Board games are a great way for family and friends to spend time together. But there's no need to fill your home with boxes. Some classic board games have made the move to mobile, and here are the classic board game apps you need to play on your smartphone today.
1. Monopoly GO!
Even though Monopoly is popular, the board game is well-known for being a time-consuming affair. That doesn't translate well to creating a Monopoly app. But Monopoly GO! wants to bring some of that fun to a smartphone.
A real-time multiplayer game, you can still collect from Go, send opponents to Jail, ride on the railroad, and more. But a smaller board helps make the game move at a much faster pace.
You can play Monopoly GO! for free, but there are in-app purchases available for in-game currency.
Download: Monopoly GO! for iOS | Android (Free, with in-app purchases)
2. Clue: The Classic Mystery Game
Who, what, and where are at the heart of Clue: The Classic Mystery Game. The game starts with the murder of Mr. Boddy. It's up to you to figure out who the killer is, what weapon was used, and in what room did the murder take place.
You'll get to determine which of the famous cast of characters---Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, Dr. Orchid, and Professor Plum---did the deed.
As you roll die, you can move around the mansion and ask questions to try to solve the crime. A virtual clue sheet will allow you to take notes and eliminate red herrings. In-app purchases are available to unlock new characters and themes.
Download: Clue: The Classic Mystery Game for iOS | Android ($3.99)
3. SCRABBLE
Test your word prowess in this mobile version of the classic Scrabble. While you can play against the computer to improve your skills, the real fun is battling an actual opponent. Take on friends via Facebook or play against random opponents from around the world.
To help improve your wordplay, a special teacher feature will show you the best words you could have played after every turn. If you want to take on someone in the same room, there is a pass-and-play option that can accommodate up to four players.
Download: Scrabble for iOS | Android (Free, with in-app purchases)
4. Boggle With Friends: Word Game
Boggle, another iconic word game, is also available to play on a smartphone. If you're new to Boggle, there is a great solo mode that allows you to play against a coach in a three-round contest. You’ll try to find the most words in the shown jumble before the time is up.
When you are ready for some real action, you can create a three-round match against an opponent.
The live tournaments feature allows you to challenge friends, family, and others. There are also daily and weekly prizes available to win.
Download: Boggle With Friends: Word Game for iOS | Android (Free, with in-app purchases)
5. YAHTZEE With Buddies Dice
Roll with the punches in YAHTZEE With Buddies Dice. You can play friends and family or random opponents in the dice-rolling adventure. While playing, you can create your own virtual "family" to receive and provide help to others.
For a different experience, there are a number of tournaments like Yahtzee Solitaire, Yahtzee Bingo, and Yahtzee Stars offering different ways to play the game.
There is also a robust single-player experience where you can battle Dice Masters and earn prizes like custom dice and more.
Download: YAHTZEE With Buddies Dice for iOS | Android (Free, with in-app purchases)
6. The Game of Life
The Game of Life takes a big step up when making the move to a board game app. While you'll still try to conquer life by attending college, accepting a job, and more, the game board is a real treat. All of the characters come to life with 3D animations as you progress.
You can play with up to three friends on one device. For a quick session, you can also select a fast mode with different conditions for victory.
There is also an online multiplayer option where you can battle against other competitors from around the world.
Download: The Game of Life for iOS ($2.99) | Android ($0.99)
7. Ticket to Ride
Even though the board game was only introduced in 2004, Ticket to Ride has quickly become a new classic. And the digital adaptation brings that same family-friendly fun to your smartphone.
You can hit the rails across the United States or various other maps like the UK, Europe, India, Asia, and more. There are multiple ways to play. In the same room, the pass-and-play mode allows up to five players with the option to add computer foes.
There is also a single-player mode with up to four AI opponents and a cross-platform multiplayer mode.
If you're looking for something more analog to play, take a look at these free printable board games.
Download: Ticket to Ride for iOS | Android ($6.99)
8. Pictionary Air
Pictionary Air brings a fun new technology to the timeless drawing game. To play, you’ll first need to purchase the Pictionary Air set that includes a special pen and clue cards.
When you're in possession of that, fire up the app. Players will be able to see what the sketchers are drawing thanks to augmented reality technology. The other players will then try to guess what the drawing is.
There are two different game modes. Play mode allows gamers to choose the length of the game and number of rounds. Selfie mode lets you work on a Pictionary masterpiece without a timer. The app also allows you to edit and share videos of funny gameplay moments.
Download: Pictionary Air for iOS | Android (Free)
9. Domino - Dominoes Online
Dominoes have been played for more than 700 years. So it's no surprise that there are a number of dominoes game apps to try.
Domino - Dominoes Online features five of the most played versions---all fives, draw game, block game, all threes, and kozel. You can play online against Facebook friends or random players. There is also a challenging computer opponent to battle in a single-player mode.
Download: Domino - Dominoes Online for iOS | Android (Free, with in-app purchases)
10. BATTLESHIP
Hit the high seas and battle against other opponents in BATTLESHIP. There are two different multiplayer modes. The classic mode stays true to the original game where you'll go head-to-head against a single opponent. You’ll try to sink their fleet before they do the same to yours.
The commanders mode provides a number of different twists to the usual naval battle. A more tactical version, there are three new core abilities that open up different possibilities. Each commander will sport unique abilities, and new ship shapes also help bring a new level of fun to the game.
Before battling against real players, there is a single-player mode so you can battle against the computer.
Download: BATTLESHIP for iOS | Android ($4.99)
11. Chess - Play and Learn
Even the age-old board game of chess is available to play on your smartphone. In Chess - Play and Learn, you can hone your skills against a computer opponent or other real players.
When battling real opponents, you can select to play a real-time blitz or a more laid back daily correspondence option. To help you learn more about the intricate game, there are thousands of videos and interactive sessions with helpful tips and highlights.
During play, you can select from more than 20 different themes for boards, pieces, and backgrounds.
Download: Chess - Play and Learn for iOS | Android (Free, with in-app purchases)
Enjoy These Classic Board Game Apps
As the old saying goes, the classics never go out of style. And that definitely holds true for these classic board games that have made the move to the modern age (like playing Backgammon online). So, download a couple and enjoy playing the best board game apps available for your smartphone.
And if you're looking for something a little different, here are the best augmented reality games for Android and iOS.