The Top 10 Browser Games of 2020

Updated: 4 Feb 2020 3:00 PM PST
Posted: 27 Jan 2020 2:26 PM PST

Browser games are great since you can play them without having to download anything or use a console or powerful computer. They work across most devices with a browser and they keep getting better.

Browser Games

Check out our collection of the top 10 browser games of 2020 below:


10 Astro Lords

Starting our list is Astro Lords, a massively multiplayer game that bills itself as combat management in real-time. In the game, you play against other players, working on setting up an asteroid base. You can be raided, but never truly defeated, thus making this a perfect game for beginners who want to play but may not be genuinely familiar with real-time strategy games.

Like other games in this genre, you must build a base, farm resources and manage to upgrade your forces as much as possible, all while ensuring that you aren't getting attacked by other players who are itching to destroy you. What makes this game stand out is both is space theming and sharp graphics. It doesn't feel like a free to play entry - it feels like something you should be paying to play.


9 Threes

Threes is one of those games that looks simple until you've played it for more than five minutes. It's very similar to the old iOS game 2048. In threes, you move tiles to add together until they reach 3 (starting with 1 and 2). Then you add 3s to make 6s, 6s to make 12s, etc.

The sticking point is that you can only move all of the tiles together, so when you try to move one, you move all. As such, this game requires careful thinking and strategic planning. There is no redo - when you run out of spaces to move, the game is over.

The goal is to go for as long as you can, as far as you can. It takes some time to master, but once you get there, the game is oddly meditative and deeply satisfying. It's a solo game, which makes it a little different than the rest of the games on the list, but none the less fun.


8 Desert Order

Desert Order is another real-time strategy game. In this one, you're in the desert, building a base and conquering others. Unlike other RTS games that incorporate a variety of functions, this one heavily features war and the military.

This game also lacks the progression over time of other RTS games (such as Forge of Empires, see below), which means that if you like modern warfare in desert settings, this game is for you. Like all RTS games, you have to think strategically about the best way to spend your limited resources, but once you get your army together, all bets are off.

Defensive structures enhance your need to think strategically here: Walls aren't optional, they're required, or your game will end real fast.

Additionally, for a browser-based game, the graphics and frame rate are surprisingly sharp, and the sound effects are the perfect complement for all of the fighting that takes place.


7 Blastarena.io

In Blast Arena, you play live against others on what is essentially a massive checkerboard. Once the game gets started, you become Bomber Man, blowing up blocks and tiles to get power-ups and blow up the other player.

The exciting thing about this game is that, like all excellent games, it incorporates a variety of gaming skill sets: You have to have quick reflexes as the game gets closer. You have to use a strategy to find the right angles to attack. You need the luck to avoid the worse attacks or hidden explosives.

The longer you play, the better you become, although this game does maintain a degree of randomness that makes it hard to truly ever master. At the same time, scores are kept on a worldwide level, and the end of every game shows you just where you rank, encouraging you to play more and more so you can climb the leader board.


6 Nightpoint.io

In Nightpoint, you become a shooter, fighting against hordes of the undead. Your goal is to kill as many zombies as humanly possible.

Like other .io games, you play with other people, but that adds an element of teamwork to the game: You aren't trying to kill any live individuals, but you're trying to work together to kill the undead, and yes, you can accidentally kill each other...so don't do that.

Periodic power-ups make you think, as you have to determine which bonus you want: More health? Better weapons? Eventually, you figure out what your playing style is and use that information to upgrade your character accordingly.


5. Line Rider

Line Rider is a fantastic sandbox game that encourages creativity and proper use of physics. In this game, you design your courses for the adorable penguin to ride upon. The object isn't so much to win - it's to see how long you can get the penguin to move, how fast you can make him go, and what sort of obstacles you can get him to overcome.

There is something deeply satisfying about watching the penguin ride the lines and jump farther and farther. At the same time, the physics engine is one of those deceptively simple ideas which encourages deep creativity - and even artistic beauty.


4. Abobo's Big Adventure

Abobo's Big Adventure is a flash-based game that bills itself as a tribute to old-school Nintendo games. It succeeds wildly. It's half fighting, half punching, and all satire, making you feel like to are six again, playing Nintendo in the basement.

The game takes place over eight worlds and includes tribute stages that invoke Mike Tyson's Punch-Out, Double Dragon, Super Mario Brothers and more. You play as Abobo, fighting your way through the various stages.

Though younger generations may miss some of the references, older generations will appreciate the different Nintendo stages and the humorous twists this game places on our childhood memories.


3. Powerline.io

Powerline is like a snake, mixed with chicken. You play as a snake, steering your way throughout a massive, open-world against other users. The goal is to get as high a score possible, and you boost your score by getting close to other snakes. At the same time, you or the other snake can cut each other off and kill the other at any point.

Thus, the game plays like the ultimate prisoner's dilemma, and you have to ask yourself just how long you can move alongside your partner before one of you get sick of the other. Power-ups, sleek graphics and neon colors make this game easy on the eyes and give you a great chance to relax while cursing at some other stranger on the other side of the world.


2. Forge of Empires

Forge of Empires is a real-time strategy game. It involves a little more effort as many of these other entries, as you have to register to play. Once you do, you create settlements and empires, fighting against other people for limited resources and land.

The game involves resource management, strategic thinking, and alliances, as you and other players can conquer empires together - if you don't betray each other first. The game draws heavily from other strategic games like Age of Empires, but its MMO-feel ensures that the game never gets old and always feels fresh.

It's been around since 2012 and continues to grow and expand, incorporating new graphics, interactive features and a variety of functionality, now being available on the iOS system. If you enjoy games like this, Forge of Empires cannot be missed.


1. Slither.io

Slither has taken the snake-game format and added an entirely new feel to it. In Slither, you play an adorable worm whose goal is to eat as many power-ups as humanly possible. Of course, it's much more complicated than that: You are also playing against other people, and if you run into them, you're dead. Others, naturally, will try to kill you.

The game is deceptively simple and involves a surprising amount of strategy. The fact that you are playing live against others adds to the sense of competition. A cleverly loaded scoreboard in the bottom corner provides an uninterrupted view of your score and where you rank compared to others who are playing at that moment and tearing your eyes away from the scoreboard can be difficult.

Additionally, the graphics are colorful and almost peaceful and give you the impression that you can relax and play this game for as long as you want.

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ELIZAH
199 weeks ago
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