2021’s best and free online games with friends

There is no better way to have fun than playing online games with friends. Whether it’s via smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles, we have a blast of a time, especially if we’re still stuck at home because of the pandemic.

Online games with friends have come a long way in recent years. We are no longer limited to basic PC games or forced to play scrabble in-person with our grandmas.

Now, all of this also means we can be playing too many online games with friends. At which point does it cross from fun to addictive or harmful? Well, research is here to assure us that one, games help enhance our thinking skills.

This is why many educators use educational video games in their lesson structure (especially with young children when their minds are fresh sponges). 

For those who are visual learners, games are an interactive form for both playing and understanding. It’s a way to develop additional cognitive skills in problem-solving and in boosting your memory. Not to mention, online games with friends are highly relaxing.

It can be hard to keep up with all the new games launched today. Rest assured, we’ve done the research for you to pick the a variety of the best of 2021 free online games with friends:

Runescape

Runescape is a high-fantasy game with a long list of skills and weapon types to master. You can quest with friends or take it slow and develop your skills on farming, fishing and cooking. It also has visuals that will set you up for the most epic adventure where you’ll be able to escape reality — and achieve victory! — for a while. 

Lord of the Rings Online

If you haven’t at least one of the movies, have you lived? An essential on our list of free online games, this is where you can create your own character to explore Middle Earth and dress him or her up in many different outfits. Who will you choose? It’s Gandalf for us!

DC Universe Online

Are you a DC fan? Another great one on our list of 2021 free online games is for the comic heads that places you as a hero or villain in a wide range of storyline quests. Choose between characters like Wonder Woman, Batman and Joker.

NBA Live Mobile

A free-flowing gameplay design where you get to build your NBA super team. For the basketball lovers, this one’s for you. 

The Sims Mobile

Are we just a simulation? Now you get to play the Sims on your mobile and create your own world with your own storyline. Build the perfect home and connect with other Sims characters. 

Bejeweled Stars

Bejeweled is a mobile classic and this version will have you using your matching skills to earn stars to build constellations. It’s a no-brainer classic to pass time while you take a break from your studies. 

Need for Speed No Limits

Just like the movies, the game version of this is never-ending. Spike your adrenaline up as you race, drift, drag and roll through obstacles and courses. You can’t drive recklessly in real life — really, don’t — so you might as well do it here. 

Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes

Become the master of the galaxy by creating and customising your team using characters from every Star Wars era, which includes champions from the Mandalorian. Here, you can properly immerse yourself in outer space, leading lightsaber battles as you climb ranks. 

The Simpsons Tapped Out

Based on the iconic TV show, The Simpsons, this game will have you play Homer Simpson in a quest to find his family and friends. Relive your childhood by making Springfield yours.

Plants vs. Zombies 2

Last but not least, our list of 2021 free online games ends on a healthy note. Just as the name suggests, you’ll gather an army of powerful plants and supercharge them with plant food while discovering ways to protect your brain from the zombies.

Although this is a hilarious version of the dawn of time, we can’t help but think about the message of using plants to help keep your brain safe — don’t forget to eat your vegetables. 

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We have an updated list of 2021’s best games to play with friends! Check them out here.