When hosting a party or gathering with a large group of friends, finding the right board game can transform the event into a memorable experience. Thankfully, the world of tabletop gaming is rich with options designed specifically for larger groups, ensuring that everyone can join in the fun. Whether you're looking to entertain a crowd of 10 or more, there are plenty of engaging and scalable board games that will keep everyone involved and entertained.
If you're planning your next gathering, consider these top picks for the best party board games in 2025. Additionally, if you're looking for games suitable for all ages, be sure to check out our list of the best family board games.
Players: 2-6
Playtime: 30 minutes
Link City is a unique cooperative party game where players work together to create the most whimsical town imaginable. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor, deciding the placement of three randomly-drawn location tiles. The challenge is for the rest of the group to guess the mayor's choices, earning points for each correct guess. The real fun comes from the absurd combinations that emerge, like an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center, ensuring plenty of laughs and creativity.
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Ideal for those fascinated by quirky roadside signs, Caution Signs challenges players to create warning signs for unusual scenarios. With cards featuring bizarre combinations like rolling rabbits or pretty crocodiles, players draw their interpretations on blank signs. One player guesses the creations, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and creative chaos.
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
This exciting horse-racing game thrives on the thrill of betting. Players can place bets on individual horses or groups, with earlier bets offering higher rewards. The race unfolds in real-time, driven by dice odds and managed by either a player or an app. With prop bets and exotic finish bets, Ready Set Bet keeps everyone engaged and cheering for their chosen horses.
Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes
Challengers! offers a fresh take on party gaming, earning the 2023 Kennerspiel award for its innovative approach. Inspired by auto-battler video games, players build decks and engage in card battles, with strategic depth and quick gameplay that accommodates up to eight players seamlessly. The game's unique mechanics and surprising matchups make it both strategic and fun.
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
Blending bluffing and memory, That's Not a Hat is a quick and entertaining game. Players pass cards showing everyday objects, relying on memory to identify them correctly. If someone suspects a bluff, they can call it out, making for a thrilling mix of recall and psychological strategy. The game's fast pace and humor make it a party favorite.
Players: 3-7 (standard), 4-18 (party), 3-10 (family)
Playtime: 25 minutes
Perfect for trivia enthusiasts who aren't trivia experts, Wits and Wagers lets players bet on the answers provided by others. This approach makes it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, as you don't need to know every topic to win. With versions tailored for different group sizes and skill levels, it's a versatile choice for any gathering.
Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
In this spy-themed game, teams compete to uncover codewords based on clues given by their spymasters. The spymaster's challenge is to guide their team to the correct words without directly naming them, leading to clever clues and humorous misinterpretations. With expansions available, Codenames offers endless replayability.
Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes
Combining elements of pop culture quizzes and charades, Time's Up challenges players to guess titles through progressively restricted clues. From full sentences to one-word hints, and finally to non-verbal pantomime, the game escalates in difficulty and hilarity, making it a perfect party game that encourages creativity and laughter.
Players: 5-10
Playtime: 30 minutes
Set in King Arthur's court, The Resistance: Avalon is a bluffing game where players must uncover and thwart the evil among them. With secret roles and special abilities, the game creates a tense atmosphere of suspicion and strategy, making it a thrilling choice for larger groups.
Players: 4-8
Playtime: 30-60 minutes
A fun twist on the game of telephone, Telestrations has players draw and guess phrases, leading to hilarious misinterpretations. The game's chain of sketches and guesses provides endless amusement and can be expanded for larger groups or adapted for more adult themes with the After Dark version.
Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes
Dixit Odyssey builds on the storytelling magic of the original Dixit game, which won the Spiel des Jahres in 2010. Players use surreal artwork to create and guess stories, balancing creativity with clarity to score points. It's a beautiful and engaging game that sparks imagination and conversation.
Players: 2-12
Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Wavelength introduces a fresh twist to guessing games by focusing on opinions rather than trivia. Players give clues to guide their team toward a secret point on a spectrum, sparking lively discussions and laughter. With both cooperative and competitive modes, it's a versatile and engaging choice for any party.
Players: 4-10
Playtime: 10 minutes
This fast-paced game of deception and deduction is perfect for parties. Players receive secret roles and must navigate a single night of chaos to identify the werewolves among them. With various roles and special abilities, each game is a whirlwind of accusations and laughter, making it a thrilling choice for any gathering.
Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes
Monikers reimagines the classic game of Celebrity with a humorous twist. Players act out a variety of quirky characters, with rules becoming progressively more challenging. The game's clever in-jokes and homage to modern culture make it a laugh-filled highlight of any party.
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes
In Decrypto, teams compete to crack numeric codes based on clues given by their encryptor. The game's clever mechanics, including an interception feature, create a thrilling balance of strategy and deception. It's a perfect blend of fun and challenge for party settings.
Not all board games are party games, and vice versa. Board games typically cater to smaller groups, often 2-6 players, with structured rules and strategic goals. They can be luck-based or require deep planning. Party games, on the other hand, are designed for larger groups and focus on entertainment and social interaction. They are usually easy to learn, quick to play, and involve activities like charades or trivia that encourage laughter and engagement.
Hosting party games with a large group requires some preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Protect your games from wear and tear by sleeving cards or using laminated player aids. Consider the space you have, ensuring there's enough room for everyone and any refreshments. Choose simple, intuitive games that can be quickly taught, and be ready to adapt if the group's energy shifts. Most importantly, go with the flow and prioritize fun over strict adherence to game rules.
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