ADHD and Gaming: The Perfect Match (Or Sometimes Not)
Table of Content
Let’s get real for a second. ADHD isn’t just about being “hyper” or losing focus—it’s this wild, beautiful storm of energy, creativity, and curiosity that sometimes feels like it’s trying to escape your brain all at once. And honestly? Games can be an amazing outlet for that chaos.
But here’s the kicker—not every game works for everyone with ADHD. Some games feel like they were made specifically for us, while others are like asking someone with ADHD to sit still during fireworks. Spoiler alert: We’re probably not going down without some serious effort.
As both a developer who’s coded my fair share of games and someone who has friends with ADHD (and maybe understands them better than I should), let me break it down for you in a way that makes sense. Let’s talk about why gaming matters, what kinds of games hit differently when you have ADHD, and which ones might leave you feeling more stressed than satisfied.
Hazem Abbas
Why Do People With ADHD Love Playing Games?
Games give structure where life often doesn’t. They offer clear goals, instant feedback, and rewards—things our brains crave but don’t always find in real-world tasks. For example:
- Platformers: Think Super Mario Odyssey or Celeste. These games challenge your reflexes and problem-solving skills, giving you bite-sized challenges that keep you hooked.
- Match-3 Puzzlers: Candy Crush, anyone? It’s repetitive, predictable, and oddly soothing. Plus, short levels mean you won’t lose steam halfway through.
- Simulation Games: Building cities (Cities: Skylines) or managing farms (Stardew Valley) taps into our love for control and planning—something we rarely experience elsewhere.
But—and this is important—not all games work well for people with ADHD. Fast-paced shooters or overly complex strategy games can overload our already buzzing minds. More on that later.
Hazem Abbas
What Kinds of Games Work Best?
Here’s the thing: ADHD folks tend to thrive on variety, novelty, and low-pressure environments. So, let’s dive into specific genres and why they resonate—or fail—with us.
1. Platformer Games
These are like dopamine hits wrapped up in pixels. You jump, run, solve puzzles, and feel accomplished as soon as you beat a level.
Recommendations:
- Hollow Knight: Beautifully dark, challenging, yet rewarding.
- Ori and the Blind Forest: Stunning visuals and emotional storytelling.
- A Hat in Time: Quirky, fun, and packed with personality.
Why they work: Short bursts of action + achievable objectives = pure joy.
Hazem Abbas
2. Puzzle/Relaxation Games
If you need something chill, puzzle games are perfect. They engage your brain without overwhelming it.
Recommendations:
- Candy Crush Saga: Yeah, I said it. Don’t judge.
- Baba Is You: Mind-bending logic puzzles that make you rethink reality.
- Monument Valley: A visual masterpiece that doubles as meditation.
Why they work: Repetition and simplicity help regulate overactive thoughts.
3. Strategy & Turn-Based Games
Real-time strategy (RTS) games can be stressful because they demand constant attention. But turn-based strategy? That’s different. You can take your time, think things through, and still feel smart.
Recommendations:
- Into the Breach: Tactical combat meets tiny pixel art.
- Civilization VI: Build empires at your own pace.
- XCOM 2: Save humanity one carefully planned move at a time.
Why they work: Slower pacing allows for deep engagement without burnout.
Hazem Abbas
4. Tower Defense & Space Simulations
Managing resources, defending bases, or exploring galaxies gives us a sense of accomplishment without needing split-second reactions.
Recommendations:
- Plants vs. Zombies: Classic tower defense fun.
- Galaxy on Fire: Fly spaceships, trade goods, fight pirates—it’s spacey goodness.
- EVE Online: If you want to dive headfirst into a massive universe, this MMO is legendary.
Why they work: Long-term goals paired with steady progress keep us invested.
5. Indie Gems
Independent developers often create games that cater to niche audiences—including those with ADHD. Indie titles shine because they prioritize creativity over complexity.
Recommendations:
- Undertale: Heartfelt, quirky, and unforgettable.
- Gris: A visually stunning journey through grief and healing.
- Hyper Light Drifter: Action meets exploration with gorgeous aesthetics.
Why they work: Unique mechanics and artistic flair capture our wandering imaginations.
6. Simulation Games
Building, farming, or simulating everyday life provides a calming rhythm that many ADHD players adore.
Recommendations:
- The Sims 4: Create dream homes, manage relationships—it’s like playing god.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Chill vibes only. Decorate islands, chat with cute critters.
- Factorio: Automate factories and watch machines do their thing.
Why they work: Endless possibilities within structured systems appeal to our creative sides.
What About Kids With ADHD?
Kids with ADHD benefit from games too! Look for age-appropriate options that encourage focus, patience, and creativity.
Recommendations for Younger Players:
- Minecraft: Build worlds, learn teamwork, unleash imagination.
- LEGO Games: Fun, cooperative play with simple controls.
- Toca Life World: Open-ended storytelling for younger kids.
Why they work: Interactive gameplay fosters learning and social skills.
Hazem Abbas
Why Avoid Certain Games?
Not all games are created equal. Here’s why some popular genres might not vibe with ADHD:
1. FPS/TPS Shooters
Games like Call of Duty or Fortnite require lightning-fast reflexes and sustained concentration. While thrilling for some, these can exhaust ADHD players quickly.
Hazem Abbas
2. Highly Stimulant Games
Anything overly flashy, loud, or chaotic (looking at you, Fall Guys) can overwhelm sensory processing. Stress spikes? No thanks.
3. Open-World Sandboxes Without Goals
Games like Red Dead Redemption 2 may seem appealing, but the lack of direction can lead to frustration. Too much freedom = decision paralysis.
Final Thoughts: Game On, ADHD Warriors
Gaming isn’t just entertainment—it’s therapy, escapism, and self-expression rolled into one. As a doctor-developer hybrid, I’ve seen firsthand how the right game can light up someone’s day. Whether you’re crushing candies, building civilizations, or flying spaceships, remember this: There’s no shame in finding solace in pixels.
So grab your controller, fire up your PC, or tap away on your phone. Find the games that speak to you. Because when you find the right match, it’s magic.
And hey—if you ever need recommendations, hit me up. I’ll hook you up with something awesome.
TL;DR: ADHD-friendly games include platformers, puzzle games, turn-based strategies, simulations, and indie gems. Avoid overly stimulating or chaotic games. Try Celeste, Stardew Valley, or Galaxy on Fire. Boxed answer below!
Boxed Answer:
Best ADHD-Friendly Games:
- Hollow Knight
- Ori and the Blind Forest
- Baba Is You
- Into the Breach
- Plants vs. Zombies
- Galaxy on Fire
- EVE Online
- Undertale
- Gris
- The Sims 4
- Minecraft
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
