There are a lot of online games to play with friends because the sad truth is that you can’t always occupy the same physical space as your besties and favorite family members. When that’s the case, we recommend turning to online games to play with friends. If we took anything from peak COVID months, it’s that there’s more than one way to connect with loved ones — and if you have an internet connection, you can get some major online game playing in.
Plan a virtual game night and make it special: Have everyone who is tuning in prepare their favorite snacks, buy that special sparkling water they’ve always wanted to try, and maybe even set a fun dress code. (Dress up as your favorite TV character? We think yes.)
Ahead, we pulled together 17 multiplayer games to play with friends to get you started. From classic board games like Monopoly to quirky app-based games like Among Us, there’s something for every type of game enthusiast. The hardest part will be choosing which ones to play.
Online Truth or Dare
If you’re looking for a quick partystarter, we created an online Truth or Dare generator. This is a great way to get people laughing and learning more about each other. After all, coming up with the questions and dares is the toughest part.
Play it here.
Mario Kart
This one is classic — vintage, even. All of those participating will need access to a game console that’s compatible with the game and it isn’t free, but this single game will fuel night after night of gaming. For the uninitiated, the premise is simple: Choose a character, deck out your car, and race your friends (or computer simulated characters). There are a ton of themed courses, so you’ll never get bored.
Get it on Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Switch, and the Xbox 360.
Would You Rather
We’re big fans of the timeless Would You Rather game (in fact, here are some Would You Rather questions, in case you’re coming up with your own cards). This is a free game and while you won’t want to play it for hours on end — it will get a bit monotonous — it’s a great (free!) game night icebreaker, especially if there are new friends in the crowd.
Get it on WouldURather.com
Jackbox.TV
Jackbox is a hub of online games that span different difficulties and genres. You do have to purchase different packs — each one features a collection of games — in order to unlock your own room code. Once you’ve picked the pack for you, share the code with those you’ll be playing with and you’re off. The games make the players the characters, with options like fun doodle challenges, trivia, and more.
Get it on Jackbox Games
Scrabble Go
This app-based game is an evolution of the classic board game everyone pulls out for family game night. Keep in mind it’s a phone app game, so may be best when you’re looking for a long leisurely game to play with friends from afar (read: not game night).
Get it for iOS and Google Play
Settlers of Catan
The popular board game has a console version! Settle in for a long night of playing, as this one can take some serious time. Accommodating 1-4 players, the game comes with options. You can opt for the super deluxe version, which includes the core game, a helpers expansion, extra maps, hex frames, and more.
Get it for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S|X here.
Psych!
The makers of Heads Up created this game, and the main goal is to trick your friends into picking phony trivia answers. Each player will gain points when they guess a correct answer and when they trick someone into choosing their made-up answer. It’s as ridiculous as you make it.
Get it for iOS and Google Play
Skribbl
If you love Pictionary, this game is a wonderful (free!) virtual option. Grab up to 12 friends and head into the private virtual room where you’ll be tasked with drawing pictures based on random words and phrases. If you’re really feeling creative — or vindictive — you can generate the prompts yourself.
Get it on Skribbl
Drawful 2
One of Jackbox Game’s most popular options is Drawful 2, which is similar to Skribbl (and Pictionary) in theory. But the perk of opting for this game is that the prompts are truly next-level. It does cost $10, but it’s a great way to play Pictionary online with friends.
Get it on Jackbox Games
Cards Against Formality
This one doesn’t need much of an introduction. Based on the fan-favorite card game, this online site is an opportunity to play Cards Against Humanity online. The person who has the wildest answer gets the point. Prepare to gasp.
Get it on Cards Against Formality
Chess
For a free way to hone in on your skills and play chess online with friends, head to Chess.com. Here you can play as much as you’d like — and you can challenge a bot to up your game when your friends aren’t around.
Get it on Chess.com
Words with Friends 2
Another app-based option, this is the popular follow-up to — you guessed it — Words With Friends. The goal is simple: Unscramble the most words, win the game.
Get it on iOS and Google Play
Fortnite
This free game offers up tons of challenges for players to unlock. The maps are constantly changing, which keeps the play fresh. Warning: Though the animated vibe may feel completely appropriate for all ages, there are guns in the game. Keep this in mind if you have young players tuning in.
Get it for Xbox One, Switch, PS4, mobile, and PC here
Minecraft
Minecraft is a world of opportunity — literally. Multiple players can exist in the same universe, using the game’s blocks to create, well, anything. The beauty here is sharing your creations with your friends.
Get it on Xbox, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, and Windows here
Pokemon Go
Catch all kinds of Pokemon from wherever you are in the world. Compare your finds with friends from your phone, as this is an app-based game.
Get it on iOS and Google Play
Monopoly
Want to play Monopoly online with friends? While the official game does not have an online version, you can play RichUp. This game is pretty much the same, but uses countries in place of real estate.
Get it on Solitaire Paradise
Among Us
This app takes place in a world of hidden corners and secret tunnels. Within each team, there is one Imposter and it’s everyone’s job to figure out who it is before they kill everyone else.
Get it on iOS and Google Play
Cluedo
When it comes to playing online board games with friends, Clue is a fan favorite for a reason. There’s one killer and, like Among Us, it’s the players’ job to figure out who it is. Unlike Among Us, the characters are highly developed and pretty quirky.
Get it on iOS and Google Play
