Feeling like your team’s only interaction is the occasional “Can you hear me now?” during a team meeting? Remote work often reduces communication to just task-oriented check-ins, leaving little room for casual, meaningful conversation.

Without those spontaneous moments to chat or share a laugh, teams can feel disconnected, unmotivated, and less collaborative.

That’s why having an occasional virtual team building activity with the team can make a big difference.

These activities create opportunities for genuine interaction, helping team members build trust, strengthen relationships, and feel more connected to one another.

And let’s be real: a happier, more connected team doesn’t just feel good; it works better.

In this article, we’ll explore must-try virtual team building games that will bring energy and connection back to your team.

Why Remote Teams Struggle to Stay Connected

Building meaningful connections in remote work environments is often harder than it seems. While technology allows teams to collaborate efficiently, it doesn’t replicate the social aspects of in-person interactions.

Here are the main reasons why:

• Unstructured social time disappears: Remote setups rarely allow for casual chats or impromptu moments that naturally build trust and camaraderie.

• Communication becomes overly formal: Conversations in emails or video calls tend to focus only on tasks, leaving little room for personal connection.

• Isolation grows unnoticed: Without intentional efforts to connect, employees can feel disconnected, which impacts motivation and teamwork.

• Shared culture weakens: Teams with diverse schedules or backgrounds may struggle to maintain shared values and understanding.

These barriers don’t just impact morale—they affect collaboration and overall productivity. Virtual team building games create engaging opportunities to rebuild connections and promote a sense of belonging, even from a distance.

How Virtual Games Improve Long-Term Team Performance

Virtual team building games build problem-solving skills and improve collaboration over time. They encourage critical thinking and creative problem-solving, helping teams approach challenges with fresh perspectives.

These activities also teach adaptability by pushing participants to respond quickly and think on their feet. Teams practice working together under pressure, which then translates to better handling of real-world tasks.

Most importantly, shared experiences through games build trust and strengthen communication skills. This leads to more open collaboration, smoother workflows, and stronger results.

Games aren’t just fun—they lay the groundwork for a connected and effective team.

Must-Try Virtual Team Building Games With Your Team

Remote work can make it tough for teams to connect beyond task-focused conversations. Braid, a Slack app for employee engagement, brings fun and activities right into your workspace.

These games are a simple way to create shared moments of collaboration and connection during the workday.

Getting started with Braid is quick and easy:

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

2. Authorize access to connect Braid to your Slack workspace.

With just a few clicks, your team can explore various games that inspire creativity, improve communication, and bring energy to every interaction.

Here are some must-try online team games to energize your team and build stronger connections:

1. Wordsmith

Wordsmith is a collaborative game where teams work together to build as many words as possible from a set of seven letters.

It’s a fun way to bring team members together to think creatively and solve challenges within a short timeframe.

This game is perfect for groups looking to add excitement and engagement to their workday while encouraging teamwork and communication.

Players Needed

• Minimum: 2 players

• Best experience: 4+ players

Tips for Playing

• Encourage team members to focus on forming longer words for maximum points.

• Set a friendly competition by tracking scores across a few rounds.

• Use this game as a warm-up activity to energize participants before your next team meeting.

2. Typing Test

Typing Test is a competitive game that challenges participants to type a given text quickly and accurately.

It’s perfect for energizing meetings and creating a light-hearted competitive environment.

This game is suitable for teams who enjoy problem-solving and want to share a few laughs during their virtual coffee breaks.

Players Needed

• Minimum: 1 player

• Works for any group size

Tips for Playing

• Practice beforehand with shorter sentences to improve speed and accuracy.

• Rotate texts regularly to keep the game fresh and challenging.

• Share results after each round to encourage friendly competition.

3. Picture Puzzle

Picture Puzzle is a visual-based game where players solve riddles using images and category hints.

It encourages creative thinking and teamwork as players work together to guess the correct answer.

This game is ideal for teams who enjoy problem-solving and want to share a few laughs during their virtual meetings.

Players Needed:

• Minimum: 2 players

Tips for Playing

• Use categories that align with team interests or current projects.

• Encourage open communication within teams to brainstorm possible answers.

• Offer small prizes for solving puzzles quickly to keep participants motivated.

4. Word Link

Word Link is a vocabulary game where players form a chain of words, each starting with the last letter of the previous one.

It’s simple, enjoyable, and helps team members think on their feet. This game works well for groups who want a laid-back but engaging activity to break up their day.

Players Needed

• Minimum: 2 players

• Maximum: 10 players

Tips for Playing

• Use a timer to limit response times and add excitement to the game.

• Allow players to challenge invalid words for an extra layer of fun.

• Mix in themed rounds (e.g., animals, food) to make the game more engaging.

5. This or That

This or That is a conversational icebreaker that encourages participants to choose between two options, such as “Coffee or Tea?” or “Beach or Mountains?”

It’s simple, quick, and ideal for starting meetings or building rapport among team members.

The game is especially effective for creating a friendly, low-pressure environment that encourages interaction.

Players Needed

• Minimum: 2 players

Tips for Playing

• Customize the choices to your team’s interests or shared experiences.

• Use it as an icebreaker before diving into more serious discussions.

• Encourage participants to explain their choices to spark conversation.

How to Make Virtual Team Building Games Successful

Virtual team building games work best when you consider your team’s preferences and dynamics. With Braid, you can easily select games that align with your team’s needs and energy levels, making each activity engaging and enjoyable.

To get the most out of these activities, think about what your team enjoys and how you can create an experience that feels fun and engaging for everyone. Braid offers a variety of games like Wordsmith, Picture Puzzle, and This or That, which can be tailored to fit your goals.

Pick games that suit your team’s size and vibe—smaller groups might thrive with collaborative challenges like Wordsmith, while bigger teams often enjoy lively, fast-moving activities such as This or That.

Use Braid’s scheduling tools to plan games at a time that fits everyone’s schedule without adding stress to the workday.

Set a relaxed tone from the start so everyone feels comfortable jumping in. Braid’s easy-to-use interface makes it simple to start games and guide participants through the activity.

Give clear instructions to avoid confusion, and take a few minutes afterward to hear what your team thought about the session. Braid’s flexibility allows you to adjust games and settings based on team feedback.

Game Categories for Different Team Dynamics

Not every game suits every team. Choosing the right one depends on your team’s size, energy level, and goals. Here’s a guide to help you find the best match:

For Small, Close-Knit Teams

Smaller teams benefit from games that encourage deeper collaboration and build stronger bonds. These activities promote group problem-solving and meaningful interaction.

• Wordsmith: A creative word-building game that strengthens teamwork by encouraging players to brainstorm together under time pressure.

• Picture Puzzle: Perfect for problem-solving and laughs, this game lets teams collaborate to crack visual riddles, keeping things interactive and fun.

For Large, Diverse Teams

Larger teams need games that are easy to follow and allow everyone to participate. These activities accommodate mixed groups and create inclusive experiences.

• Word Link: A simple, turn-based game where players build a chain of words, ensuring everyone has a role and stays engaged.

• This or That: A casual icebreaker that sparks fun debates by having participants pick between two options, revealing shared preferences and differences.

For High-Energy Teams

Teams with enthusiasm and competitive spirit thrive on games that match their energy levels. These activities channel their excitement, which creates a lively and engaging environment.

• Typing Test: A thrilling race to see who types the fastest and most accurately, perfect for adding excitement to meetings.

• Picture Puzzle: Combines the thrill of competition with problem-solving as teams race to guess riddles first.

For Creative Thinkers

Teams that excel in brainstorming and innovation enjoy games that challenge their imagination and encourage new perspectives.

• Wordsmith: Encourages quick thinking and creativity as players come up with as many words as possible from a limited set of letters.

• Word Link: A fun word association game that challenges players to make creative connections between words while keeping the chain going.

For Icebreakers or Relaxed Fun

Sometimes, teams need a low-stakes activity to loosen up before diving into serious discussions. These games break the ice and set a positive tone for the session.

• This or That: A quick and easy game where players choose between two options, sparking lighthearted conversations and laughs.

• Picture Puzzle: A laid-back activity where players solve riddles together, encouraging interaction without any pressure.

Bring Your Team Closer Together with Braid

Virtual team building games are essential for keeping remote teams connected and engaged. These activities help break down communication barriers, improve morale, and create opportunities for real collaboration.

Braid makes it simple to bring these fun games into your team’s everyday routine. With its seamless integration into Slack, Braid ensures that fun and connection are just a click away, helping your team stay motivated and aligned.

Schedule a demo today and find out how Braid can help your team build stronger relationships, improve teamwork, and work more efficiently together.

FAQs About Virtual Team Building Games

What are some fun virtual team building activities?

Fun virtual team building activities include games like Wordsmith, Picture Puzzle, Typing Test, and Word Link. These games encourage collaboration, spark creativity, and add excitement to video call. Icebreakers like “This or That” are also great for kicking off team sessions with lighthearted fun, and virtual escape rooms are also a great option for teams who enjoy immersive problem-solving challenges.

What is the 5 Things virtual game?

The "5 Things" game is an activity where participants quickly list five items related to a given topic. For example, a topic like “5 things you’d take to a deserted island” sparks creativity and encourages teammates to share unique ideas. It’s simple to play, requires no preparation, and works well as a quick warm-up or icebreaker.

What is the ABC game for virtual meetings?

The ABC game involves participants taking turns listing items, words, or concepts that start with consecutive letters of the alphabet. For instance, if the theme is “fruits,” players might say “Apple, Banana, Cherry,” and so on. This game promotes engagement, challenges quick thinking, and is easy to adapt to different themes for added fun.

What is the 5-minute icebreaker activity?

A 5-minute icebreaker is a quick and engaging activity designed to warm up participants at the start of a virtual meeting. Examples include “This or That,” where participants choose between two options, or a rapid round of “Two Truths and a Lie,” where a team member guesses which statement is false. These activities help break the ice, lighten the mood, and encourage interaction.