Gamers may think they’ve seen, and played, it all, but with the number of online games growing every minute, there are thousands of games in unique genres that even the most dedicated gamer has never tried.
The following six types of games will give you a completely different experience from Fortnite and The Last of Us, and you might not find a new favourite genre.
1. Escape Rooms
Online escape rooms are highly interactive games that are similar to real-world escape rooms. Players have to complete tasks while solving puzzles to finally get out of the virtual escape room.
These games can be played solo or in a team setting, making them great for families, friends, and remote workers to enjoy.
One key difference between virtual and in-person escape rooms is the time limit. Real escape rooms often have a timer that’s counting down, however, online versions don’t have this restriction (or you can select if you want to play with a timer or not). This allows gamers to take their time, analyse all the clues, and figure out how to escape.
Popular free online escape rooms include:
- Hogwarts Digital Escape Room
- Minecraft Escape Room
- Dr Who Escape Room
- Pikachu’s Rescue
2. Raffles
Online raffles perfectly combine games of luck with the potential to win real prizes. Traditionally, raffles are hosted by charities or schools to raise funds for a cause. However, the online raffle world has changed the game, and there are raffles available offering incredible prizes, from cash to international trips.
The main benefit of online raffles is that it does not require constant engagement. Participants can purchase a single ticket or a ticket bundle, and then check in periodically as the raffle countdown timer nears the draw date. The winner is then selected through a random number generator. Anyone interested in this experience can find options new in realraffle.com to stand the chance of winning exciting prizes. Although online raffles are not what many would consider a game, they are thrilling and luck-based, which are two elements found in many online games.
3. Co-Op Games
Cooperative games, called co-op games, are games where two or more players play together to complete levels. What makes these games so fun is that the players are often not in the same space, and have to communicate through headsets or the game’s chat feature.
Co-op games rely on teamwork, not competition, and often erupt into chaos as players struggle to find their stride. Imagine a game where you can’t see the bridge your character has to cross, but your partner playing in a different country has a screen where they can see the bridge, and they have to talk you through how to cross it. That’s the premise of many of these games: total trust in the ones you’re playing with.
There are hundreds of co-op games available online, with some top titles including:
- It Takes Two
- A Way Out
- Cuphead
4. Online Board Games
Online board games are the virtual versions of beloved board games. These games can be played with friends and strangers, or against the computer. There are several dedicated websites where users can discover online tabletop games, including Tabletopia and Board Game Arena.
If you grew up playing Monopoly or Clue but now live alone and have no one to play your favourite games with, then this genre of online games is for you. They’re the perfect games for casual gamers or those who want to practice their strategies before the next game night.
Classic board games with virtual counterparts include:
- Chess
- Settlers of Catan
- Monopoly
- Battleship
- Scrabble
5. Trivia Games
Online trivia games are just like real trivia games. Think pub quizzes and Trivial Pursuit. These games can be played alone or with a team of players. Trivia games test general knowledge, or you can find a niche-specific game if you believe you know it all. Some common subjects include sports, history, cinema, and recent events. The game presents the players with questions that they must answer either as multiple-choice answers or true/false. Players earn points for correct answers.
One of the biggest benefits of trivia games is that they’re inclusive for all ages. There are kid-friendly trivia games that can help kids expand their knowledge, and games for adults with specific interests.
Big-brained gamers will enjoy these games:
- Trivia Quizzes on Britannica
- Trivial Pursuit Online
- Jackbox Games
- Trivia Crack
6. Online Scavenger Hunts
Online scavenger hunts send participants on a race across the internet. They require players to visit various websites to uncover clues, often for a prize. Sometimes these games blend into the real world, like having to take a selfie with a particular object.
Museum scavenger hunts are especially popular. These games have players navigate across a museum’s website to find different exhibits. Another popular type of scavenger hunt is the Wiki Game. Here, players start on a random Wikipedia page and must click internal links to reach a specific page in as few clicks as possible.
