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Master List Of The Best Video Game Alternatives

Hey guys :)

The Ultimate Master List Of Video Game Alternatives is the main reason why this blog exists at all. Ever since I was 18, I have been exploring alternatives to my gaming habit. And when you search for alternatives to video games or the best hobbies to get into, most websites just give you a boring list.

And almost none of them are geared towards gamers.

What you'll find here is a focused list of alternatives to video games that will help you find other things to spend your time on. This list will be a work in progress for as long as I feel I can continue to add value, but after my years of research and trying different things out, I have found the most common alternatives to gaming that most gamers gravitate towards.

I begin with those.

I have invested many hours into this blog and this list, so if it's helpful, please share it with anyone you think would benefit from it too :) Thanks again for reading!

Popular Video Game Alternatives


Some thoughts before we begin:
  • This page begins with the most popular video game alternatives
  • Many of these alternatives have a low cost to begin
  • Many of these alternatives can be done at home
  • Many of these alternatives are beneficial to your well-being and personal development
  • These alternatives are in no particular order
  • Each alternative will have its own Resource Page

1. Get Into Books



Summary of Reading: 

  • Reading is one of those 'things' everyone should do more (yet we don't)
  • Books are underrated and life-changing (non-readers are missing out)
  • Reading is one of the most powerful hobbies (it's also low-cost and low-tech)

Video Game Alternative Type:

  • Consumption  
  • Relaxing 
  • Passive
  • Intellectual

Can This Hobby Become A Career:

  • Not likely (It's more of a supplemental skill)
  • Reading will strengthen any career you choose

Main Benefits Of This Hobby:

  • The way you express yourself will broaden and be easier
  • You'll gain knowledge/wisdom 
  • Keeps your mind limber and quick

What Book Do I Recommend For Gamers Who Don't Read:

Resource Page 

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into Comic Books And Manga



Summary Of Comic Books And Manga: 

  • A path of least resistance when you need an alternative to gaming
  • Thousands of stories to read, much easier to consume than novels
  • Visually stimulating
  • Start your own collection :)

Video Game Alternative Type:

  • Consumption
  • Relaxing
  • Passive
  • Artistic

Can This Hobby Become A Career:

  • Not likely
  • Unless you're well-read and knowledgeable about many stories
  • Then you can start a blog/podcast/Youtube channel 
  • You may even be inspired to create your own comic book or manga one day

Main Benefits Of This Hobby: 

  • Easier to get into and consume than novels
  • Can be a gateway into drawing and writing
  • Great hobby to start a collection
  • Can be cheaper than a gaming hobby (this is highly debatable though)

What Comic Book Or Manga Do I Recommend For Beginners:

Resource Page: 

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into Anime And Cartoons



Summary Of Anime And Cartoons: 

  • A natural alternative to video games
  • But it's not very productive or creative
  • Not all alternatives need to be productive though
  • There are tons of different shows to get into
  • You'll find plenty to rewatch too

Video Game Alternative Type:

  • Passive
  • Consumption
  • Relaxing
  • Artistic

Can This Hobby Become A Career: 

  • You won't get paid for watching cartoons
  • But you can start a Youtube channel about cartoons
  • You review episodes, talk about whatever's going on in the show, its characters, etc. 
  • You can also start a podcast or blog too
  • You might even get inspired to create your own cartoon one day

Main Benefits Of This Hobby: 

  • Very easy to get into, most of us already do it 
  • Cost-effective 
  • Can be a gateway into drawing and writing
  • You can start your own collection of cartoon and anime series! 

What Cartoon Or Anime Do I Recommend For Newcomers:

  • Bob's Burgers (Can be found on Netflix and Amazon)
  • My Hero Academia (Crunchyroll Link) 

Resource Page:

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into Movies And TV Shows



Summary Of Movies And TV Shows:

  • I've decided to separate cartoons and anime from this section since it can stand as its own hobby
  • Obviously they're the same hobby
  • You're watching stuff
  • A great way to relax after work 
  • And spend time with your friends, family, and significant other

Video Game Alternative Type:

  • Passive
  • Consumption
  • Relaxing
  • Artistic

Can This Hobby Become A Career:

  • Just with the previous section, you'll be hard-pressed to find a company who will pay you to watch stuff
  • You'll have to take the entrepreneurial route on this one
  • Create a blog/Youtube channel/podcast about movies and TV shows
  • What you can monetize is your knowledge about movies and TV shows
  • So if you're passionate about this hobby, be creative in your pursuit to "do" it for a living

Main Benefits Of This Hobby:

  • A natural hobby to be into 
  • Even though it can be seen as "lazy", you're really just consuming storytelling
  • And when you invest yourself into storytelling and learn the lessons that come with it
  • It can be life-changing and you'll become a greater version of yourself
  • Can be a gateway into writing and film-making

If You've Somehow NEVER Watched A Movie Or TV Show, Try These:


Resource Page:

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into Weight Training



Summary Of Weight Training:

  • Weight Training is a method of strength training, but you focus on lifting weights
  • Different 'sports' within weight training such as: 
  • Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, Olympic Lifting, and Crossfit
  • You'll find which one you prefer, but many athletes play around with various methods 
  • They're all rewarding and satisfying, but each one will have its drawbacks

Video Game Alternative Type:

  • Active
  • Exercise
  • Sports
  • Physical

Can This Hobby Turn Into A Career:

  • Definitely
  • You can become a personal trainer, a professional athlete, or start a Youtube channel/instagram/blog/podcast if you're knowledgeable/entertaining
  • Many entrepreneurs go down the fitness path since it's an "evergreen" niche/industry
  • Like with most passions, you must be creative and hardworking to make money off of it

Main Benefits Of This Hobby:

  • You're going to improve your overall health and fitness levels
  • Your muscles are going to get bigger
  • You're going to become more attractive
  • Your confidence and how you feel about yourself will increase and improve

Quick Recommendations On How To Get Into Weight Training:


Resource Page: 

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into Running



Summary Of Running: 

  • Running is another overlooked alternative to gaming
  • Many people see it as a punishment instead of a satisfying sport
  • It's a simple and cost-effective hobby! 
  • Plus many successful people credit running for being a significant part of their day

Video Game Alternative Type:

  • Active
  • Exercise
  • Sport
  • Physical

Can This Hobby Become A Career:

  • Running isn't as schmancy (well, marketable) as bodybuilding
  • So it'll be harder to make money off of the sport, but it's definitely doable
  • If you become knowledgeable/educated, you can most certainly become a coach too! 
  • Just work hard and be creative

Main Benefits Of This Hobby:

  • An excellent sport to improve your health and fitness levels
  • Daily running will help you sleep better
  • You'll experience the Runner's High 
  • Good way to get around town lol 

Quick Recommendations To Get Into Running:


Resource Page:

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into Tabletop RPGs



Summary Of Tabletop RPGs:

  • Tabletop RPGs are near and dear to my heart
  • The dungeon master crafts an adventure for the rest of the group 
  • The group roleplay their characters and traverse the difficulties the DM has laid out
  • Tabletop RPGs can enter limitless worlds, especially if your group is highly creative

Video Game Alternative Type:

  • Game
  • Creative
  • Social
  • Intellectual

Can This Hobby Become A Career:

  • I'd say it's less likely than becoming a pro gamer or successful livestreamer
  • But there are people that make their living off of Tabletop RPGs
  • Either they make their own or host podcasts/Youtube channels
  • If it were me, I'd try to make an entertaining Youtube/podcast of a funny group of friends and I playing

Main Benefits Of This Hobby: 

  • It is WAY cheaper than video games
  • Sessions are more meaningful and impactful than regular video game sessions
  • Social
  • Can become a weekly event for you and your friends
  • Utilizes your creativity and imagination

Quick Recommendations To Get Started In Tabletop RPGs:


Resource Page:

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into Board Games



Summary Of Board Games:

  • Board games are very similar to Tabletop RPG in terms of environment
  • Gather around with some cool people and play a game face-to-face
  • Board games are better in many ways
  • They don't require as much prep work and creativity

Video Game Alternative Type: 

  • Game
  • Social
  • Intellectual

Can This Hobby Become A Career:

  • I don't think you can become a pro board gamer lol
  • But you can certainly attempt to make your own game and sell it
  • Or sell existing board games
  • There are also restaurants where you play board games with friends over a meal
  • There are definitely markets for it

Main Benefits Of This Hobby:

  • Excellent for families to spend more time together
  • Also excellent during blackouts 
  • Most board games aren't expensive
  • Can start a board game collection

Quick Recommendations For Getting Into Board Games:


Resource Page:

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into Chess



Summary Of Chess:

  • One of the oldest games that has survived (and thrives) in the modern world
  • Predecessor to many modern traditional games and video games
  • Also one of those things that are pushed onto the "smart" kids
  • Smells like AP classes

Video Game Alternative Type: 

  • Game
  • Creative
  • Intellectual

Can This Hobby Become A Career:

  • Most pro chess players don't make much money, nor is it consistent
  • Most pros have main jobs and they do chess on the side
  • They also teach lessons and make Youtube videos
  • Plus you have lots of competition, so very difficult to make this into a career

Main Benefits Of This Hobby:

  • It'll challenge your mind and make you smarter
  • It's literally like working out for your brain
  • It helps prevent illnesses like Alzheimer's
  • Seriously the benefits are insane, it should go without saying

Quick Recommendations For Getting Into Chess:


Resource Page:

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into Billiards



Summary Of Billiards:

  • Codename: Just the tip
  • Who doesn't love playing pool?
  • It's competitive, yet meditative
  • It's a great way to spend time with friends and family
  • It's a game that's easy to learn, but difficult to master
  • Can be very social too

Video Game Alternative Type: 

  • Game
  • Social

Can This Hobby Become A Career:

  • It's definitely possible to become a pro billiard player
  • Win tournaments to garner sponsorships
  • Host your own local tournaments
  • And if you're entertaining, you can create a Youtube channel 

Main Benefits Of This Hobby:

  • Can be very meditative
  • Very social if you go to pool halls to play and mingle 
  • Doesn't cost much to play, especially if your pool hall has a membership system
  • Keeps you on your feet instead of sitting down
  • Helps keep your mind sharp and fresh 
  • Cost-effective

Quick Recommendations For Getting Into Billiards:

Resource Page:

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into Writing



Summary Of Writing:

  • Just like with reading, powerful yet overlooked by many
  • One of the most cost-effective hobbies out there. 
  • If you have a computer, you have everything you need to get started
  • Or a pen and a stack of paper will work too
  • Build your own worlds, create your own characters
  • Learn the fundamentals of storytelling
  • Or keep a journal you write in daily

Video Game Alternative Type: 

  • Creation (instead of consumption)
  • Creative
  • Intellectual

Can This Hobby Become A Career:

  • You can definitely become a professional writer
  • Most writers keep their regular jobs until they're earning enough off of their writing
  • You can become a novelist, screenwriter, content writer, blogger, journalist, etc. 
  • You must be creative, hardworking, and consistent to make it happen

Main Benefits Of This Hobby:

  • Probably the most cost-effective hobby on this list
  • It can be a lifelong pursuit
  • You can do it anywhere
  • You only need yourself
  • Gateway to learning all sorts of things (for research)
  • Strong writing skills will also benefit almost any career you're in 

Quick Recommendations For Getting Into Writing:

Resource Page:

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into Drawing



Summary Of Drawing:

  • Personally, drawing and writing have always been two sides of the same coin
  • With each one I'm telling a story, just in different ways
  • Drawing is another cost-effective alternative to video games
  • Can be almost as cheap as writing is, though drawing can require more supplies

Video Game Alternative Type: 

  • Creation (instead of consumption)
  • Creative
  • Artistic

Can This Hobby Become A Career:

  • Oh it most certainly can, just as certain as a writing career
  • You can become a professional artist and work for big studios and companies
  • You can go freelance
  • Become an illustrator for books
  • You can be a blogger
  • Start a Youtube channel

Main Benefits Of This Hobby:

  • Drawing is a discipline (like many alternatives on this list)
  • Can be a lifelong pursuit
  • Very impressive once you become an expert
  • Cost-effective hobby
  • Very useful skill (not in the same way as being a handy-man, but still)

Quick Recommendations For Getting Into Drawing:

Resource Page:

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into Cooking



Summary Of Cooking:

  • Oh boy, if you've never cooked before and you're older than thirteen...
  • Well, you got some catching up to do
  • You have two routes you can take if you want to take up cooking as a hobby
  • You can just learn to cook your favorite meals yourself 
  • Or you can dive deep and learn the fundamentals and professional techniques
  • Possibly even get a job in a professional kitchen

Video Game Alternative Type: 

  • Active
  • Creation (instead of consumption - though you WILL be consuming food HA!)
  • Creative

Can This Hobby Become A Career:

  • Oh definitely and a very attainable career
  • Comes with its own challenges, but very rewarding
  • A lot of chefs can't imagine doing anything else 
  • You can also take the entrepreneur route and start a cooking Youtube channel or blog
  • But this niche is VERY competitive
  • So you definitely want to approach it from an interesting angle
  • For example, Binging With Babish, where he cooks dishes from films and TV shows

Main Benefits Of This Hobby:

  • You can cook whatever you want and not have to pay someone else to do it for you
  • You can save lots of money
  • It's a very impressive skill
  • And a necessary skill
  • The culinary world is vast and there's always something new to try or perfect
  • Can lead to a great career

Quick Recommendations For Getting Into Cooking:

Resource Page:

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into Gardening



Summary Of Gardening:

  • Gardening is another hobby you can dive deep in
  • And a very useful one since you can grow food to eat
  • You'll also gain a newfound appreciation for food if you do
  • But you don't have to grow food, you can grow many things!
  • You can grow houseplants, a garden of flowers, landscape art, small bonsai trees, etc. 

Video Game Alternative Type: 

  • Creation (instead of consumption)
  • Active (while you're doing the gardening)
  • Relaxing

Can This Hobby Become A Career:

  • For sure, you can turn this into a "career" or even just a side hustle
  • Plus it's very satisfying work to grow things 
  • Urban farming has been a recent trend
  • But if you have a decent backyard, you can output a lot of produce

Main Benefits Of This Hobby:

  • You can grow much of your own vegetables
  • If you plant fruit trees, your property value can grow 3-7 years
  • Plus you'll get harvests of fruits (Whoo!)
  • You'll become a fair bit more self-reliant

Quick Recommendations For Getting Into Gardening: 

Resource Page:

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into Programming



Summary Of Programming:

  • Possibly the hardest hobby to get into on this list
  • It's difficult to learn how to program
  • The truth is... it's difficult for everyone, even "smart" people
  • It just has a brutal learning curve
  • Oh boy, hope this doesn't scare any newcomers away lol
  • Rest assured, things will "click" in your head after a while
  • And it's awesome

Video Game Alternative Type: 

  • Active
  • Creation (instead of consumption)
  • Creative
  • Intellectual

Can This Hobby Become A Career:

  • 100% you can make a career out of your programming skills
  • Very likely
  • There are a couple (maybe even more) pathways to go about landing a coding job
  • But no matter which path you walk down, you will always learn new things
  • Also be prepared to be mostly self-taught

Main Benefits Of This Hobby:

  • You'll be able to create your own programs!
  • It's a great career choice
  • Programming is mentally stimulating, especially for problem-solving individuals
  • Non-programmers will think you're a wizard 
  • It's rewarding and satisfying to solve problems
  • You can participate in open-source projects as a hobby (no need for it to be a career)

Quick Recommendations For Getting Into Programming:


Resource Page:

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into The Piano Or Guitar



Summary Of Playing The Guitar Or Piano:

  • One of the most popular alternatives to video games
  • One of the first suggestions when gamers ask what else they can do with their time. 
  • Unless you have a knack for music, learning how to play either instrument is difficult
  • Like with many hobbies on this list, it requires consistent practice
  • But the benefits are evident and appealing

Video Game Alternative Type: 

  • Creation (instead of consumption)
  • Creative
  • Artistic
  • Active

Can This Hobby Become A Career:

  • It can become a career 
  • But more than likely it will be a side hustle 
  • Start a Youtube channel, do covers of favorite or popular songs, play local events, etc. 
  • Persistence and networking are key, as with most career paths

Main Benefits Of This Hobby:

  • You get to create and play your own music! 
  • A very impressive skill to have
  • Local opportunities to play events will arise if you network 
  • A satisfying and rewarding hobby
  • Also an excellent way to exercise your mind
  • Will teach you discipline since music requires consistency 

Quick Recommendations For Getting Into The Piano Or Guitar:


Resource Page:

  • (Not Available Yet)

Get Into Personal Development



Summary Of Personal Development:

  • The road to Personal Development is one found by gamers seeking alternatives to video games
  • Many gamers will take inventory of their hours invested into gaming and will feel sorta guilty
  • They'll think they should use their time more wisely
  • Instead of getting better at these games, they should acquire more powerful skills
  • Sooner or later, they'll stumble onto Personal Development
  • The video game alternatives are the tip of the iceberg
  • And Personal Development is the walloping mass of ice submerged below

Video Game Alternative Type: 

  • Endgame
  • Creation (instead of consumption)
  • Creative
  • Active
  • Intellectual

Can This Hobby Become A Career:

  • Personal Development takes precedence over your career
  • It helps you decide what you want your career to be
  • Helps you identify which skills to attain
  • Helps you set down goals and complete them
  • Helps you figure out what life you want and who you want to become

Main Benefits Of This Hobby:

  • It'll help you find what you want to do with your life
  • It'll strengthen you
  • Help you find which skills to master
  • Make you more valuable career-wise
  • For lack of a better word, it's like a cure-all

Quick Recommendations For Getting Into Personal Development:

Resource Page:

  • (Not Available Yet)