Game nights have always been a classic way to catch up and share some laughs. But with friends and family often scattered across cities—or even continents—coordinating an in-person gathering isn’t always possible. That’s where online game nights come in.
With a rising number of virtual platforms and a growing assortment of creative and fun games, you can bring the excitement of game night into your home without anyone missing out. Whether it’s solving mysteries, flexing your trivia muscles, or unleashing your artistic side, online play is reinventing how we connect.
Below, we’ll explore some of the best options to host an unforgettable digital game night, complete with ideas for classic games and innovative twists that set the stage for fun.
Classic Trivia Nights
Who doesn’t love a good challenge? A trivia night is a staple for any game night lineup, and thanks to platforms like Kahoot or Jackbox, it’s never been easier to host virtually. Simply set up a game room and send an invitation link to your participants.
To make it engaging, choose themes that resonate with your group—whether it’s pop culture, historical events, sports, nature and science or movies and literature. You could even include photo or video rounds to shake things up. For competitive fun, offer small digital rewards like e-gift cards or simple bragging rights to motivate everyone.
Pro Tip: Jackbox offers party packs that include games like Trivia Murder Party, perfect for some lighthearted (and inventive) competition.
Virtual Escape Rooms
Are your friends or family puzzle lovers? Nothing beats the thrill of solving a mystery filled with puzzle elements together. Virtual escape rooms from sites like The Escape Game or Enchambered bring this experience online.
Choose from themed scenarios ranging from haunted mansions to spy missions or prison breaks. Each player works together to solve challenging puzzles and search for clues via an interactive digital interface. It’s teamwork, brainpower, and suspense rolled into one exciting activity.
Pro Tip: Some escape rooms come with different difficulty levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—so be sure to pick the right one for your group’s expertise level.
Digital Charades
Charade is an all-time favorite, and you can take it online with a video conferencing tool like Zoom or Google Meet. One player privately receives their phrase or prompt (use a charades generator app to randomize topics) and then acts it out while the others guess.
From mimicking famous movie titles to acting out random objects, the spontaneous laughter and creative gestures make charades an evergreen crowd-pleaser.
Pro Tip: To set the mood, create breakout rooms for separate teams and keep a timer running for extra suspense.
Online Board Games
Missing your stack of favorite board games? Digital platforms like Tabletopia and Board Game Arena bring classics like Catan, Carcassonne, and Scrabble directly to your devices.
These platforms provide multiplayer games with easy-to-use digital boards and rules, replicating the experience of traditional board games almost perfectly. It’s ideal for enthusiasts who want everything from strategy games to word games, without needing to meet face-to-face.
Pro Tip: Many online board game platforms offer free access, but consider upgrading to premium memberships for more exclusive titles and features.
Murder Mystery Night
For fans of thrilling whodunit plots, hosting a murder mystery night is a guaranteed hit. Game designers offer immersive experiences like ‘Hunt A Killer,’ offering pre-made scenarios with intricate plots and carefully designed storylines. Alternatively, you can find free or low-cost scripted mysteries to act out over Zoom.
Players can dress up as their assigned characters and participate in solving the case by asking clever questions, unraveling motives, and revealing secrets. It’s interactive, immersive, and perfect for creating lasting memories.
Pro Tip: Send your participants their character bios and game instructions in advance to build excitement before the night.
Online Casino Nights
Bring the glamour of Vegas to your living room with a virtual casino night. With high-quality online casinos like FanDuel Casino, you can enjoy the best online casino games like blackjack, poker, and roulette with friends and family from any corner of the world.
Make it more fun with a dress code, signature cocktails, and playing for virtual chips or prizes. You can even opt for a live dealer experience for an extra touch of realism.
Pro Tip: Consider setting limits on how much you are willing to bet in advance to avoid any potential losses.
Pictionary Online
Who has the quickest doodle skills in your group? Draw your masterpiece (or some hilarious version of one) using platforms like Skribbl.io or Zoom’s built-in whiteboard tools.
The goal? Make your team guess your word or phrase before time runs out! It’s simple, creative, and guarantees lots of laughs—even if your drawing skills resemble stick figures more than Picasso.
Pro Tip: Add more fun by narrowing down categories (think ‘movie titles’ or ‘famous landmarks’) before beginning the game.
Video Game Party
Get hyped and join your friends for a high-energy video game session. Whether you’re teaming up in Among Us or competing in Mario Kart, online multiplayer games bring everyone closer—regardless of skill level.
Other great titles include Fortnite, Rocket League, and Minecraft, offering something for players of every taste. You can stream gameplay for others or chat via Discord to stay connected while playing.
Pro Tip: Look for cross-platform games so players can join in on their preferred device (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or mobile).
Jackbox Party Games
No game night list is complete without Jackbox Party Packs, widely regarded as a must-have for digital gatherings. Games like Fibbage, Quiplash, and Drawful are easy to pick up and perfect for groups of any size.
The best part? Only one member of the group needs to own the game. Others can join instantly with their phone, tablet, or laptop using a unique room code.
Pro Tip: Be sure to try Jackbox’s streaming-friendly games, which allow for seamless gameplay even if participants are in different locations.
Connect Over Shared Laughter
While nothing can completely replace the joy of in-person interaction, online game nights are an incredible way to stay connected with loved ones across distances.
Whether you’re deep into a murder mystery, solving puzzles under time pressure, or showing off your trivia knowledge, these games offer moments of fun and togetherness that everyone will cherish.
