8 Houseparty Games Alternatives That Are Better in 2026
Houseparty was shut down by Epic Games in 2022, leaving millions of users looking for a replacement for its casual video-call gaming. The good news: the alternatives are mostly better. Here are the 8 best Houseparty game replacements in 2026.
What made Houseparty good (and what to look for in alternatives)
Houseparty's appeal was the combination of casual video hanging + drop-in games without friction. You'd be on a video call with friends and could immediately start a trivia game or drawing game without leaving the app. The best alternatives replicate this with: browser-based play (no installs), simple link-sharing to start a game, and a mix of social and competitive mechanics.
1. Snapgame — custom quizzes via link
Closest to Houseparty's trivia mode, but better. Create a quiz about your friend group, share the link in any chat or video call, and everyone plays on their phone. No accounts needed for players. Works alongside any video call app — just share the link in the chat.
2. Gartic Phone — the best Houseparty Chips & Guac replacement
Gartic Phone is a free, browser-based telephone-Pictionary hybrid. One person opens a room, shares the link, and everyone draws. The results at the end are always hilarious. It's the most direct replacement for Houseparty's drawing and guessing games — and it's free.
3. Bunch — video call + games in one app
Bunch is the most direct Houseparty replacement — it's a video call app with built-in games. It has a library of casual games playable during the call itself. Available on iOS and Android. Requires an app download, but if Houseparty's integrated experience is what you miss, Bunch is the answer.
4. Jackbox Party Pack — screenshare + phone
One person hosts via screenshare on Discord/Zoom/FaceTime, others join via jackbox.tv on their phones. The game library is deeper than Houseparty ever had: Quiplash (fill-in-the-blank comedy), Drawful (drawing guessing), Fibbage (lie detector trivia). Requires one purchase (~$30).
The best Houseparty games replacement is free
Create a custom game in Snapgame, share the link in your group chat or video call, and everyone plays instantly — no app, no sign-up.
Create Your Game Free →5. Skribbl.io and Garticphone.com — free drawing games
Both are free, browser-based Pictionary variants. Create a private room, share the link, play immediately. Skribbl.io has custom word lists; Gartic Phone has more game modes. Both work over any video call.
6. Discord Stage Channels + games
Discord's Activities feature (formerly Watch Together) lets users play browser games together inside a voice channel — no external link needed. Available games include chess, Poker Night, and more. Best for groups already living on Discord.
7. FaceTime + SharePlay + Apple Arcade
If your whole group is on Apple devices, FaceTime's SharePlay lets you play Apple Arcade games together on a call. Games like Game Pigeon and various puzzle games are playable this way. Very low friction if you're already in the Apple ecosystem.
8. Zoom + Kahoot (for structured game nights)
For scheduled game nights rather than casual hangouts, Zoom + Kahoot is powerful. Host runs a Zoom call, shares their Kahoot game PIN, everyone joins on their phone. Works for large groups, is highly competitive, and the format is familiar to most people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Houseparty?
Epic Games acquired Houseparty in 2019 and shut it down in October 2022, citing the desire to focus on other projects. The app and all its games were discontinued.
What is the best Houseparty alternative in 2026?
Bunch is the most direct replacement (video call + in-app games). For pure game quality, Jackbox Party Pack via screenshare is better. For no-download convenience, Snapgame and Gartic Phone lead.
Is there a free Houseparty alternative?
Yes — Gartic Phone, Skribbl.io, and Snapgame are all free. Bunch is free with in-app purchases. Only Jackbox requires an upfront purchase.
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