The easiest online multiplayer party games are the ones where everyone joins from their own phone or browser: Jackbox-style games, drawing games like Gartic Phone and Skribbl, word and team games like Codenames Online, and social deduction like Among Us. Most need one shared video call so you can talk. Pick based on group size and how competitive your friends are.
Here's the thing I'd tell anyone planning a game night: the game matters less than the setup. A simple game with a clear screen share and a friendly host beats a fancy one where half the group can't get in. Below is a quick comparison, then the games grouped by how you'll play.
| Game | Group size | Free or paid | Platforms | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackbox Party Packs | Small to large, with audience options in some games | Paid game | PC, consoles and more; players join on their phones | A room full of friends, or a video call with one screen share |
| Gartic Phone | Small to medium groups | Free to play | Browser | Silly drawing and guessing chains |
| Skribbl | Small to medium groups | Free to play | Browser | Quick, casual drawing rounds |
| Codenames Online | Even-sized teams | Free to play in the browser versions | Browser | Word fans who like a team puzzle |
| Among Us | Small to medium groups | Free to play on mobile, paid game on PC | Phone and PC | Groups who enjoy bluffing |
| Kahoot | Any size | Free to play, with extra features for paid plans | Browser and phone | Work teams and quizzes |
Features and terms change, so check each game's page for what's free today.
Play from your phones in one room
Jackbox-style games are built for sofas. One person runs the game on a TV or laptop, and everyone else joins with their phone. Nobody needs a controller, and nobody sits out because they're not a gamer. That makes it the strongest choice for mixed groups, including relatives who say they don't play games.
The strength is the writing and voting rounds, which make quiet people funny. The limit is that the host usually needs the game bought, and some rounds work better in person than on a video call. For a laugh-first group, it's hard to beat.
If your group is happier with cards and boards, my guide to party board games covers the offline side.
Play remotely on a video call
When friends are in different cities, put everyone on a video call and share one game. Here's what each of these suits.
- Gartic Phone. A drawing version of telephone: one person writes a phrase, the next draws it, the next describes the drawing, and so on. It suits big, loud groups. The strength is the unplanned jokes. The limit is that you need patience at the end when everyone reads the chains.
- Skribbl. One player draws a word and the rest guess. It suits quick rounds with people who don't know each other well. The strength is the easy start. The limit is that the same word lists can feel familiar after a while.
- Codenames Online. Two teams give one-word clues to find their hidden words. It suits thinkers and families. The strength is the teamwork. The limit is that it works best with even teams and people who enjoy words.
- Among Us. Crewmates complete tasks while impostors sabotage and blend in. It suits groups that like bluffing. The strength is the arguing after every round. The limit is that a player who is out early may be waiting a while. If your group likes this style, my page on the imposter game has more.
A quick way to choose: for a loud, silly crowd, go with Gartic Phone. For a thoughtful pair of teams, pick Codenames Online. For people who love a good argument, try Among Us. For a mixed room with grandparents and teenagers, a Jackbox-style game is the safest bet.
Free browser picks
If you want everyone in within a minute, browser games are the safest route. No downloads, no accounts in most cases, and they run on a laptop or a phone. Gartic Phone and Skribbl above are the two I'd try first. Send the link to your group chat, pick a room name and start.
A browser game does have limits: connections can wobble on slow Wi-Fi, and free sites sometimes show ads. For more ideas that run on any laptop, see my list of free multiplayer games for any laptop.
Party games for work teams
Office game time works best when it's short, optional and easy to join. Kahoot is a good fit for a quiz because it needs only a link, and anyone can answer from a phone. Gartic Phone and Skribbl suit an informal catch-up. Codenames Online suits a team that likes to think together.
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Two small rules save awkward moments. Keep topics light, and let people watch if they don't want to play. If you run out of questions or icebreakers, you can borrow ideas from my page of ChatGPT prompts for icebreakers and party games.
How to host a smooth game night
Most online game nights go wrong in the first ten minutes, not in the game. This checklist avoids the usual problems.
- Choose the game a day ahead and send the link to everyone.
- Ask players to test the link before the night so nobody fights with setup while the group waits.
- Use one video call for talking and one screen for the game, so there's a single place to look.
- Start with an easy warm-up round, even if half the group has played before.
- Pick a host who keeps time, explains rules in two sentences and nudges quiet players.
- Agree a stop time so people with early starts can leave without apologising.
- Have a backup game ready in case the first one doesn't suit the mood.
Before the night, check that everyone has a working microphone and a charged device. A group that can't hear each other will drift away from even the best game.
Keep the group size sensible, because some games get messy with too many players. And remember that a laughing group will forgive almost any technical hiccup.
Make a party game? See how to get it featured on this list.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best online multiplayer party games for a big group?
Gartic Phone and Skribbl handle larger groups well, and Jackbox-style games can scale in some modes. Check each game's page for its current player limit.
Are there free online party games?
Yes. Gartic Phone and Skribbl are free to play in a browser, Kahoot has a free option, and Among Us is free to play on mobile. Terms change, so check before you invite people.
Can I play party games over a video call?
Yes. Share one game screen, keep everyone on the call for talking, and pick a game that works with a browser link.
What do I need to host a game night online?
A video call, a shared link or screen, a clear start time and a host who explains the rules briefly. Test the link beforehand.
