Looking for something to do over lockdown? We’ve found a handful of awesome games for you to try with your friends and family, and because they’re all remote they’re completely covid safe. Don’t lament the lack of Monopoly this festive season; you can still get competitive with these remote multiplayers.
Among Us, £3.99 on Steam
If you’ve not heard of Among Us, you’re definitely missing out. You and your pals are on a spaceship, and you’re either a crewmate or an imposter. The crewmates have to run around fixing up the ship and doing tasks. The imposter has to sabotage the ship, and kill the crewmates. Think of it as a socially distanced version of wink murder. It gets difficult when a body is discovered, and you have to vote for who you think the imposter is. You can also play cross-platform, so it doesn’t matter what mix of devices you have. Great fun, tons of replayability, and perfect for lockdown.
Fall Guys Ultimate Knockout, £15.99 on Steam
If you want a game with a little more punch, Fall Guys Ultimate Knockout might be what you’re looking for. It’s a new take on Battle Royale, described as ‘massive online pandemonium’. Create your character, and start a series of ridiculous challenges and crazy obstacle courses with up to 60 players, and battle it out to be the ultimate victor. You can play cooperatively, where you win or lose as a team or competitively where only one person can be the champion. It’s hilarious, it’s chaotic, it’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
Sea of Thieves, £34.99 on Steam
If it's an open world adventure that you’re after, look no further than Sea of Thieves. This swashbuckling game is about sailing, fighting, looting, treasure hunting - basically every pirating adventure that you can think of. There are no set roles so you can pursue whatever takes your piratey fancy, travel through the world as a group or solo, and if you’re more into a campaign there are 11 different tales to complete across two storylines. It’s a beautiful game and it gets new content every month. If you’re wanting a world to lose yourself in, Sea of Thieves is the answer.
If psychological horror is more your speed, Phasmophobia is for you. It’s a 4 person cooperative game that you can play with a VR headset (or without if that feels a bit too immersive). You and your friends are a ghost hunting team, tracking and recording paranormal activity using Ouija boards, night vision cameras, thermometers and a bunch of other well known ghost hunting equipment. You use your microphone to communicate with each other, and the ghosts themselves. Either stay in the van and monitor the CCTV cameras, or head into the haunted house and try not to make the ghosts angry. Hilarious, terrifying and thanks to the ability to communicate through microphone, potentially friendship destroying if one of you makes a noise whilst you’re hiding in a wardrobe.
Heave Ho is another 4 person cooperative game, but that’s where it’s similarities to Phasmophobia end. The aim of the game is to avoid falling to your death; you and your friends have to join hands to swing your way across a map designed to kill you. Fans of Overcooked will love the organisational chaos that is Heave Ho; in a game where a fall to your death is only one wrong move away, your friendships will definitely be tested. This is a really fun party game that’s ideal for lockdown; forget the state of the world for a second, and just try and get your head around some argument-inducing puzzles.
Secret Neighbour, £15.49 on Steam
Secret Neighbour is the multiplayer version of Hello Neighbour, where you attempt to break into your creepy Neighbour’s basement. Secret Neighbour takes place between the first and second game; one of your friends has gone missing and is presumed to be, where else, in the creepy Neighbour’s basement. Play as a team to break in, but beware - one of you is the Neighbour in disguise! This great stealth horror game has three maps, and a level creator so you can make your own. This game can be played online or with friends in a custom play.
