Icebreaker Games LogoIcebreaker Games

Best Virtual Icebreaker Games for Remote Teams

Energize your Zoom/Teams calls without the awkward silence.

Remote silence is painful. When you can't read the room, you need a structured way to break the ice and get people off mute.

We've skipped the complex tools. These games are optimized for Zoom, Teams, and Meet, so you don't waste 10 minutes explaining the rules.

Video Conference Icebreakers

Draw Your Neighbor

#1Draw Your Neighbor

A complete guide to the hilarious 'Draw Your Neighbor' challenge. Includes facilitator scripts, rules for 'blind drawing', and variations like 'Gallery Walk'. Perfect for energizing remote teams.

4+ Players10 minVirtual

Steps

  1. 1.On a video call, have everyone pin the video of the person to their right.
  2. 2.Without looking down at their paper/drawing tool, everyone tries to draw a portrait of that person in 60 seconds.
  3. 3.At the end, everyone holds up their masterpiece for a good laugh.
Materials:Paper and marker, or a digital drawing tool
Emoji Story

#2Emoji Story

Tell stories or guess phrases using only emojis. Includes collaborative storytelling and 'Emoji Charades' modes. Perfect for remote teams to spark creativity and break communication barriers.

3+ Players5 minVirtual

Steps

  1. 1.Mode 1: Storytelling. One person starts with a theme or an opening emoji.
  2. 2.Each person takes a turn adding ONE emoji to continue the plot.
  3. 3.Continue until the story reaches a conclusion, then try to narrate it back in words.
  4. 4.Mode 2: Emoji Charades. One person picks a prompt (Movie, Song, etc.) and types it out using ONLY emojis.
Guess the Sound Safari

#3Guess the Sound Safari

Play short mystery sounds (like pouring water or typing) and let the group guess the source. A simple, surprising game perfect for video calls.

3+ Players10 minVirtual

Steps

  1. 1.Ask participants to prep a 3–5 second everyday sound (tap, pour, whistle).
  2. 2.Play one sound at a time; group guesses the source.
  3. 3.Reveal and share a quick story behind the sound.
Virtual Scavenger Hunt

#4Virtual Scavenger Hunt

High-energy remote icebreaker: Find and show household items in 30 seconds. Includes 100+ difficulty-rated items. The best way to beat Zoom fatigue and energize your virtual meetings.

5+ Players15 minVirtual

Steps

  1. 1.The host calls out a common household item (e.g., 'your favorite mug', 'something red', 'a book you'd recommend').
  2. 2.Participants have 30 seconds to find the item in their home and show it on camera.
  3. 3.The first person back gets a point. Play for a few rounds!
Virtual Trivia

#5Virtual Trivia

A classic team-based quiz competition testing knowledge on various topics. Encourages collaboration and friendly competition in virtual meetings.

8+ Players30 minVirtual

Steps

  1. 1.Prepare a set of trivia questions across different categories (e.g., pop culture, history, science).
  2. 2.Divide the group into teams and place them in breakout rooms.
  3. 3.Read out the questions or share them on screen, giving teams time to discuss and submit their answers.
  4. 4.The team with the most points at the end wins bragging rights.
Materials:Trivia questions, Breakout rooms

Quick Online Icebreakers (<=5 min)

Draw Your Neighbor

#1Draw Your Neighbor

A complete guide to the hilarious 'Draw Your Neighbor' challenge. Includes facilitator scripts, rules for 'blind drawing', and variations like 'Gallery Walk'. Perfect for energizing remote teams.

4+ Players10 minVirtual

Steps

  1. 1.On a video call, have everyone pin the video of the person to their right.
  2. 2.Without looking down at their paper/drawing tool, everyone tries to draw a portrait of that person in 60 seconds.
  3. 3.At the end, everyone holds up their masterpiece for a good laugh.
Materials:Paper and marker, or a digital drawing tool
Emoji Story

#2Emoji Story

Tell stories or guess phrases using only emojis. Includes collaborative storytelling and 'Emoji Charades' modes. Perfect for remote teams to spark creativity and break communication barriers.

3+ Players5 minVirtual

Steps

  1. 1.Mode 1: Storytelling. One person starts with a theme or an opening emoji.
  2. 2.Each person takes a turn adding ONE emoji to continue the plot.
  3. 3.Continue until the story reaches a conclusion, then try to narrate it back in words.
  4. 4.Mode 2: Emoji Charades. One person picks a prompt (Movie, Song, etc.) and types it out using ONLY emojis.
Guess the Sound Safari

#3Guess the Sound Safari

Play short mystery sounds (like pouring water or typing) and let the group guess the source. A simple, surprising game perfect for video calls.

3+ Players10 minVirtual

Steps

  1. 1.Ask participants to prep a 3–5 second everyday sound (tap, pour, whistle).
  2. 2.Play one sound at a time; group guesses the source.
  3. 3.Reveal and share a quick story behind the sound.
20 Questions

#420 Questions

20 Questions is a classic deductive reasoning icebreaker suitable for teams of any size. One player thinks of a secret person, place, or object, and others guess it by asking up to 20 "Yes" or "No" questions. This game requires no props, can be played anywhere, and effectively sharpens logical thinking, communication skills, and collaborative problem-solving.

3+ Players10 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.The host (or a volunteer) thinks of a specific person, place, object, or concept.
  2. 2.Others take turns asking questions to narrow down the possibilities. The host can only answer "Yes," "No," "Maybe," or "Partially."
  3. 3.Guessers can attempt to solve the riddle at any time.
  4. 4.The group has a total of 20 questions (guesses count as a question).
Common Ground Challenge

#5Common Ground Challenge

Small groups race to find a set number of uncommon things they all share in common.

6+ Players10 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Form groups of 3–5 and set a target (e.g., 5 commonalities).
  2. 2.Give 5–8 minutes to discover overlaps beyond the obvious.
  3. 3.Share highlights with the whole group.
Desert Island

#6Desert Island

Participants share the three essential items they'd bring to a deserted island.

3+ Players10 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Ask the group: 'If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you bring and why?'
  2. 2.Go around the circle and have each person share their three items.
  3. 3.Encourage follow-up questions to understand the reasoning behind their choices.
Doodle Duel Derby

#7Doodle Duel Derby

A fast-paced collaborative drawing game. Rotate sketches, build on others' work, and guess contributors. Perfect for creative warm-ups and team building.

4+ Players10 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Everyone starts a doodle; after 30–60 seconds, rotate canvases.
  2. 2.Repeat 3–5 rotations, then reveal and guess contributors.
  3. 3.Vote for the funniest or most artistic piece.
Firsts

#8Firsts

Share memorable ‘firsts’ (first concert, job, trip) in quick rounds to learn fun personal history.

3+ Players10 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Prepare a short list of ‘firsts’ prompts.
  2. 2.Go around quickly; each person answers one prompt.
  3. 3.Do 2–3 rounds depending on time.
Materials:List of "firsts" prompts (concert, job, trip, car, etc.)
Fridge Art Throwbacks

#9Fridge Art Throwbacks

Share a childhood artwork or recreate one! A nostalgic activity to share personal stories and build emotional connections.

3+ Players10 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Ask participants to bring an old drawing or make a quick kid-style doodle.
  2. 2.Each person shares for 30–60 seconds.
  3. 3.Invite light questions and appreciation.
Materials:Childhood artwork (physical or photo), Optional: Paper and crayons for recreation
Geographical Guess

#10Geographical Guess

A deduction game that tests logic and geography. Pick a place you've visited, and let others find you using only 'Yes/No' questions. From hemispheres to local cuisine, travel the world through deduction.

3+ Players10 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Each participant secretly chooses a real place they have visited (city, country, or landmark).
  2. 2.Others take turns asking 'Yes/No' questions (e.g., 'Is it in the Northern Hemisphere?' 'Is it a coastal city?').
  3. 3.The goal is to pinpoint the location within 10-15 questions. If guessed correctly, the winner becomes the next 'traveler'.

Hybrid-Ready Options

20 Questions

#120 Questions

20 Questions is a classic deductive reasoning icebreaker suitable for teams of any size. One player thinks of a secret person, place, or object, and others guess it by asking up to 20 "Yes" or "No" questions. This game requires no props, can be played anywhere, and effectively sharpens logical thinking, communication skills, and collaborative problem-solving.

3+ Players10 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.The host (or a volunteer) thinks of a specific person, place, object, or concept.
  2. 2.Others take turns asking questions to narrow down the possibilities. The host can only answer "Yes," "No," "Maybe," or "Partially."
  3. 3.Guessers can attempt to solve the riddle at any time.
  4. 4.The group has a total of 20 questions (guesses count as a question).
Common Ground Challenge

#2Common Ground Challenge

Small groups race to find a set number of uncommon things they all share in common.

6+ Players10 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Form groups of 3–5 and set a target (e.g., 5 commonalities).
  2. 2.Give 5–8 minutes to discover overlaps beyond the obvious.
  3. 3.Share highlights with the whole group.
Desert Island Intelligences

#3Desert Island Intelligences

Stranded on an island with 8 types of intelligences. Teams must debate and rank them by survival value. A deep dive into team roles and values.

6+ Players20 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Introduce the 8 Multiple Intelligences (see prompts below).
  2. 2.Set the scene: scarce resources, must decide who stays longest.
  3. 3.Debate as a group and justify the ranking.
Desert Island

#4Desert Island

Participants share the three essential items they'd bring to a deserted island.

3+ Players10 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Ask the group: 'If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you bring and why?'
  2. 2.Go around the circle and have each person share their three items.
  3. 3.Encourage follow-up questions to understand the reasoning behind their choices.
Doodle Duel Derby

#5Doodle Duel Derby

A fast-paced collaborative drawing game. Rotate sketches, build on others' work, and guess contributors. Perfect for creative warm-ups and team building.

4+ Players10 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Everyone starts a doodle; after 30–60 seconds, rotate canvases.
  2. 2.Repeat 3–5 rotations, then reveal and guess contributors.
  3. 3.Vote for the funniest or most artistic piece.
Firsts

#6Firsts

Share memorable ‘firsts’ (first concert, job, trip) in quick rounds to learn fun personal history.

3+ Players10 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Prepare a short list of ‘firsts’ prompts.
  2. 2.Go around quickly; each person answers one prompt.
  3. 3.Do 2–3 rounds depending on time.
Materials:List of "firsts" prompts (concert, job, trip, car, etc.)
Freeze Frame Storytime

#7Freeze Frame Storytime

Tell a chain story where each speaker ends frozen in a dramatic pose. A fun improv game to boost creativity and energy.

4+ Players15 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Player A narrates for 20–30 seconds and strikes a ‘freeze’ pose.
  2. 2.Player B continues the story from that tableau.
  3. 3.Repeat until everyone has contributed; optional finale wrap-up.
Fridge Art Throwbacks

#8Fridge Art Throwbacks

Share a childhood artwork or recreate one! A nostalgic activity to share personal stories and build emotional connections.

3+ Players10 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Ask participants to bring an old drawing or make a quick kid-style doodle.
  2. 2.Each person shares for 30–60 seconds.
  3. 3.Invite light questions and appreciation.
Materials:Childhood artwork (physical or photo), Optional: Paper and crayons for recreation
Geographical Guess

#9Geographical Guess

A deduction game that tests logic and geography. Pick a place you've visited, and let others find you using only 'Yes/No' questions. From hemispheres to local cuisine, travel the world through deduction.

3+ Players10 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Each participant secretly chooses a real place they have visited (city, country, or landmark).
  2. 2.Others take turns asking 'Yes/No' questions (e.g., 'Is it in the Northern Hemisphere?' 'Is it a coastal city?').
  3. 3.The goal is to pinpoint the location within 10-15 questions. If guessed correctly, the winner becomes the next 'traveler'.
Guess Who (Facts in a Hat)

#10Guess Who (Facts in a Hat)

Players submit a surprising personal fact anonymously. The group guesses who wrote each fact. A great way to discover hidden sides of teammates.

5+ Players15 minHybrid

Steps

  1. 1.Give each person a slip to write a surprising personal fact.
  2. 2.Collect and read the facts; the group guesses who wrote it.
  3. 3.Author reveals themselves and adds a short story if they’d like.

Virtual Facilitation Tips

  • Share instructions in chat and screen to reduce onboarding time.
  • Use breakout rooms for 4–6 people to maximize participation.
  • Normalize cameras-off participation; avoid requiring personal disclosures.
  • Have a plan B if a tool fails; keep a zero-tool option ready.

FAQs

What's good for remote teams?

Anything that doesn't require a second screen or complex login. 'Quick Questions' or 'Virtual Scavenger Hunt' (find something blue on your desk) are gold standards because they're instant and physical.

Do I need special tools?

Nope. The best games just use your video software. If you're trying to get 15 people to sign up for a new whiteboard app just for an icebreaker, you've already lost them.

How do I keep people engaged?

Short and sweet. 5-10 minutes tops. Also, use breakout rooms! It's much easier to talk to 3 colleagues than to present to 30 silent black boxes.

Breakout room tips?

Groups of 3-4 are ideal. Give them a specific prompt BEFORE you send them away. And broadcast a 1-minute warning before you yank them back.

What if people have cameras off?

Respect it. Use chat-based games like 'Two Truths and a Lie' or poll questions. Never force someone to turn their camera on; it just creates resentment.

Can I do these in hybrid meetings?

It's tricky, but yes. The rule is: optimize for the remote person. If the in-room folks are having a side conversation, the remote folks tune out. Make everyone log into the meeting individually if possible, or have in-room leaders facilitate for the remote group.