Games to Play Over Text

The easiest games to play over text are Would You Rather, 20 Questions, Emoji Movie, Word Chain and Two Truths and a Lie. They need no app, work on iMessage, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat and Discord, and each round takes one message. Pick a game above, set who you are texting, and copy the first message. When they reply, tap Next round for the next question, so the game keeps going. Not in the mood for a game? Switch to Texts for a first text to your crush, good morning and goodnight texts, flirty lines and replies to "wyd".

How does the texting game picker work?

1. Say who you are texting. "Crush" gives openers that work in the talking stage. "Partner" gives couple versions, like loser picks dinner.
2. Pick a mood and a game. Funny, cute, flirty, deep or quick. There are 19 games, more than 100 first messages and more than 500 rounds. "Long distance" shows the games that work best when you live apart.
3. Copy or send the first message. Copy pastes it anywhere; Send opens your phone's share sheet. Do not like the opener? Tap the shuffle button for another.
4. Keep the game going. Each round gives you the next question, dare, category or secret word. Save the games you like with the heart.

The page remembers your last game on this phone, and the link in your address bar opens the same game and message, so you can send it to yourself or a friend.

What are the best games to play over text with your boyfriend or girlfriend?

These all work in any chat app. The first message for each one is in the picker above.

Want a longer list of one game? See our would you rather questions, never have I ever questions, this or that questions and the 21 questions game.

What should you text your crush?

A good first text is short, specific and easy to answer. Ask one real question or give them a small choice ("mountains or beach?"), not "hey" on its own. A light game is a great opener, because it gives you both something to say and takes the pressure off. In Texts you find:

• First text: openers for a crush you just started talking to.
• Revive a dry chat: lines that restart a conversation without "wyd".
• Good morning and goodnight: sweet texts for a crush or a partner.
• Flirty: playful lines that stay cute.
• Miss you: for long distance and busy weeks.
• After a date: the "I had fun" text, done right.
• Replies to "wyd": answers that start a real conversation.

Tap any text to copy it, then change a word or two so it sounds like you.

What are good morning texts for your crush?

Keep it light and give them something easy to answer. A few from the picker:

• "Good morning! Coffee or tea today? I'm guessing coffee."
• "Morning! I had a weird dream and you were in it. I'll tell you later."
• "Good morning. Just wanted to be your first text of the day."
• "Morning! Give me one word for how today's going to go."
• "Good morning! Big plans today, or a lazy one?"
• "Good morning! Rate your sleep 1 to 10. Mine was a solid 6."
• "Morning! Today's question: sweet or savory breakfast?"
• "Good morning. I made a bet with myself that you'd smile at this. Did I win?"
• "Morning! Sending you good luck and a decent playlist for today."
• "Hey, good morning. Hope you get the good parking spot today."

For a goodnight text, end with something to pick up tomorrow: "Sleep well! Tomorrow I'm asking you a very important question."

How do you keep a texting game going?

• Explain your answers. "Beach" ends the chat. "Beach, because I once got sunburned on a mountain" starts one.
• Take turns choosing. After a few rounds, let them pick the next question or game.
• Add a small stake. Loser picks the movie, sends a selfie or owes a voice note.
• Switch games when it slows down. Go from a quick game (This or That) to a deeper one (Question for a Question).
• Move to a call when it gets good. Some games, like Truth or Dare, are better when you can hear the answer. See our games to play over the phone and games to play on FaceTime.

What are good games to play long distance over text?

For long distance couples, the best texting games are the ones that show your day: Photo Scavenger Hunt, the Song Game and Question for a Question. They turn "how was your day" into something to look forward to. For more ideas, see our long distance relationship games and long distance date ideas.

What are the limits?

• The picker does not send anything for you. You copy the message, or Send opens your own share sheet, and you choose the chat.
• It works in any chat app, but it cannot see their reply. You play the game in your chat; the picker gives you the next round.
• Favorites and your last game live in this browser only. Clear your browser data and they are gone.
• Flirty here means playful, not explicit. Always keep it to what you both are comfortable with.