How to Play Jackbox Games at Home: A Complete Guide

Playing Jackbox Games at home is easier and more fun than you might think! Essentially, you need one person to host the game on a compatible device (like a computer, console, or Apple TV), and everyone else uses their smartphones, tablets, or computers to participate as players. The host screen displays the game, and everyone connects using a unique room code. This allows for a fantastic, interactive game night experience without everyone being physically in the same room. The key is having a device to host the game and other devices to act as controllers. Let’s dive deeper into how to set everything up and make the most of your Jackbox party!

Getting Started with Jackbox

What You Need

Before you start a game night, make sure you have the following:

A Device to Host the Game: This could be a Windows PC, Mac, or Linux computer (via Steam or the Epic Games Store), PlayStation, Xbox, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV. The host is the one who has purchased the Jackbox game.
A Jackbox Party Pack: You’ll need to have purchased at least one Jackbox Party Pack or an individual game. These are typically one-time purchases, not a subscription.
A Display: The host’s screen needs to be visible to all players. This can be a computer monitor, TV, or projector.
Player Devices: Every player will need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a web browser and an internet connection to use as their game controller.
Stable Internet Connection: Both the host and the players need a stable internet connection to connect to the Jackbox Games servers.

Setting Up Your Game

Launch the Game: The host needs to launch the purchased Jackbox game on their chosen platform (computer, console, etc).
Start a Lobby: Once the game launches, it will display a unique room code on the screen.
Join the Lobby: Players will then need to go to jackbox.tv on their devices (phones, tablets, computers).
Enter the Room Code: On jackbox.tv, players will be prompted to enter the room code displayed on the host’s screen.
Wait for Everyone to Join: Once everyone has joined the lobby, the host can start the game from their screen.

Playing Locally and Remotely

Jackbox games are designed for local multiplayer, meaning everyone in the same room can participate. However, the beauty of Jackbox is its flexibility.

Local Play: If everyone is in the same room, simply project the game screen onto a TV or monitor, and have players use their devices to participate.
Remote Play: If your friends are not physically present, you can share your screen using a screen-sharing app like Zoom, Google Meet, or Discord. The players will view the game on the shared screen and still use their devices to join the game lobby by going to jackbox.tv and using the displayed room code.

Choosing the Right Jackbox Game

There are numerous Jackbox Party Packs and individual games, each offering a different type of fun. Some games are drawing-based, others are trivia-based, and some are all about writing funny answers. Experiment and see which games best suit your group’s preferences. Consider these popular titles:

Quiplash: A simple and hilariously funny game where players answer prompts with the funniest answers they can come up with.
Fibbage: A bluffing game where players need to come up with convincing lies about obscure facts.
Drawful: A drawing-based game where players try to guess what other players are drawing.
Trivia Murder Party: A trivia game with a gruesome twist that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
Champ’d Up: A game where players draw wacky characters for others to judge and use.

Tips for a Great Jackbox Party

Test Your Setup: Before the party, test that the host’s device and the screen-sharing setup work properly. This will prevent any last-minute technical hiccups.
Ensure Good Audio: If playing remotely, make sure that audio is clear for everyone. Use a good microphone and encourage players to mute when not talking.
Keep it Casual: Jackbox is all about having fun, so don’t take it too seriously. Embrace the silliness and laugh at the ridiculous answers.
Consider Game Preferences: Choose games that suit the preferences of your group. Some people may prefer drawing games, while others may enjoy trivia games more.
Take Breaks: If you’re having a long gaming session, take short breaks to avoid fatigue and keep everyone fresh.
Mute the Host’s Audio: If you’re streaming via Discord or similar apps, it’s recommended to mute the game audio from the host’s device and play it through the screensharing app itself to prevent audio feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you play Jackbox without a console?

Yes, you can play Jackbox without a console. You can use a Windows PC, Mac, or Linux computer to host the game via Steam or the Epic Games Store. Additionally, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV are also viable platforms.

2. Do you need two devices to play Jackbox?

Not for each player. Only the host needs to own the game and launch it. All other players only need a single device (a phone, tablet, or computer) with a web browser to act as their controller.

3. Can I play Jackbox on my phone?

Yes! While not for hosting the game (with some limitations), you can use your phone or tablet as your game controller. Simply open your browser and visit jackbox.tv and enter the room code shown on the host’s screen.

4. Is Jackbox online only?

No, Jackbox is not online-only. You can play it locally with everyone in the same room using your devices as controllers. It’s also enjoyable remotely by screen-sharing the game while players join through jackbox.tv. Regardless of the method, you’ll need internet access on all devices connecting to the Jackbox servers.

5. Is Jackbox region locked?

No, Jackbox games are not region locked. However, you should verify your specific devices are compatible. If you’re unable to connect, it’s likely due to another issue, such as your device or antivirus.

6. How do I play Jackbox on Discord?

You can play Jackbox on Discord by screen sharing your game. Join the voice channel in Discord, and use the “Share Screen” option to share your game screen. Players then use their devices to join by going to jackbox.tv and entering the room code.

7. Do I have to pay to play Jackbox?

The games are a one-time purchase and are not a subscription. You’ll need to buy at least one Jackbox Party Pack or an individual game, but then you own it on your chosen platform.

8. Can you play Jackbox without a PC?

Yes, you can play without a PC. Besides PCs, Jackbox games are available on other platforms, including Xbox, Playstation, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Any of these can be used to host the game.

9. Can you play Jackbox TV alone?

While most games are designed for multiple players, only one person needs to own and launch the game. The game may not be as enjoyable playing alone, so it is best to play with friends, family or online groups.

10. How many people can play Jackbox?

Most Jackbox games support up to 8 players, but some games can accommodate up to 10 players. Additionally, some games allow thousands to join as an audience, which is a unique and entertaining feature.

11. What devices can I play Jackbox on?

You can host Jackbox games on Windows PC, Mac, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Players can then join using any device with a web browser, like a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

12. Why won’t Jackbox work on my laptop?

If your game isn’t working on your laptop, it might be due to antivirus or firewall settings. You may need to temporarily disable these or add an exception for Jackbox to ensure it can connect to the internet.

13. Can I run Jackbox from an iPad?

While you can use an iPad as a controller, you can only play some older versions of Jackbox from the iPad itself. For the most current games, you’ll need to host from a computer, console, or Apple TV.

14. Where can I download Jackbox?

You can download Jackbox games from Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, PlayStation, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV stores. For Steam keys, you can also purchase them from the official Jackbox Games Shop.

15. Is a powerful laptop required for Jackbox?

No, Jackbox games are not technically demanding. Even a laptop with a weak graphics chipset can usually handle them without any issues. Still, testing before game night is recommended to be sure the game runs without issue.

With these details, you’re now ready to host your own Jackbox party and share the fun with your friends and family, whether they’re in the same room or across the country! Have a great game night!

How to play Jackbox at home?