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The coronavirus pandemic has put a damper on being social with your family and friends over the weekend due to shelter-in-place orders and various forms of lockdowns, but one social activity that you can engage in with pals is playing online games together, even from far away.
Whether you're looking for old-school favorites, party games, escape rooms or hard-core board games, there's likely a virtual option of a multiplayer game for you, as people have turned to tech for creative socializing during social distancing. (Watching movies and shows together through extensions like Netflix Party and Airtime for YouTube have also become popular ways to hang out virtually.) Here are some of the best online games to play with friends that are available, no matter what type of experience you're seeking.
Read more: Video games we're playing during the coronavirus lockdown
Best for easy online party games
Jackbox Games
Jackbox For me, Jackbox Games is the holy grail of social distance gaming: The party games are incredibly simple to learn but are still very entertaining to play, and it's also easy to stream or screen-share games from one device to a group. Everyone plays through a web browser on their phones, so no apps or consoles are needed. You can even mirror your Android or iOS device to your TV.
Here's how it works: One person has to purchase either one of six Jackbox Party Packs, or one or more individual games, on Steam (for PC, Mac and Linux). The packs contain five games, and usually cost $25 each, but are currently on sale for $12. The packs are also available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and other devices.
After purchasing, you can hop on a video chat through Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts or wherever you prefer, start the game on your laptop, and use the screen-share option so that all the other players on the call can see the screen too. As mentioned, everyone plays along on their mobile device by using a browser and going to Jackbox.tv, where you'll be asked to enter a room code.
Other options include using Steam Remote Play Together, Discord screen sharing, sharing through your gaming console, or just setting up a webcam in front of your TV. Jackbox provides information on how to stream its games, too.
Each pack includes a variety of different games that might ask you to answer trivia questions, draw weird doodles or write the best joke. The games are light and humorous, and include clear instructions, so they're easy for the most novice players to pick up.
Read more: 11 things to do in quarantine when you've already made 3 loaves of banana bread
See at Jackbox
Best virtual escape room
The Escape Game
The Escape Game Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test with a virtual escape room. Try to solve all of the puzzles and follow the clues to escape the computerized room before time is up, as you would when you play the real-world version.
One option for ages 12 and up is TEG Unlocked: The Heist from The Escape Game. In the two-part game for one to four players, you'll work as a secret agent trying to thwart a suspected art thief. Each part costs $10, or $17 for the bundle.
If you're looking for a more kid-friendly choice, there's a free Harry Potter-themed escape room created by Peters Township Public Library in McMurray, Pennsylvania, using Google Docs.
Read more: Dating during coronavirus: 7 ideas for virtual dates while social distancing
See at The Escape Game
Read more: These print-at-home escape rooms are the distraction we need right now
Best virtual board games
Tabletopia
Tabletopia/Screenshot by Alison DeNisco Rayome/CNET If you're looking to play traditional tabletop board games online, check out Tabletopia, which calls itself an "online arena" for tour thác bản giốc từ hà nội playing more than 900 board games the same way you would in real life. You can play on a desktop browser for Mac or Windows, or download the platform on Steam, the App Store or the Google Play Store.
You'll find classics like chess and Texas Hold 'Em, or more in-depth options like Scythe and Clans of Caledonia to play. Start your own game with friends, or join a game in progress with open seats.
You can play some games for free with the bronze package, or upgrade to the silver ($4.99 a month) or gold ($9.99 a month) package to access premium games.
Another similar option is Tabletop Simulator, which includes base games like chess, poker, dominoes, Mahjong and jigsaw puzzles. Create your own original games on the platform, as well as play ones that were created by others.
You'll see some familiar titles in here, but note that most of those were created by other users, as opposed to actual game developers. You can buy Tabletop Simulator on Steam for Windows and Mac for $20, and can then share your screen to play with friends.
See at Tabletopia
Best for Heads Up and easy mobile games
Houseparty
Angela Lang/CNET Houseparty is a video chat app owned by Fortnite developer Epic Games that lets you play popular games like trivia and Heads Up with friends online. While the app is free to download, you do have to pay for some of the games, typically $1-$3. Up to eight people can join a video chat "room" at once and play games together.
Just a warning: There have been rumors that the app has enabled Netflix account hacks with loose security protocols. The company said it has not been breached or had any data exposed, however, and offered a $1 million reward for proof of the problem, claiming it's more likely tied to reusing login credentials and passwords.
Houseparty is available for iOS, Android, MacOS and Chrome.
See at Houseparty
Read more: Best Wireless earbuds and Bluetooth headphones for phone calls
Best for a low-key hangout
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Katie Collins/CNET Animal Crossing: New Horizons came out on Nintendo Switch in March, right at the start of many coronavirus shelter-in-place orders. It's taken the world by storm, and its social aspect has made social distancing a bit easier. While you can perform simple tasks like growing fruit, planting trees and designing rooms alone, you can also invite friends to visit your island and go fishing and exploring together. If you don't have a Switch to play on, you can also check out the mobile version, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp.
Read more: 19 best Animal Crossing: New Horizon tips for Nintendo Switch
See at Nintendo
Read more: Best Nintendo Switch Accessories in 2020
Best for the time-constrained
Mobile games: Fortnite, Words with Friends 2, Scrabble GO, Uno & Friends, Draw Something
Epic Games You may already be familiar with popular mobile games that you can play with friends anytime. Fortnite, Words with Friends 2, Scrabble GO, Uno & Friends and Draw Something are all great options for simple games that let you keep in touch and sneak in a turn when you have time throughout the day.
If you're mostly playing solo, you might want to check out a mobile gaming subscription service. Apple Arcade has a library of more than 100 original games including nostalgic favorites Pac-Man Party Royale and Frogger in Toytown, along with new hits such as Crossy Road Castle and Ultimate Rivals: The Rink. For $4.99 a month, you can play across iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac and Apple TV devices.
For Android users, Google Play Pass offers access to more than 350 games including Monument Valley, Risk and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, also for $4.99 a month.
Read more: tour hồ ba bể từ hà nội Best game subscription services: Here's how to choose
See at Epic Games
Of course, there's always the option to go as old-school as possible in your virtual gaming: You can find free online versions of some classics like Battleship. You can also work on a crossword puzzle with friends through the Washington Post. Tabletop Simulator, mentioned above, also includes games like chess, poker, dominoes and jigsaw puzzles that you can play with friends if you both buy the platform.
Need more quarantine-friendly entertainment?
The best services for cooking, working and entertaining yourself at home
Best free TV streaming services: Roku, Sling TV, IMDb, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, Plex and more
5 Masterclass classes to become a filmmaker: Learn from Martin Scorsese, Jodie Foster and more
Free entertainment to help you survive social distancing
15 educational video games for kids in quarantine that are still fun
The best racing wheels and pedals for iRacing and your budget
Now playing: Watch this: Maximize your time in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
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The coronavirus pandemic has put a damper on being social with your family and friends over the weekend due to shelter-in-place orders and various forms of lockdowns, but one social activity that you can engage in with pals is playing online games together, even from far away.
Whether you're looking for old-school favorites, party games, escape rooms or hard-core board games, there's likely a virtual option of a multiplayer game for you, as people have turned to tech for creative socializing during social distancing. (Watching movies and shows together through extensions like Netflix Party and Airtime for YouTube have also become popular ways to hang out virtually.) Here are some of the best online games to play with friends that are available, no matter what type of experience you're seeking.
Read more: Video games we're playing during the coronavirus lockdown
Best for easy online party games
Jackbox Games
Jackbox For me, Jackbox Games is the holy grail of social distance gaming: The party games are incredibly simple to learn but are still very entertaining to play, and it's also easy to stream or screen-share games from one device to a group. Everyone plays through a web browser on their phones, so no apps or consoles are needed. You can even mirror your Android or iOS device to your TV.
Here's how it works: One person has to purchase either one of six Jackbox Party Packs, or one or more individual games, on Steam (for PC, Mac and Linux). The packs contain five games, and usually cost $25 each, but are currently on sale for $12. The packs are also available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and other devices.
After purchasing, you can hop on a video chat through Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts or wherever you prefer, start the game on your laptop, and use the screen-share option so that all the other players on the call can see the screen too. As mentioned, everyone plays along on their mobile device by using a browser and going to Jackbox.tv, where you'll be asked to enter a room code.
Other options include using Steam Remote Play Together, Discord screen sharing, sharing through your gaming console, or just setting up a webcam in front of your TV. Jackbox provides information on how to stream its games, too.
Each pack includes a variety of different games that might ask you to answer trivia questions, draw weird doodles or write the best joke. The games are light and humorous, and include clear instructions, so they're easy for the most novice players to pick up.
Read more: 11 things to do in quarantine when you've already made 3 loaves of banana bread
See at Jackbox
Best virtual escape room
The Escape Game
The Escape Game Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test with a virtual escape room. Try to solve all of the puzzles and follow the clues to escape the computerized room before time is up, as you would when you play the real-world version.
One option for ages 12 and up is TEG Unlocked: The Heist from The Escape Game. In the two-part game for one to four players, you'll work as a secret agent trying to thwart a suspected art thief. Each part costs $10, or $17 for the bundle.
If you're looking for a more kid-friendly choice, there's a free Harry Potter-themed escape room created by Peters Township Public Library in McMurray, Pennsylvania, using Google Docs.
Read more: Dating during coronavirus: 7 ideas for virtual dates while social distancing
See at The Escape Game
Read more: These print-at-home escape rooms are the distraction we need right now
Best virtual board games
Tabletopia
Tabletopia/Screenshot by Alison DeNisco Rayome/CNET If you're looking to play traditional tabletop board games online, check out Tabletopia, which calls itself an "online arena" for tour thác bản giốc từ hà nội playing more than 900 board games the same way you would in real life. You can play on a desktop browser for Mac or Windows, or download the platform on Steam, the App Store or the Google Play Store.
You'll find classics like chess and Texas Hold 'Em, or more in-depth options like Scythe and Clans of Caledonia to play. Start your own game with friends, or join a game in progress with open seats.
You can play some games for free with the bronze package, or upgrade to the silver ($4.99 a month) or gold ($9.99 a month) package to access premium games.
Another similar option is Tabletop Simulator, which includes base games like chess, poker, dominoes, Mahjong and jigsaw puzzles. Create your own original games on the platform, as well as play ones that were created by others.
You'll see some familiar titles in here, but note that most of those were created by other users, as opposed to actual game developers. You can buy Tabletop Simulator on Steam for Windows and Mac for $20, and can then share your screen to play with friends.
See at Tabletopia
Best for Heads Up and easy mobile games
Houseparty
Angela Lang/CNET Houseparty is a video chat app owned by Fortnite developer Epic Games that lets you play popular games like trivia and Heads Up with friends online. While the app is free to download, you do have to pay for some of the games, typically $1-$3. Up to eight people can join a video chat "room" at once and play games together.
Just a warning: There have been rumors that the app has enabled Netflix account hacks with loose security protocols. The company said it has not been breached or had any data exposed, however, and offered a $1 million reward for proof of the problem, claiming it's more likely tied to reusing login credentials and passwords.
Houseparty is available for iOS, Android, MacOS and Chrome.
See at Houseparty
Read more: Best Wireless earbuds and Bluetooth headphones for phone calls
Best for a low-key hangout
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Katie Collins/CNET Animal Crossing: New Horizons came out on Nintendo Switch in March, right at the start of many coronavirus shelter-in-place orders. It's taken the world by storm, and its social aspect has made social distancing a bit easier. While you can perform simple tasks like growing fruit, planting trees and designing rooms alone, you can also invite friends to visit your island and go fishing and exploring together. If you don't have a Switch to play on, you can also check out the mobile version, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp.
Read more: 19 best Animal Crossing: New Horizon tips for Nintendo Switch
See at Nintendo
Read more: Best Nintendo Switch Accessories in 2020
Best for the time-constrained
Mobile games: Fortnite, Words with Friends 2, Scrabble GO, Uno & Friends, Draw Something
Epic Games You may already be familiar with popular mobile games that you can play with friends anytime. Fortnite, Words with Friends 2, Scrabble GO, Uno & Friends and Draw Something are all great options for simple games that let you keep in touch and sneak in a turn when you have time throughout the day.
If you're mostly playing solo, you might want to check out a mobile gaming subscription service. Apple Arcade has a library of more than 100 original games including nostalgic favorites Pac-Man Party Royale and Frogger in Toytown, along with new hits such as Crossy Road Castle and Ultimate Rivals: The Rink. For $4.99 a month, you can play across iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac and Apple TV devices.
For Android users, Google Play Pass offers access to more than 350 games including Monument Valley, Risk and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, also for $4.99 a month.
Read more: tour hồ ba bể từ hà nội Best game subscription services: Here's how to choose
See at Epic Games
Of course, there's always the option to go as old-school as possible in your virtual gaming: You can find free online versions of some classics like Battleship. You can also work on a crossword puzzle with friends through the Washington Post. Tabletop Simulator, mentioned above, also includes games like chess, poker, dominoes and jigsaw puzzles that you can play with friends if you both buy the platform.
Need more quarantine-friendly entertainment?
The best services for cooking, working and entertaining yourself at home
Best free TV streaming services: Roku, Sling TV, IMDb, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, Plex and more
5 Masterclass classes to become a filmmaker: Learn from Martin Scorsese, Jodie Foster and more
Free entertainment to help you survive social distancing
15 educational video games for kids in quarantine that are still fun
The best racing wheels and pedals for iRacing and your budget
Now playing: Watch this: Maximize your time in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
3:27
Comments
Video Games Gaming Amazon Nintendo Apple
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