Staying connected through text can be a blast with the right game. Whether you’re chatting with a friend, family member, or your partner, these texting games to play over text keep conversations lively and entertaining. From word challenges to creative storytelling, there’s something for everyone. Read on for detailed, 150-word descriptions of 30 unique games that will spark fun and laughter during your text sessions.
What are Texting Games?
Texting games are interactive, conversation-based activities designed to be played over text messages. They typically involve simple rules that encourage creativity, quick thinking, or strategic responses. These games can range from word puzzles and riddles to storytelling challenges and trivia quizzes.
The main goal is to keep conversations lively and engaging, whether you’re chatting with a friend, partner, or family member.
Because they don’t require any special apps or additional equipment, texting games are perfect for long-distance connections or casual chats, adding a playful twist to everyday messaging.
1. 20 Questions
In 20 Questions, one player secretly thinks of an object, person, or place, while the other asks up to 20 yes-or-no questions to identify it. This game tests your ability to narrow down possibilities using logic and deduction. With each question, players learn more about the mystery item, making it both challenging and engaging.
The game works best when players take turns thinking of subjects, keeping the challenge fresh. It encourages creative thinking as well as strategic questioning, making every round unpredictable and fun. Whether played casually during a quick chat or as a competitive challenge over time, 20 Questions provides endless entertainment and mental exercise.
It’s a timeless game that transforms everyday text exchanges into exciting detective challenges, perfect for friends, couples, or even family members looking to enjoy some interactive banter.
2. Would You Rather?
Would You Rather is a playful game where participants take turns posing two challenging scenarios and asking their partner to choose one. Each question is designed to force a choice between two equally enticing or tricky options. This game not only sparks interesting debates but also reveals personal preferences and hidden values. The questions can range from light-hearted and humorous to thought-provoking dilemmas that lead to deeper discussions.
As you trade scenarios over text, you learn more about each other in a fun, informal way. It’s ideal for long conversations, as each round can lead to laughs, surprises, and sometimes even a bit of self-discovery. The game is easily adapted to different moods—whether you want a quick laugh or a conversation starter for a long night of chatting. Would You Rather transforms simple text exchanges into engaging, reflective dialogues that keep both players intrigued.
3. Never Have I Ever
Never Have I Ever is a classic game adapted for texting where one person makes a statement beginning with “Never have I ever…” and the other must confess if they have done that particular thing. It’s a playful way to uncover fun, quirky facts about each other, sparking both laughter and honest conversation. Each round serves as a mini-adventure into personal experiences, revealing surprising or amusing stories along the way.
The game works well when players keep score, adding an extra layer of competition. By texting these statements back and forth, you create an atmosphere of openness and humor.
Whether you’re looking to break the ice or deepen a connection, Never Have I Ever provides an engaging format that combines curiosity with the thrill of revelation. It’s particularly enjoyable in long-distance settings, where every shared secret over text feels even more special and personal.
4. Story Builder
Story Builder is a collaborative game where two or more players take turns contributing one sentence at a time to build a unique story. This game encourages creativity, as each participant adds their twist to the narrative. The process transforms ordinary texting into a creative storytelling session that can range from whimsical adventures to suspenseful dramas.
The beauty of Story Builder is in its unpredictability—no one knows how the story will unfold until the final sentence is written. It’s a great way to exercise your imagination and bond with others as you construct a narrative together. Over a series of texts, the story evolves with each new idea, making every round a unique experience.
Ideal for couples or groups looking to have fun while flexing their creative muscles, Story Builder turns every text into an opportunity for collaborative art, humor, and spontaneous inspiration.
5. Emoji Translation
In Emoji Translation, one player sends a sentence or phrase made entirely of emojis, and the other must decipher its meaning. This game transforms your texting experience by challenging you to think in symbols rather than words. The sender must carefully choose emojis that represent parts of a sentence or concept, while the receiver decodes the message, often sparking funny misunderstandings and creative interpretations.
It’s a playful way to explore non-verbal communication and see how familiar symbols can take on new meanings when strung together. The game not only tests your creativity but also enhances your ability to think visually.
As each round unfolds, you might find that even simple messages become puzzles full of humor and intrigue. Emoji Translation is perfect for those who love wordplay and enjoy the art of turning everyday language into a fun, cryptic challenge that brightens up your text conversations.
6. Truth or Dare
Truth or Dare over text puts a twist on the classic party game by adapting it for a digital conversation. One player challenges the other to answer a probing question truthfully or complete a daring task via text. This game sparks both laughter and the occasional moment of vulnerability, as players share secrets or attempt creative dares. With no physical presence required, it can be played anywhere—from long-distance relationships to casual chats among friends.
The thrill lies in the unpredictability of each round; will you reveal a hidden truth or attempt a daring challenge?
The game builds anticipation with every round, and each dare or truth can lead to unexpected stories and amusing revelations.
As you exchange challenges and confessions, the game deepens connections and fosters a fun, relaxed atmosphere. It’s a versatile game that combines humor, suspense, and a little bit of risk, all through the medium of text.
7. Song Lyrics Challenge
The Song Lyrics Challenge invites players to text snippets of popular song lyrics, leaving the other person to guess the title and artist. This game transforms your text exchange into a musical quiz, testing your knowledge of songs across different genres and eras.
It sparks friendly competition as each round can lead to a nostalgic trip down memory lane or the discovery of new tunes. Participants must think quickly to recall the correct details, making it both entertaining and mentally stimulating.
The game also opens up opportunities to share favorite artists or discuss music tastes, deepening the connection between players. Whether you’re a die-hard music fan or just looking for a fun challenge, this game offers a perfect blend of trivia and conversation. With every text exchange, the Song Lyrics Challenge turns your messages into a lively game show, filled with rhythm, fun facts, and the joy of music discovery.
8. Riddles
Riddles over text are a fantastic way to challenge your brain and spark interesting conversations. One player sends a riddle, and the other tries to solve it within a set time limit. The riddles can be humorous, tricky, or even mind-boggling, inviting both players to think outside the box.
This game not only entertains but also sharpens problem-solving skills and lateral thinking. Each round becomes an intellectual duel that can lead to surprising “aha” moments when the answer is finally revealed. Riddles are ideal for casual chats or long-distance conversations, offering a fun break from routine text exchanges. They encourage players to engage in playful competition while learning something new in the process.
Whether you share a favorite riddle or discover a new one, this game provides a stimulating and enjoyable experience that turns everyday texting into a brain-teasing challenge, perfect for all ages and interests.
9. Word Association
Word Association is a simple yet dynamic game where players take turns texting words that relate to the previous word. The challenge is to keep the chain going without repeating a word or hesitating too long. This game stimulates quick thinking and creativity as you try to connect ideas on the fly. The continuous flow of related words can lead to unexpected twists and even humorous connections.
It’s a great way to energize a conversation and keep both participants on their toes. As each word builds on the last, you might find surprising links between seemingly unrelated concepts. This game not only sharpens your mental agility but also provides endless entertainment during long chats.
Whether you’re playing casually or competitively, Word Association transforms simple texts into an evolving dialogue of thoughts, making every exchange a fun and challenging linguistic exercise that’s perfect for keeping conversations light yet stimulating.
10. Fast Fingers
Fast Fingers is a rapid-fire game that tests your typing speed and vocabulary under pressure. One player sends a long, random word, and the challenge is to create as many words as possible from its letters within a set time. This game requires quick thinking and sharp linguistic skills as you scramble to form shorter words. The adrenaline of the countdown makes it exciting, and the competitive spirit emerges as both players try to outdo each other.
It’s an excellent exercise in creativity and vocabulary, as you discover new word combinations and challenge your spelling skills. Fast Fingers adds a sense of urgency to your texting sessions, turning a simple exchange into a fast-paced word scramble.
Whether you’re looking to improve your typing speed or simply enjoy a high-energy game, this challenge transforms your text conversation into a dynamic race against the clock, offering endless fun and mental stimulation.
11. Abbreviation Game
In the Abbreviation Game, one player sends an abbreviation like “TBT” or “LOL,” and the other must guess its full meaning. This game tests your knowledge of common and sometimes obscure texting shorthand while adding an educational twist to your conversation. The challenge is to think quickly about what each abbreviation stands for, and sometimes the answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
As you exchange abbreviations, you’ll discover different interpretations and even learn new shorthand used in various social circles. The game can be played casually or competitively by keeping score for correct guesses, and it’s an excellent way to bridge generational gaps in texting language.
The Abbreviation Game adds a playful challenge to everyday communication, transforming familiar acronyms into puzzles that entertain, educate, and even spark humorous debates about language and trends in digital communication.
12. Name That Movie
Name That Movie is a fun, cinematic challenge where one player describes a movie’s plot in a few brief lines, and the other must guess the title. This game tests your knowledge of films and pop culture, prompting players to recall details from their favorite genres. The descriptions can be straightforward or deliberately vague, adding an element of mystery to the guessing process. As you text hints and make guesses, you may end up reminiscing about iconic scenes and memorable characters.
It’s a great conversation starter that combines movie trivia with personal anecdotes about films that have touched your life. The game encourages both nostalgia and a bit of friendly rivalry, as each correct guess brings a sense of accomplishment.
Name That Movie transforms your text exchange into an interactive film quiz, providing a fun and engaging way to connect over shared cinematic experiences and interests.
13. Finish the Sentence
Finish the Sentence is an imaginative game where one player texts the beginning of a sentence, leaving it open-ended for the other to complete. This game sparks creativity and humor, as players invent unexpected endings that can take the conversation in any direction. The initial sentence might be mundane, but the possibilities for imaginative responses are endless. Each round becomes a collaborative exercise in storytelling and wit.
The game not only breaks the ice but also deepens personal connections by allowing each player to reveal their sense of humor and unique perspective. Over time, these unfinished sentences can evolve into running jokes or even form the basis of a longer narrative between friends or partners.
Finish the Sentence turns ordinary text messages into creative exchanges, infusing each conversation with playful spontaneity and the joy of co-creating something unexpected together.
14. The Alphabet Game
The Alphabet Game challenges players to name items in a chosen category (like animals, foods, or countries) in alphabetical order. Starting with “A” and moving through the alphabet, each player texts a word that fits both the category and the current letter. This game tests your quick thinking, memory, and general knowledge.
The challenge increases as the alphabet progresses, forcing you to dig deep into your vocabulary and recall obscure items you might not normally consider. It’s a fun and educational exercise that can be played casually or competitively. The game naturally leads to interesting discussions about lesser-known words and unusual categories.
With each round, you’re not only having fun but also learning something new, making your text exchange both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. The Alphabet Game adds structure to your conversation while encouraging creativity and expanding your vocabulary in a playful way.
15. Kiss, Marry, Kill
Kiss, Marry, Kill is a playful, light-hearted game where one player names three celebrities or fictional characters, and the other decides which one they would kiss, marry, and kill. This game combines humor, pop culture knowledge, and a touch of absurdity as you explain your choices.
The conversation can become lively as each decision sparks debate and friendly banter. It’s an excellent way to break the ice and learn more about each other’s tastes and sense of humor.
The game thrives on the unexpected; sometimes, the choices can lead to surprising discussions about personalities and media. Kiss, Marry, Kill over text transforms everyday conversations into a quirky social experiment, providing a mix of entertainment, reflection, and lots of laughs.
Each round invites you to justify your decisions, making the game as much about conversation as it is about the choices themselves, creating an engaging and interactive experience that’s perfect for any text-based chat.
16. Fake News
Fake News is a creative game where one player texts two true facts about themselves and one false statement. The other player then has to guess which one is the fake. This game brings a fun twist to text conversations by challenging you to be both honest and inventive. It sparks curiosity and discussion as each person reveals bits of their personal story, some surprising and some exaggerated.
The guessing process can lead to funny revelations and playful debates about what is believable. As you exchange these statements, the game becomes a way to learn new things about one another in a light-hearted manner.
Fake News encourages creativity and a sense of humor while also deepening your connection as you share personal tidbits. It’s perfect for couples in long-distance relationships or friends looking to add an unexpected twist to their regular texting routine, making each round a unique blend of truth, deception, and laughter.
17. Reverse Word Game
In the Reverse Word Game, one player texts a word spelled backward, and the challenge is to figure out the original word. This game requires quick mental reversal and a good vocabulary. The sender must carefully choose a word that isn’t too obvious yet challenging enough to spark a fun conversation. As the recipient deciphers the scrambled letters, the game fosters a playful atmosphere of competition and creativity.
It’s an excellent exercise in lateral thinking, where every round can lead to surprising “aha” moments. The game can be played casually or used as a fun challenge to test your friends’ or partner’s language skills. Reverse Word Game is ideal for breaking the monotony of everyday texts and injecting a burst of mental activity into your conversation. It transforms simple words into puzzles, making your text chat both entertaining and mentally stimulating for everyone involved.
18. Synonym Challenge
Synonym Challenge is a wordplay game where one player sends a word, and the other must reply with a synonym that fits naturally in conversation. This game sharpens your vocabulary and quick thinking, as you must dig deep into your mental lexicon to find the best alternative. Each round offers a chance to explore the nuances of language while keeping the conversation engaging. As you exchange synonyms, you might discover unexpected similarities between words and enjoy playful debates about which option fits best.
The game can be made competitive by keeping score for creative or rare synonyms, encouraging both fun and learning. It’s perfect for those who love language puzzles and wish to enhance their linguistic skills. Synonym Challenge turns ordinary texting into an opportunity for word discovery, making every message an invitation to learn, laugh, and appreciate the richness of language in a fun, interactive format.
19. Guess the Number
Guess the Number is a simple yet exciting game where one player picks a secret number within a predetermined range, and the other tries to guess it based on hints like “higher” or “lower.” This game transforms a straightforward guessing exercise into a fun challenge that tests your logical reasoning and deduction skills.
With every guess, you narrow down the possibilities, creating a thrilling atmosphere of suspense and anticipation. The game works well over text because each round is quick and engaging, allowing you to play multiple rounds in a single conversation. It encourages friendly competition, as players often try to beat each other’s number of guesses.
Guess the Number is an ideal game for casual texting sessions, long-distance chats, or even as a warm-up before diving into more complex games. It adds a burst of fun and strategic thinking to your everyday conversations, making every guess an exciting step closer to victory.
20. Movie Quotes Game
Movie Quotes Game challenges players to text a well-known movie quote, and the other must identify the film it comes from. This game tests your knowledge of films and pop culture, encouraging you to recall memorable lines from classic and modern movies alike. Each quote sparks nostalgia and can lead to an animated discussion about favorite scenes, actors, and directors. It’s a fun way to bond over shared cinematic interests and discover new films based on recommendations.
The challenge increases when quotes are slightly altered or taken out of context, requiring careful thought and memory recall. Movie Quotes Game transforms your text conversation into an interactive film quiz that’s both entertaining and intellectually engaging.
Whether you’re a movie buff or just enjoy the thrill of a good challenge, this game adds a dynamic twist to your everyday texts by inviting you to explore the rich world of cinema, one quote at a time.
21. Text Scavenger Hunt
Text Scavenger Hunt transforms your texting experience into an interactive treasure hunt. One player sends a clue or riddle that hints at an everyday item or location, and the other must quickly find and describe it. This game challenges your observation skills and creativity as you think about everyday objects in new ways.
The sender crafts clues that are both clever and cryptic, while the receiver races against time to find the answer. As clues get trickier, you both delve deeper into details that you might normally overlook. It’s a perfect game for sparking energy and fun in long-distance relationships or group chats.
The excitement grows as each found item leads to the next clue, turning mundane surroundings into a playful treasure trove. Text Scavenger Hunt creates a lively, interactive adventure right from your phone, encouraging both players to engage actively with their environment while sharing their experiences over text.
22. Two Truths and a Lie
Two Truths and a Lie is a favorite game that adds intrigue to text conversations by having each player share three statements about themselves—two of which are true and one that is fabricated. The challenge lies in guessing which statement is the lie. This game is ideal for breaking the ice and learning surprising details about friends or loved ones.
As you text your statements, you set the stage for fun revelations and unexpected confessions. The game encourages creative thinking, as crafting a believable lie can be just as challenging as uncovering it. It sparks lively discussions as players defend their guesses and sometimes share hilarious stories behind the truths.
Two Truths and a Lie works especially well over text because each round builds suspense and curiosity. It’s a fun, interactive way to deepen connections and add a playful twist to your conversations, making every round an entertaining mix of honesty, creativity, and a bit of misdirection.
23. Virtual Charades
Virtual Charades over text takes the classic acting game and adapts it for digital communication. In this version, one player describes a movie, book, or well-known phrase without naming it, while the other tries to guess what it is based solely on text clues. The description can include hints about actions, emotions, or settings, challenging your ability to convey meaning without visual cues.
This game tests your creativity and descriptive skills as you transform simple texts into vivid portrayals of scenes or characters. It’s a fun and sometimes hilarious way to see how well you can communicate through words alone. Virtual Charades sparks lively debates as players share their interpretations and clarify clues.
It’s perfect for text chats where images or videos aren’t possible, turning your messages into a creative guessing game that builds connection and laughter through imaginative descriptions and witty exchanges.
24. Trivia Time
Trivia Time brings the excitement of a quiz show into your text conversation. In this game, one player sends trivia questions on various topics—history, pop culture, science, or sports—while the other attempts to answer correctly. This game tests your general knowledge and quick recall skills while sparking fun competition. Each question is an opportunity to learn something new and challenge your mental agility.
The game can be played in rounds, with points awarded for each correct answer, making it as competitive or casual as you like. Trivia Time not only entertains but also turns your texting into an educational experience where each round adds a spark of curiosity. It’s perfect for group chats, long-distance relationships, or friendly rivalries where every question leads to fascinating discussions and sometimes even playful debates about the right answer.
The game transforms your everyday texts into an interactive quiz that’s both engaging and enlightening.
25. Story Cubes
Story Cubes is an inventive game where players use a set of imaginary dice that represent different images or symbols. One player “rolls” the dice by texting a random assortment of symbols, and the other must weave these images into a coherent story.
This game blends creativity, spontaneity, and a dash of humor as you interpret abstract symbols into a narrative. The challenge lies in connecting seemingly unrelated elements into a story that is both imaginative and entertaining. Each round reveals a unique tale that can be as funny, mysterious, or dramatic as you want it to be.
Story Cubes transforms text exchanges into a collaborative storytelling session, sparking creativity and laughter with every roll of the dice. It’s a perfect way to break out of routine conversations and explore new creative dimensions together, making each text a stepping stone toward an unpredictable, fun narrative adventure.
26. Caption This
Caption This is a visual game adapted for text where one player describes a funny or unusual image in words, and the other must come up with the best caption for it. The challenge is to be witty and creative while matching the tone of the described image.
Even though the image isn’t sent, the description is vivid enough to inspire humorous and clever captions. This game encourages lateral thinking and spontaneity, making your text conversations lively and entertaining. Each round becomes a mini contest of creativity, as players compete to craft the most amusing or poignant caption.
Caption This is an excellent way to add humor and spontaneity to your chats, and it works well in both one-on-one texts and group conversations. The game invites playful banter and offers endless variations, ensuring that every round is as unique and engaging as the last, while sparking new insights into each other’s sense of humor.
27. Chain Story
Chain Story is similar to Story Builder but with a twist: each player must continue the narrative by picking up exactly where the previous sentence left off, without skipping a beat. The key challenge is maintaining coherence and building on the established plot while introducing unexpected twists.
As you text your sentence, you contribute to an evolving story that surprises both players. This game encourages teamwork and creativity, as each addition affects the direction of the narrative. Chain Story can quickly evolve into a funny, suspenseful, or dramatic tale, depending on the contributions.
The game fosters deep engagement, as every message is a vital part of the story’s progression. It’s ideal for long-distance conversations where the goal is to create something unique together, turning simple texts into a shared creative project that continually evolves with every message exchanged.
28. Flash Fiction
Flash Fiction challenges players to write a very short story—typically no more than a few sentences—based on a prompt given via text. Each round requires you to be concise, yet imaginative, packing a narrative punch into a tiny space. This game emphasizes brevity and creativity, forcing you to choose words carefully to convey mood, character, and plot quickly.
The thrill lies in how much story you can tell in just a few sentences, often leading to surprising, thought-provoking, or humorous outcomes. Flash Fiction over text transforms everyday messaging into a literary challenge, allowing you to share creative bursts that entertain and inspire.
It’s ideal for those who enjoy creative writing and appreciate the art of storytelling in its most condensed form. This game turns each text into a mini masterpiece, fostering both creative expression and lively discussion about the narratives you craft together.
29. Text Twist
Text Twist is a word puzzle game where one player sends a scrambled set of letters, and the other must form as many words as possible using those letters within a time limit. The challenge is to quickly recognize all possible combinations, testing your vocabulary and mental agility.
Each round is a race against the clock, making the game both exciting and competitive. As you exchange puzzles and solutions, you enhance your word skills while sharing laughs over unexpected answers. Text Twist transforms your text exchange into an engaging word game, where every scramble is a chance to learn new words and challenge your linguistic creativity.
It’s a perfect mix of fun, education, and friendly competition that keeps your conversation lively and mentally stimulating. Whether played casually or with a score, Text Twist is sure to add a burst of excitement and challenge to your messaging routine.
30. Emoji Pictionary
Emoji Pictionary is a creative twist on the classic drawing game, using emojis instead of images. One player sends a sequence of emojis designed to represent a famous phrase, movie title, or common saying, and the other must guess what it stands for.
The game challenges your ability to interpret symbolic language and see beyond the literal meaning of each emoji. It encourages playful communication, as players often combine emojis in unexpected ways to convey hidden messages.
Emoji Pictionary is not only fun but also a test of how well you can think outside the box. It sparks creativity and offers endless variations, making every round a fresh and engaging challenge.
Whether you’re a seasoned emoji user or just looking for a fun way to mix up your texting, this game brings humor, creativity, and a bit of mystery to your conversations, turning simple texts into interactive puzzles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the best games to play over text with friends?
Some of the best games include 20 Questions, Would You Rather, Word Association, and Song Lyrics Challenge.
Q2. Can you play text-based games with just two people?
Yes! Many games like Truth or Dare, Never Have I Ever, and Story Builder are perfect for two players.
Q3. Are these texting games suitable for long-distance relationships?
Absolutely! These fun games to play over text help couples stay connected and make conversations more engaging.
Q4. Can I play these games with a group?
Yes! Some games, like Never Have I Ever and Movie Quotes, work well in group chats too.
Q5. Are there apps for texting games?
While you can play these manually over text, there are apps that offer structured versions of games like Word Association and Trivia.
How Demerio Software Can Help You Develop Your Texting Game
If you’re looking to create your own engaging text-based game, Demerio Software can help. As a leading Game Development Company, we specialize in developing interactive and feature-rich gaming experiences. Our expert team can bring your game idea to life with seamless functionality and a user-friendly interface. With years of experience in game development, we offer customized solutions—from concept design to full-scale production. Looking to develop your own text-based game? Check out our Game Development Services for expert solutions.
Explore our Ludo Game Development, Rummy Game Development, and other specialized services to create a unique gaming experience that engages players and stands out in a competitive market.
How to Play Texting Games Online?
Playing texting games online is simple and fun. Here’s how you can get started:
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Choose a Platform: You can use your regular messaging app, a group chat, or dedicated texting game apps that offer additional features like timers and scoreboards.
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Select a Game: Decide on a game that suits your group’s interests—whether it’s a word puzzle, a guessing game like 20 Questions, or a creative storytelling challenge.
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Explain the Rules: One person starts by explaining the game rules clearly. For instance, in 20 Questions, one person thinks of an item while others ask yes-or-no questions to guess it.
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Start Playing: Begin the game by sending the first prompt or question. Keep the conversation lively by taking turns and responding promptly.
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Engage and Enjoy: Use your creativity, quick thinking, and a sense of humor to make the game interactive and engaging.
These simple steps ensure that texting games online remain an enjoyable way to stay connected and entertained.