4 Video Games That Help Me Get Through High Pain Days

Over the last two years, I’ve had to say goodbye (or hopefully just "see you later") to some of my favorite hobbies. Struggling with chronic pain and fatigue can be so disabling and leaves many of us having to alter how we spend our time.

Before I fell out of remission, I spent most of my time outdoors. Now that I am housebound, video games have become a huge part of my life and have helped me get through even some of my worst days. Here are four video games that I recommend playing to help cope with the pain and loneliness that come with ankylosing spondylitis.

Coping with pain through video games

Animal Crossing

Nintendo released Animal Crossing just as the pandemic hit, and it quickly became everyone’s favorite way to spend their time during lockdown. It’s the perfect game to play if you own a Switch. I recommend this game to anyone who struggles with brain fog or chronic fatigue.

You can fish, swim, dig up fossils to donate to the local museum, hang out with some of the most adorable villagers, and even craft fun DIY items to customize your island. The best part about this game is the freedom you have in how you choose to spend your time. It’s easy on the brain and is a great distraction from ankylosing spondylitis pain.

Skyrim/Elder Scrolls Online

Skyrim and Elder Scrolls Online are essentially the same world; the only difference is that one you can play online with friends, and the other is solo. Skyrim is a beautiful, open-world role-playing game (RPG). Whether it’s battling Forts, scavenging for loot, or taking smaller quests from locals, this game really gives you the ability to choose whatever you want to make of it.

If I’m having a particularly rough brain day, I’ll just adventure through forests and enjoy the world. I cannot express enough how pretty this game is. It’s a perfect way to escape reality for a little while.

Tip: You also have the ability to download mods to enhance your gameplay experience. I highly suggest looking through them.

Dead by Daylight

Dead by Daylight is definitely one of my absolute favorite games. I only just stumbled upon it six months ago, despite its popularity and being around for over five years. DBD is an online match-making survival game with two separate settings to choose from: Killer mode or Survivor mode. If you choose to play Survivor, you must repair generators and open the escape gate whilst hiding or being chased by a killer. If you play as the killer, your mission is to chase survivors, hook them, and ultimately try to get each survivor out before anyone escapes.

I personally love the wide range of survivors and killers you get to choose from in this game and the freedom you have in creating a personalized build with all of the different skills and abilities each character possesses.

Destiny

If you’re into first-person shooter games, I highly recommend this one. Destiny is an online, multiplayer first-person shooter that takes place in space. You can travel from planet to planet, killing different enemy life forms that reside on those planets for Glimmer (a form of currency) or sometimes even getting new items or weapons.

You can also play an online team death match called Crucible and accept quests that pertain to the season's storyline or just daily bounties. Overall, my favorite part of this game is exploring the beauty of the planets The Dreaming City and Nessus.

Do you play video games to cope with the pain and loneliness of ankylosing spondylitis? What are your favorite games? Let us know in the comments!