Play Scrabble and Words With Friends Online
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
There are several ways to play Scrabble and Words With Friends online, including some officially sanctioned sites and some unofficial sites where you can play Scrabble-like crossword games. There are fewer options than in the past since some options are no longer available. Scrabble play can be done instead on mobile apps, including SCRABBLE Free from EA and Words With Friends from Zynga.
The Spruce / Emily Mendoza
Facebook Scrabble
Two official versions of Scrabble are available on Facebook, one for residents of the U.S. and Canada and the other for residents of other countries. A third Scrabble-like game, Lexulous, is also available. (Lexulous was known as Scrabulous until lawsuits were filed against the creators by both Hasbro and Mattel.) Free registration is required to join Facebook. To play without ads, you must pay a fee. An ad loads after every turn if you don’t pay for the ad-free version. You are able to compete against your friends, track your Scrabble ELO rating, customize your board and tiles, and pick up gameplay where you left off on your smartphone or tablet. You can also play against a random opponent or turn on speed play.
Facebook Words with Friends
You can also play Words with Friends on Facebook, powered by Zynga. You can start a game and notify a Facebook friend, or let the game match you up with someone.
Lexulous.com
In addition to being available at Facebook, Lexulous can be played at Lexulous.com. You can join a room to play with other players or elect to play a robot. There is also an option where you can watch other players play and learn their strategies. Free registration is required to join Lexulous.com. You can join using your Facebook profile if you prefer.
Pogo.com
Pogo.com, run by Electronic Arts, is an official place to play Scrabble. Two versions are available: classic Scrabble (for two to four players) and Scrabble Blast (a solo game fairly described as Scrabble meets Boggle). Free registration is required to join Pogo.com. You can join using your Facebook profile if you prefer. You can play with friends online. To play ad-free, you must upgrade to Club Pogo.
You earn tokens from playing and have a chance to win prizes and drawings. Pogo has options for playing alone, challenging up to three opponents, choosing from five skill levels, opponent matching by skill level, and using traditional rules, house rules, or selecting rules a la carte.
Merriam-Webster Scrabble Sprint
Play the free Scrabble Sprint online game without registration on the Merriam-Webster site. You make words one at a time against the clock to fill up all of the spaces on the board. You click or type a word with two or more letters, with bonus points for more time left on the timer.
Scrabble Apps
Scrabble apps are available for your mobile device and allow you to play on the go:
- SCRABBLE Free is available from Electronic Arts, both on iTunes and Google Play. It allows playing with friends, single player, random opponent, and speed play. Cross-platform play is also allowed.
- Words with Friends: This Zynga app is available on iTunes, Google Play, and the Windows Store.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Planning a game night is no easy feat. Making your friends show up on time is the first challenge. The second? Brainstorming what to play, as quips and complaints pour in.
To save you precious time, we’ve compiled a list of six fun word games that you can play with friends online. No downloads are needed—simply type these games’ addresses into your browser, and start playing:
1. Letterbox
How to play: In 60 seconds, make as many words as possible using nine letters shown on a grid. The longer the words, the more points you get:
Tricky letter combinations can show up on Letterbox. If you get an ‘S’ like this, try plurals for a higher score. (Source: letterboxgame.com)
No. of players: Min. 2-3 to be competitive, but you can also play solo.
Play here: http://letterboxgame.com
2. Codenames
How to play: Codenames is a cult party game that tests your ability to link diverse concepts. To play, operatives from two teams (red and blue) must compete to guess the secret cards assigned to them on a board. But there’s a catch: only the spymaster (leader) of each team knows which cards are red, and which cards are blue—everyone else is guessing blind. To help their operatives pick the right card, each spymaster must speak in code, and write down one word that acts as a clue to link their team’s cards. The team that correctly finds all of their cards first, wins:
No. of players: Min. 4, to allow at least one spymaster and one operative per team. Codenames is best played via voice chat, for easy coordination.
Play here: https://codenames.game
3. Google Feud
How to play: Predict the top 10 most popular online searches on a given topic. You’ll get a partial search prompt to start with, and must make educated guesses on how Google would auto-complete that search query. The format is based on the hit US show Family Feud:
I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. (Source: googlefeud.online)
No. of players: Min. 2 to solve as a team, but you can also play solo. Use a voice chat to make the guesses together!
Play here: https://googlefeud.online
4. Eldrow.io
How to play: Like the name, it’s Wordle in reverse. In Wordle, you use the placement of green, yellow and grey tiles to guess a word within six tries. In Eldrow, you are given one solved word as the answer, and must find the previous word that led to it. A set of five words are released daily, and it can be challenging for even the best Wordle players to get them all right:
The yellow tiles hint that two letters except R and E from the word ‘THREE’ are present somewhere in the blank word, but at a different spot. (Source: eldrow.io)
No. of players: Eldrow doesn’t have a live multiplayer option, but you can compete with 3-4 other players via voice chat to see who finishes first. You can also play solo.
Play here: https://eldrow.io
5. Scattergories
How to play: If you passed out of school in the last 10 years, you might know the game ‘Name Place Animal Thing’. Well, Scattergories is the more intense version. First, players must join a lobby where an admin can pick multiple categories out of 30 free options (e.g. ‘bad habits’, ‘movies’, ‘memes’). Once the game starts, everyone gets the same letter (e.g. ‘C’), which must be used to name one thing in each category. When the clock stops, everyone weighs in on whether your answers were valid, or too creative:
Example of a completed list of answers before the timer runs out. (Source: scattergoriesonline.net)
No. of players: Min. 2 to be competitive, but you can also add bots to play with. The answer ‘approval’ process at the end is best done via voice chat.
Play here: https://scattergoriesonline.net
6. Wheel of Fortune – Toss Up Challenge
How to play: The game selects a secret (but well-known) phrase around a common topic. Once you press ‘Play Now’, the letters making up the phrase will slowly appear on a tiled board. The goal is to quickly guess the phrase before all the tiles are revealed:
When you know the answer, tap on ‘Solve Puzzle’ to stop the tile reveal. (Source: wheeloffortune.com)
No. of players: Min. 2 to be competitive, but you could also play solo or as teams. There is no live multiplayer setup, so you can compete via voice chat.
Play here: https://www.wheeloffortune.com/play/toss-up-challenge
That’s our list so far for entertaining word games that adults would enjoy playing. Do you know any other crowd-pleasers that should make this list?
You found our list of the best online board games to play with friends.
Online board games are web-based or app-based versions of popular board or card games. For example, Battleship, Settlers of Catan, and Boggle. The purpose of these games is to allow friends, family members, community members, or coworkers to play together without physically being in the same space.
These activities are an example of online games for teams and online group games, and are similar to team building board games. These games also work well for virtual game nights.
This list includes:
- multiplayer online board games
- online board games to play on Zoom
- free online games to play with friends
- online board games for kids
- online card games to play with friends
- board games to play online with coworkers
- sites to play board games with friends
Here we go!
List of online board games to play with friends
From Chess to Guess Who to Ticket to Ride, here is a list of modern and classic board games you can play online with friends, relatives, or colleagues to pass the time and stay in touch.
1. Scattergories
Scattergories is a word game that challenges players to think up words that fit within certain categories and start with a particular letter. The activity also happens to be one of the easiest online board games to play on Zoom. While the traditional board game includes lists, a letter die, a timer, and secrecy folders, the only supplies really required to play are a list of categories and a way to generate random letters.
To play the game on Zoom, have one player pull up scattergoriesonline.net and share the screen. The site automatically chooses a letter and prompts, and times the game. You can also use the site to play online with friends without using Zoom, and can generate prompts in over a dozen languages.
Play Scattergories online and see our Scattergories lists for teams.
2. Monopoly
Monopoly is one of the most beloved board games to play with family and friends, making it an obvious choice for board games to play online. There are several ways to play Monopoly games online, including downloading apps or playing tabletop simulators. Rento tends to be the easiest option. The site allows for up to six players and has a feature to invite Facebook friends, as well as download options for smartphones and video game consoles. Users can choose from different boards, dice, and pawns to keep the game interesting.
Play Monopoly online.
3. Scrabble
Scrabble is one of the best free online games to play with friends. There are many ways to play the classic word game on the web, including using the app Words With Friends, or DIY-ing your own board in Google Sheets. However, Pogo offers the most seamless online version of the game. You will have to register for a free account and invite your friends to your game, however Pogo does not display as many ads as some competitors, and also includes fun mini games and rewards.
Added plus: If you play Scrabble online, none of your friends will race to grab a dictionary or “accidentally” knock over the letter tiles.
Play Scrabble online, and check out more vocabulary games.
4. Codenames
Codenames is one of the best multiplayer online board games. Online game setup is simple. First, create a room and tweak settings and preferences. Then, send friends the game link, join a video call, and start to play. From that point, players follow normal game rules by splitting into a red team and a blue team, receiving hints about codenames from the spymaster, and attempting to identify the codename cards that belong to agents on the correct team.
Play Codenames online.
5. Clue
Clue, also known as Cluedo, is a classic whodunit game that challenges players to hunt down the details of a crime. The online multiplayer version of the game is available via Google Play, App Store, Nintendo Switch, or Steam. In addition to the classic setting of Mr. Body’s mansion, players can solve mysteries in new locales such as Dracula’s Castle or Hollywood. The digital version of Cluedo employs the classic card-flipping and note-taking mechanisms of the board game and adds vibrant graphics and the ability to play with friends across the world.
Play Clue online.
6. Life
You and your friends can play an animated, 3D version of the Game of Life on Google Play, The App Store, or Steam. The digital board includes a spinner, spaces, mini-games, as well as animated shorts that illustrate game events like graduating college, having a baby, or buying a house. Certain subscriptions also unlock additional board themes. The multiplayer version of the game also hosts a chat feature that allows participants to send each other emoticons throughout the experience.
Play Life online.
7. Battleship
Battleship is a guessing and memory game that has players racing to sink each other’s ships. In the online version of the game from Papergames, you can find a random opponent, challenge a friend, or start an online tournament. Instead of ships, the game uses colorful skulls. Also, if you play the game regularly, then you can earn coins to trade for emojis and custom avatars.
You can also play Battleship via spreadsheet using the template below.
Play Battleship online.
8. Apples to Apples and Cards Against Humanity
Apples to Apples and Cards Against Humanity are the most sought-after online card games to play with friends. Unfortunately, finding digital versions of the game can be tricky. One of the best options is the knockoff All Bad Cards, which also offers a more family-friendly version of the game. Simply start a new game, enter your nickname, and send the game link URL to a maximum of 50 players. Other participants’ names will appear at the top of the game screen and other players will be able to click cards to select answers. The basic pack is free for all users, however donating money to the game as a backer will unlock dozens of pop-culture-themed expansion packs.
Play “Apples to Apples” or “Cards Against Humanity” online.
9. Guess Who
Guess Who is one of the easiest and quickest online board games to play with friends. Crazy Games offers a digital version of the board game classic that includes a multiplayer mode. To play the game with a friend, users can create a private room and send the link and password to another player. The game begins with each player selecting a character, then choosing from a list of pre-existing questions. After the other player responds to the question, the program automatically eliminates options accordingly. At the end of the game, the program names a winner and assigns a score.
Pro tip: You can also play a DIY version of Guess Who by selecting and displaying random pictures of people, or by using other Zoom participants as characters.
Play Guess Who online.
10. Pictionary
Pictionary is one of the best online board games for kids. This drawing game is an artsier version of charades, and tends to be family friendly. Drawize is one of the best platforms for multiplayer online Pictionary. You can create a private room for yourself and other players, then take turns scribbling and guessing at drawings that appear in real time.
Or, you can also play virtual Pictionary by using the digital whiteboard feature in your video conferencing platform.
Pro tip: Be sure to grab screen shots of the most memorable doodles!
Play Pictionary online.
11. Taboo
Taboo is a word game that involves players describing a term for their team to guess without using any of the listed similar words. There is a digital version of the game called eTABU that is available in PC version and smartphone apps which includes a social component. For best results, participants should play the game together on video meeting software. Gamemasters can also create a DIY version of the game by using a free slideshow template.
Play Taboo online.
12. Pandemic
Pandemic is one of the best board games to play online with coworkers, since the game revolves more around teamwork and cooperation than competition. The object of the game is for each player to choose a role and work together to stop a worldwide epidemic. The online version of the game is available on a variety of platforms including smartphones, desktop, and video game consoles, and can support two to five players.
Play Pandemic online.
13. Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a train-themed board game that invites players to build a rail line connecting two randomly selected destinations. The digital version of the game has a Pass-and-Play mode that enables users to challenge up to four other participants in real-time and users can also play with a large community of strangers. The game includes in-game tutorials and notes to help beginners and accessibility options. The platform also gives players the option of purchasing additional maps to settings such as India, Germany, Switzerland, or 1900’s America.
Play Ticket to Ride online.
14. Boggle
Boggle is a beloved word game that is easy to play with online friends. To start a game, first choose from 4×4, 5×5, or 6×6 formats. Then, send the game pin code to participants. Once the timer starts, players hunt for words to type into the box. Remember that as per Boggle rules, the letters within the words must be adjacent and you cannot use the same letter tile twice in one word. This version of the game is free and you can play as many rounds as you would like.
Play Boggle online.
15. Settlers of Catan
Settlers of Catan is a world building game where players win points based on achieving certain milestones within created civilizations. Catan Universe is an official online multiplayer version of the board game available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The game comes in card game or board game version for up to three players, with free options available, and includes high definition graphics and seamless animations.
Play Settlers of Catan online.
16. Risk
Steam offers a digital version of the strategy game Risk called RISK: Global Domination. The basic version is free and follows the traditional Risk format and rules, and players can unlock new maps and alternate rules by making a premium purchase. The multiplayer mode permits participants to play with friends and host battles online.
Play Risk online.
17. Chess
Chess is the ultimate online two-person board game. Chess.com offers players the option to start a game with a friend, as well as the ability to square off against a random or computer opponent. Users can customize the difficulty level, number of rounds, or time, and can also coordinate online tournaments. The site also hosts four player chess, practice drills, as well as daily puzzles and puzzle battles.
Play Chess online.
18. Checkers
Checkers is a classic board game that is easy to play with a partner online. Freeboardgames.org offers a basic version of the pastime that you can play with a friend by sharing a link. Gameplay occurs in an easy drag and drop mode, and the room includes a text chat bar so that you can congratulate your friend on a smart move or lovingly trash talk each other.
Play Checkers online.
19. Sagrada
Sagrada is a puzzle and art-based board game that challenges players to design the most beautiful stained glass window in Spain’s famed La Sagrada Familia. The rules of the game dictate which dice players can use, because only certain numbers will fit in the slots without penalty. The digital version of the game includes vibrant colors and calming sounds, and has a co-op mode that accommodates multiple “drafters” on the same game.
Play Sagrada online.
20. Mysterium
Mysterium is a supernatural strategy games that challenges participants to solve a murder mystery. The game accommodates up to seven participants, and players can choose to be either the ghost that haunts the mansion or one of many psychics. Players work together to interpret visions and solve the mystery. The in-game chat feature allows participants to communicate and share or debunk theories, and the game also includes puzzles and graphics that keep the game interesting and exciting.
Play Mysterium online, and check out this list of virtual murder mystery games.
Sites to play board games with friends
If virtual board game nights are a hit among your friend group, then you may want to branch out and switch up games. Here is a list of online board game platforms that host a variety of game types with multiplayer offerings.
1. Board Game Arena
Board Game Arena is one of the more popular online board game sites, and the platform bills itself as “the largest board game table in the world.” The site hosts hundreds of games in dozens of languages playable via web browser or mobile device. Players can join games from all over the globe and enjoy time together with friends. The platform gives the option of real-time or turn-based gameplay, meaning that players in different timezones or on conflicting schedules can still have fun together at their own pace.
Visit Board Game Arena.
2. Tabletopia
Tabletopia is an online arena for board games. The site hosts hundreds of titles, from generic board games like Serpents and Ladders to more modern offerings such as Wingspan. The directory is filterable by age, number of players, play time, and language, making it easy to discover the perfect game for your group. The homepage also lists categories such as newly released, easy to learn, cooperative, and classic. Users can easily start a private game with friends, and site visitors can also search by room or player to make finding the right group much easier.
Visit Tabletopia.
3. Tabletop Simulator
Tabletop Simulator gives users access to classics like Chess, Poker, Chinese Checkers, and Backgammon, as well as the capability to create custom boards or purchase independently developed RPG or party games. Up to 10 players can join a table, and the team mode includes voice and text chat functions. The graphics are high-definition and animated, and one of the most fun features of the platform is the ability to flip the board when the game goes badly.
Visit Tabletop Simulator.
4. Pogo
Pogo is an online game platform that offers many types of games including board games, card games, word games, Mahjong, hidden object challenges, and puzzles. Registration is free, and the site offers multiplayer modes as well as online challenges. Most notably, Pogo hosts one of the best online multiplayer Scrabble games.
Visit Pogo.
5. Playingcards
Playingcards is a virtual tabletop website that offers basic card and board games such as Backgammon, Chess, Cribbage, Rummy, and Spades. The site also hosts Joking Hazard, a game similar to Cards Against Humanity where players create comic strips with random panels from the popular web comic Cyanide & Happiness. Plus, Playingcards also gives visitors the option of making a custom card game. To play games with friends, users
Visit Playingcards.
6. Papergames
Papergames is an online gaming portal that offers classics such as Battleship, Tic-Tac-Toe, and Connect Four. Although the games are basic and the selection is small, the standard version is free and includes a chat function. Users can create private rooms and arrange tournaments for hundreds of participants. The site is child-friendly and safe-for-work, and users can also upgrade to an add-free game experience for a monthly subscription fee.
Visit Papergames.
7. Google Play or the App Store
You may want to play games with friends while on the go as opposed to parking yourself in front of your laptop or desktop. Google Play and the App Store have a variety of board game apps you can purchase or download free and play with friends via mobile device.
Visit Google Play or the App Store.
Final Thoughts
Playing board games is one of the simplest group activities, yet the logistics of playing together while far apart can make the task seem challenging or impossible. Thanks to technology and the dedication of developers who love board games, there are a variety of unique and classic online board games to play with friends, family, and remote coworkers.
Next, check out this list of games to play on Zoom and here is a list of online game show ideas.
FAQ: Online board games
Here are answers to common questions about online board games.
What are online board games?
Online board games are digital versions of classic group games like Life, Pictionary, or Apples to Apples. These multiplayer games are playable via website, app, or video game consoles.
What are some good multiplayer online board games?
Some good multiplayer online board games include Scrabble, Scattergories, Codenames, and Pandemic.
What are the best online board game sites?
The best online board game sites include Tabletopia, Board Game Arena, Playingcards, and Tabletop Simulator.
How do you play online board games?
To play online board games, first select a game to play and find a platform to play it on, or go to an online board game platform and choose an option from the directory. Next, create a private room and share the link or room code with your friends. Some platforms offer chat features, however you may want to also start a video call before beginning the game so that you can have face to face time with other players.
Scrabble is still as popular as ever. Here are the best online Scrabble games you can play with friends or strangers.
One of the world’s most popular board games was born from crosswords. It could have ended up being called «Lexico» or «Criss Cross Words,» but James Brunot ended up calling it Scrabble. It became a huge hit when it came packaged in a box and it remains popular as an online game for word nerds.
Scrabble has also become a generic name for word games with similar gameplay. Even as the dust of copyright infringements settle, there are quite a few varieties of online Scrabble-like games you can turn to. So, let’s take a look at some of the best online Scrabble games available to play.
1. Internet Scrabble Club
The Internet Scrabble Club (ISC) won’t catch your eye when you land on the website. It’s all very vanilla, but the games are serious. Behind the plain facade is your best chance to team up with good Scrabble players.
Just register and choose your handle. You can then play in English, French, Romanian, Italian, or Dutch. Similar to chess, you can lurk and observe other players too.
ISC has a comprehensive rating system that gives this online multiplayer game a professional feel. The average rating on ISC is around 900, with expert players ranked at 1,800. Which means you might need to read our guide to winning at Scrabble.
2. Quadplex
Quadplex is a Scrabble clone with similar gameplay. You must have the Java plugin installed to play this game. The rules are the same—form words from individual lettered tiles on a 15 by 15 game board.
Just click on Auto Start and you will be paired against an opponent without the hassle of a ranking system. The words are formed across and down in crossword fashion and must appear in a standard dictionary.
You can either play as a paid member or as a guest on Quadplex. Membership gives you an uncluttered, ad-free experience and the option to take part in tournaments. You can also enjoy chats, playing against the computer, access to statistics, and player forums. Unlimited gameplay costs $13 for one month or $40 for six months.
3. Lexulous
Lexulous (earlier known as Scrabulous) gained some notoriety a few years back when it was hit by a lawsuit from Hasbro and Mattel. The controversy has quietened down since then, and it’s still one of the best Facebook Instant games.
Sign up with an email or your Facebook account and then choose a handle. Then pick a room for your first word battle across the board.
Lexulous gives you many options to flex your gray matter. You can choose to play against players from specific countries and attempt «world domination.» You can also challenge robots or try a rapid game called Lexulous Blitz. And if you’re feeling lazy you can even try the email version of the game.
Lexulous also has an ad-free Pro version with more advanced game features. Either way, you can also play on the move thanks to the Lexolous mobile apps.
Download: Lexulous for Android | iOS ($1.99, in-app purchases)
4. ScrabbleGames
It can be incredibly difficult to find Scrabble games to play on the internet. This humble site solves the problem by giving you an entire game room’s worth of word games. This site is not affiliated in any way with Hasbro Inc. It’s a Scrabble fansite that sources the games from other parts of the web.
Not all of the games follow the classic Scrabble rules. But what you get is a nice mix of multiplayer Scrabble-like games and solo games you can play in your spare time. Ignore the outmoded look of the site and focus on the games instead.
5. Just Words
AOL is still here and you will find this multiplayer Scrabble game in one of its little corners. OK, it’s not exactly Scrabble but it is pretty similar. Instead of the classic 15 by 15 board, you have a 13 by 13 spread. And instead of seven letter tiles, you have six tiles to combine into words.
There are three difficulty levels. Build your words in the Assembly Area and drag them to the board. You can also play solo but it can get lonely without using the chatbox in the sidebar.
6. Words With Friends
Words With Friends surely needs no introduction. The Zynga app is available on Facebook, the App Store, Google Play, and the Windows Store. Play with Facebook friends or a random player selected by the app. This is one of the most complete wannabe Scrabble games you will come across online.
Switch on the weekly challenges or go solo. Rewards and badges will spur you on. Thanks to its global fame, you can play Words With Friends in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, and English.
The paid option to remove ads is on the steep side ($29.99) across all platforms. This is likely an offshoot of its popularity across the world. And if you’re tired of hearing about Word With Friends, try the best free word games on Android and iOS instead.
Download: Words With Friends for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases)
7. Scrabble Sprint
Your eyes probably inch towards a Merriam-Webster dictionary when you have an urge to cheat at Scrabble. Resist the impulse. The dictionary site has its own Scrabble game to keep you hooked. Here, you will play against the computer but with all the classic rules at your disposal.
Scrabble Sprint is one of those addictive short games you can play when you have a few minutes to spare. It really is a sprint as you have to fill up the 64 spaces on the board with word tiles and you get only a minute for each turn.
Trust me, it’s more difficult than it sounds. And the ticking countdown in the background keeps pace with your heartbeat.
8. The Pixie Pit
An email turn-based word game seems timeworn in the age of apps. But Pixie Pit has racked up millions of games since it started in 1998.
The usual Scrabble rules apply. You just need to send over your words via email. You must make your move within seven days after your opponent plays their word or the game will expire. This can lead to leisurely games played at your own pace.
There is a small annual subscription of $15/player and it keeps the site ad-free. However, there is a trial version available. That’s a steal when this is one of those games you can play behind your boss’s back.
Play Classic Board Games From Anywhere
Playing Scrabble on a physical board is often hindered by a lack of partners. Which is what makes these multiplayer online Scrabble games such a joy.
The popularity of Scrabble hasn’t diminished in the least. Options to play Scrabble or Scrabble-like word games are everywhere. And as well as Scrabble, there are other classic board games you can play on your phone.
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