Learning a new language is fun until you are interacting with plain texts. This not only ruins the fun aspect of learning the language but also the nuance.
“What is the solution here then?”, you might be wondering. Well, the solution is games that are in Spanish.
I started my journey of learning Spanish during the pandemic. After a while of struggling and running through textbooks and boring language learning apps, I completely lost interest. Then a friend suggested a better way to gain back the interest and learn the language: games. And I haven’t looked back since then.
I learned Spanish within six months and even tested myself by reaching out to Optimum en español customer service. It is basically a tailored-for-Hispanic customer service version of my reliable internet provider in the US.
Anyway, did you notice the word ‘effectively’ in single quotation marks in the title? It was to exaggerate a point. Let me explain: games let you interact with different elements, you listen, read, and understand the nuance of the language. This makes it fun and more effective than the usual learning methods.
I hope you understand why it is better to learn a language via games.
Now, let me make it easy for you by listing the best games that will help you learn Spanish.
Without much ado, let’s dive right into it.
1. Deponia
If you like old school games that put your brain to a big test, Deponia is perfect for you.
Let me walk you through the story: Rufus is the protagonist (personaje principal) of the game. He lives on the planet called Deponia. He has an ex-girlfriend named Toni, and their dynamic is funny.
Anyhow, the people of Deponia start to move to a new planet called Elysium. They treat the former planet as a dumpster. Rufus dreams of escaping his pathetic life in Deponia.
Escaping the life of Estonia is the puzzle in which you will be delving as the main character.
It is one of the best games that was produced in 2010s’. I tried it in 2023, and I am still in love with it majorly because I adore the old school stuff.
If you, too, sail the same boat, it is the perfect choice for you to learn Spanish.
The game is available on Steam, so do check that out.
2. Words with Friends 2
I am an introvert who likes spending my time all alone. If you are the opposite and adore playing games with your friends, Word with Friends 2 is a good choice for you.
Here is how this game works: it is a Scrabble-like multiplayer game that lets the player with the best vocabulary win. Now, if you and one of your fellows want to learn Spanish, you can play the game and have a bit of competition while learning.
The game’s first iteration wasn’t that great, but the second one is better. Most of the game is free, but if you want to unlock major features, then you might have to spend some bucks.
All in all, it is one of the best games that can help you quickly learn Spanish.
3. Grim Fandango
This is the game that helps you understand the true nuance of Spanish via its witty humor, Mexican references, and more.
This is mainly a puzzle game that was first released in 1998. After 17 years, the game’s developers released a remastered version of Grim Fandango, which is another great choice and definitely worth checking out.
Anyway, the game’s main character is Manny, who goes on an adventure to find corruption in his business. His journey is amazing and often funny. The game revolves around the Day of the Dead, which is a festival in the Hispanic community. The game progresses and ends on the 4th iteration, and each iteration is a puzzle that must be solved on the Day of the Dead (dentro del juego).
The most lovable aspect of the game is its folklore lore which might be highly relatable if you have ever visited the events of the Day of the Dead.
The game might get difficult at some point, but it is definitely worth your while.
4. Freerice.com
Do you want to play a game, learn Spanish, and impact the world positively all at the same time?
Yes? Then, Freerice is the best game for you.
This game is the product of the World Food Programme (WFP). How exactly do you positively impact the world? When you answer the question correctly, for each correct answer, the World Food Programme donates ten grains of rice to end world hunger. Isn’t that great?!
You might already have an idea as to what the game is all about. No? It helps you build your vocabulary.
By default, it is in English, but you can choose Spanish from the menu up top. So, do check it out.
Well, these are the best games that helped me learn Spanish. If you like story-based games, then try Grim Fandango or Deponia. If you just want to improve your vocabulary, then Freerice and Word with Friends 2 will be better for you.