Building a connected and engaged remote team takes effort. Without casual office chats or shared in-person moments, employees feel isolated, which lowers morale and engagement.

Teams struggle to communicate, collaborate, and maintain unity in virtual settings.

Remote work also limits opportunities to strengthen team culture or build informal bonds. When teams lose these connections, they lose trust and camaraderie, which hurts productivity and collaboration.

Online team building games solve these challenges by bringing remote teams closer, no matter where they work.

In this article, you’ll learn about five games that improve communication, strengthen bonds, and keep your team energized.

What are Virtual Team Building Games?

Virtual team building games connect remote employees through fun and interactive experiences. These activities encourage teams to break the ice, communicate better, and collaborate without needing a physical workspace.

Teams play these games on platforms like Slack or during a video call, using word games, puzzles, or other creative challenges to engage everyone.

By bringing team members together across different time zones or locations, these games strengthen bonds and create a sense of belonging.

Adding virtual games to your routine helps your team connect, collaborate, and work more effectively.

Benefits of Virtual Team Building Games for Remote Employees

Virtual team building activities solve common challenges remote teams face by encouraging employees to communicate and collaborate.

These games help team members talk, share ideas, and build stronger connections through meaningful interactions.

When teams work together to complete challenges, they build trust and improve their ability to collaborate. This trust strengthens relationships and creates a more effective and cohesive team dynamic.

Fun activities provide employees with a refreshing break from routine tasks. Taking time to recharge helps employees stay engaged and bring more energy to their work.

The games also unite teams by focusing on shared goals, encouraging employees to collaborate across different locations.

Teams that practice working together during these activities often perform better on their day-to-day projects.

Virtual team building creates stronger connections and drives productivity by encouraging teamwork and communication.

Overall, including these activities in your routine helps your team stay motivated, connected, and ready to succeed together.

Virtual Team Building Activities for New Teams

Newly formed remote teams often struggle to build trust and establish a sense of connection. Virtual team building activities provide the perfect starting point to break the ice and create bonds.

Here are a few ideas to get your team started:

• Icebreaker games - Start with fun, simple activities like This or That to help team members get to know each other.

• Quick collaborative challenges - Try games like Wordsmith or Picture Puzzle to encourage teamwork and problem-solving.

• Fun Slack channels - Set up dedicated channels for hobbies or interests, such as pets, cooking, or travel, to spark casual conversations.

• Short virtual coffee breaks - Schedule informal chats where any team member can share stories or discuss non-work topics.

Starting with these activities helps new teams connect faster, build trust, and create a foundation for collaboration and success.

5 Engaging Online Team Building Games for Remote Employees

Bring your remote team closer with Braid, the ultimate Slack app for interactive team bonding. Say goodbye to dull workdays—Braid brings energy, fun, and effortless connection straight to your workspace. 

With engaging games designed to spark creativity, build trust, and keep your team engaged, it’s never been easier to strengthen your team dynamics.

Get started in seconds:

1. Visit Braid’s website and click "Add to Slack."

2. Click "Allow" to grant access and connect Braid directly to your Slack workspace.

That’s it! In just two steps, your team is ready to enjoy these five exciting games directly in Slack:

1. Wordsmith

Think you’re a word wizard? Wordsmith puts your vocabulary skills to the test while bringing your team closer together in a fun and competitive online team building game.

Collaborate with your team to create as many words as possible from a set of seven letters. The longer the word, the more points it scores, and using all seven letters earns a special bonus.

This game isn’t just fun—it sharpens quick thinking, promotes teamwork, and encourages creative problem-solving in a relaxed, engaging way.

Teams of two or more (best with four or more) work together in real time to score points, climb ranks from Apprentice to Grandmaster, and enjoy a competitive yet cooperative challenge.

How to Start Wordsmith on Slack

Getting started with Wordsmith is quick and easy—just follow these steps to set up the game for your team:

1. Choose Wordsmith as your game.

2. Select a Slack channel to play in..

3. Set the number of teams.

4. Choose a time limit.

5. Start playing and have fun!

How to Play Wordsmith

Playing Wordsmith is quick and simple. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Teams receive a DM with seven letters.

2. Collaborate with your team to build as many words as possible.

3. Use one minute to create your list of words.

4. Score points for longer words and earn a bonus for using all seven letters.

When the timer ends, teams review their results to see who wins. Wordsmith keeps everyone engaged with fast-paced gameplay and creative problem-solving!

Tips for Winning Wordsmith

Lead your team to victory by following these effective tips:

• Brainstorm quickly - Share ideas with your team and list words as fast as you can.

• Focus on longer words - Aim for longer words to score the most points.

• Use all 7 letters - Find ways to use every letter to earn bonus points.

• Communicate efficiently - Assign roles within your team, like one person does base words and one person add prefixes or suffixes, to maximize your team’s score.

When you follow these strategies, your team will dominate Wordsmith while building stronger connections and having fun!

2. Typing Test

Think you've got the fastest fingers? Typing Test challenges you to race against your teammates, testing your typing speed and accuracy with a fun, competitive twist.

Type out a given text as quickly and precisely as possible to earn points based on words per minute, accuracy, and completion rate.

This game is designed for 1 or more players, which means it’s flexible for individual practice or group competitions.

Whether you're aiming for the top spot or just having fun, Typing Test keeps the competition lively and engaging.

How to Start Typing Test on Slack

Start Typing Test in just a few steps:

1. Pick Typing Test from the game menu.

2. Choose a Slack channel for the players.

3. Launch the game and start the race!

How to Play Typing Test

Here’s how to play:

• Players receive a game message in the Slack channel.

• Type the text as quickly and accurately as possible.

• Press "Enter" to submit your entry before the timer ends.

• Earn points for speed, accuracy, and text completion.

• The player with the highest score wins the title of Typing Champion!

Tips for Winning Typing Test

Use these tips to take the lead and win:

• Stay focused - Pay close attention to the text to avoid errors.

• Type steadily - Keep a balance between speed and accuracy to optimize your score.

• Avoid overcorrecting - Fix mistakes quickly and keep moving forward.

• Practice often - Build your typing speed and precision with regular games.

Typing Test brings excitement and friendly competition to your team. Who will claim the title of Typing Champion? Start playing to find out!

3. Picture Puzzle

Crack the code! Picture Puzzle challenges players to solve visual riddles by guessing the words or phrases that match an image and a category hint.

Compete to see who can figure out the puzzle first, using creativity and quick thinking to stay ahead.

This game is great for teams looking for a fun way to collaborate and challenge their problem-solving skills.

Perfect for 2 or more players, Picture Puzzle works well for team-building activities or as a quick, engaging break during the day.

How to Start Picture Puzzle on Slack

Follow these steps to start the game:

1. Choose Picture Puzzle from the game menu.

2. Pick a Slack channel for the players.

3. Launch the game and begin solving puzzles!

How to Play Picture Puzzle

Here’s how the game works:

• Players receive a picture and a category hint in the Slack channel.

• Guess the words or phrases that best describe the image.

• Submit guesses in the channel until someone solves the puzzle.

• The player who guesses correctly with the fewest attempts wins!

Tips for Winning Picture Puzzle

Solve puzzles faster with these tips:

• Use the category hint - Let the hint guide your guesses.

• Look closely at the image - Pay attention to small details for clues.

• Think outside the box - Explore different meanings and interpretations of the image.

• Collaborate with your team - Share ideas and brainstorm answers together.

• Speak out loud - Describe what you see or are looking at to help you.

• Picture Puzzle combines creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, making it a fun addition to any team session. Start playing and see who cracks the code first!

4. Word Link

Ready to test your vocabulary and quick thinking? Word Link challenges players to create a continuous chain of words, where each new word starts with the last letter of the previous one.

This game pushes teams to think creatively, build their vocabulary, and stay sharp as they work together.

Designed for 2 to 10 players, Word Link works well for small team bonding sessions, quick energizers during a busy workday, or as a fun icebreaker in virtual meetings.

It brings out a competitive edge while encouraging teamwork and keeping everyone engaged.

How to Start Word Link on Slack

Follow these steps to begin:

1. Pick Word Link from the game menu.

2. Choose a Slack channel for the game.

3. Set the number of turns per player.

4. Launch the game and start linking words!

How to Play Word Link

Here’s how to play:

• Enter a word that begins with the last letter of the previous word.

• Earn 1 point for every letter in your word.

• Skip points for misspelled words or invalid entries (e.g., words that don’t follow the chain).

• Complete all turns in the chain.

• The player with the highest score wins the game!

Example:
applE ➡️ ElephanT ➡️ TigeR ➡️ Rose

Tips for Winning Word Link

Outshine your competition with these tips:

• Think ahead - Plan potential words based on uncommon endings like "z" or "x."

• Choose longer words - Maximize points with longer words to stay ahead.

• Stay focused - Keep track of the chain to avoid breaking the link.

• Expand your vocabulary - Familiarize yourself with less common words to surprise your teammates.

• Leverage suffixes -  Adding an ing, est, or other suffix can get you more points.

Word Link adds energy and excitement to any Slack channel while promoting collaboration and creativity. Start playing today to see how long your team can keep the chain alive!

5. This or That

Pizza or sushi? "This or That" is a fun and interactive virtual team building game where players make quick decisions between two options.

These simple choices spark debates, laughter, and conversations that help your team connect on a deeper level.

Whether the questions are lighthearted or thought-provoking, this game always delivers engagement and energy.

Designed for 2 or more players, This or That works perfectly for virtual meetings, team-building sessions, or casual breaks.

How to Start This or That on Slack

Follow these steps to get started:

1. Select This or That from the game menu.

2. Choose a Slack channel for your team.

3. Launch the game, and let the fun begin!

How to Play This or That

Here’s how to play:

• Read the two-option questions shared in your Slack channel.

• Choose your answer for each question.

• After everyone responds, review the results to see how your choices compare.

Examples:

• Beach 🏖️ or Mountains ⛰️?

• Cats 🐱 or Dogs 🐶?

Tips for Playing This or That

Make the virtual game even more enjoyable with these tips:

• Keep it fun - Use questions that match your team’s interests or preferences.

• Get creative - Add unexpected or humorous options to keep everyone entertained.

• Encourage quick responses - Ask players to choose without overthinking to keep the game lively.

• Start discussions - Use the results to spark conversations and share personal stories.

This or That is the perfect way to relax, have fun, and learn more about your teammates. Start playing today to bring your team closer together!

Schedule a demo today to bring these games to your Slack workspace!

How to Plan a Fun Virtual Team Activity

Planning a virtual team activity is simple with Braid, the ultimate Slack app for fun and engaging team bonding.

It brings games and connections directly into your Slack workspace, making creating events your team will enjoy and remember easy.

Here’s how to plan a fun virtual team activity with your team:

Step 1: Set Your Goals

Start by defining what you want your team to achieve. Do you want to improve communication, build trust, or simply have fun?

Clear goals ensure your activity meets your team’s needs. With Braid, you can match your goals to specific games, like Wordsmith for collaboration or Picture Puzzle for creative problem-solving.

Setting goals makes planning focused and helps create an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Step 2: Understand Your Team

Think about your team’s size and preferences.

Small groups might love collaborative games like Wordsmith, while larger teams can split into smaller groups for games like Picture Puzzle or This or That.

Braid offers options for both setups, making it easy to engage everyone.

Step 3: Pick the Right Platform

Use Slack as your platform to keep everything simple and organized.

Braid integrates directly into Slack, allowing you to start and manage games within your channels without needing additional tools or switching between platforms.

Step 4: Choose the Games

Select games that fit your team’s goals and dynamics. With Braid, you can choose from options like:

• Wordsmith - Teams race to build words from seven letters in under a minute.

• Typing Test - Compete to see who types the fastest with the fewest errors.

• This or That - Spark fun debates as players choose between two options.

• Picture Puzzle - Solve riddles based on images and category hints.

• Word Link - Take turns linking words together based on the first and last letters.

Each game is easy to start and keeps the team engaged throughout the activity.

Step 5: Plan the Schedule

Set up a clear agenda with time for introductions, gameplay, and a wrap-up. Keep the session between 30–60 minutes for maximum engagement.

Use Braid to schedule games directly in Slack by selecting the game, channel, start time, and frequency.

You can notify the channel to keep everyone informed and ready to join. Once scheduled, the games are ready to run smoothly.

Step 6: Share Event Details

Send out the event details ahead of time. Include the date, time, and a brief description of the games you’ll play.

Share the Slack channel links where the activity will take place so your team knows exactly where to join and what to expect.

Step 7: Prepare in Advance

Test the games on Braid before the session to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Learn how to start and manage each game so you feel confident during the activity. Having a backup plan ready helps you handle any unexpected changes easily.

Step 8: Host the Event with Energy

Start the session with a warm welcome and introduce the games with excitement.

Use Braid’s simple interface to start games like Wordsmith or Picture Puzzle with just a click.

Keep the energy high, encourage everyone to participate, and make the experience enjoyable for the whole team.

Step 9: Wrap Up on a Positive Note

End the session by sharing the best moments and celebrating your team’s wins.

Thank everyone for joining and highlight how Braid games helped the team connect and work together.

A positive wrap-up leaves everyone feeling good about the activity and excited for the next team bonding experience with Braid.

Step 10: Gather Feedback

Ask your team what they enjoyed and what could improve. Use this feedback to adjust future activities, such as prioritizing fast-paced games like Typing Test or collaborative ones like Picture Puzzle.

Braid’s flexibility allows you to customize team sizes, time limits, and game choices to match your team’s preferences, keeping every session fun and engaging.

5 Challenges in Virtual Team Building and How to Overcome Them

Virtual team-building activities offer great potential, but they’re not without challenges.

Here’s how to tackle common obstacles and create engaging, productive sessions for your team:

Lack of Engagement

Virtual activities can sometimes fail to capture everyone’s attention, leaving team members feeling disconnected.

Interactive games like Wordsmith or This or That can spark interest and encourage participation.

Setting a relaxed and fun tone helps everyone feel included and energized.

Technical Difficulties

Connectivity issues or unfamiliar platforms can disrupt the flow of the event and frustrate participants. Testing the platform and games ahead of time ensures a smooth experience.

Using Slack-integrated games like those offered by Braid eliminates the need for extra tools and reduces potential technical challenges.

Time Zone Conflicts

Coordinating schedules across different time zones often leaves some team members struggling to join. Scheduling events at times that suit the majority of participants helps avoid this issue.

Incorporating asynchronous games like online team building bingo allows everyone to participate on their own schedule and share results later.

Low Energy Levels

Long or monotonous virtual sessions can make it hard for teams to stay engaged.

Adding energizing activities like Typing Test or Word Link keeps the group actively involved and focused.

Limiting the event to 30–60 minutes maintains enthusiasm and prevents burnout.

Limited Participation

In larger groups, quieter team members may hesitate to join discussions or games.

Splitting the team into smaller groups for activities like Picture Puzzle or Wordsmith creates more opportunities for everyone to contribute.

Facilitating these sessions with clear guidance ensures all participants feel valued and included.

Why Choose Braid for Virtual Team Building?

Braid makes virtual team building simple and enjoyable by offering fun, interactive games directly in Slack. 

Whether your team wants to break the ice, spark creativity, or build stronger connections, Braid creates opportunities for meaningful and engaging interactions. Teams can play without switching platforms, keeping the focus on collaboration and team bonding.

Designed for teams of all sizes, Braid works well for small groups and larger teams with hundreds of members. Its flexibility makes it perfect for quick energizers, structured team-building sessions, or casual activities. Even teams in different time zones can participate with features that support asynchronous gameplay.

Here’s why Braid is the preferred choice for virtual team building:

Key Features

• Extensive games library - Access a diverse selection of fun and interactive games that cater to different team dynamics. Choose from word games, puzzles, icebreakers, and more.

• Slack-first functionality - Braid’s Slack integration lets users launch games with simple slash commands like /braid and participate directly in Slack channels. This eliminates the need for external tools, keeping everything centralized.

• Scalability for large teams -Whether you have a small team or a group of over 200 people, Braid adapts seamlessly. Larger teams can split into smaller groups for more intimate gameplay experiences.

• Host-free options - Games can be initiated by anyone on the team, making participation easy and removing the need for managers or facilitators to act as hosts.

• Leaderboards and engagement tracking - Keep teams motivated with live leaderboards and performance dashboards that track individual and team progress, adding a layer of friendly competition.

• Regular updates - Braid continually adds new games to its library, so your team always has fresh options to explore. Monthly updates mean there’s something new to try.

Pricing Plans

Braid offers three pricing plans:

• Free plan - Includes access to four games, basic leaderboards, and standard engagement insights. Ideal for smaller teams or those just getting started.

• Premium plan - $2/month per user unlocks the full game library, advanced analytics, recurring game reminders, and customization features to tailor activities to your team’s preferences.

• Enterprise plan - Custom pricing is available for larger organizations with over 1,000 users. This plan includes dedicated support, additional admin controls, and tailored team-building solutions.

Say Goodbye to Boring Workdays with Braid!

Who says remote work can’t be fun? Braid brings creativity, collaboration, and connection straight into your Slack workspace.

Whether your team loves solving puzzles, competing in typing challenges, or debating “This or That” choices, Braid offers games that keep everyone engaged and connected.

Teams build stronger relationships and stay motivated with Braid’s simple setup and seamless integration.

With its affordable pricing and focus on remote team building, Braid creates an enjoyable and productive experience for everyone.

Start transforming your team’s workday today. Schedule a demo today and see how Braid helps your team connect, collaborate, and thrive!

FAQs About Online Team Building Games for Remote Employees

What makes online team building games effective for remote teams?

Online team games are effective because they provide structured opportunities for employees to interact, collaborate, and build trust. They help break the monotony of remote work, have stronger relationships, and improve communication, all while being fun and engaging.

Can online team building games work for large teams?

Yes, many games, like those offered by Braid, are scalable for large teams. You can divide participants into smaller groups or teams to keep the experience engaging and manageable for everyone.

Are there free options for online team building games?

Yes, many platforms, including Braid, offer free versions of their games. These options are great for smaller teams or those looking to try the games before upgrading to premium features.

What’s an easy game for remote teams to play during a team meeting?

Online team building bingo is easy to set up and play during a team meeting. You can use pre-designed bingo cards or create your own with work-related prompts or fun facts about team members.