Six Classic Games You Can Play Online for Free

There’s certainly no shortage of incredible games on offer today, whether that be in the video game or tabletop world. Technology has advanced to the point that some AAA games have graphics that are almost indistinguishable from reality, while what constitutes a ‘board game’ is vastly more varied and complex than it was 20 years ago. ​

Sometimes, however, simple is best, and if you only have a few minutes to spare or just want to switch off, there are many timeless options that never disappoint. 

In this article, you’ll learn about six classic games you can play online with ease to take the edge off.​

Online Pool

Pool has always been a staple for chilling with friends over a drink and a chat, but did you know you can also play the game digitally online? A digital pool game takes place from a birdseye view, and while you might not get the satisfaction of the physical sensation of potting a ball, plotting out your angles for the perfect shot is still a ton of fun. 

What’s more, the game can make for a great way to practice taking shots in real life, as the physics system mirrors a real-life table. 

Chess

Chess has been about for years, and while the game itself can become incredibly complex, the rules are relatively simple to learn. You’ll quickly get the hang of what each piece is capable of and start forming your own basic strategies within a few games, and with each game you play, your abilities will slowly improve. 

It’s a great way to spend time with friends or pass time on your own with an online variant – you’re sure to get addicted to bettering your skills.

Q-Bert

Q-Bert is an arcade classic from the 1980s. You play as a small orange alien that must hop across a gridded board to mark each tile as ‘stepped on’, all while avoiding jumping on enemies and having them jump on you (you’ve also got to make sure you don’t fall off the edge!). 

The game is a great way to kill some time and takes a fair amount of skill to master. There’s also a lot of variety in each level, with each board being considerably different from the last, presenting a new and unique challenge every time. 

Super Mario Run

Super Mario Run is designed from the ground up to bring the classic Super Mario formula to the smartphone market. It’s by far the most accessible entry in the series and can be played entirely with one hand, making it perfect for when you’re on the train or sitting in a waiting room. 

If you’ve played the classic games on the NES or some of the more recent 2D entries, you’ll feel right at home, and with the game now available on both iOS and Android, you’ll be able to get your hands on it no matter what device you own. 

 Lemmings

There have been many different versions of Lemmings across a variety of different platforms, but today, you can easily play it for free online. 

Your role is to guide a group of little creatures through increasingly complex mazes. They’ll walk in a straight line, potentially to their doom, so you have to give them tasks like digging and building to make sure they navigate the path safely. 

There’s a surprising amount of strategy involved in Lemmings, and once you start, you’ll be hooked.

Minesweeper

Minesweeper is by far the simplest game on this list, making it great if you only have a few minutes to spare. 

The premise is simple: you’re given a square grid that varies in size depending on the level, and must click each square to clear the entire space without ‘stepping’ on any mines. Each successfully cleared tile reveals a number that shows you how many mines are in the surrounding area, making for a tense game of deduction. 

It’s surprising how much you’ll find the time slips away with such a simple concept, but once you try it, you’ll understand. 

Ultimately, there are a ton of great classic games to choose from, but the list above will get you started. It all depends on how much time you have spare and what you like, so explore each option to find something that fits best. You could also try a site like Free 80s Arcade, which has an extensive library of classics to explore. Have fun!

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