Covid-19-List: The best games to play remote by video conference 2024

The Corona pandemic has shaken up 2020 big time. Almost put the whole world into lockdown. Since then we have: Mandatory masks, cancelled events (e.g. the SPIEL'20), keep your distance - preferably no contact with others at all. So you stay at home more often, are much more alone due to quarantine and/or the lockdown(-light) and miss the common game evenings with friends and family? Then we have just the thing for you: A list of the best games that you can play very well with each other via audio and/or video conference.

See Corona & Social Distancing as an opportunity

We've created this corona games list for you to play with your friends and family - wherever you and your gaming partners are in the world.... and do it while everyone is safe in your home.

The time for games has come

Card, dice & board games are a great way to relax, have fun and clear your head. At the same time, you spend time with family and friends. Games are an ideal way to bring people together - even if we are physically separated. In short, this is exactly the time for social games!

How do I play with people in a different location?

The best way is to use video conferencing to hold the gaming session with someone. Seeing someone is already very important for social interaction. There are several systems (some of them paid) for this (Skype, Zoom, Cisco Webex, WhatsApp, Facetime, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Duo/Hangouts, Discord) - but some games just work over the phone.

Filming the game board - but what about my face?

For most games it is necessary to film the game board or the game material like dice or cards. But not everyone has a tripod for their webcam, smartphone or tablet. What has turned out to be a super help here: Tennis, squash or badminton rackets. Simply build a tower with other materials, place the racket on it and position the smartphone so that the camera films through the covering.

Those who lack social proximity can simply film their face with another camera or smartphone/Tablet. Systems that allow multiple participants in a video conference and run on many platforms are for example Skype, WhatsApp (only smartphones/Tablets) or Facetime (Mac Only).

Which board games are suitable at all?

As you may have seen, many dice- or roll-and-write-games are available in our Corona list. This is due to the following points supporting remote play:

  • little game material - mostly this can even be printed out by yourself
  • low level of interaction with the game material
  • little complexity

These requirements are also met by a lot of Party Games (Monikers, Wavelength), therefore these are also strongly represented. In addition, some Abstract and less abstract Tile Placement Games (Azul, Patchwork, Sagrada, Carcassonne) are included - here the host must own the game and make the moves for the other players.

In addition, many other interesting genres are included in our Corona list - just look for yourself.

Play online

Not one has desire on the above-mentioned play genres.... here then different online platforms offer themselves, which lift the board game world into the digital and/or virtual one. Very good online versions of board games exist, for example, for PC and/or tablet (Carcassonne, Dominion, Skat).

Online platforms for parlor games

In addition, there are still many platforms that are not only dedicated to a parlor game, but offer an entire collection of dice, card & board games.

First and foremost, the Tabletopia, which was also successfully used at SPIEL.digital, can be mentioned.

Still haven't found a game partner? Play alone!

If you haven't found a game partner, if they don't have the necessary technical equipment, if they don't have the time or if they don't have the same gaming preferences... there are also great games that you can play alone. We have created the following extra lists for you:

Did we forget a good remote play game?

What do you think is the best dice, card or board game to play via video conferencing? Write us at tibi+brettspiele@cephea.de.

List of the best games to play together via videoconference in the Corona pandemic

This list was last updated on February 25, 2024. We compared 84 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Just One

    All details for the board game Just One and similar games

    Just One is a cooperative party game that combines elements of mystery and creativity. Players work together to guess as many words as possible, using unique clues provided by their teammates.

    Nominated for 15 awards and won 4.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2019

    More details for Just One
    • 3 - 7 Players
    • 20 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!18€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Just One

    • YouTube Review for the game "Just One" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  2. Monikers

    All details for the board game Monikers and similar games

    Monikers is a lively and entertaining party game inspired by the classic public domain game Celebrities. It is designed for players who enjoy guessing games and offers a fun challenge through a series of rounds where the methods of clue-giving evolve and become more restrictive.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Monikers
    • 4 - 16 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 17+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Monikers

    • YouTube Review for the game "Monikers" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  3. Codenames

    All details for the board game Codenames and similar games

    Codenames is a captivating and popular party game that involves clever wordplay and deduction. Two teams compete, each led by a spymaster who knows the secret identities of 25 agents, represented by cards bearing single-word codenames like "disease," "Germany," or even "carrot." The objective is for each team to be the first to correctly identify all their agents based on clues given by their spymaster, while avoiding the dangerous assassin.

    Nominated for 27 awards and won 15.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2016

    More details for Codenames
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!18€ atAmazon.de*
  4. Telestrations

    All details for the board game Telestrations and similar games

    Telestrations is a light-hearted and entertaining party game that blends drawing and word-guessing in a hilarious and often unpredictable way. The game is based on the classic concept of "telephone" but adds a visual twist.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 7.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2013

    More details for Telestrations
    • 4 - 8 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Telestrations

    • YouTube Review for the game "Telestrations" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  5. Azul

    All details for the board game Azul and similar games

    Azul invites you to step into the captivating world of Portuguese artistry and craftsmanship. This board game draws inspiration from the introduction of azulejos, originally white and blue ceramic tiles, by the Moors. The tiles found a new home in Portugal when King Manuel I, during a visit to the Alhambra palace in Southern Spain, was enchanted by the exquisite Moorish decorative tiles adorning its interior. Filled with awe and inspiration, the king promptly ordered the embellishment of his own palace in Portugal with similar decorative tiles. As a skilled tile-laying artist, you are tasked with the prestigious mission of adorning the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora.

    Nominated for 30 awards and won 19.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2018

    More details for Azul
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!35€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Azul

    • YouTube Review for the game "Azul" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  6. 7 Wonders Duel

    All details for the board game 7 Wonders Duel and similar games

    7 Wonders Duel takes the essence of the classic 7 Wonders and refines it for an intense two-player experience. It retains the thematic elements of building a civilization through acquiring various types of cards, but it introduces unique mechanics suited for a duel.

    Nominated for 16 awards and won 9.

    More details for 7 Wonders Duel
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    🔥 Great price!22€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for 7 Wonders Duel

    • YouTube Review for the game "7 Wonders Duel" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  7. Patchwork

    All details for the board game Patchwork and similar games

    Patchwork is a two-player game where you compete to create the most beautiful and high-scoring patchwork quilt on your personal 9x9 game board.

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 3.

    More details for Patchwork
    • 2 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    🔥 Great price!16€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Patchwork

    • YouTube Review for the game "Patchwork" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Patchwork" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  8. Codenames: Duet

    All details for the board game Codenames: Duet and similar games

    Embark on a collaborative journey of espionage in Codenames Duet, where the familiar elements of Codenames persist – providing one-word clues to unveil your agents among those on the table. This time, however, you and your teammate work together to uncover all your agents, adding a thrilling cooperative dimension to the challenge. The mystery of not knowing your agents from the outset adds an intriguing layer to the mission, raising questions that even Congressional investigators might ponder later!

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 4.

    More details for Codenames: Duet
    • 2 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 11+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Codenames: Duet

    • YouTube Review for the game "Codenames: Duet" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  9. Wavelength

    All details for the board game Wavelength and similar games

    Wavelength is a unique and engaging social guessing game that requires players to tap into their ability to communicate and interpret conceptual clues. This game stands out for its emphasis on understanding and interpreting the perspectives of others, making it an ideal choice for groups looking for a fun and thought-provoking experience.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 5.

    More details for Wavelength
    • 2 - 12 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!40€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Wavelength

    • YouTube Review for the game "Wavelength" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  10. Decrypto

    All details for the board game Decrypto and similar games

    Engage in the riveting team-based challenge of Decrypto, where players strive to correctly interpret coded messages from their teammates while unraveling the intercepted codes of the opposing team.

    Nominated for 14 awards and won 7.

    More details for Decrypto
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 15 - 45 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Decrypto

    • YouTube Review for the game "Decrypto" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  11. The Quacks of Quedlinburg

    All details for the board game The Quacks of Quedlinburg and similar games

    Become a cunning charlatan or a quack doctor in the whimsical world of The Quacks of Quedlinburg. In this quirky board game, each player concocts their own secret brew, one ingredient at a time. But beware, for a careless addition could spoil the entire mixture!

    Nominated for 17 awards and won 12.

    ⭐️ Kennerspiel des Jahres 2018

    More details for The Quacks of Quedlinburg
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for The Quacks of Quedlinburg

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Quacks of Quedlinburg" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  12. Skull

    All details for the board game Skull and similar games

    Embark on a journey of bluffing and suspense with Skull & Roses. This game is the epitome of strategic cunning, where every move unfolds in the minds of the players. Each participant starts by placing a face-down card, gradually revealing them one by one. The thrill escalates as players confidently claim the ability to uncover cards adorned only with roses. But beware, as opponents can challenge and bid to reveal even more cards. The highest bidder must then courageously unveil the specified number, hoping for a bed of roses and not the dreaded skull. Successfully navigating this bluffing showdown requires a poker face and unwavering eye contact, with victory hinging on two successful challenges.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 2.

    More details for Skull
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 15 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Skull

    • YouTube Review for the game "Skull" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Skull" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  13. Silver & Gold

    All details for the board game Silver & Gold and similar games

    Silver & Gold is a board game that offers players the thrill of discovering distant islands filled with golden treasures.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Silver & Gold
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  14. Las Vegas

    All details for the board game Las Vegas and similar games

    Las Vegas is a lively, dice-based game that combines luck, strategy, and the joy of thwarting your opponents. Developed by Stefan Brück at alea, it's designed to be an easy and interactive game, full of schadenfreude moments.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 2.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2012

    More details for Las Vegas
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Las Vegas

    • YouTube Review for the game "Las Vegas" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  15. Cartographers

    All details for the board game Cartographers and similar games

    Cartographers: A Roll Player Tale transports players to a realm where they take on the roles of mapmakers, tasked by Queen Gimnax to chart the northern territories for the Kingdom of Nalos. This game combines elements of strategy and creativity, challenging players to create the most efficient and aesthetically pleasing maps.

    Nominated for 10 awards.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2020

    More details for Cartographers
    • 1 - 100 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  16. Flamme Rouge

    All details for the board game Flamme Rouge and similar games

    Flamme Rouge presents an exhilarating bicycle racing experience where strategy, timing, and tactical decisions are paramount to success. This fast-paced game captures the intensity of a real bike race, offering players a blend of excitement and strategic gameplay.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 2.

    More details for Flamme Rouge
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Flamme Rouge

    • YouTube Review for the game "Flamme Rouge" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Flamme Rouge" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Flamme Rouge" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  17. Welcome To...

    All details for the board game Welcome To... and similar games

    Welcome To... is a unique, dice-less roll-and-write game where players take on the role of 1950s American architects, aiming to design and construct the most prosperous suburban neighborhood.

    Nominated for 12 awards and won 2.

    More details for Welcome To...
    • 1 - 100 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!20€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Welcome To...

    • YouTube Review for the game "Welcome To..." by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Welcome To..." by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  18. That's Pretty Clever!

    All details for the board game That's Pretty Clever! and similar games

    That's Pretty Clever is a strategic dice game where players must make thoughtful choices to optimize their score. The game's title, Ganz schön clever in German, aptly describes the need for cleverness and tactical thinking.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 1.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2018

    More details for That's Pretty Clever!
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!10€ atAmazon.de*
  19. Onitama

    All details for the board game Onitama and similar games

    Immerse yourself in the world of Onitama, a dynamic two-player abstract game offering perfect information and a randomized starting setup on a 5x5 board. Both participants begin the game with five pawns each, strategically placing the main pawn at the board's center.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.

    More details for Onitama
    • 2 Players
    • 15 - 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  20. Can't Stop

    All details for the board game Can't Stop and similar games

    Can't Stop is a classic dice game designed by Sid Sackson, renowned for its blend of luck, risk-taking, and tactical decision-making. It's a game that challenges players to wisely balance their boldness and caution as they aim to complete columns on the game board.

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for Can't Stop
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  21. King of Tokyo

    All details for the board game King of Tokyo and similar games

    King of Tokyo is a game where players take on the roles of mutant monsters, robots, and aliens, all competing to become the sole King of Tokyo.

    Nominated for 19 awards and won 7.

    More details for King of Tokyo
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    🔥 Great price!27€ atAmazon.de*
  22. Sagrada

    All details for the board game Sagrada and similar games

    Sagrada is a visually striking board game where players draft dice to create beautiful stained glass windows, combining strategy and aesthetics.

    Nominated for 12 awards.

    More details for Sagrada
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    🔥 Great price!30€ atAmazon.de*
  23. Bärenpark

    All details for the board game Bärenpark and similar games

    Bärenpark is a charming and strategic board game that invites players to delve into the world of bear parks. Your task is to construct a visually appealing and efficiently designed bear park.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 4.

    More details for Bärenpark
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Bärenpark

    • YouTube Review for the game "Bärenpark" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Bärenpark" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  24. Ticket to Ride

    All details for the board game Ticket to Ride and similar games

    Ticket to Ride offers a delightful and accessible gaming experience that can be grasped in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for both newcomers and seasoned gamers. Designed by the renowned Alan R. Moon, this board game revolves around a railway adventure across North America.

    Nominated for 17 awards and won 11.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2004

    🔥 Deal: 8% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Ticket to Ride
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    🔥 Great price!35€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Ticket to Ride

    • YouTube Review for the game "Ticket to Ride" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  25. Coloretto

    All details for the board game Coloretto and similar games

    Engage in the colorful and strategic gameplay of Coloretto, where simplicity meets tactical decision-making. The game revolves around drawing cards to play into rows or claiming entire rows to expand your collection. As the rounds progress, players aim to create extensive sets, but there's a catch – exceeding three colors incurs penalties, adding a layer of strategic depth.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 3.

    More details for Coloretto
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  26. Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition

    All details for the board game Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition and similar games

    Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition is a captivating multiplayer puzzle game that combines strategy and luck to create a unique gaming experience.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  27. Insider

    All details for the board game Insider and similar games

    Insider is a unique board game that offers a fresh and engaging experience for players. With its distinctive gameplay and innovative mechanics, it stands out in the world of board games.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Insider
    • 4 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Insider

    • YouTube Review for the game "Insider" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Insider" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  28. Legacy of Dragonholt

    All details for the board game Legacy of Dragonholt and similar games
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 60 - 999 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  29. Incan Gold

    All details for the board game Incan Gold and similar games

    The board game known as Diamant or Incan Gold unfolds as an exhilarating press-your-luck experience, offering players a quick and enjoyable journey into mine shafts and jungle paths. As participants flip cards from a deck, the gems discovered are evenly distributed, creating a shared bounty. However, the decision to venture deeper comes with the risk of encountering hazards like scorpions, snakes, poison gas, explosions, and rockfalls.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 4.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2005

    More details for Incan Gold
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  30. Deep Sea Adventure

    All details for the board game Deep Sea Adventure and similar games

    Deep Sea Adventure is a light and engaging board game that combines elements of press-your-luck and resource management. Players take on the roles of daring explorers, seeking treasures in undersea ruins. The twist? Everyone shares a single rented submarine and, crucially, a single tank of air. The game unfolds over three rounds, and the player who accumulates the most points by retrieving underwater relics is declared the winner.

    More details for Deep Sea Adventure
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!18€ atAmazon.de*

Didn't find the game you were looking for?

We're positive that you'll find it in one of our other lists! To make the search easier for you, we split our website into different categories. The following board game categories will help you find the right list: