A few decades ago, gaming was something of a niche hobby. That’s not the case now! Each year, the gaming community continues to grow. Experts estimate that, by 2027, the number of worldwide gamers will reach 1.4 billion!
Some people play games to unwind. Others use their passion for gaming to make millions in the world of esports. Whether you prefer board games, video games, or web-based games, one perk of this hobby is having plenty of options.
In this article, we take a closer look at timed games. We’ll also cover what people like and dislike about these games. Then, you’ll see our list of time-based board games, video games, and more.
What Are Timed Games?
A timed game is an activity that gives players a specified amount of time to complete a game-related task. Time-based games can be solo adventures, team-based activities, or pit players against each other.
There’s also a fast-growing community of people who speed-run video games. Speed running doesn’t have to involve timed games. However, all speed runs are timed events where players worldwide compete to complete a video game in the fastest amount of time.
What People Like About Timed Games
- Time constraints can be more exciting than non-timed games
- Great for people without a lot of spare time for gaming
- Improving someone’s ability to think and react quickly
What People Don’t Like About Games With Timers
- These games can be too much pressure for some
- Frustrating for people who can’t meet a game’s time-based requirements
Our All-Time Favorite Timed Games
It’s time to check out our list of everything from old-school games to modern titles. If you used to play games, use this list to rekindle your passion for gaming.
Note: While we love sports games, there are far too many to include on this list.
Web-Based Games
- Sudoku: Sudoku is a number-based puzzle where players must insert numbers one through nine into a square grid, ensuring that no numbers repeat in horizontal, vertical, or grid-based patterns.
- Crosswords: While not always timed, some of the web’s most popular crosswords, from the New York Times to USA Today, allow players to complete time-based crosswords.
- Trivia games: Show off your knowledge about almost any topic by playing timed trivia games.
- Spelling Bee: If you’re great with words, Spelling Bee is a popular game on the New York Times’ website. The object of this timed game is to spell as many words as possible in a set amount of time based on a group of random letters.
Video Games
- Minit: A play on the word “minute,” this unique indie game puts players in a world where each game day lasts only one minute. Then, when the in-game day is over, players restart while retaining certain items needed to progress. It sounds stressful, but it’s an addictive joy to play.
- The Super Mario Bros. franchise: An iconic plumber named Mario launched a passion for gaming in many people who are now adults. While many consider these games platformers, which they are, they also use a timer to ensure players complete a level before time runs out.
- Sonic the Hedgehog franchise: Younger readers might think of Sonic the Hedgehog from movies. However, this iconic character debuted on the Sega Genesis console in 1991. You can now play Sonic’s classic games on almost any modern gaming console. Sonic games are fast-paced and timed platformers that are a ton of fun.
- Super Meat Boy: If you want a true challenge, check out Super Meat Boy. This series of timed games has you completing sometimes incredibly difficult platform levels to rescue your girlfriend trapped by an evil doctor.
- Dead Rising series: Do you like your games to include a few scares? Then, Dead Rising is the game for you. In this game, you step into the role of a photographer named Frank West. With zombies taking over a town, do you seek refuge somewhere else? A shopping mall. You’ll deal with time constraints as you mow down zombies and save other survivors trapped inside the Willamette Parkview Mall.
Board Games
Timed games don’t have to be on a TV, phone, or tablet screen. Check out this list of timed board games for fun with friends and family.
- Boggle: Boggle is a timed word game involving players making words out of a letter grid.
- Scattergories: Test your vocabulary with Scattergories, a time-based game where you must come up with words beginning with a letter determined by a 20-sided letter dice. Just don’t roll an X or another difficult letter!
- Pictionary: Do you consider yourself good at drawing? If so, you might love playing Pictionary with a few friends or family members. This game gives players a set amount of time to draw something based on a card they randomly select.
- Perfection: The concept of Perfection is simple, which makes it great for both children and adults. In this game, players have a set amount of time to fit a large group of different game pieces to their corresponding spots on the game board. The catch? Not putting all the pieces in the correct places in time sends them flying in the air!
Boost Your Energy With Kratom for Time-Based Games
Sometimes, you need that extra edge to take your gaming skills to the next level. Energy drinks and supplement companies design products geared toward gamers. But another way to maintain your focus and energy for timed games (without a bunch of sugar and too much caffeine) is with kratom.
Kratom comes from a plant grown primarily throughout Indonesia, where the region’s residents have been using it for centuries for energy and motivation to get through the toughest of workdays. If you’re new to this energizing botanical, check out this resource to learn more about the basics.
MIT45 offers high-quality kratom in many forms, including powders, gummies, capsules, and liquid shots. Browse our online store for kratom shipped right to your front door!
References
McWhertor, Michael. The Origins of Sonic the Hedgehog. Polygon.com. Published March 2018.
Pickett, Marcus. How to Get Back into Gaming: Rediscover an Old Passion. Mit45.com. Accessed November 2023.
Weeks, Annika. Best Pre-Workout Energy Drink: Kratom vs Alternatives. Mit45.com. Published October 2023.
Weeks, Annika. What is Kratom? Mit45.com. Accessed November 2023.
