There are so many casual games you can play online when you’re bored, it’s bound to get confusing when you actually have to pick one at random. So we’re bringing you a short and sweet list of the best free browser games you can try right away.
What Are Browser-Based Games? Are They Different From Online Games?
In-browser games let you play them without downloading files onto your computer or mobile device. All you would need is the updated version of the browser you’re using such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge. You may or may not be required to sign up for an account in addition to this.
On the other hand, online games all fit into a wider category that can include any title which is playable over an Internet connection. They might need you to download game files onto your device; but this is not always the case. So everything from Apex Legends to online casino games to strictly browser-based titles to Among Us comes under this section.
Today, we’re going to be listing down some of the best casual games you can play online in your browser without troubling yourself with any pesky downloads.
Gods Will Be Watching: This point-and-click adventure thriller by indie developer Deconstructeam has a browser-only version too. The plot is pretty straightforward – Sgt. Burden and his crew are stranded on planet Sineicos while seeking more information on the Medusea virus.
Your job is to keep your team alive (or sacrifice some of them to save on resources) via a set number of daily moves you’re allowed to choose from. It’s not as simple as it seems. We got our team killed after the first day by neglecting to tend to the camp fire.
Spelunky: What do you get when you combine cave exploration with treasure-hunting? The answer is Spelunky, a 2D platform game which will remind you of classic platformers of yore. The web version by Darius Kazemi has been ported from the original game developed by Derek Yu.
In this offering, you take on the role of an explorer who has to collect gold and other special items while avoiding booby traps and enemy critters as well as monsters. Climb your way through the levels while tossing bombs to unearth treasures, rescuing damsels in distress and dodging any number of dangers.
Quick, Draw!: Here’s a really fun browser game that kids can safely enjoy. At the same time, even grownups will find it to be weirdly addictive. Developed in collaboration with Google, Quick, Draw! challenges you to draw 6 objects, each within 20 seconds.
As you scribble, the neural network AI tries to quickly guess what you’re doodling. Each drawing increases the system’s ability to recognize what is being depicted. Something about the AI figuring out your doodles too quickly pushes you to make more complicated drawings that will force it to use the entire 20 seconds to guess the object. It sounds silly, but it’s a colossal time-sponge.
Catan Universe: If you’ve ever played the multiplayer board game Settlers of Catan, you already know what’s in store for you. Catan Universe is a cross-platform game that can be played in the browser or accessed via Android, iOS and Steam.
You have to fine-tune your strategy skills in this civilization-building game as you race against your opponents to trade, build, acquire resources and expand your settlement to the best of your ability.
Escape Goat: You’re a goat who’s been caught practicing witchcraft. Against your bleating protests, you’ve been locked up in the Prison of Angus. What can you do but use your agility and robust horns to escape your confinements?
There are tricky buttons, levers and cogs to figure out in addition to a teleporting mouse you must befriend as you work your way to the exit in each room. This puzzle platformer by MagicalTimeBean has a browser version, apart from a full-blown Steam offering.
Slither.io: If you’re not looking for a game that will require you to expend brain power and are just after some light, casual play, Slither.io is the one for you. It will remind you of the classic Snake game.
All you have to do is control the movements of your critter and get it to eat the glowing orbs so that it can grow. If you bump your head into other players, you die. The whole idea is to grow as long as possible and kill off others by encircling them and forcing them to bang into you.
Wordle: Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Wordle already. But it’s still a worthy contender in this roster of casual online games you can play in the browser.
The idea is to guess the word of the day within 6 tries. Every correctly guessed letter that is in the right spot turns green. Correct alphabets in the wrong place are colored yellow, while incorrect letters turn gray.
In Conclusion
So there you have it ”” some of the coolest online browser-based games you can try without having to download any files onto you device. There’s a slight chance that a few of the games listed above might not work on Google Chrome or Safari. You can play them on Firefox or Edge instead.