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What are the best online games to play with friends? We are social creatures; being deprived of time with friends & family can be hard. Luckily, we are in a time where we can still socialize with our loved ones. What better online activity to bring people together than gaming? Well, maybe not great if you are opposing sides. Whether you have a difficult work schedule or under shelter-in-place, playing online games can give that social experience you crave.

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Online Version of Board Games

Miss those game nights with your favorite tabletop? There are actually several digital versions of popular board games. Here are a few fan favorites you might not realize have online versions.

  1. Catan
    • Formerly known as Settlers of Catan, this popular tabletop has digital versions for all web browsers, smartphones, tablets and the Switch.
    • The digital version has the familiar maps from the board game and plays the same.
  2. Scrabble
    • The original word game has an official digital version you can play with friends.
    • Online scrabble is available via many different platforms. Including mobile apps, all the major consoles and PCs.
  3. Monopoly
    • One of the most popular games in history actually has online versions you can play with friends.
    • There is an app for all IOS and Android devices.
    • You can also purchase Monopoly Plus for your gaming console.

Games You Are Familiar With

Sometimes you just want to do what you know. That’s totally fine. Here are several online games you are probably already familiar with.

  1. Fortnite Battle Royale
    • One of the most popular games of recent history.
    • Family-friendly battle royale version is constantly evolving, making sure the game is never stale.
    • Free to play.
    • Easily connect with friends (up to 100!) on PC, mobile, PS4, Xbox One and the Switch.
  2. Call of Duty: Warzone
    • Call of Duty has been one of the top game franchises for over a decade.
    • The new version, Warzone, is available now and free to download on PC, Xbox One and PS4.
    • The controls are familiar so it’s easy to start playing.
    • Has a new & fun take on battle royale gameplay. Play on one giant map with up to 150 players (so all your friends can play with you).
  3. Mario Kart Tour
    • This mobile version of the popular Mario Kart dropped in late 2019.
    • In March of 2020, a multiplayer function was added so you can race with up to 7 friends.
    • You can easily swipe or down to control your character while playing in familiar levels.
    • Can be downloaded to your IOS or Android device.

For Non-Gamers

Want to include that friend who doesn’t download games from Steam or have a console. Maybe they just don’t like “video games.” Here are games that are easily played on the phone or don’t involve a controller.

  1. Jackbox Games
    • Jackbox offers several packs featuring trivia to role playing games.
    • These games are done with a big sense of humor that is sure to make you laugh during these strange times.
    • Only one person has to download the game while the rest just needs their phones. Jackbox listed an easy tutorial on how to play remotely with friends on video chats like Google Hangouts or Skype.
    • Can be added to any device.
    • 6 variety packs are currently available.
  2. Uno
    • This fan favorite has a free app you can download to any IOS or Android device.
    • The app allows you to play as a team or in tournaments.
    • Can set up a ‘Fun Room’ so you can play with only your friends.
  3. Exploding Kittens
    • With games like Card Against Humanity, humor based card games have become very popular and this “kitty-powered version of Russian Roulette” is a fan favorite for game nights.
    • The popular card game has an app for IOS and Android devices so you can easily play with friends.
    • For those non-gamers, the app version plays exactly like the card version.

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