by Tamera Robinson
Staff Writer
With the Coronavirus pandemic still on going, friends and family have to readjust and find ways to be socially active while social distancing. Here are some of the best online games to play with friends no matter the distance.
Among Us
Among Us is a multiplayer game where between four and 10 players are dropped onto an alien spaceship. Each player is designated a private role as a “crewmate” or “impostor.” Players can be voted off the ship, so each game becomes one of survival: successfully vote off the impostors or complete all your tasks to win. Among Us is free to play on iOS and Android devices. Or, it costs $5 to play on a PC.
Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia is a four-player online co-op psychological horror where you and your team of investigators will enter haunted locations filled with paranormal activity and gather as much evidence of the paranormal as you can. You will use your ghost hunting equipment to search for and record evidence of whatever ghost is haunting the location to sell onto a ghost removal team. Phasmophobia cost $13.99 to play on PC.
Fortnite
Fortnite is a survival game where 100 players fight against each other in player versus player combat to be the last one standing. It is a fast-paced, action-packed game, not unlike the Hunger Games, where strategic thinking is a must in order to survive. Users can continue to play Fortnite for free or the game also includes a unique feature called the "Battle Pass," which costs about $9.50 for a quarterly subscription.
Fall Guys
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout flings hordes of contestants together online in a mad dash through round after round of escalating chaos until one victor remains. The game is described as one in which competitors will battle through bizarre obstacles, shove through unruly competitors and overcome the unbending laws of physics as you stumble towards greatness. Leave your dignity at the door and prepare for a hilarious failure in your quest to claim the crown. Fall Guys is $19.99 and available now for PC and PS4.
Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing: New Horizons came out on Nintendo Switch in March before the pandemic. The social aspect to its gameplay has made social distancing a bit easier. While you can perform simple tasks like growing fruit, planting trees and designing rooms alone, you can also invite friends to visit your island and go fishing and exploring together. If you don't have a Switch to play on, you can also check out the free mobile version, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp. If you do have a Switch, the cost is $59.99.