Hands holding a mobile phone while playing a game in front of a computer operating free games.

While you may feel compelled to maximise your time at home during a lockdown, it's not just about studying, working, tidying, or acquiring a new skill. You must also allow yourself time for relaxation and recreation. 

I have compiled a list of games that can be played online with companions on a computer, mobile device, or both. Obviously, this is only a small sample of the games available, but hopefully it will give you some ideas for those times when you just want to relax and enjoy. 

Let's begin with some classics:
Scrabble GO

Scrabble GO, because who doesn't enjoy the classic board game?  You can play this entertaining game for free on your mobile device against your peers. Is your vocabulary sufficient to make you the best?

Skribbl.io

Skribbl.io is a free, online game similar to Pictionary. You must choose one of three words and then draw it for your friends to identify. When it is their turn to draw, you must make an estimate. The winner is the player with the most predictions.  (Currently, Skribbl is only available on desktops, but "Draw it" is a very similar mobile game.)

Mahjong Time

Mahjong Time features multiple variants of the traditional Mahjong game. Registering is free, and you can participate against your friends. Do you believe you will win? 

Playingcards.io

Playingcards.io offers a variety of traditional tabletop and card games for online play with peers. In addition to Backgammon and Checkers, they offer a standard deck of 52 playing cards that can be customised for your preferred card games. Why don't you and your pals try it out? 

Obviously, I didn't neglect to include online video games:
World of Warcraft fifth

WoW is one of the most well-known MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games) available. On their homepage, it states, "Descend into World of Warcraft and join thousands of mighty heroes in an online world of myth, magic, and limitless adventure."  Create your own heroes and explore the magical continent of Azeroth with your companions!

League of Legends

The video game League of Legends (LoL) is a multiplayer online battle arena. Here, you construct your own "champion" and engage in online battles with other players' champions. League of Legends is a highly competitive, fast-paced action-strategy game designed for those who crave a hard-fought victory, whether playing solo or with companions. May the greatest winner prevail! 

Fortnite Royale Battle

Fortnite Battle Royale is an online survival video game. You can play solo, in a duo, or with your pals in your own squad. You are dropped at a random location and must assemble resources to fight while the surrounding area gradually shrinks. Your objective is to be the final survivor. This game is freely accessible on all platforms.

Playerunknown's Battlegrounds

Playerunknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) is another battle royale-style online multiplayer game. In PUBG, you are placed with up to 100 other players on an island and must fight until only one player remains. Similarly to Fortnite, you can play solo, in a duo, or in a platoon. Have you got what it takes to be the last remaining squad with your friends?