The silver lining of self-isolation is rediscovering hobbies and interests [1] that we once loved — like video games. While we find creative new ways to keep entertained during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, video games like Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, and The Sims are having a huge boost in engagement.

The allure of gaming is giving each of us access to alternate universes — whether that be creating your own little sanctuary in the healthy world of Animal Crossing, having a quick Mario Kart multiplayer race with friends who are safe and snug in their own homes, or creating a new household in The Sims that is way less irritating than your family or flatmates [2] in real life.

If you've got Android or iPhone, your native app store has tons of fun, free, and ad-free games that will rekindle wondrous feelings of simpler times. Ahead, we've listed our five favourites; from simulation games and multiplayer racing to entering the wizarding world of Harry Potter [3] and redesigning your very own vineyard, there's something to suit every kind of gamer.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp

"I was addicted to Animal Crossing as a kid but left it behind in my teen years of fears that it was too babyish. It only took me a few days into isolation to get right back into the storyline — having bonfires and hosting picnics with my animal friends and tending to my lush flower garden is keeping me sane while indoors." — Kara Kia, assistant editor

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery

"When I'd finally reread all of the books [4], watched each movie [5] back to back, and completed a Harry Potter [6] puzzle, I realised there was no better time than now to download the Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery mobile game. Basically, it's all I want when the real world feels too much and after I've exhausted all other means of entering the wizarding world. The game is incredibly easy — I'm talking Sims level of easy — so if you're looking for a brain challenge, don't come to Hogwarts. But do come to Hogwarts if you want to practice your lumos charm." — Tori Crowther, associate editor

Mario Kart Tour

"My partner and I don't live together, and we wanted to find fun ways to stay connected while being apart. Mario Kart Tour is great because it is quick, doesn't eat away at your time, and has a multiplayer mode where you can race friends." — KK

Vineyard Valley Puzzle Game

"Vineyard Valley is like the Cali version of FarmVille. My avatar is visiting Aunt Margaret's vineyard, which is rundown and in need of a fix up. It's my job (as saviour of the day) to complete small games (similar to Candy Crush) in order to get coins to pay for fixing up the vineyard. Because obviously, I'd much rather be playing little games and fixing up the kitchen countertops of a rundown vineyard than working at my current makeshift office-desk set up of garden furniture." — TC

The Sims Mobile

"Sims is such a throwback. I remember after I graduated from Animal Crossing in my kid days, I went straight into the Sims in my teens. Last time I played, it was all about The Sims 2 and I had all the expansions (total dork). I would obsessively play this game into the wee hours until my mum would have to yell at me to go to bed. Now, I've hopped right back in like I never left." — KK