During the pandemic, it is likely that you’ll be unable to leave your house. While that may sound like a bad thing, sometimes there are hidden benefits to staying in and relaxing. Many hobbies can be enjoyed at home with nothing but a board and some friends. Here are 7 tabletop hobbies that you can enjoy during the crisis:
1) Board Games
From Monopoly to Risk, board games have been popular for many years. However, new games appear every year as well! Some games require simple rules to learn, such as Ticket to Ride (you claim routes on a map), while others focus on player interactions, think Mafia or Werewolf.
2) Puzzles
Puzzles never seem to go out of style, and for a good reason. They are easy to pick up and a great way to pass the time with friends or family, and having a few choice options on hand is never a bad idea. The New York Times recommends these three puzzles to get started (or continue your interest), while Mental Floss has a couple of other recommendations as well.
3) Reading
Who says that tabletop hobbies cannot also be educational? After all, reading itself can expand one’s mind and knowledge in general; the more you read, the more you know. One should always have several books on hand if they need to stay indoors for a long period. The Huffington Post has compiled a list of suggestions on what to read while quarantined, but you may also consider your favorites.
4) Video Games
Although tabletop games are not designed with zombies in mind, several tabletop games have video game adaptations. Anyone who enjoys tabletop games is likely to enjoy the tabletop version of their favorite video game, and vice versa Pandemic, Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne – they are all tabletop board games with corresponding computer adaptations. There isn’t just one way to play a board game; there are many different ways. What matters is that you enjoy yourself and spend quality time with your friends or family.
5) Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons and Dragons is a tabletop role-playing game that was first published in 1974. Players can enjoy tabletop games without needing anything; all that’s required is some paper, pens, dice, etc. Dungeons and Dragons have many different iterations which can satisfy anyone’s needs. The Dragon Age DnD RPG system focuses on the story of a warrior-type character who prosecutes evil by slaying dangerous monsters around the continent with their band of other adventurers they meet along the way. On another spectrum, DnD 4e is focused much more on combat and leveling up such that players have vastly different capabilities from another by the time they reach the upper levels. It’s important to note that DnD isn’t only a tabletop game and an ongoing saga that spans different systems and various media such as the DVD/Netflix series ( Critical Role & Force Grey: Giant Hunters ). DnD has been going for decades, so it has a vast library of content with plenty of places to start. Visit Explorednd.com to learn more about Dungeons and Dragons.
6) Painting/Sculpting
Who says tabletop hobbies cannot also be creative? A tabletop hobby doesn’t have to be one or the other; it can incorporate both creativity and entertainment. For those who like tabletop games and sculpting or painting miniatures, tabletop games can be a great way to pass the time. There are tabletop games with miniatures that you would paint to look nice and detailed; Warhammer is one example. Meanwhile, tabletop RPGs require custom dungeon tiles as well as figurines of all kinds. These tabletop hobbies may be for you if you’re into miniatures AND tabletop board games.
7) Model Railroading
Model railroading is another tabletop hobby with no real limitations on who can enjoy it. It is one of the least expensive tabletop hobbies out there – however, more complex sets tend to cost a bit more. All that’s required to start model railroading is an empty tabletop, some track, and a few figurines. If tabletop RPGs interest you but tabletop board games are a little bit too complex for your taste, then consider model railroading – as it shares many similarities with tabletop RPGs.
8) Reading/Writing Fanfiction
Fanfiction is another tabletop hobby that people can take part in at home when society crumbles. Why not let your imagination run wild and write about your favorite tabletop games, tabletop RPGs, tabletop board games, tabletop video games, whatever you want. All required is a pen and some paper (or a computer if you prefer typing), so there are no limitations on who can enjoy fanfiction.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy yourself during the pandemic, tabletop games might be your best bet. You can find them at most major retailers, and they provide an endless amount of entertainment with friends or family. Plus, there are tons of different types out on the market that you can choose from depending on what type of game player you are.
