Gameplay options range from one-person matches against up to four artificial intelligence competitors to pass-and-play (in which participants physically pass the phone or tablet to the next player), virtual sessions with random members of Ticket to Ride’s online community, and remote showdowns with friends who also own the app.

Available on five digital platforms, the online version of the addictive game operates much like the physical edition, with players embarking on a “cross-country train adventure in which collect and play matching train cards to claim railway routes connecting cities throughout North America,” according to publisher Days of Wonder. In lieu of taking an actual train ride, consider trekking across the globe via Ticket to Ride. Platforms: App Store, Google Play, Steam, Amazon and web browser Price: Free web browser lite version app costs $6.99 to $9.99 For more options, check out Tabletop Simulator (see entry on Dune for more information) and Tabletopia (see entry on Villagers), both of which allow users to create their own virtual versions of physical games, and Board Game Arena, a free tool with no downloads necessary. Each listing includes the game’s price as of publishing, platform (official app or website, unaffiliated copycat, or distribution service featuring an array of games, for instance), and playing parameters.

Offerings range from classics such as Monopoly and Clue to newer games like Wingspan, Ticket to Ride and Codenames. To support those searching for a way to divert their attention from the novel coronavirus pandemic, and avoid going out into the world to buy board games in person, Smithsonian magazine has curated a collection of 12 games you can play with friends online. But as digital offerings reach new heights, virtual versions of beloved board games are-thanks to a pre-pandemic boom in board game hobbyists-more accessible than one might think. With millions of people around the world practicing social distancing and staying at home, video games like “ Animal Crossing: New Horizons” and versions of “ The Sims” franchise are more popular than ever.

Online board game multiplayer