The 30 Best Texting Games to Play With Friends (And How to Play Them Right!)
Discover the most fun and creative texting games for friends, couples, and groups. Liven up any chat with clever, hilarious, and engaging wordplay.
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Top 30 Texting Games to Play With Friends and Groups
Texting isn’t just for sharing memes and gossip—it’s also the perfect medium for dozens of clever, hilarious, and challenging games. Whether you’re looking to bond with friends, keep a romantic spark alive, or simply make group chats more exciting, we’ve rounded up the 30 best texting games you can start right now. Read on to discover easy-to-play classics, mind-bending puzzles, and new twists on old favorites!
Why Play Texting Games?
- Break the ice with new friends or partners.
- Enjoy long-distance fun with friends across town or the globe.
- Challenge your brain and creativity.
- Spice up group chats and keep everyone entertained.
- Reveal secrets and stories you never knew!
How to Play These Texting Games
Most of these games require no special apps—just your favorite messaging platform. Each player follows the rules in the group or one-on-one chat. Some games work best with groups, while others are perfect for couples or friends.
Best Texting Games for Every Group
1. Twenty Questions
This classic guessing game is perfect for any chat. One player thinks of a person, place, or thing. The others have 20 chances to ask yes/no questions and figure it out. Whoever guesses correctly chooses the next topic!
2. Would You Rather
Make tough choices! Pose two alternatives—usually challenging, silly, or thought-provoking—and everyone must pick one. For example: “Would you rather always have to sing or dance everywhere you go?” Great for group chats or two people.
- Variety: Make it about travel, jobs, romance, friendship, or wild hypothetical scenarios.
- Group twist: Tally responses; majority wins!
3. Never Have I Ever
Confession time. Each player texts something they’ve never done: “Never have I ever gone scuba diving.” Friends reply with whether they have or haven’t; each person loses a “life” if they have done it. Play until someone runs out of lives or gets caught in a surprising detail!
- Add punishments: If you’ve done it, send a selfie or type out an embarrassing story.
4. The Name Game
Pick a category—celebrities, animals, countries, etc. Player 1 texts a name. Player 2 replies with another name starting with the last letter of the previous name. Continue until someone is stumped!
- Example: “Tiger” → “Rabbit” → “Tortoise” → “Elephant”
5. Riddle Me This
Test your wit! Send a riddle for your friend to solve. Set the number of guesses allowed. The challenge is to create brainteasers that are fun—not impossible!
- “What has keys but can’t open locks?” (Answer: Piano)
- If no one solves it, reveal the answer and give next turn.
6. Story Time
Invent funny, bizarre, or romantic stories. Player 1 texts a sentence to start a story. Player 2 adds the next sentence. Go back and forth—see how wild the story gets!
- Variation: Set a genre or theme—mystery, fantasy, sci-fi.
7. Word Unscramble
Send a scrambled word (“rdwos” for “sword”)—friends try to guess the original. Whoever solves it first gets to send the next scramble. Theme it around movies, places, or food for added fun!
- Give hints after each wrong guess to keep things lively.
8. Hangman
Just like the paper game: Send underscores for each letter in a word. The other guesses one letter at a time; you reveal its place or reduce their remaining guesses (usually 6 mistakes allowed). Whoever solves the word first wins.
- “_ _ _ _ _” for “apple”
9. Movie Emoji Challenge
Describe a movie, book, or TV show using only emojis. The other player guesses the title based on your cryptic clues. This works as a fast-paced game in group chats!
- Example: 🍕🦇 (“Batman Returns: Pizza scene”)
10. Most Likely To…
Ask “Who is most likely to…” questions. Everyone in the chat votes on the best fit. It’s hilarious in groups and helps reveal quirky personalities!
- “Most likely to move to Mars?”
- “Most likely to win a secret karaoke contest?”
11. Kiss, Marry, Kill
Player A lists three celebrity names. Player B decides who to kiss, who to marry, and who to (hypothetically) kill. It’s a silly, entertaining way to share your preferences (and spark debate) over text!
- Try it for novels, historical figures, or even fictional characters.
12. Song Lyrics Challenge
Send a random lyric from any song. The other player must guess the song and artist. Take turns. Choose obscure lyrics or chart hits for added difficulty.
- If they can’t guess, send another lyric as a hint.
13. The Prediction Text Game
Use your phone’s predictive text suggestions. Start half a sentence; complete the rest only using the predictive words that pop up. The results are often bizarre—and very funny.
- “Today I will…” and use predictions to finish.
14. What Would You Do?
Play out dramatic or silly scenarios. One player describes a situation; the other responds with what they would do. Great for testing your creativity or learning about your friend’s inner decision-making.
- “You find a suitcase of money…what do you do?”
15. Finish My Sentence
One person starts a sentence, the other finishes it. The sentences can be romantic, weird, or even a little flirty.
- “Whenever I see you, I feel…”
16. Make It Rhyme
Text a word or phrase; the next must reply with a word or phrase that rhymes. Go back and forth until someone is stumped. Test your poetic skills and creativity!
- “Cat” → “Hat” → “Mat”
17. Fantasy Four
Create a hypothetical scenario (e.g., “Stranded on an island”). Each player lists four people, celebrities, or items they’d want with them. Compare lists for laughs and surprises!
- “Movie night” version: Pick four actors for your dream cast.
18. Would I Lie To You?
Players take turns texting an outrageous fact or story. The other must guess if it’s true or a lie. Text your best tall tales to stump your friend!
- If guessed incorrectly, reveal the truth and swap places.
19. Truth or Dare
Classic party fun—by text! One person chooses “truth” or “dare.” If “truth,” ask a personal question; if “dare,” set a challenge they must complete and text proof.
- Example dare: “Text your crush a compliment.”
20. Tell the Truth
Similar to “Truth or Dare,” but only truths. Ask personal (but not offensive) questions that must be answered—or face a punishment, such as posting a silly selfie.
- Set ground rules for privacy and comfort.
21. Word Association
Text a word; the other must respond instantly with the first word that comes to mind. Continue for several rounds—see how your chain of association unravels!
- “Rain” → “Cloud” → “Grey” → “Elephant”
22. Emoji Story
Tell a story using only emojis; the other must guess the tale or interpret its meaning. This game turns chats into visual puzzles and lets you flex your emoji skills.
- 🥚➡️🐥➡️🐓 (“Egg hatches into chicken”)
23. Abbreviations Game
Send a random abbreviation and challenge others to guess what it could stand for. The weirder, the better!
- “LOL” (lots of love, laugh out loud, etc.)
24. 5-Second Challenge
Name something (e.g., animals that fly) and the other must reply with five correct answers within 5 seconds. Play in bursts for fast-paced fun.
- Extend with themes: foods, countries, song titles.
25. Alphabet Game
Pick a topic; players take turns naming items in alphabetical order. (Animals: Antelope, Bear, Cat… etc.)
- Great for group chats with kids, too!
26. Chain Story Game
Similar to Story Time but each person must continue the story using a specific word or phrase given by the previous player. Builds creative storytelling and teamwork.
- Add challenges: Include tricky words for more fun.
27. Guess the Number
Pick a number within a range. Others must guess the number, with clues like “higher” or “lower.” The winner picks the next number.
- Make it competitive: Who can guess fastest?
28. The Compliment Game
Take turns genuinely complimenting each other. The catch: No repeats! Continue until someone runs out of original compliments.
- Boosts positivity and bonds in any group!
29. Coded Messages
Send encrypted messages with simple codes—backwards, replaced letters, or emojis. Friends attempt to decode and reply.
- Try a Caesar cipher for more challenge!
30. Guess the Picture (MMS edition)
Send a photo (not too obvious!). Friends guess what, where, or who it is. Set a timer for answers or let group chat explode with guesses.
- Use close-ups or tricky camera angles for tougher games.
Pro Tips for Playing Texting Games
- Keep games lighthearted and inclusive—avoid jokes or questions that may make others uncomfortable.
- Switch up games regularly for fresh energy.
- Group games are best for lively chats; deep games suit one-on-one text sessions.
- Use gifs, stickers, and emojis to boost visual engagement.
Texting Games Table: Quick Reference
| Game Name | Players | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Would You Rather? | 2+ | Choice | Groups, couples |
| Never Have I Ever | 2+ | Confession | Friends, icebreaker |
| Hangman | 2+ | Word puzzle | Kids, word lovers |
| Finish My Sentence | 2 | Story | Couples, close friends |
| Abbreviations Game | 2+ | Word | Groups |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best texting games for couples?
Couples often enjoy Story Time, Finish My Sentence, Kiss, Marry, Kill, and Would You Rather for flirty, personal, and intimate texting interaction.
Are texting games suitable for group chats?
Absolutely! Games like Never Have I Ever, Most Likely To, Movie Emoji Challenge, and Alphabet Game are perfect for big groups.
Can you play these games with kids?
Yes. Word Unscramble, Hangman, Alphabet Game, and Emoji Story are simple and safe for children.
Do you need special apps?
No. Most games require only a chat platform (like WhatsApp, Messenger, or SMS). Use gifs or stickers for extra fun.
How do texting games improve relationships?
They build trust, spark laughter, inspire conversations, and break the monotony of everyday messaging.
Conclusion: Bring Fun to Your Chats!
Texting games offer the perfect mix of social connection, fun, and creative wordplay for all ages. Whether rekindling that group chat energy, building new friendships, or turning up the romance, choose from these 30 texting games to transform your phone into a playground. Try them today—your inbox (and your friends) will thank you!
References
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