Best TV, Games, And Movies For Social Distancing (May 2020)
If the coronavirus is keeping you indoors and stressed out, here are some relaxing and fun ways to keep busy.
The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has changed a lot in the past few months. In addition to the obvious impact it's had on the general population, the numerous casualties, and the overwhelming pressure it's placed on healthcare workers, the coronavirus has also hit the game industry and the entertainment industry in unprecedented ways.
Major conferences like E3 have been canceled or postponed, things are getting delayed, and offices worldwide are asking employees to work from home. Now with the rise in shelter-in-place orders and many parts of the United States closing down "non-essential" businesses like restaurants, clubs, and other social venues, there are even more people stuck at home without a clear indication of how long this will all last.
While those lucky enough to be able to telecommute might be able to keep busy most of the day, people currently out of work, stuck homeschooling or being homeschooled, or self-isolating for health reasons now suddenly have a lot of time to occupy. Escapism isn't always the best medicine, but it can be a temporary relief from the uncertainty of our current situation.
Below we've rounded up some of our favorite movies, shows, and games to keep you entertained while practicing social distancing or self-quarantining. We hope they serve as a much-needed distraction and bring you some joy during all of this. Stay safe!
The Best New Game Releases To Play
A bunch of great new games have come out in the last few weeks, with more on the way. If you're stuck at home, now is a good time to chip away at them. Be sure to check out our list of 2020's most anticipated games for more to look forward to!
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is out now on Switch! If you're playing or planning to play soon, hit up some of our guides, including what to do on your first day, how to make money, and our fishing guide. The Nintendo Switch is actually sold out in a lot of places, but we've compiled a list of places to buy a Switch if you're interested in hunkering down with Animal Crossing for the next few weeks.
Half-Life: Alyx, the first new Half-Life game is nearly 13 years, is out now! If you have a VR headset, what are you waiting for? (And if you don't, check out some deals on the best VR headsets to play Half-Life: Alyx.) Check out our accessibility options guide, essential tips for beginners, or enjoy some of the Easter eggs and details we've found in the game.
Announced back in 2015 but a dream in the mind of Final Fantasy fans for decades, Final Fantasy VII Remake is finally real, and it rules. The GameSpot Final Fantasy VII Remake review awarded it an essential 10/10, making it an experience both longtime fans and newcomers shouldn't miss. It also has a heft amount of content, especially if you dive into the endgame to master hard mode and collect everything.
If you're looking for a multiplayer game to really sink your teeth into, Rainbow Six Siege is the one to go for. We recently dove back into the game review its current version, and our Rainbow Six Seige review came back with a glowing, 10/10 score.
The Best Games To Play While You're Stuck At Home
Sometimes the best thing to do when you're stressed is unwind with a great game. Our best games to play while stuck inside list includes some of our favorite relaxing RPGs like Stardew Valley and Dragon Quest, meditative puzzlers like Tetris Effect, and more.
Best Cheap Games To Play This Month
If you need a good game to play but you're a little strapped on cash, here are the best cheap PlayStation 4 games, best cheap Xbox One games, best cheap Nintendo Switch games, and best cheap PC games on Steam to keep you entertained without breaking the bank.
All The Free Games You Can Claim Right Now
Cheap is good, but free is even better. There are tons of great games available to claim for free right now across multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Mobile games are great for passing the time too. Here are all the games you can claim for free right now.
There are a lot of free mobile games out there worth playing too. Pokemon Go is actually adding the ability to do raids from home, so if you've been wanting to get back in on that, now is a good chance. Check out some of its upcoming April 2020 events for more.
The Best Games To Play With Friends Online
Sometimes the game matters less than the people you're playing with. If you're looking for a way to chill out with friends even while you're stuck at home, check out one of our favorite games to play with friends online. If you and your friends don't game on the same platforms, that doesn't have to be a problem either. Head over to our list of the best cross-play games to play with friends across PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch.
The Best Blu-Ray Deals
Delivery workers are still out there bringing the rest of us food, groceries, medicine, and (right or wrong) non-essential garbage to keep us busy. If you're stocking up on important stuff (but a normal amount, please), why not throw something nice in to keep you busy? Amazon and Best Buy currently have a ton of really good deals on Blu-rays: movie collections for major franchises like Jurassic Park and Fast & Furious, popular TV shows like Chernobyl and Rick & Morty, and more.
Watch Netflix With Your Friends
Sometimes it isn't about having a particular movie in mind, but just being able to spend time with your friends when many cities are ordering social distancing measures for public health reasons. A new Google Chrome extension called Netflix Party lets you sync movies up with your friends and adds a chat box on the side.
Movies To Fight Cabin Fever
This assortment of cabin fever-fighting films are hand-picked by our editors and are sure to bring some much-needed lighthearted energy into your home. They include nostalgic classics and a more modern one, but all are perfect for a cozy rewatch.
New On Netflix This Month
Netflix is getting a ton of new movies and shows this month, so be sure to check them out.
New On Hulu This Month
A ton of new binge-worthy TV shows are coming to Hulu in May.
New On Amazon This Month
April sees the arrival of a bunch of new movies and shows on Amazon Prime, including several James Bond films.
New On Disney Plus This Month
April has quite a few new movies and originals in store, including some National Geographic specials to celebrate Earth Month.
New On Crackle This Month
If you can't afford another paid subscription to a streaming service, there are a lot of great free options like Crackle, which are ad-supported. Here's everything Crackle is adding to its library--it includes some of the V/H/S horror film anthologies, a documentary about the movie Alien, and more.
Get Access To 25,000 Free Comics, Manga, And More With Free Comixology Trial
Comixology Unlimited is offering a free 60-day trial, which grants you access to a library of 25,000 comics, manga, and more. You can read these on your PC, phone, and tablet. There's even an offline mode. If there's nothing to watch or play, why not kick back with a good free ebook?
More Resources
CNET has put together a guide on how to stay safe, healthy, and entertained during a shelter-in-place. Another CBS sister site Chowhound has a guide to keeping your kitchen stocked and healthy while staying inside.
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