5 Free (and Ad-Free) Mobile Video Games That Will Bring You Joy and Keep You Calm

"When I'd finally reread all of the books, watched each movie back to back, and completed a Harry Potter 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

"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

"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