Tips and Tricks: Boredom Combat

During the early months of Covid-19 lock-down, we all experienced bouts of anxiety, frustration, but mostly boredom. Some folks were productive and creative, while others watched all of Netflix and gained 15 pounds, some were overachievers and did both. Now we are starting to settle into this weird new normal where school and work are back on the schedule, but parties and concerts are not. Boredom is still a social plague. The truth is we miss our friends and doing the same things with the same people is boring. We’re bored, damn it. Here are a couple of tips and tricks to shake up the social distance free time.

Ready to get off the couch?

This Is Not World of Warcraft

Not everyone is the type to get into multiplayer gaming. Just because you don’t fancy yourself a level 6 warlock doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your friends online. Jackbox Games sells online game packages for 1-8 players. All you and your friends need is a computer with Zoom and a mobile device, like your phone. Once someone has purchased a Jackbox game, you guys have a reason to be goofy on Zoom for a bit. The games are not difficult. Jackbox is more about entertainment than the competition, although there is some pride in winning. These activities can be as innocent or as a (ahem) adult as your group demands.

This is not World of Warcraft

Jackbox has several packages and bundles to fit any budget and runs frequent sales. Currently several of their game bundles are under $20. Zoom is free to use and friends could take turns purchasing a pack to keep the variety going. One friend needs to purchase and run the program while the other participants log-in through a browser on their phone or other mobile devices.

Building a Case Against Boredom

For those who have widened their social circle a little bit to include some close friends, or for those who are sick of looking at their family doing the same things, this next tip is going to be for you. Hunt a Killer is a true-crime immersive experience for a single person or a group. The game can be used as a subscription service or can be bought in complete bundles.

In Hunt a Killer you and your group will play detectives to solve a murder. In your boxes will be photos, interviews, autopsy reports, and more to help you find a killer. Clues are doled out in a series of boxes and not all given at once. Remember, this game is immersive. Many people will dedicate an area in their home to the game. It is played over a period of time and there are many materials. Several groups even create a murder board. There is a spoiler-free Facebook group to help you suss out clues to help you get to the next box.

Hunt a Killer

Hunt a Killer’s subscriptions will run between $25 to $30 dollars a month and may come with some cool free gifts depending on which package is purchased. If you’re just not ready to make a commitment right now, there are complete mystery bundles available that range from $100 to $200. That price may have you tugging on your collar a little bit, but consider the time and level of play. These boxes provide many hours of entertainment and can be played with a group of up to six players, so the cost can be shared. Also, a portion of Hunt a Killer’s proceeds goes to the Cold Case Fund.

Pick Your Play Style

Hunt a Killer and Jackbox Games bookend boredom busting experiences when it comes to price, theme, and social distancing. It’s really about whatever floats your boat at this point, but we have a long winter ahead of us. It might be time to start planning and compiling some ideas before cabin fever sets in.

These tips and tricks won’t help you clean out the hall closet like you have been meaning to since 2012, but that was what early-lock-down you thought had to be done. Now we are several months into Covid-19 and more experienced you know that if we don’t keep the good times rolling, things might go all The Shining this winter. It’s okay to take full advantage of the free time that used to be spent in public places and use these tips and tricks to have some socially distanced activities. We deserve it.