420 Gaming Guide: Our Top 5 Picks for Playing on Chill Mode

You just got home from a tough day, your tired, your feet hurt, and you’re just thankful the day is finally over. Time to finally kick back, relax, and wind down with some video games. There is only one problem…

You stare at your library and draw a blank. What game do you feel like playing? Is it time for something new and exciting, or something completely mindless?

Not sure what makes the best video games to play when all you want to do is veg out? Don’t worry; we got you covered with this guide!

What are the best video games for stoners to play?

Before we dive into our top five list, we need to review what makes a great game for stoners to play in the first place. Of course everyone has their own preferences, but if you just cant decide, we’ll help give you the tools to figure out the perfect game to put 100 hours in with ease.

Simplicity With Depth

It sounds kind of like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? How can you find a game that isn’t too complex but has enough depth to keep you engaged?

Look for games with low-skill floors and high-skill ceilings. The game mechanics and concepts should be relatively straightforward, allowing you to jump in and jump out with ease.

Think of games like Skyrim. The premise is simple; complete quests, beat bad guys, and become the dragon born. But, the skill tree and level progression provide you with enough depth and variety to keep you engaged.

Skyrim isn't too complex but has enough depth to keep you engaged. Photo: Bethesda.
Skyrim isn’t too complex but has enough depth to keep you engaged. Photo: Bethesda.

Replayability

Mindless fun is excellent, especially when all you want to do is space out. But the perfect game to sink your teeth in has replayability.

Replayability can come in different forms, like winding story paths, other builds, and scores to beat. Consider rogue-like titles like Dead Cells. The game has enough variety where every run is genuinely different.

The unforgiving playstyle of rogue-likes will keep you coming back to beat your personal best. Not to mention, these games usually have enough depth to keep you thoroughly engaged.

Linear Vs. Non-Linear

One thing to decide when loading up a game is linear versus non-linear progression. Do you prefer open-world games like GTA V? Or maybe, you enjoy the investment of a good story with titles like The Walking Dead.

Open-world games like GTA offers virtually limitless possibilities while maintaining a structured gameplay. Photo: Rockstar.

Both types of games allow you to sink your teeth in but in different ways. If you enjoy doing your own thing and exploring other options, check out some non-linear games. On the flip side, if you want more structure, story, and completion, consider some linear titles.

Co-Op

Just like how smoking can be more fun with friends, so can games. Whether it’s from the couch or through a screen, consider having a good co-op game to keep on your back pocket.

Casual games like Fall Guys are a great way to bring along buddies for some stoned antics. Look for games that are low-key and more simple than deep. The key here is to find games that provide good vibes and laughs.

Fall Guys is a great game to bring along buddies for some stoned antics. Photo: Devolver Digital.
Fall Guys is a great game to bring along buddies for some stoned antics. Photo: Devolver Digital.

Competitive

Some of us love a good challenge, no matter what time of day. Competitive games are great titles to sink your teeth in and hone your skills.

Titles like League Of Legends are great examples of this. They have depth, competition and allow you to bring some friends along with you.

Just don’t go with something too competitive, as you don’t want to kill your buzz. Keep it fun and challenging, and take a break if you’re too stoned and hurting your team.

The Top 5 Games To Play on 4/20

Now that you have an idea of what it takes to make the perfect game. Here are some of our top picks for you to consider:

1. Slay The Spire

Slay The Spire maxes out simplicity and replayability while maintaining enough depth to keep you engaged. It’s a rogue-like deck-building game. Did we lose you?

The premise is simple; traverse through the different floors of the spire using and obtaining different cards to defeat your enemies. Each run is truly diverse; with multiple events, cards, and buffs, you’ll have enough variety and challenge to come back to time and time again.

Each run in Slay the Spire is truly diverse. Photo: MegaCrit.
Each run in Slay the Spire is truly diverse. Photo: MegaCrit.

2. Overcooked 2

If you’re looking for a perfect co-op game to play, look no further than Overcooked 2. You and your friends play as chefs, trying to work together and craft the perfect recipes.

Don’t get it twisted, this game may seem cute and casual, but it will put you and your friends to the test. Prepare for frustration and even more laughter.

3. Call Of Duty Warzone

If you edge on the competitive side, we recommend Call Of Duty Warzone. We wouldn’t be surprised if you already play it! With over 100 million active players, you’ll be able to find friends, goes, and challenges alike.

Like all other Call Of Duty titles, you shoot bad guys. What Warzone has done differently is taken that classic CoD run and gun gameplay and combined it seamlessly with the battle royale genre.

Call of Duty: Warzone combines classic CoD run gameplay with the battle royale genre. Photo: Activision.

4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

It’s hard to have a top video game list without including Skyrim. Or, any Bethesda game, for that matter.

If you’re looking for the freedom that comes with an open world and non-linear gameplay, revert to Skyrim. There are so many options, routes, and customizability that you’ll quickly fill out well over 200 hours if you’ve never explored this title or genre, do yourself a favor and start now!

5. God Of War

If you’re not into open-worlds and want something a bit more streamlined, check out the new God Of War. This latest release has perfected the beat-em-up gameplay of previous titles and paired it with stunning graphics.

God Of Wars story, history, and lore are deep and fulfilling. Santa Monica Studio really went all out on this title and created a near-perfect title that you won’t be able to out down.

The latest God of War release has perfected the beat-em-up gameplay of previous titles. Photo: Santa Monica.

Bonus Tips

We couldn’t just leave you with a top-five list and call it a guide! Here are some more things to keep in mind when choosing the perfect title.

Be Open-Minded

Sometimes, you find the best games in the strangest places. Keep an open mind and try different titles and genres. Consider going through your backlog of games; you might just find a gem! That game you got on sale for $3.99 might become one of your all-time favorites.

Pay Attention To The Graphics

A lot of gamers might disagree with this point, but graphics are essential. We’re not saying the game has to have life-like hair renders, but it should visually appeal to you. And let’s face it, for stoners; something pretty to look at is always a plus!

Remember: It’s Your Choice

Our final tip is the most important. It’s your free time and choice! If you like a specific game, run with it. You may prefer indie titles to the mainstream or love getting down on the latest triple-A title. Whichever you choose, focus on what you enjoy most and what’s entertaining for you.