Counters and dice from board games — Photograph: Shutterstock

The most exciting online board games to play with friends

Craving a competitive night in? Then play these online board games with friends—even if your crew lives far away.

By Tim Lowery Posted: Wednesday May 12 2021

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If you love a good board game but are actively avoiding other people, you'll be happy to know that there are a bunch of virtual board games online. Choose from classics like Monopoly and Clue or strategic favorites such as Risk and Catan—they're all available in the app store, no board needed. So if you're not in the mood to challenge friends to an online trivia game or tip back a few during some spirited drinking games, these exciting online board games will come in handy when you're trying to stay inside. Friends too busy to play? We like these online jigsaw puzzles too.

RECOMMENDED: Online party games to play with friends

5 best online board games

1. Monopoly

Everyone’s favorite capitalist-minded board game—still going strong at 85 years young—has a nifty app ($3.99, only on iOS), in which your virtual crew can create its own private game and take turns rolling the dice to see who nabs the most properties. To amp up the party atmosphere (and ensure a lot more shit-talking), we suggest battling over a video-conference call.

2. Risk

Get a group of up to six folks together (virtually) and go on an hours-long quest until one lucky player achieves world domination. (It’s a good, powerful feeling. Trust us.) To do so, choose the “Play Friends Online” option on the free app—and don’t forget to do the challenge over video so you can brag about wiping your pal out.

3. Clue

The timeless muder-mystery board game that was adapted into a film, TV show and musical also boasts an app version ($3.99, only on iOS), so your friends can have a private online game and take on different characters—Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum and the rest of the gang—to determine who was the killer. As always, this is best experienced over a video chat.

4. Catan

This German-born board game also has an app ($4.99, iPhone only), allowing up to five folks to go head to head to try to build the most settlements, roads and armies—all from their own respective pads. You can also ditch the classic version for more recent favorites like Seafarers, as well as Cities and Knights. Whatever you choose, it’s best enjoyed over a lively video meet.

5. Backgammon

This one-on-one favorite has been keeping folks entertained for approximately 5,000 years. And nowadays, it's now available as an online board game (and for free) via playingcards.io, so you can play together remotely from your respective PCs.