PICK UP & PLAY
Best multiplayer browser games with no download needed
Send a link, gather your friends, and make a games night out of your browser.
The best multiplayer browser games let you send your friends a link and start playing without asking everyone to install the same software.
That makes browser games particularly useful for casual games nights, remote friends, work socials and groups using different devices.
What makes a good browser multiplayer game?
A good browser game should have:
- simple joining instructions;
- very little setup;
- rules that can be understood quickly;
- multiplayer or private-room support;
- gameplay that works well while talking with friends.
Here are several worth trying.
Street Bingo
Street Bingo is a browser-based multiplayer scavenger hunt built around Street View.
Players receive a bingo board containing things to find and then explore streets looking for matching objects.
It is less about already knowing geography and more about observation.
That means someone who doesn’t know their capitals, flags or road signs can still compete.
Board Game Arena
Board Game Arena is one of the clearest examples of browser gaming.
Its official site states that no download is necessary and that games can be played directly through a web browser. It offers both real-time and turn-based play.
This is particularly useful if your friends already enjoy tabletop games.
Codenames Online
Codenames Online lets players enter a nickname, create a game and share the room URL with friends.
The official instructions recommend combining the browser game with your preferred audio or video chat.
skribbl.io
If you want something immediately understandable, skribbl.io is a browser-based drawing and guessing game.
One player draws while the others race to type the correct answer.
Gartic Phone
Gartic Phone adds another layer of chaos.
Instead of simply drawing a word, players alternate between writing sentences and interpreting other players’ drawings. The game recommends having everyone together on a voice call.
OpenGuessr
OpenGuessr is useful for groups that enjoy geography.
Its current site describes it as a browser geography game with multiplayer, including games with friends.
Which browser game is best for a casual group?
If some members of your group rarely play games, start with something that has a familiar concept.
Drawing, bingo, scavenger hunts and word association are generally easier to explain than games with complicated controls.
Street Bingo fits well here because the basic challenge can be explained in one sentence:
Explore Street View and find the things on your bingo board before your friends do.
No gaming PC skills required.
For more ideas, including charades and a virtual scavenger hunt, explore our guide to 10 fun online games to play with friends.
Ready to play? Create a Street Bingo room and invite your friends.