wrong with any Lego Game. It’s fun, quirky and even funny. Also, you get to explore your favourite franchise in a different sort of feel. On top of that, it’s multiplayer!

My personal favourite? Star Wars Lego, of course! *hums the Cantina theme while breaking everything and everyone*

Jackbox

Only got one device to game on? No worries, that’s where Jackbox comes in. Jackbox comes with an assortment of party games. All you need to do is have one person create a room on PC and the rest can just join in from their smart devices on the website with the unique pass code.

From there, you can play games like charades, guessing games, murder trivia and more!

Hopefully these games are enough to beat the cabin fever out of all of you and perhaps encourage bonding between you and your family and loved ones (or ruin relationships). As usual, don’t forget to wash your hands and STAY INDOORS!