Many of the best board games are designed for smaller groups, but what if you're hosting a party or gathering with a larger crowd? Fortunately, game designers have created numerous engaging tabletop experiences that can easily accommodate 10 or more players, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.
If you’re looking for the perfect board game to liven up your next gathering, consider these top picks for party and large group games in 2025. For family-friendly options, don't forget to check out our list of the best family board games.
TL;DR: The Best Party Board Games
- Link City (2-6 players)
- Caution Signs (3-9 players)
- Ready Set Bet (2-9 players)
- Challengers! (1-8 players)
- That's Not a Hat (3-8 players)
- Wits and Wagers: Party (4-18 players)
- Codenames (2-8 players)
- Time's Up – Title Recall (3+ players)
- The Resistance: Avalon (5-10 players)
- Telestrations (4-8 players)
- Dixit Odyssey (3-12 players)
- Wavelength (2-12 players)
- One Night Ultimate Werewolf (4-10 players)
- Monikers (4-20 players)
- Decrypto (3-8 players)
Link City
Link City
0See it at Amazon
Players: 2-6
Playtime: 30 minutes
Link City is a unique, fully cooperative party game where you and your friends work together to build the most bizarre town imaginable. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor and secretly decides where three randomly-drawn location tiles should be placed. They then reveal the tiles to the group, who must guess the mayor's intended placement. Points are earned for correct guesses, but the real fun lies in the laughter and creativity sparked by the town's eclectic layout, like an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and daycare center.
Caution Signs
Caution Signs
0See it at Amazon
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
If you've ever been amused by odd roadside warning signs, Caution Signs is the game for you. Players draw cards with quirky combinations of nouns and verbs, like "rolling rabbits" or "pretty crocodiles," and sketch a caution sign to match. One player guesses the others' creations, leading to hilarious misinterpretations and creative fun.
Ready Set Bet
Ready Set Bet
2See it at Amazon
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Ready Set Bet is a thrilling horse-racing game where the earlier you bet, the bigger the payoff if you win. The race unfolds in real-time, driven by dice odds, with players placing bets on individual horses or color groups. The game includes various prop bets and exotic finish bets, ensuring excitement and engagement as players cheer and groan over the race's outcome.
Challengers!
Challengers! Card Game
1See it at Amazon
Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes
Challengers! is an innovative party game that transforms the auto-battler genre into a card game format. Players build decks and engage in head-to-head battles, with the winner taking the opponent's card. The game is fast-paced, addictive, and strategic, offering a fresh twist on party gaming that won the prestigious 2023 Kennerspiel award.
That’s Not A Hat
That's Not a Hat
3See it at Amazon
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
That’s Not A Hat combines bluffing and memory in a compact, fun package. Players receive face-up cards with everyday objects, then flip them down and pass them around, relying on memory to identify the objects. If someone suspects a bluff, they can challenge the player, adding tension and laughter to this quick and engaging game.
Wits and Wagers
Wits & Wagers Party
23See it at Amazon
Players: 3-7 (standard), 4-18 (party), 3-10 (family)
Playtime: 25 minutes
Also at Target
Wits and Wagers is perfect for trivia enthusiasts who aren't experts. Instead of answering questions directly, players bet on their friends' answers, making it accessible and fun. The party version accommodates more players and features easier questions, ensuring everyone can join in the fun and outdo Trivial Pursuit.
Codenames
Codenames
30See it at Amazon
Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
Also at Target
In Codenames, teams compete to guess codewords based on their spymaster's clues. The spymaster must creatively link words without saying them, leading to funny and strategic gameplay. Multiple expansions add replay value, and Codenames: Duet is a great option for couples.
Time’s Up – Title Recall
Time's Up - Title Recall
8See it at Target
Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes
Time's Up combines pop culture quizzes and charades in a thrilling game. Players guess titles of movies, TV shows, and songs through three rounds of increasingly restrictive clues—from full sentences to one word to pantomime. The evolving challenges lead to hilarious associations and memorable moments.
The Resistance: Avalon
The Resistance: Avalon
13See it at Amazon
Players: 5-10
Playtime: 30 minutes
Also at Target
The Resistance: Avalon is a thrilling bluffing game set in King Arthur's court. Players with secret roles must complete quests while protecting Merlin, who knows the identities but can't reveal them without risk. The game's dynamic roles and escalating tension make it a party favorite, encouraging multiple rounds of play.
Telestrations
Telestrations
8See it at Amazon
Players: 4-8
Playtime: 30-60 minutes
Also at Target
Telestrations is a fun twist on the classic game of telephone, using drawings to communicate phrases. Players sketch, guess, and pass cards, leading to hilarious misinterpretations. Expansions and an adults-only version enhance the fun, making it perfect for larger groups.
Dixit Odyssey
Dixit Odyssey
7See it at Amazon
Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes
Dixit Odyssey, an expansion of the award-winning Dixit, enhances the storytelling experience with beautiful, surreal artwork. Players take turns as storytellers, describing a card with a word or phrase, while others choose cards that fit the description. Balancing vagueness and clarity is key to scoring points, making it a creative and engaging game for all ages.
Wavelength
Wavelength
11See it at Amazon
Players: 2-12
Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Also at Target
Wavelength introduces a fresh take on guessing games, focusing on opinions rather than trivia. Players give clues to guide their team to a point between two extremes, like "straight" and "curvy." The subjective nature sparks lively discussions, making it a versatile choice for both cooperative and competitive play.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
13See it at Amazon
Players: 4-10
Playtime: 10 minutes
Also at Target
One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a fast-paced party game where players receive secret roles and must identify the werewolves among them. Special abilities add intrigue, and the game's chaotic nature fosters lively discussions and accusations. Multiple themed versions are available, each adding a unique twist to the gameplay.
Monikers
Monikers
7See it at Amazon
Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes
Monikers is a modern take on the classic game of Celebrity, where players act out quirky characters. Rounds become progressively more challenging, from using words and gestures to one-word clues and silent pantomime. The game's humorous subject matter, including memes and viral videos, ensures endless laughter and group bonding.
Decrypto
Decrypto
10See it at Amazon
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes
Decrypto challenges teams to decipher numeric codes through clever clues. Each round, teams assign words to numbers, and the encryptor gives hints to guide their team. The "interception" mechanic adds intrigue, as teams can guess opponents' codes, making it a strategic and engaging experience.
What's the Difference Between a Party Game and a Board Game?
Not all board games are party games, and vice versa. Party games often don't require a board and can involve cards, drawing, or other activities. The key difference lies in the number of players: board games typically cater to smaller groups (2-6 players) and emphasize strategy or luck, while party games are designed for larger groups and focus on social interaction and entertainment.
Tips for Hosting Party Games
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 and using laminated player aids. Consider the space needed for play and accommodate for food and drinks. Choose simple, intuitive games that are easy to teach and play, and be flexible if your guests prefer different activities. Splitting into smaller groups or teams can also help manage larger crowds. Remember, the goal is to have fun and create memorable experiences.
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