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 team 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 fast-paced, collaborative word game where teams race against the clock to create as many words as possible from a random set of seven letters.

It’s a fun way to encourage creative thinking, boost vocabulary, and enhance problem-solving skills—all while fostering teamwork. The challenge? Longer words earn more points, no repeats are allowed, and using all seven letters grants a special bonus!

Whether used as a quick break or a structured team-building exercise, this game is sure to add fun and competition to your workday.

Players Needed

• Minimum: 2 players

• Best experience: 4+ players

Sample Gameplay

Letters Given: D, E, S, I, G, N, R

• Words Formed: Design (6 points), Rides (5 points), Grind (5 points), Ring (4 points), Den (3 points), Sign (4 points)

• Bonus: Using all 7 letters to form "Dingers" earns a special bonus!

• Total Points: 27 (without bonus)

Teams compete to form high-scoring words while avoiding repeated entries, racing against the clock to maximize their points.

Tips for Playing

• Brainstorm quickly. Share word ideas fast and keep the momentum going.

• Focus on longer words. More letters mean higher scores.

• Use all 7 letters. Unlock a bonus score by forming a word that uses all available letters.

• Communicate efficiently. Assign roles, such as one player focusing on base words while another adds prefixes or suffixes.

Wordsmith offers a dynamic and engaging way to foster collaboration, creativity, and quick thinking within your team. It’s an excellent choice for energizing meetings or strengthening connections during downtime.

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

Sample Gameplay

• Player 1: 72 WPM, 98% accuracy

• Player 2: 85 WPM, 95% accuracy

• Player 3: 68 WPM, 100% accuracy

After typing the sentence, results are displayed, showing each player’s speed and accuracy. The player with the highest combination of speed and precision wins the round.

Tips for Playing

• Practice with shorter sentences. Build muscle memory by warming up with quick exercises.

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

• Maintain accuracy. Speed matters, but mistakes will lower your final score.

• Encourage friendly competition. Share results after each round and challenge teammates to improve.

Whether you're looking to test your typing skills or simply have fun with your team, Typing Test is a great way to boost engagement while improving speed and accuracy.

3. Picture Puzzle

Picture Puzzle is a visual-based game where players solve image-based riddles using category hints. It’s designed to encourage creative thinking, teamwork, and quick decision-making.

Whether played as a warm-up before a meeting or as a fun team bonding activity, Picture Puzzle adds a dynamic and engaging element to virtual collaboration.

The challenge? Players must analyze an image, interpret the clues, and guess the correct answer before time runs out.

Players Needed:

• Minimum: 2 players

Sample Gameplay

Tips for Playing

• Use the category hint as a starting point for your guesses.

• Pay close attention to small details in the image—they might hold important clues.

• Think creatively and consider multiple interpretations of the image.

• Fewer guesses lead to better results, but take your time if needed to get it right.

If your team enjoys quick-thinking challenges or visual problem-solving, Picture Puzzle is a great way to energize meetings and strengthen teamwork.

4. Word Link

Word Link is a fun and engaging word game where players take turns linking words based on the first and last letters.

Each player adds a word starting with the last letter of the previous word, aiming to build the longest chain without breaking the link.

This game promotes quick thinking, vocabulary expansion, and creativity while adding a competitive spark to your Slack channel.

Players Needed

• Minimum: 2 players

• Maximum: 10 players

Sample Gameplay:

HappY ➡️ YelloW ➡️ WinteR ➡️ RaiN ➡️ NighT ➡️ TurtlE

The chain continues until someone either breaks the link or repeats a word. Players earn points based on the length of their word, encouraging strategic play.

Tips for Playing

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

• Choose longer words. Maximize your score by using words with more letters.

• 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. Use endings like "ing" or "est" to form longer words and earn more points.

Word Link is an excellent way to energize your team, promote creativity, and encourage collaboration. Ready to see how long your team can keep the chain alive? Start playing today!

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

Sample Gameplay

Once everyone has chosen their answers, results can be shared to see how team members compare.

Tips for Playing

• Use relatable options. Focus on prompts that resonate with your team’s preferences or current projects.

• Add humor. Include funny or unexpected choices to keep the game lively and entertaining.

• Keep the pace fast. Encourage quick decisions to maintain energy and excitement.

• Use the results. Spark conversations or share personal stories based on teammates’ choices for deeper engagement.

This or That is a simple yet powerful way to bring your team together, encourage interaction, and learn more about each other. Whether you’re using it as a quick icebreaker or a full team activity, it’s sure to make your next meeting more enjoyable!

6. Trivia

Trivia is a competitive knowledge game where players answer a series of questions across various categories. Whether your team loves pop culture, history, or quirky facts, Trivia is a fantastic way to test knowledge, spark conversations, and promote friendly competition.

This game encourages critical thinking and quick responses while bringing lively energy to your Slack workspace or video call.

Players Needed

• Minimum: 2 players

Sample Gameplay

Hummus is the right answer!

Starfish is the right answer!

Tips for Playing Trivia

• Pick diverse categories. Include topics that appeal to everyone on the team, from general knowledge to niche interests.

• Set a time limit. Encourage quick answers to keep the game fast-paced and engaging.

• Rotate hosts. Let different team members pick the category or moderate the game to keep it fresh.

• Celebrate wins. Offer small prizes or shoutouts to recognize top performers and encourage participation.

Trivia is a versatile and engaging activity that blends learning with fun, making it perfect for team bonding. Whether you’re playing as a meeting warm-up or a dedicated team-building session, Trivia is guaranteed to bring excitement and connection to your team.

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.

With team-building games and activities built right into Slack (and soon available on Microsoft Teams), Braid makes it simple to bring these fun games into your team’s everyday routine.

No need for extra apps or distractions—boost engagement, improve productivity, and foster team connections right from your existing workspace.

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 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 30 seconds game for team-building?

The 30 Seconds game is a fast-paced guessing game where players must describe as many words or phrases as possible in 30 seconds without saying the actual word. Their teammates must guess correctly before time runs out. It’s a great way to encourage teamwork, quick thinking, and communication skills in a virtual setting.

What are the fun team activities on Zoom?

Some engaging team activities for Zoom include:

• Virtual Trivia – Compete in teams to answer fun general knowledge questions.

• Wordsmith – A fast-paced word game where teams build as many words as possible from a set of letters.

• This or That – A quick icebreaker where players choose between two options to spark conversation.

• Virtual Scavenger Hunt – Players race to find household items within a time limit.

• Online Escape Rooms – Teams collaborate to solve puzzles and complete challenges together.

• Virtual Happy Hour – A relaxed, informal session where team members can socialize, play light games, or share a drink together.

These activities make Zoom meetings more interactive and help remote team members build stronger connections.

What are some fun virtual team-building activities?

Fun virtual team-building ideas include games like Wordsmith, Picture Puzzle, Typing Test, and Word Link. These games encourage collaboration, spark creativity, and add excitement to video calls. Icebreakers like This or That are great for kicking off team sessions with lighthearted fun. If your team enjoys immersive problem-solving challenges, a virtual escape room experience is a fantastic way to promote teamwork, communication, and critical thinking in a fun and engaging setting.