Phones and tablets are allowing connection to friends and family in an unexpected way. We are being asked to adhere to Social Distancing, but with technology we can still be social with friends and extended family. Since we are limited in who we can sit down across the table, the online space can begin to fill the void of being physical distant. There are free or inexpensive apps that allow you to connect to friends and play through the app. This may help to scratch that itch of wanting to play games with your friends and socialize, while still maintaining safe spacing.

Exploding Kittens

The Exploding Kittens takes the fun and ridiculousness of the card game and translated it to the digital space. The app allows you to play against two to five strangers, play a match with friends or play alone using the AI. The Exploding Kittens app contains exclusive cards too.

  • Rated: E 10+
  • Available on: iOS and Google Play
  • Cost: $1.99 (in app purchases)

Scrabble Go

Scrabble Go takes the classic game and taken it up a notch. In the app you can challenge and play with friends. Plus there are other competitive games modes to play including: Duels, Word Drop, Tumbler, and Rush.

  • Rated: E
  • Available on: iOS and Google Play
  • Cost: $0 (contains ads and in app purchases)

Words With Friends 2

The original Words With Friends was released in 2009 and was a game so many of us had on our phones. Words with Friends 2 is an updated version with new game modes, including word games, word puzzles, and more ways to challenge friends.

  • Rated: E
  • Available on: iOS and Google Play
  • Cost: $0 (contains ads and in app purchases)

Quiz Up

If you like trivia Quiz Up allows you to specialize by interest. For those with a wealth of knowledge you can also make own quizzes. The app also gives you the option to connect with friends or randomly connect with those who share a similar interest.

  • Rated: E
  • Available on: iOS and Google Play
  • Cost: $0 (contains ads and in app purchases)

Houseparty

Houseparty adds a unique element to the game apps, and it included video chat. There are a few games the can be played including: Heads up which is like the app of the same name, Chips and Guac which is like Apples to Apples, Trivia which has 18 different trivia decks, Quick draw which is like Pictionary

  • Rated: E
  • Available on: iOS and Android
  • Cost: $0 (in app purchases)

Mario Kart Tour

Mario Kart Tour is an app that will draw in experienced video gamers and casual phone gamers. Players can connect with up to seven other players in different locations. A Nintendo account is required to play. Players navigate the wide range of courses inspired by real world cities, with just their finger to steer and drift.

  • Rated: E
  • Available on: iOS and Google Play
  • Cost: $0 (in app purchases)

Scattergories

The classic game of Scattegories can be right at your fingertips. In Scattegories players are trying to come up with as many words beginning with a given letter on a category list. Players can challenge friends in a group or join with others randomly.

  • Rated: E
  • Available on: iOS and Google Play
  • Cost: $0

Catan Universe

For the gamers seeking a bit more strategy you can play Catan Universe. The game up to three players free of charge. There are so many different versions of Catan, and the app includes: the original board game, the card game and the expansions. A new feature added is ‘Catan – Rise of the Inkas‘!

  • Rated: E
  • Available on: iOS and Google Play
  • Cost: $0 (in app purchases)

Roll For It!

Roll for It! is a a simple game with bit of chance and a bit of strategy. Roll dice and match the cards to earn points, but choose carefully where you place your dice as you work towards a card. Once you put dice towards a card, you don’t get the dice back until someone wins the card. The app allows you to play locally with play and pass, online with friends, or against the AI.

  • Rated: E
  • Available on: iOS and Google Play
  • Cost: $1.99 (in app purchases)

What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

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By Linda Wrobel

Managing Editor: Board Games Mother, Educator, and Board Game Editor.

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