Even if you’re the most avid gamer, you’ve probably found yourself bored of the same game rotation from time to time. We’ve all been there. You’re staring at your consoles bored yet unable to choose from the usual lineup of games. Sometimes you just need to switch things up and do something different to reset your brain. Whether you usually play games alone or with friends and family, there are plenty of other things to try to get you out of that funk you’re currently in. With that in mind, here are some easy and fun ideas to get you back into your groove.

Play some classic games
When you’re bored of your CoD or your Monster Hunter: Wilds but still want to game, sometimes the best option is to go for some of the classic games. And don’t worry if you don’t have the physical version of the game either, as many classic games are now available to play for free online. Solitaire is one of those quiet games that can keep your mind engaged while also giving you that satisfaction of playing a game.

Try something weird and silly
Sometimes the best way of getting out of your gaming rut is to do something totally random and even ridiculous. Have you ever heard of “Exploding Kittens”? It’s a card game that’s easy to learn but is pretty chaotic. Or if you’re looking for a laugh, try something along the lines of “What Do You Meme” with your friends and family. It’s totally unserious and can be a lot of fun when you don’t want to play your regular games.

Do some word games
Perhaps you like your normal games because they make you use your brain a little? If that’s the case, doing some word games is a great way to get that high without being bored. Wordle is a really fun brain teaser, but it doesn’t last very long (especially if you’re good with words). You could try something similar like Boggle or Scrabble to occupy yourself while also feeling like your brain has had a good workout.

Try some co-op games
If you’re looking for games that you can play with your friends and family, there are loads that don’t involve your Xbox or PC. things like “Codenames,” “UNO,” or “Dobble” are really good games that involve quick rounds but lots of fun. Even if your friends are only coming over for an hour, they’re a great way to pass the time without playing the same games as normal.

Go for something nostalgic
Finally, sometimes when you’re in a rut, the best pick me ups are the ones that are familiar and nostalgic. So, why not dig out your old Game Boy or fire up Mario Kart to see how good you are after all these years? The best part about it is that you already know how to play, so you don’t need to spend time familiarising yourself with it either. Just pick up, play and have fun!