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A Jackbox alternative that needs no internet and no TV

Jackbox party packs are brilliant at home with a TV and good Wi-Fi. Take the same group to a cabin, a train or a campsite, and the setup falls apart. Here is what you can play when all you have is phones.

What Jackbox needs

A main screen. The game runs on a console, PC or TV, and everyone watches it.
Internet during play. Store listings for the Jackbox Party Packs state that an internet connection is required while playing; players join from their phone's browser at jackbox.tv.
A purchase per pack, bought by the person who hosts.

Requirements as stated on the Nintendo store page for The Jackbox Party Pack 9. Mesh Party is not affiliated with Jackbox Games.

Mesh Party: party games on the phones themselves

In Mesh Party there is no main screen. Every player sees the game on their own phone, and the phones talk to each other directly over Bluetooth. No Wi-Fi, no mobile data, no server, no accounts. Friends join by scanning a QR code or picking the room from a list.

Truth or Dare (2–12 players): every round each player writes their own truth questions and dares, the wheel picks who goes next, and the group votes on whether the dare was done.
Who Am I? (3–10): the others give you a character; you see everyone's but your own and guess yours with yes/no questions.
Mind Match (2–10): everyone secretly answers the same question; matching answers score.
Two Truths and a Lie (3–10): write two true facts about yourself and one lie, and the group votes to find the lie.

Side by side

	Jackbox	Mesh Party
Main screen	Needed (TV, PC or console)	Not needed
Internet	Needed during play	Not needed, Bluetooth
Players	Depends on the game	Up to 12
Price	Paid packs	Free: joining a room uses a token (free every 4 hours or for an ad); one-time Premium removes that

When Jackbox is still the better pick

For drawing and writing comedy games on a big screen, with an audience of dozens watching from their phones, Jackbox has no real replacement. Mesh Party is for when you're in one room without a TV or without a connection, and you want classic party games everyone already knows.

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store

FAQ

Can you play Jackbox without internet?
According to its store listings, Jackbox Party Packs need an internet connection during play, and players join through jackbox.tv.

Is there a party game app that works without Wi-Fi?
Yes. Mesh Party connects up to 12 phones over Bluetooth and runs Truth or Dare, Who Am I?, Mind Match and Two Truths and a Lie with no internet.

Do you need a TV for Mesh Party?
No. Each player sees the game on their own phone.