Games can be a great way for people with ADHD to enjoy leisure time and improve focus, coordination, and social skills. They can offer just the right mix of challenge and fun to keep interest levels high.
Here’s a list of 21 games that are particularly good for individuals with ADHD. All offer short playtimes, engaging gameplay, and rewarding experiences.
Minecraft
This sandbox game allows players to build and explore their own worlds. Its open-ended nature encourages creativity and problem-solving, which can be particularly engaging for those with ADHD.
Tetris
A classic puzzle game that enhances spatial awareness and quick thinking. The fast-paced nature of Tetris helps improve focus and reaction times.
Pokémon Go
An augmented reality game that encourages physical activity and exploration. Catching and battling Pokémon in the real world provides a unique and interactive experience.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
This life simulation game offers a calming and structured environment. Players can engage in various activities like fishing, gardening, and decorating their homes, which provides a soothing yet stimulating experience.
The Sims
A life simulation game that allows players to create and control characters. The open-ended gameplay and creativity involved provide a stimulating experience.
Valheim
An open-world survival game set in a Viking-inspired world. Players can build, craft, and fight mythical creatures. The game’s cooperative play and endless exploration keep players engaged and motivated.
Just Dance
A rhythm game that gets players moving and grooving. The physical activity and music can help release pent-up energy and improve concentration.
Rocket League
A high-energy game that combines soccer and driving. The quick matches and competitive play help keep attention and improve hand-eye coordination.
Splatoon 2
A team-based game where players cover the map with ink. The game’s colorful and fast-paced gameplay helps maintain focus and coordination.
Beat Saber
A virtual reality rhythm game where players slice blocks to the beat of music. The physical activity and immersive experience make it highly engaging and beneficial for focus and coordination.
Lego video games
Lego video games, such as Lego Star Wars and Lego Marvel Super Heroes, combine puzzle-solving with action. The games’ humor, variety, and cooperative play keep players entertained and engaged.
Stardew Valley
This farming simulation game allows players to manage their farm, socialize with villagers, and explore caves. Its repetitive yet rewarding tasks help build routine and focus.
Overwatch
A team-based first-person shooter with a diverse cast of characters. Each match requires strategy and teamwork, keeping players mentally stimulated.
Fortnite
A popular battle royale game that combines building, shooting, and strategy. Its constantly changing environment and competitive nature provide a dynamic experience.
Roblox
A platform with a vast array of user-generated games. Roblox offers endless options for creativity and social interaction, which can be particularly appealing for those with ADHD.
Monument Valley
A visually stunning puzzle game that involves guiding a character through mazes of optical illusions and impossible objects. Its soothing gameplay and beautiful design help maintain focus.
Don’t Starve
A survival game with a unique art style where players must gather resources, craft items, and fend off monsters. The game’s challenging nature and need for strategic planning keep players engaged.
Mario Kart
A fun and fast-paced racing game that requires quick reflexes and strategic item use. The game’s variety and excitement keep players engaged.
Journey
An adventure game with a minimalist design and emotional storytelling. The game’s beautiful visuals and serene atmosphere create a captivating experience.
Fruit Ninja
A fast-paced game where players slice fruit with swipes of their fingers. The quick action and satisfying gameplay provide a great way to improve focus and reaction time.
Portal 2
A puzzle-platform game that challenges players to solve complex problems using portals. The game’s unique mechanics and story-driven gameplay encourage critical thinking and perseverance.
Rayman Legends
A platformer with vibrant graphics and creative level design. The game’s fun mechanics and cooperative play make it an engaging choice.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
A classic platformer known for its challenging levels and charismatic character. The game’s fast pace and variety keep players entertained.
Braid
A puzzle-platformer that involves manipulating time to solve puzzles. The game’s innovative mechanics and thoughtful design encourage critical thinking and focus.
Geometry Dash
A rhythm-based platformer that requires precise timing and quick reflexes. The game’s challenging levels and upbeat music keep players hooked.
Hollow Knight
A challenging action-adventure game with a beautiful art style. The game’s difficulty and exploration elements keep players focused and determined.
Satisfactory
A factory-building game where players create automated production lines. The game’s open-ended nature and complex systems provide a stimulating and rewarding experience.
Factorio
A strategy game focused on building and managing factories. The game’s depth and need for efficiency make it a great choice for those who enjoy strategic thinking and problem-solving.
The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt
An open-world RPG with a rich story and vast world to explore. The game’s engaging quests and detailed environments keep players immersed for hours.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
An open-world adventure game that offers a vast landscape to explore. The freedom to choose quests and activities keeps players interested and motivated.
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
