McDonald’s is bringing back its nostalgic Monopoly game this fall, but it won’t look quite the same as it has in years past.
The game returned to the Chicago-based burger chain on some items and through the app in 2025 after a 10-year hiatus. For 2026, gameplay will take place exclusively in the app, McDonald’s said.
The chain says the new way to play is a “simplified experience” with a “one-of-a-kind prize list.”
The move marks a major shift in the way the game is played. Originally, McDonald’s Monopoly stickers came on dozens of menu items for guests ordering dine-in or takeout to peel.
Now, the game will be played exclusively through the app, McDonald’s said. Users must first download the McDonald’s app, opt into Rewards and pre-register for the game.
Starting Oct. 6, customers can order from the “Monopoly at McD’s” menu through the app to receive a game piece. Eligible items span breakfast, lunch and dinner, including large fries, large hot and cold drinks and more, McDonald’s said.
Starting on Oct. 6, customers can order from the “Monopoly at McD’s” menu via the app to receive a game piece. Eligible items span breakfast, lunch and dinner, McDonald’s said, including large fries, large hot and cold drinks and more.
After the game piece is peeled, it must be scanned into the app. Game pieces come with four different prize chances, McDonald’s said, including instant-win free food and instant-win rewards points. It also includes the popular property game pieces and Chance cards.
“MONOPOLY at McDonald’s is more than just a game. It’s about childhood memories, family moments and surprises that make our day,” Alyssa Buetikofer, senior vice president and chief marketing and customer experience officer of McDonald’s USA, said in the release. “This year, we’re giving fans even more reasons to play with bigger prizes, more rewards, and a simpler digital game experience that includes the classic peel.”
In addition to instant-win game pieces, here’s a look at some of the other prizes available this year:
- Carnival Cruise Vacation package
- 2027 Jeep Cherokee
- VIP trip and tour experience at Kennedy Space Center
- Free McDonald’s for a year
- $50,000 towards college debt paydowns
- $50,000 towards a home down payment
- Gift cards to GrubHub, UberEats, Ulta and more
- Cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to $1 million
According to McDonald’s, the game lasts through Nov. 1, 2026. Game pieces will be available on the following menu items, but they must be ordered through the McDonald’s app:
- Large Hot McCafé Beverages
- Large Soft Drinks
- Large Iced Coffees, Iced Teas, Lemonade and McCafé Specialty Drinks
- Large Fries
- Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese
- Big Mac
- 10-Piece Chicken McNuggets
- 4-Piece McCrispy Strips
- Hash Browns
- Biscuit sandwiches (excluding limited-time Biscuit Sandwiches)
- McMuffin sandwiches
Game pieces are available at participating restaurants while supplies last. According to McDonald’s, approximately 640,591,900 game pieces will be distributed to restaurants.
This story originally appeared on NBCChicago.com.
