There are only so many Netflix series to watch and online fitness classes to follow on your floor before you start craving something more social. Whether you’re stuck at home or simply unable to get together with your friends as often as you would like to, gaming can be a great way to stay connected.

The only challenge is figuring out how to make it happen. You can pick from an endless variety of platforms, genres, and titles, not to mention that your choice needs to be something everyone in your group can access. To make things easier, check out the following guide on gaming with friends.

Pick Your Platform

First, you need to decide which platform to play on. Some of your friends might have a PlayStation, while others have a Nintendo or Xbox. There are a few games that offer cross-platform multiplayer, so you might want to start by checking those out. Some examples include Minecraft, Rocket League, Fortnite, Among Us, Apex Legends, and Genshin Impact.

Also remember that consoles require a membership to play online, namely PlayStation Plus, Xbox Live, and Nintendo Online. This is not the case for Android and iOS, which don’t have any requirements to get connected. The same is true for most PC platforms, including Steam, Origin, and GoG, as well as standalone PC games.

Try Online Games

Given the potential complications that come with playing on console, your best bet might be to play a browser-based PC game. There are tons of options out there, many of which are made specifically for groups. Among the most popular are Gartic Phone, Skribbl, Board Game Arena, Psych!, Tabletopia, and Colonist.

Be sure to ask around and see if your friends have any recommendations. Perhaps you share a common interest in a specific genre. For example, if you’re feeling lucky and want to hit the casino, check out a list of the best online gambling sites to see which one is most geared towards playing in groups.

Stay in Touch

Another important aspect of multiplayer games is being able to communicate with your friends. If you have a laptop nearby or you’re playing on desktop, then Discord, Zoom, or another service that facilitates group calls is all you need. Alternatively, you can simply set up a group call on your smartphone through FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Google Hangouts.

Make it Fun

Virtual game nights have become the go-to activity during the pandemic times, and the variety of games made for them has grown considerably. Online games like Scrabble, Uno, Heads Up! and Trivia on HouseParty are perfect for having fun with friends. But it’s not just about the game you play.

You can elevate your virtual game nights with themes and additional activities. You can dress up, send over snack and drink ideas, or add any other element that resonates with your group. Get creative and see what you can come up with.

As a final bonus tip, don’t forget to stock up on some gaming gear. A solid set of headphones and a well-lit setting will make all the difference.