Must-Try Social Games to Spice Up Your Next Virtual Gathering

2 November 2025

Let’s be real for a second—virtual events are the new norm, and while they’re practical and convenient, they can sometimes feel lackluster. If you’re tired of those awkward silences and people staring blankly into their webcams, it’s time to shake things up! Enter the world of social games—a surefire way to break the ice, get everyone laughing, and turn your virtual gathering from meh to memorable.

Whether it’s a laid-back hangout, a team-building session, or a family reunion, we’ve got you covered with a list of must-try social games that are bound to bring everyone together. No one likes a boring Zoom call, right? So, let’s dive in and level up your next online meetup.

Why Social Games Are Perfect for Virtual Gatherings

Before we jump into the list, let’s quickly chat about why these games are so amazing for virtual events.
Think of social games as the secret ingredient to creating connections. They’re fun, engaging, and take the pressure off those who might feel shy or awkward in online settings. Plus, they’re a great way to encourage participation, whether your group has two people or twenty.

Games break barriers and make everyone feel like they’re part of the same team—even if they’re miles apart. And hey, laughter is contagious, even over video calls!

1. Jackbox Games

If you haven’t heard of Jackbox Games yet, where have you been? These multiplayer party games are a virtual gathering staple for a reason. Think of them as a mix of trivia, drawing challenges, and hilarious word games—all designed to get people laughing.

Jackbox Party Packs are the ultimate collection. Everyone joins in using their phone as a controller, and only one person needs to own the game to host. Games like “Fibbage” (a twisted truth-or-lie game) or “Quiplash” (a witty fill-in-the-blank competition) are instant crowd-pleasers.

Pro Tip: Keep the audience size in mind. Jackbox typically works best with smaller groups, but viewers can also join as part of the “audience” and vote.

2. Among Us

Looking for something to stir up a little friendly drama? “Among Us” is your go-to. It’s part mystery, part strategy, and all chaos. You and your group play as crewmates on a spaceship, trying to complete tasks. Sounds simple, right? Well, there are impostors onboard, and their goal is to sabotage the mission… or eliminate you.

The fun begins when everyone starts accusing each other. “Was it red in the cafeteria?” “Wait, I saw blue venting!” The group’s debate during meetings is where this game shines. It’s a modern-day “Clue” but with memes.

3. Codenames Online

For fans of word games and puzzles, “Codenames Online” is an awesome choice. This version of the classic board game lets two teams compete against each other by guessing words from a grid. The catch? You’re relying on one-word clues from your team’s “spymaster,” and you absolutely cannot guess the other team’s words.

It’s strategic yet light-hearted and works beautifully as an icebreaker. Plus, it’s completely free to play, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious gatherings.

4. Scribbl.io

Are you great at doodling? Or perhaps your drawings resemble something Picasso would create after a very bad day? Either way, “Scribbl.io” is a ridiculously fun online drawing game.

It’s like Pictionary gone digital—players take turns sketching prompts while others guess in real time. The worse the drawings, the funnier the game tends to get. You’ll end up laughing over terrible interpretations, like when “cat” somehow gets guessed as “spider.”

The game is super accessible—no downloads required, just a browser link. Simple, yet effective!

5. Trivia Murder Party

If you’re a fan of trivia and enjoy a little dark humor, this game from the Jackbox collection is a must-try. Players answer trivia questions to stay alive in a haunted hotel. Get a question wrong? Uh-oh. You’re now competing in twisted minigames to survive elimination.

It’s like “Jeopardy” meets a horror-comedy movie, and it’s guaranteed to keep everyone on their toes. Have a few brainiacs in the group? No problem—the game throws tricks and traps to ensure everyone has a chance at winning.

6. Two Truths and a Lie (Virtual Edition)

Who says you need fancy software to have a good time? Sometimes, the lo-fi options are the best. “Two Truths and a Lie” is a classic icebreaker game that works perfectly over virtual calls.

Each person takes turns sharing three statements: two truths and one lie. The group then has to guess which one is the lie. What makes this game so fun is learning random (and sometimes shocking) things about people you thought you knew.

Example:
1. I once ate 50 chicken nuggets in one sitting.
2. I’ve been skydiving twice.
3. I have a pet snake named Bubbles.

So… which one is the lie?

7. Kahoot! Quizzes

Who doesn’t love a good quiz? But instead of boring, generic trivia, why not create a custom quiz tailored to your group? Kahoot! makes it easy to design your own multiple-choice games.

You can add pop culture trivia, personal questions about your friends or family, or even inside jokes. Everyone joins using a unique game PIN, and answers are scored on speed and accuracy. The competitive vibes are real.

Pro Tip: Crank up the excitement with some friendly prizes for the winner. Maybe the title of “Trivia Master” or an IOU for coffee.

8. Psych! Outwit Your Friends

This game is like a brainy version of “Balderdash.” The app gives players prompts to make up fake answers to trivia-like questions. Everyone then tries to guess the correct answer while earning points for fooling others with their fake responses.

It’s sneaky, strategic, and so funny when someone confidently chooses the wrong answer. This works great for groups who love witty banter and some lighthearted competition.

9. Charades with a Virtual Twist

Charades is one of those timeless games that never gets old. And yes, it can totally work over a virtual setting! You can use an online charades generator to draw up prompts. Then, players take turns acting them out while the rest try to guess.

Having trouble following the rules? No worries—half the fun is watching people overact or fail spectacularly at miming a simple concept!

10. Would You Rather?

This one’s more of a conversation starter than a game, but it’s still a blast. Take turns asking “Would you rather?” questions, ranging from silly to thought-provoking.

For example:
- Would you rather have super speed or the ability to fly?
- Would you rather never eat pizza again or never drink coffee again?

It’s a lighthearted way to get people talking, and there’s really no wrong way to play. Bonus: You can tailor the questions to fit the vibe of your group.

Final Tips for Hosting a Virtual Game Night

- Choose Games Based on Your Group’s Preferences: Not everyone loves trivia, and some might prefer fast-paced action. Take a moment to gauge what your group will enjoy most!
- Test the Tech Ahead of Time: Make sure everyone knows how to join the game and troubleshoot any issues before diving in.
- Keep It Light: The goal is fun, not competition. Encourage laughter, not seriousness.
- Set a Time Limit: Virtual meetings can drag on sometimes, so aim for quality over quantity.

Let the Games Begin!

There you have it—a list of must-try social games that’ll add life to your next virtual gathering. From crowd-favorites like Jackbox to free and simple options like “Two Truths and a Lie,” there’s something for every group and personality type. Test them out and see which ones become your new go-to!

So, when’s your next virtual hangout? Gather your friends, family, or coworkers, and let the laughter and friendly competition take center stage. Who needs boring Zoom calls when you’ve got these games in your back pocket?