Game Pigeon: The Ultimate Guide for iOS & Android Users

If you’ve ever wanted to play games with friends during a casual iMessage chat, Game Pigeon is your go-to solution. Since its launch in 2016, it has become a viral phenomenon, especially among teens and young adults. Game Pigeon offers an extensive library of two-player and multiplayer games—ranging from board games like Mancala, to classics like Gomoku, and action-based titles like Tanks and Archery.

But now more and more users are asking:

• “How do I play Game Pigeon games correctly?”
• “Why isn’t Game Pigeon working on my iPhone?”
• “Can I get Game Pigeon on Android?”

This ultimate guide answers all of these questions with detailed, easy-to-follow instructions , helping you understand, troubleshoot, and enjoy Game Pigeon on any device.

What Is Game Pigeon?

Game Pigeon is a game app that integrates directly into Apple’s iMessage. Created by Vitalii Zlotskii, the app allows users to play games directly inside iMessage threads—no need to install separate apps for each game or leave your chat screen.

Popular game categories include:

• Board Games (e.g., Gomoku, Mancala)
• Puzzle Games (e.g., Filler)
• Arcade-Style (e.g., Tanks, Archery)
• Sports & Simulation (e.g., Mini Golf, 8-Ball Pool)
• Word & Trivia (e.g., Word Hunt, Anagrams)

How to Install Game Pigeon on iOS (iPhone/iPad)

Here’s how to download and set up Game Pigeon:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Enter a conversation with any iOS user.
3. Tap the App Store icon (gray ‘A’) next to the iMessage box.
4. Search for “GamePigeon” in the iMessage App Store.
5. Tap Get to download and install.
6. Once installed, open a chat, tap the Game Pigeon icon, and pick a game to start playing!

📌 Both you and your friend must have Game Pigeon installed for games to work.

How to Play Games on Game Pigeon

Playing is simple:

• Open any iMessage chat.
• Tap the GamePigeon icon.
• Choose a game (e.g., Gomoku).
• Customize options (if available), then tap Send.
• Your friend receives the game, makes their move, and sends it back.

It’s turn-based and asynchronous, meaning you don’t need to both be online at the same time.

Game-Specific How-to Guides

Let’s break down exactly how to play the most popular Game Pigeon games.

How to Play Gomoku on Game Pigeon

Gomoku is a classic strategy game also known as Five in a Row. The objective is simple: be the first to align five stones (X or O) in a row on a grid.

🧩 How to Play:

1. Player 1 (Black) starts and places a piece anywhere.
2. Player 2 (White) responds by placing theirs.
3. Keep alternating moves until one player forms an unbroken line of 5 stones.
4. The line can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.

🎯 Winning Tip: Block your opponent’s lines while building your own. Always plan 2-3 moves ahead.

How to Play Filler on Game Pigeon

Filler is a lesser-known strategy game where players try to control a majority of the board by capturing cells of a specific color.

🧠 How to Play:

1. Each player starts from a corner of the board.
2. On your turn, select a color to “expand” your area.
3. You can’t choose the color the opponent used last turn.
4. First to control over half the board wins.

👀 Strategy: Choose colors that give you the largest area gain while minimizing your opponent’s moves.

How to Play Archery on Game Pigeon

Archery is a shooting accuracy game.

🏹 How to Play:

1. Pull back and aim using the on-screen slider.
2. Control the angle and force of your shot.
3. The goal is to hit the center of the target.
4. Points decrease the farther you are from the bullseye.
5. Highest score after several rounds wins.

⚡ Tip: Adjust for wind and distance; subtle movements go a long way.

How to Play Mancala on Game Pigeon

Mancala is an ancient strategy game about capturing stones.

🪨 How to Play:

1. Each player starts with pits filled with stones.
2. Choose a pit to “sow” stones counterclockwise.
3. If your last stone lands in your Mancala (goal pit), you get another turn.
4. Capture stones by landing your last stone in an empty pit on your side, opposite a full pit on your opponent’s side.
5. The player with the most stones in their Mancala wins.

📚 Strategy: Use free turns and captures strategically.

How to Play Tanks on Game Pigeon

Tanks is an action-strategy game.

💣 How to Play:

1. Control a tank on a destructible map.
2. Adjust aim angle and power to shoot at your opponent.
3. Use walls, terrain, and strategy to land hits.
4. First to deplete the opponent’s health wins.

💡 Tip: Don’t rush. Use the environment to bounce shots creatively.

How to Play Shuffleboard on Game Pigeon

Shuffleboard is all about precision.

🧊 How to Play:

1. Flick discs toward the end of the board.
2. Land in the highest scoring zone without falling off.
3. Knock your opponent’s discs off to sabotage them.
4. After all rounds, player with highest score wins.

🎮 Pro Tip: Perfect your flick angle and power.

How to Get Game Pigeon on Android

Why It’s Not Available

Game Pigeon relies on iMessage, which is exclusive to Apple devices. iMessage doesn’t natively work on Android.

Workaround: Use WeMessage (Advanced)

🛠️ Requirements:

• Mac computer with macOS
• Android phone
• Java JDK installed
• WeMessage server running on Mac

⚠️ Limitations:

• Complex setup
• Mac must stay on
• Game compatibility varies
• Not supported by Apple or Game Pigeon

Best Game Pigeon Alternatives on Android

Try these instead:

🔁 Many iPhone users switch to Plato to play with Android friends.

Why Is Game Pigeon Not Working?

Common Fixes

1. Update iOS: Game Pigeon requires the latest iMessage features.
2. Restart Device: Simple reboots fix most bugs.
3. Reinstall App: Go to Settings → Storage → GamePigeon → Delete App and reinstall.
4. Check Storage: Full storage can break iMessage extensions.

Reddit-Proven Solutions

“Game Pigeon stopped opening until I reinstalled it—worked fine after that.” – u/pigeonmaster2024

“Disable tweaks like ColorizeChat if you’re jailbroken. It messes with Game Pigeon.” – u/iosnerd

Tips to Improve Your Game Pigeon Skills

Mastering Game Pigeon is not just about tapping quickly—strategy, timing, and consistency play a huge role. Here are winning tips across some of the top games.

🎯 Gomoku Tips

• Prioritize the center: More options open up mid-board.
• Block proactively: If your opponent has three in a row, prevent the fourth.
• Think like chess: Play both defense and offense.

🧠 Filler Strategy

• Plan your path: Target high-density cells early.
• Corner control: Control the map edges to limit opponent expansion.

🏹 Archery Techniques

• Keep a light hand: Overpulling can send arrows flying.
• Gauge distance: Adjust based on target range and wind (in higher difficulty levels).
• Use trial shots: Learn from the first round to adjust.

💣 Tanks Tips

• Bounce shots off walls: Trick your opponent with ricochet.
• Shield yourself: Use terrain to block return fire.
• Learn angles: Understand how trajectory and power work.

🪨 Mancala Tricks

• Set up free turns: Ending in your Mancala gives another go.
• Count seeds: Know how many stones are in each pit to optimize movement.

🧊 Shuffleboard Advice

• Use blockers: Strategically place discs to protect high-scoring ones.
• Knock opponents: Don’t just score—remove their discs from the board.

9. Best Game Pigeon Alternatives for Cross-Platform Play

If your friends are on Android or you’re looking for more variety, try these Game Pigeon alternatives. They offer smooth gameplay and social interaction across both iOS and Android.

✅ Top Alternatives

🌟 Why Plato Is the Best Alternative

Plato closely replicates Game Pigeon’s chat-based gameplay, includes many similar titles (like pool, mini golf, connect 4), and allows real-time interaction.

“I switched to Plato to play with my Android friends. Honestly, it’s smoother than Game Pigeon.” – Reddit user u/socialgamer123

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓Can You Play Game Pigeon Without iMessage?

No. Game Pigeon is an iMessage-exclusive extension and cannot function outside of it.

❓Is Game Pigeon Free?

Yes. Game Pigeon is completely free, but offers in-app purchases for cosmetic items and to remove ads.

❓Why Is Game Pigeon Not Showing Up?

If you can’t see the Game Pigeon app:

• Make sure it’s installed from the iMessage App Store.
• Restart your iPhone.
• Enable it under Messages > App Drawer > Manage.

❓How Do I Remove Game Pigeon?

1. Open the iMessage app drawer.
2. Long-press on Game Pigeon.
3. Tap Delete.

Or go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > GamePigeon > Delete App.

❓Can I Play Game Pigeon with Android Users?

Unfortunately, no. Game Pigeon only works between Apple devices using iMessage.

❓Is Game Pigeon Safe for Kids?

Yes, but parental supervision is recommended. Some games include in-app purchases and online interaction.

❓How Do I Play Game Pigeon in Group Chats?

Game Pigeon works in group iMessage chats, but not all games support more than 2 players. Check the game’s player limit before starting.

❓Can I Use Game Pigeon on Mac or iPad?

Yes, Game Pigeon is compatible with iPads running iOS 10+ and some macOS setups using iMessage. However, it works best on iPhones.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an iOS veteran or just discovered Game Pigeon, this versatile iMessage extension remains one of the best ways to connect and play with friends right inside your texts.