Nowadays, ADHD is a well-understood neurodivergent condition that affects millions of people daily. Many individuals, including children, teens, and adults, have to make significant changes to their daily routines to manage it. One way to manage ADHD is through gaming, which has been recognized as a form of therapy for those affected by it.
Surprisingly, even popular video games are known to be beneficial for individuals with ADHD due to their design and gameplay loop. Here are some video games that can be helpful for people with ADHD.
8 Minecraft
A Game That Sparks Creativity
Minecraft is beneficial for players with ADHD because it offers endless activities and allows them to exercise their creativity. Whether it's farming, hunting, building, or exploring, Minecraft captures the player's attention and allows them to create their own world and story. The game also supports modding, offering a customizable experience to prevent monotony. Additionally, its relaxed gameplay makes it suitable for individuals who struggle with hyper-focusing on one task.
7 Counter-Strike
An Outlet for Hyper-Focusing
Counter-Strike acts as a great outlet for hyper-focus, providing a high-intensity first-person shooter experience. It demands laser-like focus and may help individuals with certain forms of ADHD. Additionally, it serves as a tool to practice attention to detail, which can be beneficial for those with focus-related issues.
6 Portal 1 & 2
Exercising the Brain through Puzzles
The Portal series has been found to have a positive effect on ADHD, offering puzzle-solving and cooperative gameplay. Through the game's physics-based puzzles, players can train their brains in an engaging way. The cooperative nature of the game also fosters social experiences and cognitive growth, as two individuals can work together to solve problems.
5 PowerWash Simulator
A Relaxing and Simplistic Game
PowerWash Simulator offers a relaxing and easy-to-understand gaming experience. Players simply clean surfaces in each level using a power washer, enjoying a passive checklist-type game that can be played while listening to music or podcasts. This game is suitable for individuals with ADHD who prefer zoning out while playing and still completing tasks.
4 Call of Duty
Engaging and Intense Gameplay
Call of Duty provides a high-intensity, entertaining experience suitable for individuals with ADHD. The tightly structured single-player campaigns and the fast-paced multiplayer mode are designed to grab the player's attention in short bursts, making it more friendly to casual gamers than other similar games.
3 Subnautica
An Engrossing Open World Game
Subnautica offers a narrative-focused sandbox experience, engaging players with its story while allowing for freeform gameplay. This open-world game is suited for individuals with ADHD as it provides various activities and allows for easy switching between tasks, catering to both individuals who struggle with focusing on one task and those who tend to hyper-focus.
2 Stardew Valley
Low-Stakes Farming and Socializing
Stardew Valley presents a combination of open-ended and structured gameplay, allowing players to engage in various activities such as farming, fishing, and interacting with the game's characters. This low-stakes game is ideal for individuals with ADHD as it offers a relaxed pace and a comfortable gaming experience.
1 Animal Crossing
Relaxing and Creative Gameplay
Animal Crossing provides a serene and creative gaming experience, allowing players to customize their own island and engage in various activities such as fishing and bug catching. The game's leisurely pace and relaxed gameplay make it ideal for individuals with ADHD who prefer a calming and low-stress gaming experience.