Flash games are some of the most popular releases in the interactive entertainment world. The Flash player is mainly responsible for these games' success since it eliminates a lot of the heavy lifting that a device typically needs to do on native titles. The best browser games have been designed using the latest Flash technology since 1996.

Despite being extremely enjoyable, flash games are commonly associated with experimentation since they live on the web. Many game developers use the platform to test new features before rolling them out on native apps. While the original vision of developing Flash was to streamline animations and web graphics, the gaming element has taken over and presented possibilities that were not possible before.

If you have never picked up a computer or mobile device to play a flash game, you might be surprised by the range of functionalities that web gaming presents. Aside from the non-existent installation process, there are a few more reasons why you might consider trying the best flash games. Take a look at the key features we've listed for each product. Once you finish this guide, you'll be able to pick the best flash game for you!

Editors choice

1. Line Rider

8.90 / 10
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The Line Rider is one of the few sports games that require maximum concentration, or else the rider will fall off, which directly translates to a lost match.

Of all flash games, the Line Rider seems to be the easiest to play. The gameplay is centered on drawing lines between mountain peaks that will assist the rider in navigating the course successfully. The success or failure of this mission wholly depends on your creativity and mastery of the entire course.

Unlike other flash games, the Line Rider is compatible with most platforms. From the Microsoft Silverlight, Microsoft Windows, and Adobe Flash to Nintendo DS, iOS, and Wii, be sure you will have more of the Line Rider on all these platforms.

This game is served the exact way you would have wanted it to be. Whether you want to counter the challenge alone or wish to tag a friend along, this flash game caters for all that since it has both single-player and two-player options.

The Line Rider is fitted with extra tools to aid in establishing convenient routes for the rider. These extra tools make the game easier, and the only thing that can hold you back is your creativity. Ideally, the Line Rider is a sports game meant to enhance and nurture your creativity. Establishing the exact paths for the rider to pass through requires maximum concentration and for sure, the Lone Rider will enhance your concentration and creativity.

Key Features
  • Red, green and blue lines to create your tracks
  • Easy to play
  • Continuation games
  • Extra tools to aid in navigation
Pros
  • Easy to load and save your creations
  • Wide compatibility
  • Great game to enhance your creativity
  • Decent challenge from a sports game
Cons
  • Needs to be restarted on numerous occasions
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Line Rider
Premium pick

2. Super Meat Boy

8.30 / 10
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Super Meat Boy is a 2D platformer with a fascinating premise and captivating retro graphics.

The story begins with an evil fetus in a tux kidnapping your girlfriend made of band-aids. Playing as a cuboid hero made of meat, you will have to rescue your beloved after overcoming a series of ridiculously tough challenges and obstacles.

Since this is a platformer game, controls are not that complex. You simply need to leap and run, avoiding death across different locations until you get to your girlfriend. Making very precise leaps and turns, you will be able to maneuver the obstacles throughout the game. That requires a lot of focus and practice to accomplish.

The graphics on this game are quite impressive. The avid gamer will recognize and appreciate the backgrounds of other popular platformers incorporated here. The soundtrack on this game is yet another fan favorite. Listening to the enjoyable OST while you try to maneuver through the extreme hurdles makes the constant failure less painful. The music is best described as daring and whimsical, with a hint of metal that makes the game even more exciting to play.

Super Meat Boy’s charm ironically lies in the difficulty of the game. Fortunately, there are unlimited tries on every level. Once you die at a certain point in the game, you are redirected to the starting point of that particular level.

Once you reach your beloved bandage girl, you can access all the recorded deaths that it took you to get there. Afterward, the evil fetus once again kidnaps your band-aid girlfriend, and the rescue begins once again.

Key Features
  • Warp zones take you to other games
  • Epic Boss fights
  • 300+ levels
Pros
  • Fun game to play
  • Simple and challenging
  • Great OST
Cons
  • Somewhat repetitive
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Super Meat Boy
Best value

3. Bubble Shooter

9.65 / 10
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Bubble Shooter tends to be one of the most addictive flash game-plays in the market. For quite some time, the game has remained unchanged. Bubble Shooter is based on a mix of skills and strategies plus exciting levels to spice up your shooting experience.

One thing that makes the game captivating is the interactive nature. Bubble Shooter takes the throwback game Bobble Popping and polishes it with cutting-edge technology and software. The several in-games drive you to complete challenges, collect impressive points, and advance to higher levels.

Despite not introducing how to play, the game is super easy to learn but gets challenging with the levels. The impending doom of balls gravitating closer to the bottom screen and your timer running out prompt you to react faster. Such challenges train your brain and fingers to be on the look lest things get worse.

Blazing the bubbles with a fireball brings a fantastic feeling and helps you move faster to the next puzzle. The visual effects created by this inferno bomb create a stunning glow on your screen. Matching the balls is easy, thanks to reliable controls.

Perhaps one of the most conspicuous moments of Bubble Shooter is the juxtaposition. It consists of brightly colored balls against the midnight black/blue backdrop, which enhances each feature. For anyone looking for a friendly competition, you can compete with other bubble pros through online races.

Key Features
  • Powerful boosters
  • Thrilling puzzle adventure
  • Amazing effects
Pros
  • Tons of replay value
  • Reliable controls
  • Easy to learn
Cons
  • Annoying adverts
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Bubble Shooter

Bloons TD 5 is a fun flash game from Ninja Kiwi, which automatically tells you that it's well-optimized. The game has every modern feature you would like on a browser. EACH aspect of the design is well thought out to guarantee you an incredible experience every time you need to have some fun on your computer.

One of the things that makes browser games fun is the inclusion of multiple levels and character abilities. Bloons TD 5 keeps up with this philosophy by giving you nineteen towers and abilities to keep you engaged for hours. If you like to upgrade your abilities, the game provides two ways to do it. That means that you don't have to be stuck to a level you have no interest in overcoming.

Modern flash games typically feature a dozen tracks that are useful for an excellent experience. Bloons TD 5 goes beyond the industry standard and gives you more than 30 tracks, which is quite impressive. There will not be a single moment of boredom as you learn your way around the game mechanics.

One of the most typical challenges many people experience when looking for browser games is the lack of multiplayer support. You will land on an interesting title that you would like to play with your friends to discover it is a single-player mode only. Bloons TD 5 changes that today since it allows you to invite a partner in custom co-op tracks.

Bloons TD 5 is an enjoyable game that will not cost you anything regarding installation or special equipment. All you need is a good browser and a stable internet connection to play.

Key Features
  • Competitive in all modes
  • More than 250 missions
  • Has a free play mode
Pros
  • Fun and addictive
  • Easy to set up
  • Beautiful design
Cons
  • Needs an update
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Bloons TD 5

The World Hardest Game is an interesting flash game that is fun to play and hard to crack. At first, this game creates the impression that it is simple to play though things may prove otherwise after the first level. The best thing is that although it is hard, it is one of the greatest challenges to make the best out of your free time as you try to unwind.

The World Hardest Game is made of up to 30 levels. Each of these levels presents a new challenge different from the previous. The newest of the World Hardest Game incorporates noble controllers that easily navigate through the boxes for easy gaming. Before getting into the actual game, you have a chance to engage the practice mode which fine-tunes you to the intrigues of the game and prepares you psychologically for each challenge.

While losing a level is something you should be prepared for, there is always something to keep you going regardless of the direction of the game, the music in the background. Behind the scenes, there are sweet melodies that soothe you, making it worth your time even after losing.

The graphics of this game are quite impressive. Although it comes in 2D, the graphics are perfectly served with clear visuals for a better gaming experience. Sharing your score with friends has never been this easy. This game allows you to showcase your prowess to other gamers by sharing your score and cementing your place as the ultimate gamer.

Key Features
  • Hard fun game
  • Catchy music on the background
  • 30 levels
  • Comes with new controllers
Pros
  • The practice mode available prepares you psychologically
  • Quality original graphics
  • The sound output makes this game more captivating
  • Sharing your score with friends has never been this easy
Cons
  • Its levels of hardness can be frustrating
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The World Hardest Game

For anyone who is zombie-crazed, Earn to Die 2 will satisfy their needs. Though the game is rather simplistic and darkly humored, it is well-made and has no dull moments. Each time the play comes with surprises that will pull you in and keep you dangling on the line.

One thing you will notice is how impressive the representation of graphics is, especially from a zombie-fueled game. Rather than the traditional post-apocalyptic look in the previous version, this one has everything polished. There are several aspects of cars to upgrade from and well-drawn presentations for enabling you to move faster.

The game involves smashing zombies along the way as you progress through various levels. As you get deeper, you will unlock new vehicles and upgrade them into zombie-smashing machines. Unlike the previous version, Earn to Die 2 has been re-engineered and re-built with significantly more content and is playable at 60fps.

Levels are well-crafted, with lots of paths to progress in each section. The victorious rides are action-packed, pretty tense, and fast-paced until you reach your next destination. Difficulties and bumpier roads ramp as you strive to upgrade your vehicle. Sure, there's a lot involved, but like any arcade game, you will yearn to play other levels. Earn to Die 2 happens to be a can't-put-down game, making it a perfect play to let some heat off after a tiresome day.

Key Features
  • Action-packed
  • Awesome ragdoll physics
  • Multi-tiered levels
Pros
  • Gorgeous visuals
  • A vast range of zombies
  • No frame drops or lags
Cons
  • Can be tough to get to the next level
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Earn to Die 2

Cookie Clickers is an excellent definition of super-addictive. The game has rapidly taken the internet by storm as it involves players with some endless hours of entertainment and fun.

The game is simple and creates a growing obsession with imaginary chocolate chip cookies. Through a series of continuous clicking and upgrades, Cookie Clickers allows you to make as many cookies as possible. The game may not sound much exciting, but it provides an incredibly engaging experience that could last for hours on end.

Being one of the earliest incremental games, Cookie Clickers has significantly impacted the entire field since it is highly compelling. One of the best qualities of idle gaming lies in this game. It offers an excellent balance that allows players to feel as if they are moving forward. This game is interesting to both hardcore and casual gamers.

Some free-to-play games appear as idle games by default, but Cookie Clickers is entirely different. After clicking the delicious-looking cookie, you can exchange some of your cookies for some baking assistance. The aid comes in cursor movements, which automatically connect the cookies, whether you are playing or not.

Cookie Clickers tracks the player's progress and display chucklesome messages, news stories, and quotes to keep you motivated. Orteil has done an impeccable job in dressing this engaging game with rich visuals. Cookie Clickers doesn't take long before it gets comical and makes it more fun to play.

Key Features
  • Involves baking and tapping
  • Immediate action
  • Simple to learn
Pros
  • Can play by itself
  • Has hundreds of achievements
  • Addictive
Cons
  • Not quite challenging
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Cookie Clickers

Are you a fan of dinosaurs? Do you enjoy endless runner games? Then Dino Run: Prehistoric Dinosaur Escape is the game for you.

The Dino Run follows a simple storyline. You, a prehistoric dinosaur, have escaped the cage in your zoo and must now outrun the hunters and survive their pursuit. Operating the prehistoric dinosaur is easy with some standard jump, run, and dodge controls. However, manipulating these controls to get the dino over some of the obstacles can get pretty tough, adding a layer of difficulty to the game.

The run takes place along a stone path in a forest where gold coins are laid out along the way. As you try to escape the hunters, you must collect the gold coins on the path. These are important for upgrades, which give your prehistoric monster an edge. Unlocking some of the upgrades offers benefits such as longer bonus durations, survival mode, or extra lives.

Like most games, the Dino Run is designed with a stats board. You can use this to track your score while you control the dinosaur. Using the stats board as a reference, you can challenge yourself to beat your high score every run.

If you don’t find the normal playing mode complex enough, you may switch over to Hard Mode. As the name suggests, this mode is more challenging. The game is simple to understand but challenging to play for a long time.

Key Features
  • Endless runner game
  • Jump, Run, Dodge controls
  • Hard Mode available for tough challenge
Pros
  • Fun dinosaur game
  • Simple storyline
  • Straightforward controls
Cons
  • Manipulating Dino might be a little difficult
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When last did you enjoy a shooter game that incorporates up to seventy levels of effortless fun? The Ricochet Kill 3 is such a great flash game to put your free time into quality use. Although the preceding two versions were interesting, the third has brought in a new dimension which creates a whole new gaming experience.

Each of the seventy levels of this game has a unique set of tasks meaning there will be no time for boredom. By the moment you are done with the 70th level, you will indeed appreciate the diversity and fun that this game offers.

The Ricochet Kill 3 is ideally an adventure game with shooting aspects all over. For a player to emerge victorious, they must be sharp enough to spot their enemies in good time and eliminating them using the least amount of ammunition possible.

Unlike most flash games, the Ricochet Kill 3 doesn’t require an instructional manual for you to follow through. Instead, all that guides you are the controls that are to be used when pulling the trigger and the best way to use the environment to your advantage. This game is, therefore, easy to play as long as players remain keen to avoid being eliminated by their enemies.

The Ricochet Kill 3 is compatible with a wide range of platforms. From the Browser, Mac, and PC to Android and iOS, you have a chance to enjoy excellent puzzles from the comfort of your home. The shooting aspect of the game, however, means parental guidance is required before kids are allowed to get into it.

Key Features
  • Simple to use app
  • Great physics game
  • Walkthrough shooting puzzle
  • Up to 70 levels
Pros
  • Easy to play
  • More challenging than the previous versions
  • Fun to play
  • The game controls are easy to use
Cons
  • The many ads that pop-up spoil the fun
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Ricochet Kill 3

Flash games have come a long way since the 1990s in terms of quality and diversity. Unlike other kinds of game platforms, flash content has not changed to the primary medium of consumption. These games have always run on the internet and are likely to continue doing so.

Easy To Play

Flash games are great for people who do not want to spend hours, days, or weeks setting up their battle stations. You simply need a web browser connected to a decent internet connection, and you are ready to start playing. You can get anyone to try flash games quickly since they don’t have to install any new programs or buy expensive equipment just to get started.

Contrast that with what you have to deal with in the PC or console world. You are required to spend hundreds of dollars to buy the physical device. Then, you have to pay extra money to buy the game ROMs. After doing all that, you might realize that some titles can’t be played if you do not invest in additional peripherals such as controllers and VR gear.

Using the web as a platform makes flash games easy to set up and play, mostly if you are a casual gamer.

Platform Agnostic

Aside from being easy to get into, flash games typically run on any modern web browser. To put things into perspective, your Android phone, iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC, and TV will let you play the games. The only requirement is a web connection, a wired or wireless network, and a form of input such as a mouse or keyboard.

You can start the game on an Android TV in the morning and continue to play on the iPhone as you commute. You can also check out your progress on PC as you take coffee during your break. You can do this because the games designed for the platform use the same web APIs regardless of the operating system or device.

A few years ago, the quality of browser games was substantially lower than native games. With newer web technologies, things have definitely changed for the better. Modern web browsers can use most sensors on a modern gadget, including microphones, locations services, messaging, and gyroscopes.

If you have never picked up a flash game, try one today, and you will be amazed how far the platform has come in just two decades. Now, that you've reached the end of this guide, you can revisit our list of the best flash games and find the best one for you!

FAQ

Q: What are flash games?

Flash games, also known as browser games, are games played directly on a web browser. Some believe that the best flash games were the first form of online virality. Oftentimes they would take the web by storm and capitalize on ongoing social events. Flash games were well-liked because they were highly accessible and easy to jump into. Most of the time you didn’t need to have an expert level video game understanding. You could simply visit the website hosting the flash game and start playing immediately. The best flash games can be found in single-player or multiplayer form. What’s more, is that they are usually free to all players. The free-to-play dynamic added to the viral power of these games. 

Q: Do flash games still work after 2020?

As of December 31st 2020, a monumental change in the flash game landscape shook the internet to its core. Previously, Internet browsers required Adobe Flash player to run 95 percent of flash games. Adobe decided to eliminate this service. The reasoning behind their decision was primarily to remove an outdated form of technology. Beyond playing flash games, Adobe flash had very few usages. Adobe viewed flash games as a thing of the past that could no longer bring in profit. Thus, their decision to terminate Adobe flash came to be. This change left websites with no choice but to remove their flash-based content. Luckily, many of the best flash games over the years have been preserved and can be accessed through various archives.

Q: When did flash games peak in popularity?

Flash games took the world by storm in the early years of the Internet. They may not have had a long lifespan, but their impact was felt by kids all around the world. As more and more households received widespread access to the Internet in the early 2000s flash games became a popular form of entertainment. Kids looking to play games online were met with a wonderful library of games. The games appealed to a lot of people thanks to their simplicity and free-to-play model. As other forms of console gaming and PC gaming began to develop, the need for flash games diminished significantly. By 2010 flash games were no longer as popular as a form of entertainment. 

Q: How do flash games make money?

There have been three proven methods in which developers can monetize their flash games. The first and most common would be the running of ads. Running ads online is the number one method of monetization. Flash games are no different as a form of entertainment that works well with advertising on a web page. Another method is called microtransactions. We may not have known a ton about microtransactions when flash games peaked in popularity. Nowadays, microtransactions are heavily frowned upon. Asking users to pay for virtual goods has caused a lot of online debate regarding the topic. Licensing deals are yet another form of income for developers. If their game succeeds this can set them up for bigger deals down the road. 

Q: Can you play flash games on mobile devices?

Considering the history between mobile gaming and flash games it is interesting to note that people can play the best flash games on mobile devices. Although flash games will not work on stock web browsers, third-party web browsers that have flash integration can run flash games. There are a select few browsers such as Puffin and Photon Browser that gives users access to flash games. This means people can enjoy flash games on their iPhones and iPads. The same goes for Android users who require a third-party web browser. Experts believe that the emergence of mobile gaming led to the demise of flash games. Thus, it is ironic that flash games now find a home on mobile devices.