Let’s be completely honest: when the British weather finally decides to do summer, it doesn’t do it by halves. We’ve gone from standard rain jacket weather straight into a record-shattering 35°C heatwave.
While the initial instinct is to flock to the nearest beach, lido, or pub garden, we all eventually hit that inevitable midday wall. It is simply too hot to move. Your phone is overheating, the glare on your screen is blinding, and the thought of any physical exertion makes you break out in a sweat.
The ultimate heatwave survival strategy? Get yourself a ridiculously iced drink, and indulge in some low-energy, high-entertainment analogue fun.
Designed right here in the Berkshire countryside, SD Studios Games makes premium, plastic-free, and brilliantly letterbox-friendly games that slip easily into any beach tote or pub bag. Here are four ways to play it cool while staying completely entertained in the shade this week:
1. For a Laugh in the Pub Garden: The Fake News Card Game®
When you are hiding under a pub umbrella with a cold pint or a cider, you want a game that gets everyone laughing without requiring major brainpower or movement. Enter The Fake News Card Game®. Fast, satirical, and highly social.
Why it’s perfect for the heatwave: It’s a purely conversation-driven party game where you try to outsmart your friends by guessing what’s real and what is totally fabricated. Because it’s compact and letterbox-friendly, it takes up zero room on a crowded table full of iced drinks. Got a highly political friend group? Bring the Brexit Edition along to really turn up the heat (metaphorically speaking, of course).
2. For the Ultimate Midday Cool-Down: Guzzling Sharks Game
If your heatwave strategy involves hanging out by a paddling pool, a local swimming spot, or hosting an evening BBQ to escape the indoor stuffiness, Guzzling Sharks is your go-to.
Why it’s perfect for the heatwave: Inspired by classic retro thriller vibes, you have to test your knowledge and try your best to avoid becoming shark bait. It’s the ultimate low-stress, highly entertaining icebreaker to play while sipping on something refreshing.
3. For High-Stakes Strategy Poolside: The Takeover Board Game®
Maybe you are lucky enough to be lounging by a holiday pool or have a proper garden table set up in a deep patch of shade. If you have a few hours to kill during the hottest part of the day, skip the basic apps and go full corporate tycoon.
Why it’s perfect for the heatwave: The Takeover gives you that engrossing, deep-dive strategy experience but without the cheap plastic or massive, clunky boxes of traditional board games. It features premium, tactical finishes that look beautiful on a patio table. It’s the perfect excuse to spend three hours lying perfectly still while scheming how to bankrupt your family.
4. For Sizzling Summer Savings: The Ultimate Party Game Bundle
Can't decide which vibe fits your summer plans? If you’re packing for a proper staycation or a week at the British seaside, the smart move is to bunch them together.
Why it’s perfect for the heatwave: SD Studios’ bundles mix their best-selling card games together at a massive discount. Because they focus on sustainable, planet-kind production using carbon-captured paper and absolutely zero cheap plastic, these games won't warp or melt in the back of a hot car on your way to the coast.
Keep It Cool, Keep It Analogue
This heatwave won't last forever, so let’s make the most of it the right way: screen-free, stress-free, and safely in the shade. Head over to the SD Studios Shop to grab your travel-friendly decks (with free UK delivery!), pack your cooler bag, and we'll see you under the parasol.
