Believe it or not, taking breaks throughout your workday sets you up to be more productive and focused. They allow you to be more efficient, even though taking a break may feel like the opposite. And playing a game during your break is a great way to step away from tasks or projects and come back with a fresh perspective. From classics that never go out of style to arcade and city-building games, these 10 games are excellent options for refreshing your mind during a busy workday.
1. Mahjong
The tile-matching puzzle game Mahjong, which involves part strategy and part luck, is always a good way to mentally reset during the workday. It’s an ancient Chinese game that continues to be relevant and entertaining worldwide. It’s also so popular that you can easily find free options across your devices, whether you’re a PC, Mac, Android, or iPhone user.
2. Sudoku
Counting from one to nine may not sound appealing, but when applied to a game like Sudoku, it’s an entertaining and challenging way to take a break from tasks and projects at work. The game has a surprising history, as it doesn’t originate from Japan, as many enthusiasts assume. The game, as we know it today, was developed in New York in the 1970s by Dell Puzzle Magazines and was called Number Place. The game became wildly popular in Japan in the 1980s, where it became known as Sudoku. The name eventually found its way to global recognition. Like Mahjong, you’ll find many options for playing this game across devices, making it accessible regardless of your preferred platform.
3. Minesweeper
Minesweeper was included in every Windows release from the 1990s to 2012 and remains a classic favorite for many who enjoy strategy and puzzle games. It’s no longer built into the Windows operating system but can still be accessed for free through the Microsoft Store. If you’re craving the game’s original version or use a non-Windows system, you can access it online through sites like freeminesweeper.org.
4. Mega Moolah
If you’re after something more luck-based, playing the Mega Moolah demo for fun can be a quick and entertaining way to break up your workday. The game is one of the best-known online slot options available. The game entices players with progressive jackpots, bonuses, and a playful safari theme. Launched in 2006, it was an early pioneer of online slot games. Before this, slot games had only been available at gambling establishments for nearly a century.
5. Wordle
Wordle gained massive global popularity during the pandemic, and it remains a popular free game and an excellent option for taking a break. Wordle involves guessing the five-letter word of the day, with each guess helping you get closer to the answer. The challenge is that you only get six tries at getting the word right. Wordle was released in 2021 by Josh Wardle and had over 300,000 players within two months. The New York Times acquired the game in 2022, making Wordle accessible through the New York Times game app or website.
6. Arkadium’s Codeword
Another popular word-based puzzle game is Codeword, developed by the online game developer Arkadium. The game involves a grid filled with numbers that is similar to crossword puzzles. Each number represents a letter in the alphabet, and the player must decipher which number belongs to each letter to complete the puzzle. It’s a challenging way to mentally step away from work tasks by keeping players engaged. The game is widely available online, through both websites and apps, meaning you can play from whichever device or format you prefer.
7. Word Wipe
Word Wipe is a quick-paced game that challenges your vocabulary and strategic thinking. It involves clearing a row of letters by creating words on the game board. You can set your difficulty before playing to test your skill before progressing to more challenging puzzles. The game is available from news organizations like USA Today and The Washington Post, and you can also find it on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
8. Candy Crush
Candy Crush, a game that fills your screen with colorful sweets, gives you opportunities for little victories as you work to match specific candies to progress through different levels. It’s become a game that many people simply can’t get enough of, making it a perfect midday break. Candy Crush first launched in 2012 and saw a rapid rise to fame in 2014. The game, which many players describe as addictive, has millions of players and is one of the top-grossing mobile games—even though it can be played entirely for free. You can find Candy Crush across app stores for mobile and Windows devices.
9. Township
Township is a city-building simulation game, where you can be the designer of your virtual community. The game allows you to produce different goods for your town to fulfill orders, earn money, and expand your town. It offers little milestones and creative opportunities, letting you mentally recharge before resuming work. The game is produced by Playrix, the same game developer behind Homescapes and Gardenscapes. It’s played by millions, having grown a dedicated fanbase since its 2011 release, and is available across devices, including laptops with Windows operating systems.
10. Call of Duty
While Call of Duty typically encourages long gaming sessions, the game can also be enjoyed for shorter periods when taking a break during your workday. The first-person shooter game has been popular since its first edition was released in 2003, and its adaptation for different gaming platforms, like mobile devices, has allowed fans to play while on the go. Versions of the game, like Call of Duty: Warzone, can be downloaded for free through the Apple App Store, Microsoft Store, and Google Play.
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