We’ve all had times when you can’t find anything to do, or can’t seem to schedule a hangout  with your friends. But don’t worry—there’s an easy fix! Whether you don’t have enough time to make in-person interactions or just want to have some online fun, GamePigeon is the go-to iMessage extension that allows for a quick and convenient way to connect with your peers online, and it’s perfect for a quick mental break between texts. 

#5: Four in a Row

Four in a Row is a classic strategy game that challenges players to think ahead and block their opponent’s moves. Each player takes turns dropping yellow or red colored discs into a grid, trying to outsmart each other’s rival. The goal is to get four pieces in a row horizontally, vertically or diagonally. It requires strategic thinking, and the simple rules help anyone get the hang of it quickly. 

#4: 8-Ball

From the 8-ball table in your friends’ basement to the one on your phone, 8-ball is a widely known variation of pool, often recognized for the amount of skill required to be successful. 8-ball has also gained immense popularity in the online game world over time. Players use a variety of different strategies to shoot their assigned balls in any pocket of their choosing, winning the game by scoring the magnificent 8-ball. It ranks fairly high because it’s easy to play, lets friends compete casually through iMessage and is a perfect mix of skill and fun. Every round of the game is unique, making it both engaging and exciting. 

#3: Gomoku

Gomoku—a derivative of the game Go—is one of the most underrated games of all time. A strategic and intriguing game, Gomoku is the perfect pick for an activity that keeps you hooked. The main goal is for a player to connect five of their black or white stones in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line on a board, while trying to block their opponent efficiently. You also have to look for clever ways to create chains and patterns, eventually landing on a position that unlocks the door to a variety of opportunities to dominate the round. Gomoku ranks 3rd on GamePigeon because it’s a simple yet highly entertaining game that challenges players’ critical thinking while remaining easy to play with friends. 

#2: Sea Battle

Sea Battle is GamePigeon’s version of the classic Battleship game. Players place 10 ships on a grid and take turns guessing the location of their opponent’s fleet. Suspense builds with each miss and hit, making every round intense, but different. It’s an unpredictable competition of logic, intuition and luck, as you try to defeat your opponent while protecting your ships. It ranks 2nd on GamePigeon because its intuitive and strategic gameplay makes it fun and competitive, letting friends stay connected through straightforward moves.

#1: Word Games

The perfect game for language enthusiasts, GamePigeon’s word games, including Word Hunt, Anagrams and Word Bites challenge your vocabulary, speed and ability to recognize patterns. Depending on the game, players race against a one minute or one minute 20 second timer as they try to find as many words from a random jumble of letters, working both their brains and reflexes. The main objective is to find as many words as possible, in order to stand a chance in beating your opponent. These games are not only fun and addictive, but also mentally stimulating, making you feel like you’re learning while having fun. Every game feels like a unique experience through GamePigeon’s endless amount of letter combinations.