Game nights with friends can be some of the funniest and most entertaining times you spend together. But life can get in the way and prevent you from meeting up, whether it be a long distance friendship or clashing schedules. Whatever it may be, there’s an easy way to get competitive with your friends — virtually from the comfort of your own homes! There are tons of online games that allow for friends to connect online.
As long as everyone an internet connection, they can play. Games come in a ton of varieties from races, cards, word puzzles, trivia and lots more. Just set a time, choose a game and get online.
Razmarinka / ShutterstockHere are eight games to play with friends while you’re all at home.
1. Jackbox Games
Price: $12.49 (The Jackbox Party Pack)
Jackbox Games has been keeping people entertained for decades and now, you can play all of the company’s games online. One of the most popular is “You Don’t Know Jack,” a trivia game that challenges players to high culture and pop culture questions.
You can buy each game individually or buy a party pack that gives you up to six games for one price. It’s free for your friends to get involved with one purchase, so all you have to do is send them a code which they can use to sign into your game. Up to eight friends can play at once, but more people can join as audience members so no one has to miss out on the fun.
2. Scattergories
Price: Free
Another game that never gets old is Scattergories. This longtime favorite is now available online, making it easy for you and your friends to play from anywhere in the world. The instructions are simple: respond to the prompts with unique answers to earn points against your opponents, though it will be a lot harder than you expect. You can customize an online game with friends by choosing your categories, setting the number of rounds and timer amount.
3. UNO
Price: $9.99
This classic card game is available to play on your PC, Xbox One or PlayStation 4. Interact with friends through multiplayer mode and turn on video chat to see eachother play, which will enhance the experience and make it feel like you’re altogether. The goal is to empty your hand before everyone else, but feel free to customize the rules and change the game play to keep things interesting.
4. Playing Cards
Price: Free
If you think you can’t play cards with your friends while you’re separated, then think again. A site called PlayingCards.io allows you to play Crazy Eights, Match Up, Go Fish, Checkers, or even customize your own game. Just go to the website, start a game and share the virtual card table link with your friends to get started.
5. Cards Against Humanity
Price: Free (online)
Cards Against Humanity is described as the party game for horrible people, since it will inevitably lead to hilarious and awkward moments. The card game involves reading a prompt on a black card, and choosing a response on a white card to fill in the blank. The person with the funniest answer gets a point.
There isn’t an official way to play this game online, but there is a dupe called Remote Insensitivity. Share the unique game link with your friends to get started. If you can, have everyone hop onto a group video chat like Google Hangouts or Zoom to see everyone’s reaction to your answers.
6. Words With Friends 2
Price: Free
If you haven’t already tried out this wildly popular mobile game, now is the time. It’s the ultimate way to challenge yourself against friends while putting your word skills to the test. You can connect with friends on the app and track each other’s progress, and also go toe-to-toe with the Lightning Duels mode. It allows you to team up with five people and face off against other teams to score as many points as you can.
7. Mario Kart Tour
Price: Free (In-App purchases)
Mario Kart is one of the most fun games to play when you’re with friends, and now you can play it together on separate devices. Download the game on your iOS or Android app stores and create an Nintendo account. You’ll be able to play against up to seven people by adding them as friends. Then, race each other til your heart’s content – just remember to look out for the bananas on the track.
8. Monopoly
Price: Free
This classic board game has been brought to life online. Simply make a free account with Pogo and register to play with friends. You’ll be able to collect money, own new real estate and duel with your friends to take over the virtual Monopoly board.
