Fun games you can play over the phone—even if you can’t meet!
When you can’t meet up to hang out or chat—or when you’re just not done having fun—lots of people call their friends or partners! You might catch up on each other’s lives or make small talk, but sometimes it still feels like something’s missing… That’s when we recommend games you can play over the phone! We’ve gathered games you can play with just conversation, as well as ones that are great for video calls—so you can have fun without meeting in person as long as you’ve got a phone.
These games are sure to spark more conversation! Try them not only with people you usually hang out with, but also with someone you haven’t contacted in a while.
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- Games you can play with just conversation. Classic and popular activities you can enjoy without any props!
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- Perfect for killing time! Fun games you can easily play on LINE
- Perfect for killing time! Games you can play with two people.
- Brain-teasing game roundup
- A collection of questions to liven up phone calls with someone you like or are interested in
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- Perfect for killing time! A roundup of games for three people to enjoy
- [For 2 Players] Easy Pen-and-Paper Time-Killing Game
- Recreation activities that large groups can enjoy on Zoom
- [Talk] Interesting! Hilarious! A Collection of Silly Questions
You can play even if you can’t meet! Fun games you can do over the phone (1–10)
Favorite-things shiritori
A game where you play shiritori while taking turns telling each other what you like about the other person.
It’s a playful way to express feelings for friends or a partner that you might usually be too shy to say.
First, pick a starting kana from the syllabary, then play shiritori while saying something you like at each turn.
It’s also fun to set a penalty for anyone who gets embarrassed or bursts out laughing.
If it’s just the two of you, you’ll alternate turns, making it perfect for deepening a couple’s bond.
Even if you can’t meet in person, try this game to reaffirm each other’s love or friendship.
Ten Times Game
When it comes to games that bring people closer over phone or video calls, there’s the “10 Times Game.” You say the same phrase ten times, then answer a quiz related to that phrase.
The trick is to avoid getting tripped up by a phrase that sounds similar to the correct answer.
By firing off questions at a quick tempo, the respondent tends to slip up.
Since it’s a game where vibe and momentum matter, it’s also fun to play music or clap along.
If you’re playing over a video call, try using a body part or an item in your room as the quiz answer!
Prohibition of voiced and semi-voiced sounds
Surprisingly—or rather, quite—difficult is this “no voiced or semi-voiced sounds” game.
Voiced and semi-voiced sounds are those with the dots or circle, like ga-gi-gu-ge-go or pa-pi-pu-pe-po.
In everyday speech, you don’t consciously check whether your words include them, right? That’s why it’s so easy to get eliminated during normal conversation in this game.
You might think, “I can probably manage without them,” but once they’re off-limits, you’ll be unexpectedly confused about how to talk.
It’s also fun to set a penalty or a favor to ask from the person who slips up the most the next time you meet!
You can do it even if you can’t meet! Fun games you can play over the phone (11–20)
Mario Kart Tour
Mario Kart Tour, the smartphone app version of the popular game Mario Kart that people of all ages can enjoy, has been released.
By registering friends in-game, you can play with friends who are far away.
It’s easy to pick up—even beginners can enjoy it by simply moving their finger on the screen.
Chat on the phone while doing live race commentary, and get your heart pumping with the heated matchups.
Enjoy time with friends or your partner as you race with the beloved, familiar characters everyone knows.
Picture shiritori
Picture Shiritori is a game that’s perfect for enjoying over video calls.
It’s a twist on the classic word-only Shiritori, played instead with drawings.
For example, if the previous player draws an apple (ringo), the next player draws something that starts with “go.” Since you first have to figure out what the previous person drew, the drawer needs to make an illustration that clearly conveys the idea to the next player.
This game promises laughs not only from the Shiritori itself but also from the quality of the drawings.
Even if you can’t meet in person, you can still have a lively, laughter-filled time together!
Word association game
A word-association guessing game where you give a few hints and the other person guesses what you’re talking about.
For example, you might give clues like “big ears,” “long nose,” and “large,” and have them arrive at the answer “elephant.” It’s great to use everyday things as prompts, and it’s also fun to use mutual acquaintances and have them guess who you’re talking about! If you’re both fans of the same person or thing, you can make it about that topic and quiz each other too.
Everyone gives hints differently, so the ways to enjoy it are endless!
Introducing someone else
An “other-introduction,” where you introduce someone other than yourself, can deepen relationships and improve communication skills.
It’s used in team-building and school classes and can be enjoyed even over the phone.
Start by gathering information about the person you’ll introduce and summarize the key points you want to share.
It’s also nice to introduce the personality and hobbies of a close friend or partner.
You may notice aspects you hadn’t realized before, and it can be a chance to learn more about the other person.
It’s also recommended to share what you like about them—things you don’t usually get to express.