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There are few things better than kicking back with some friends, either IRL or in voice chat, and having a few beverages while enjoying one of your favorite games. While there is an almost unlimited number of games you could choose, the best games for "getting after it" have a few things in common.
Elements of a Good Game for Schwifty Enjoyment
- Low Complexity - Games that are highly complex usually just don't turn out quite as well after six beers.
- Low Cost of Quality - Games that punish you heavily for mistakes or from which there is a large impact on progression for misplays are also less ideal. Who can relax when any misplays set you back weeks?
- Low Social Cost - Games where your sobriety (or lack thereof) and potential gameplay impairment negatively impact the gameplay experience of others are also not ideal.
*Always drink responsibly.
7 Great Video Games to Play While Drinking
Each of the following games does a reasonably good job of balancing our desired characteristics. Most are tried and true games that are readily accessible and low cost.
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| Nintendo |
#1 - Mario Kart
Often famed for the aptly named beer-io cart, Mario Kart is a classic game that has only gotten better with time. Regressive power-ups mean that people are less likely to be totally left behind, and it plays well both in-person and online in the voice chat. More recent editions have particularly aggressive steering assist to keep you on the rainbow road no matter what. Whether you're pounding beers each race or simply having a good time, Mario kart brings the smiles per gallon consumed.
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| jackboxgames.com |
#2 - Jackbox Party Packs
Another IRL Classic, Jackbox has a staggering number of editions these days with classic games like quiplash, fibbage, and many many more. Most support an "Audience" so this games scales better than most to please large crowds, and silliness is to be both expected and encouraged. Jackbox 3, 6, and 7 are the strongest editions by our estimation.
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| https://www.deeprockgalactic.com/ |
#3 - Deep Rock Galactic
Rock and Stone Forever! This collaborate PvE shooter has you LARPing as a blue collar dwarf, mining minerals and shooting bugs between trips to the Abyss bar for a beery power-up. On most difficulties, the game doesn't present an undue challenge and most puzzles aren't overly complex. The Deep Rock Galactic community is largely very welcoming and an increasingly experienced player base is unlikely to be scuffed by a single bad player. One word of warning, some generated maps are very vertical so it can sometimes be easy to miss an evacuation if you're too focused on your cup.
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| Rockstar Games |
#4 - Grand Theft Auto V
An open world classic from Rockstar games, GTA V is at this point one of the video games with the most staying power. GTA has experienced great sustain through the popularity of role-playing servers, some of which may have just the place for a town drunk. If you're flying solo for an evening, safely drive around San Andreas enjoying the ceiling or just messing around.
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| Jagex Ltd. |
#5 - Old School Runescape
Another oldie but a goodie, Runescape 2007 also known as Old School Runescape has experienced a bit of a recent resurgence. Nostalgia, minimal graphics, and simple point and click gameplay make this one of the most accessible MMOs of all time, though you'll find surprising depth in its quests and late game. Outside of certain raids/bosses, there are many mini-games that can be played as a group without risk. It's also a great backdrop for having a pint while chatting with your buds and grinding XP finishing Lobsters or chopping digital trees.
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| Fortnite.com |
#6 - Fortnite
The game that actually invented the Metaverse, Fortnite has a dizzying array of custom experiences from battle royale to racing to rock band to concerts featuring music legends like Kid LAROI and Snoop Dogg. With so much to choose from, there's like at least one mode that fits any group's mood. Most are designed for ease of use and graceful learning curves. Maybe turn off the public voice chat if you're not in a pre-made party - the kids don't need to hear your bar talk.
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| Seaofthieves.com |
#7 - Sea of Thieves
The top choice for Booze Cruising, Sea of Thieves is a sandbox in which pirates sail ships and acquire loot from missions and other players. It features proximity chat and there is a strong community for role playing and general carrying-on to have a good time. PvE enemies aren't too tough and a four man crew can outman most human foes on the server. Coins are only for cosmetics and the risk of losing your loot is just part of the fun. Sing a shanty, drink grog, and don't fall off the boat!