19 Games Like Tetris You Can Play Online For Free

Oh Tetris: you’ve been been around for 30 years, and you’re no less addictive now than during the Cold War. I wish I was playing you right now.

Oh wait – I could be.

If you love Tetris, good news: you can play that game anywhere, even if you’re at work and can’t install new software. There are many places to play Tetris online; here are a few of the best.

The Official Online Version Of Tetris

It’s a little surprising that this exists at all. The Tetris Company, which officially controls the Tetris brand, has long been infamous among gamers for shutting down free, online versions of the game.

Yet here’s a free, online version offered by The Tetris Company itself – and it’s pretty good. As you can see above, the interface is clean – there aren’t even really ads (something that might change when the next-gen versions of Tetris come out later this year). And this version of Tetris offers more options than the flash versions you can find out there:

Press “Esc” to see the options. I’d highly recommend turning the ghost piece off, but it’s up to you (actually, no it’s not: turn the ghost piece off).

Also note that you can make this particular web game fullscreen, if you want.

I think this is the first online version of Tetris you should check out. There are a few glitches, but it’s a great first game to try.

You’ll need the free Unity Web Player, but it’s worth it.

TetrisFriends.com: 11 Tetris Options

If the official online version of Tetris isn’t what you’re looking for, this is probably a good place to check out next. This site offers several online versions of Tetris – some single player, some multiplayer.

If you’re just looking for a “normal” version of Tetris, I recommend Neave’s N-Blox. It gives you Tetris without many distractions:

(Yes, I sometimes suck at Tetris. Shut up.)

For the more nostalgic among us, Tetris 1989 is worth checking out. It’s got Game Boy inspired graphics:

Yes: it comes complete with music. You know the song I’m talking about.

If you’re a competitive person, make sure you also check out some of the multiplayer options. Just be warned: if you’re a casual player, you might feel overwhelmed.

Two Choices For The Hardcore Player

Of course, if you’re really into Tetris none of these options are going to quite satisfy you. If you have no patience for anything other than instant drops, check out Cultris II. You can play it online with Java, or download it for Windows/Mac/Linux.

 

The emphasis here is on speed, and there’s also an online multiplayer option if you want to put your skills to the test. Again, this is probably only for people who are confident in their Tetris skills (warning: playing online may result in reduced confidence in your skills).

You’ll need Java installed in order to play Cultris II.

Another popular option, albeit one that requires a desktop client, is NullpoMino. Check out both if you’re serious about your Tetris.

Clever Twists On Tetris

There are more than enough options above for any serious Tetris addict, but I thought I’d include a few games that offer unique takes on the forumla. Here are a few.

• First Person Tetris looks exactly like the Tetris game you remember, but instead of rotating just the piece your entire screen changes directions. It’s confusing, but fun to figure out.

• Falling Up is similar, but gets progressively crazier the further you advance. That’s all I’ll say, but check this one out if you’re curious.
• 3D Tetris switches from dropping squares to dropping cubes. Give it a shot.
• Mario Tetris combines the platforming of the original Super Mario Bros with the ability to drop Tetromino-shaped blocks anytime you want. The idea is that you’ll use this ability to create new platforms for Mario to jump onto, but pay attention: enemies keep walking while you’re busy placing blocks, and they can still kill.
• Tetris Hell is what happens when a terrifying XKCD comic becomes a reality. You won’t like it.

There’s a lot more out there. We showed you a game that combines Tetris and Sudoku, and a few cool Tetris spin-offs, so keep exploring if you need more games to play.

Tetris: The Greatest Game Of All Time?

Games come and go, but Tetris is forever. Tetris was out seven years before the first Sonic The Hedgehog game, and still sells today – 20 years after the last good Sonic game. Long after culture has forgotten about moustachioed plumbers and enraged feathered creatures, free versions of Tetris will be made for every platform created by man – from now until the end of time.

Even t-shirts.

Did we miss any great online versions of Tetris? Point them out in the comments below, okay?