Browser-based gaming has been a part of the gaming sphere for a long time. It has appeared in many different forms, from Javascript-based applications to Adobe Flash games to even simple text-based adventure games. Often times, the best part about these games is their low-to-free cost of entry and their accessibility. As web browsers regulate systems further and create parity across all platforms, browser-based games should start to work on any device.
The currently most popular form of browser-based gaming is in the form of .Io games. Their titles are often also their domain, and a variety of simple yet fun experiences can be found. Many people are likely familiar with Slither.io, but there are plenty of other games that are great for wasting an afternoon.
10 Slither.io
Slither.io is a game that is so popular it has merchandise for it, a rare sight for a browser-based game. The goal of the game is too collect as many colored orbs as possible without crashing into other snakes that are after the same goal. It isn’t quite like the classic game Snake, as you can’t crash into yourself, more along the lines of Katamari Damacy with less violence.
The game is simple with a cute aesthetic. It’s simple to learn, and the goal of seeing your name on the leaderboard is always one people are going to look for. It’s not a mystery why the game is so popular.
9 Agar.io
Agar.io is often considered the pioneer of .Io games, and it inspired many of the others that followed. The best comparison for Agar.io is that it’s a lot like the first stage of Spore. You play as a colored circle, absorbing orbs of energy and growing larger. You can then divide and try to attack and absorb other players into your hulking mass.
It’s as simple as simple can be in terms of aesthetic while still looking fairly modern. It has the same cheap thrills as Slither.io but with a little more violence and party-based play. It’s good to play to kill some time.
8 Zombs.io
A surprisingly timely game (at time of writing), Zombs.io is a survival, base-building tower defense game in the same line as Surviv.io. The player is tasked with building a base and surviving as many waves of zombies as possible while making sweet cash, earning points, and aiming for the top of the leaderboard.
It’s more complex than other .Io games, but certainly still easy enough to just pick up and play. There’s a fair bit of strategy involved, so it’s a great game to try with friends. For those looking for a free alternative to 7 Days to Die, this might suffice.
7 Hole.io
Another game in the same genre as Agar.io, Hole.io takes place in a whole different area with a different aesthetic overall. The game has the player running around a city environment as a gaping maw in the Earth, absorbing everything that can fall into the black void. Destroy things and other players to grow bigger and win the round.
Hole.io is a lot of fun and different enough from other games like it to stand out. Its round-based system means that players are less likely to wander into an overpowered player and lose immediately, which makes it a more enticing prospect for people who aren’t a fan of losing.
6 Warbot.io
In terms of quality gameplay and aesthetic, not a lot of .Io games are that impressive. They’re mostly better than the Flash games of old in many respects, but still lacking. Warbot.io changes that by providing a gameplay experience that could be expected on a handheld gaming device in a web browser, for free.
The goal is to collect upgrades and destroy as many other robots as possible. There are a couple of different modes and different robots to try out as well. The shooting gameplay is simple, but the upgrade system makes every round feel different.
5 Skribbl.io
There are a number of Pictionary-style .Io games, and everyone probably has their favorite. The best one in terms of aesthetic and ease-of-use on mobile is Skribbl.io. This wacky word game is simple: one person draws a word, the rest try to guess it. It’s pretty self-explanatory.
The thing that sets Skribbl.io apart is its fun, Jackbox-esque aesthetic, solid sound effects, and the ability to add any set of random custom words. This can make games as weird and niche as possible, and keeping a custom word list the grows over time is probably the best way to enjoy this with a group of friends. Just remember: not every four letter word is “rock.”
4 Diep.io
Another game that takes a twist on the survival concepts of Agar.io, Diep.io has the player pilot tanks to destroy neutral shapes and level up. The player has a number of different upgrade paths to spec into as they grow stronger. Once at max power, the player can then try to challenge other tanks for objectives and gain massive points.
The game is really addictive and fun. With the different tank varieties and a whole host of different modes, there’s enough game here to last more than just a ten minute break. For a free-to-play multiplayer game, it’s pretty impressive.
3 Mope.io
Back to Spore comparisons, Mope.io has a lot of similarities to the Creature stage of the game, minus the weird phallic creations. The player starts as a small critter, eating fruits to grow bigger while avoiding predators. There are a lot of different animals and animal abilities, giving a fair bit of variety to the gameplay.
The biggest complain is that it feels like the special abilities of some creatures don’t do much. If they felt more impactful, or if there was a divide between herbivores and carnivores like in Spore, it would be more interesting to play multiple times. Otherwise, it’s at least a fun game to check out.
2 Surviv.io
The battle royale craze is not one to scoff at. While it is funny to see some big corporations badly blunder the launch of a new battle royale mode, the game style is popular for a reason. There’s a satisfying rush of adrenaline with every match, and a new set of challenges ahead.
The .Io equivalent is the previously mentioned Surviv.io. It’s a top-down shooter than can be played solo or in squads, and the goal is to be the last one standing. It’s easy to start up, and with a small but dedicated community it’s still easy to find matches. They may not be even matches, but with friends its still plenty of fun to blast and get blasted.
1 Wings.io
Wings.io is a plane combat game that feels very arcade-y and satisfying to play, if a bit cheap at times. The player is throwing into active combat against a whole bunch of other planes and must destroy as many as possible and survive for as long as possible. There are special events that spawn during the match for more points. The person on top is the king.
It’s a very quick game to start, lose, and start again. The time-to-kill can be a bit frustrating, but swapping between weapons and attempting to outmaneuver your foes is exhilarating. Unlike other similar titles, there is no pacifist way of playing the game; it’s either claim the skies or explode trying.
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