- MSN games are not only free, but also easy to learn, since some of them are based on well-known classic board games.
- We’re making a list of the 5 best MSN free online games that you can play right now, either solo or with a friend.
- After reading this article, you can take a look at our Online Games Section for more inspiration.
- Bookmark our Gaming section as well, to get easy access to various articles on this topic.
MSN Games (also known as the Zone) is a website owned by Microsoft known for a multitude of single-player, multiplayer, PC downloadand social casino video games.
It was extremely popular in the 90s especially since they were for free, pre-installed with any Windows OS.
MSN Games was launched with a few cards and board games such as Hearts, Spades, Checkers, Backgammon, or Bridge. Further on, the online games collection was developed to include other puzzles, word&trivia, or action&arcade games.
Although last year Microsoft announced that it will cease support for the mentioned popular games, on older versions of Windows, you can continue to play them on Windows 10.
So let’s take a look at some of the best MSN free online games out there.
Which are the best MSN free online games?
1. Solitaire
Anyone who’s into online games must have played Solitaire at least once.
In its most common form, also named Klondike, the aim was to arrange all thirteen cards of each suit in order in a single group running from ace to king. Normally, the ace was the first card on which a two of the same suit is placed, followed by a three and so on.
At the end of the game, the winner was rewarded with neverending cascading accolades of cards, until one chose to start another game. It was really captivating.
But the most advanced players must know that there are different types of solitaire games, depending on how visible the cards are. The style mentioned above is known as simple builders.
2. Mahjong
Microsoft’s Mahjong, also known as Mahjong Solitaire, is a puzzle, single-player game based on the same name game developed in China, however, with no relation with the rules or the original version.
The game is played with a set of 144 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols. The aim is to match open pairs of identical tiles and remove them from the board, exposing the tiles under them for play.
The game ends when all pairs of tiles have been removed from the board or when there are no more exposed pairs.
Currently, you can find in the Zone several versions of the original online game, with different environments.
3. 10×10 Classic
This is Microsoft’s basic version of a Tetris-like puzzle game.
The aim of the game is to build blocks of the same color, which disappear once you arrange them in a horizontal line. The game can go on forever as long as you don’t run out of room on the grid to place any of the blocks.
Unlike the original physical Tetris, in the online version, the blocks don’t fall from above, pressing the player to pick a position. They also can’t be flipped and the horizontal lines don’t fall downwards as the blocks disappear.
4. Jigsaw
Recently, Microsoft launched a new version of their Jigsaw game, to allow fans to play it far into the future, even after the classic Flash version is retired at the end of 2020.
Microsoft launched 3 new puzzles every day to keep the fans entertained. Besides, the range of puzzle option os very large, so for sure you can’t be easily bored.
Of course, one can choose their level of expertise, from easy (24pcs) to hard (100pcs).
5. Chess
Microsoft’s Chess game is based on the classic chess game, only that it is played on a computer. The rival can be either virtual or real.
Otherwise, all rules are the same, and the pieces look similar to the real ones. There is no time limit and one can choose the expertise level to play.
The aim of the game is educational, as is for most of the MSN free games. Although an online version, this one had the same psychological benefits associated with memory and strategical thinking as the real chess game.
The game was the more popular, the more chess champion Garry Kasparov took part in a chess championship organized by Microsoft.
So we’ve made our choice about the 5 best free online MSN games. How about you? Which one do you prefer? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
FAQ: Read more about MSN Games
- Are MSN Games safe?
Yes, very safe and trustworthy. MSN Games are also free and can be played by anyone, children or grownups alike.
- How do I download MSN Games?
Go to the official MSN Games page, then to PC Download, and pick your game. Once you click on Play now, the game will download on your computer.
- Where can I play online games for free without downloading?
The MSN Games portal is an excellent option, with a multitude of games, for all tastes and expertise levels.