Every year, thousands of online games are released to the public. With so many options, it is difficult to choose the best titles to enjoy. In what follows, we break down five online games that are available for free. Not only are the following titles suitable for young people and adults, but their mechanics are easy to follow, making them ideal for experienced and inexperienced players alike.
Bubble Shooter
When players start the Bubble Shooter game, they see numerous, colorful bubbles on the screen, ready for popping. At the bottom, there’s a bubble cannon with a bubble of a specific shade. The goal is to use the cannon to make all the bubbles disappear by getting three of the same color to touch. Players must use their mouse to shoot the right bubble where they want, which helps them score points. While the mechanics are simple, Bubble Shooter invites players to think strategically and carefully plan their next moves. The game and its many variations are accessible online through desktop and available on iOS and Android devices.
Rocket League
Rocket League is the perfect game choice for soccer and car enthusiasts. Played in futuristic arenas, teams of rocket-powered vehicles aim to score goals by hitting a giant ball into the opposing team’s net – just like in the “beautiful game”. Each match typically involves two teams with customizable cars, and players use boosters for speed and aerial maneuvers. Rocket League’s dynamic gameplay and strategic teamwork foster competition and camaraderie among players of all ages. Developed by Psyonix (Monster Madness and ARC Squadron), the game can be downloaded for free and it’s available on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PSP4, and Xbox One.
Among Us
Back in 2018, Indie developers InnerSloth (The Henry Stickmin Collection) launched this multiplayer online game, not knowing it would become an international hit in a span of two years. Set in space, players assume the roles of Crewmates working together on a spaceship, with a few impostors hidden among them. The Crewmates must complete tasks while the impostors try to eliminate them without being discovered. Players discuss suspicions and vote on who they believe is the impostor during meetings. The game’s charm lies in its social dynamics. As players navigate trust and betrayal, they work on their communication and strategy.
Gartic phone
Most people are familiar with the broken telephone – a classic ice-breaker and party game known internationally. In 2020, developers Onrizon (TrancaON and TrucoON) brought the game to another level with players taking turns to draw a given word or phrase, which others have to guess. The drawing and guessing continue in a chain, creating a sequential story. The twist is that players alternate between drawing and describing, resulting in unpredictable and often hilarious outcomes. Each player’s interpretation adds a unique touch to the evolving narrative. With a timer adding urgency, Gartic Phone thrives on spontaneity and wit, making it an engaging multiplayer experience.
Sky: Children of Light
In the Summer of 2023, Sky: Children of Light won the Best Mobile Game at Gamescom Awards over titles like Genshin Impact and Marvel Snap, and for good reasons. Set in a visually stunning world, players control ethereal characters called “Children of Light.” The objective is to collect and return fallen stars to constellations, uncovering the mysteries of the magical realm. The game emphasizes exploration, puzzle-solving, and flight mechanics, creating a serene and immersive experience for all ages.