Ahh, the daily commute. It’s something millions of us up and down the country have to do. And for that period of time where we’re sitting on trains, buses or platforms, we’re often immersed in our smartphones.
For some of us, it’s reading the news, for others, it’s doomscrolling through Facebook. And, of course, there are gamers amongst us too.
There are so many great mobile games out there that are perfect for the daily commute, offering quick play that you can pick up and put down between your stops. So, if you’re just starting a commute, here are seven types of games that are perfectly suited to your journey…
Puzzle Games
Naturally, puzzle games are a first port of call for many, whether it be games like Candy Crush Saga or Monument Valley that have really established themselves on the mobile scene, or the likes of Sudoku, which have been keeping commuters occupied in paper form for generations.
They’re all designed for short bursts of play, which you can pick back up again at a later point. What’s more, they provide a solid mental workout, getting your brain ready for a day at work.
As a side note, they’re also pretty good for playing offline and generally work well, so a good option for those on the underground.
Slot Games
Talking of getting the blood pumping, slot games have become hugely popular for commuters as they only take a couple of minutes to play and don’t require any extensive tapping or mad finger movements.
We all generally know how they work, and there are some brilliant games out there these days, perfect for mobile. The 12 Masks of Fire Drums slot and games like Starburst and Rainbow Riches have become iconic, and allow players to enjoy a few spins between stations without any complex rules or narratives to follow.
Endless Runners
These are the games you’ll see, like Flappy Bird (RIP), which have simple mechanics and a straightforward promise – run as far as you can, avoid obstacles and set a high score.
Today, games like Subway Surfers, Temple Run and Alto’s Adventure are perfect for this time of game, and they can really get the blood pumping if you start approaching that high score!
Card and Board Games
While it’s fair to say Monopoly isn’t a game for the commute, there are board games and card games out there that are good for dipping in and out of, such as solitaire, chess and even your word-based games like Scrabble.
Many of these apps also have daily challenges, so it’s simply a case of loading that up and cracking on with your commute.
Strategy Games
While you probably want to avoid those deep strategy games that demand long sessions, there are lighter ones out there that can be great for when you’re on the move.
They generally focus on short matches or turn-based decisions, which can be picked up as and when you can make moves or decisions.
Clash Royale is a good example of this. Matches last just a couple of minutes, but still require that tactical depth, without committing to extended play.
Word and Brain-Training Games
Have you ever been a Wordler? Or perhaps an Octurdler? There are so many word and brain training games around these days, and they are ideal for the commute.
Wordle can provide you with a quick couple-of-minute game, while games like Squaredle can potentially keep you occupied for upwards of an hour on your commute.
Games like Wordscapes or brain training apps like Lumosity are also particularly good for these morning journeys, helping you wake up mentally and before getting into work. Incorporating this into your morning routine can contribute to the improvement of your mental stamina.
Simulation and Management Games
Finally, simulation games allow you to manage cities, transport systems, or businesses at your own pace. While some are complex, many mobile simulations are designed for short check-ins rather than continuous play.
Mini Metro is a great example, offering clean design and thoughtful gameplay that works well in short sessions. You can make a few decisions, watch the system evolve, and pause whenever your stop arrives.
