When it comes to hosting a lively party or gathering with a large group of friends, finding the perfect board game can be a challenge. Fortunately, the world of tabletop gaming has evolved to include a variety of engaging options that can accommodate larger groups, ensuring everyone gets in on the fun. Whether you're planning a casual get-together or a festive celebration, these top picks for 2025 are designed to bring joy and laughter to parties and large gatherings.
For those seeking family-friendly options, be sure to check out our list of the best family board games suitable for all ages.
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
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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 construct the most outlandish town imaginable. Each turn, one player takes on the role of mayor, secretly deciding where three randomly-drawn location tiles will be placed. The mayor then reveals the tiles to the group, but not their chosen spots. It's up to the team to guess correctly, earning points for each accurate placement. The real fun, however, lies in the hilarious and bizarre combinations that emerge, such as an alien abduction site nestled between a cattle ranch and a daycare center.
Caution Signs
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Caution Signs
0See it at Amazon
Players: 3-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Ever been puzzled by the odd symbols on roadside warning signs? Caution Signs is the game for you. Players draw cards featuring quirky combinations of nouns and verbs, like "rolling rabbits" or "pretty crocodiles," and must create a caution sign for these unusual hazards. One player doesn't draw and instead guesses the others' creations. The entertainment comes not only from the weird pairings and drawings but also from the amusingly off-target guesses.
Ready Set Bet
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Ready Set Bet
2See it at Amazon
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
This horse-racing game thrives on a thrilling premise: the earlier you bet, the bigger the payout if you win. The race can be managed by a game-master or an app, unfolding in real-time based on dice odds. As the race progresses, players place their betting chips on individual horses or color groups, aiming for various race positions. The game also includes prop bets and exotic finish bets, adding variety. Ready Set Bet is simple, fast-paced, and sure to get everyone cheering and groaning as they root for their chosen horses.
Challengers!
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Challengers Card Game
1See it at Amazon
Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes
Challengers! is an innovative party game that won the prestigious 2023 Kennerspiel award. It's essentially an auto-battler video game transformed into a tabletop format, allowing up to eight players to compete in a similar timeframe. Players purchase new cards for their deck, then pair off to battle by flipping cards and keeping the winner. It's fast, addictive, and surprisingly strategic, yet filled with amusing matchups for those who just want to relax and enjoy the chaos.
That’s Not A Hat
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That's Not a Hat
3See it at Amazon
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
That's Not A Hat combines bluffing and memory into a compact, engaging package. Players start with a face-up card showing an everyday object, then draw a second card and flip all cards face down. As cards are passed around the table, players must state what the card is without flipping it back up, relying on memory. If someone suspects a bluff, they can challenge the claim. Three incorrect guesses and you're out. This game offers a delightful mix of memory and psychology, perfect for quick, entertaining rounds.
Wits and Wagers
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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 a trivia game with a twist: instead of answering questions yourself, you bet on others' answers. If a question stumps you, like the number of Super Bowl rings Peyton Manning has, you can bet on a friend who knows football. This makes the game accessible to everyone, regardless of their trivia knowledge. The party and family versions feature easier questions and accommodate more players, making it a great alternative to traditional trivia games.
Codenames
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Codenames
30See it at Amazon
Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
Also at Target
In Codenames, players split into teams with one "spymaster" per team. The spymaster gives coded clues to help their team identify codewords on a 5x5 grid. For example, if the words are "fence," "tree," and "door," the spymaster might say "wood, three." The game relies on quick thinking and can lead to amusing disputes. With numerous expansions available since its 2015 release, Codenames offers endless replayability. There's also Codenames: Duet, perfect for couples.
Time’s Up – Title Recall
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Time's Up - Title Recall
8See it at Target
Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes
Time's Up combines elements of pop culture quizzes and charades. Players use a pool of 40 cards with famous titles over three rounds. In the first round, you can say anything except the title. The second round limits you to one word, and the third is a pantomime. The escalating restrictions lead to hilarious associations and make this game a fun blend of trivia and wordplay.
The Resistance: Avalon
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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 receive secret roles and must complete five quests while keeping Merlin alive. Merlin knows who is loyal but must stay hidden. With roles like Percival and Mordred, the game creates a tense atmosphere of paranoia. Its quick playtime makes it perfect for repeated sessions.
Telestrations
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Telestrations
8See it at Amazon
Players: 4 - 8
Playtime: 30 - 60 minutes
Also at Target
Telestrations is a commercial version of the image-based Chinese whispers game. Players start with a phrase, draw it, and pass it along for others to guess and redraw. The cycle continues until it returns to the original player, often resulting in hilarious distortions. For larger groups, a 12-player expansion is available, and an adults-only After Dark version adds a daring twist.
Dixit Odyssey
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Dixit Odyssey
7See it at Amazon
Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes
Dixit Odyssey, an expansion of the Spiel des Jahres-winning Dixit, offers a unique storytelling experience. Each turn, one player, the storyteller, describes a card in their hand. Others choose cards from their own hands that fit the description, and all cards are shuffled and revealed. Players then guess which card belongs to the storyteller, who earns points based on correct guesses. The game's beautiful artwork and reliance on creativity make it a captivating choice.
Wavelength
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Wavelength
11See it at Amazon
Players: 2 - 12
Playtime: 30 - 45 minutes
Also at Target
Wavelength adds a fresh twist to guessing games by focusing on opinions rather than trivia. Players give clues about a point on a dial between two extremes, like "straight" and "curvy." The challenge is to guide their team to guess the correct position. With both cooperative and competitive modes, Wavelength is versatile and engaging for all ages.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
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One Night Ultimate Werewolf
13See it at Amazon
Players: 4-10
Playtime: 10 minutes
Also at Target
One Night Ultimate Werewolf is synonymous with party games, offering quick, interactive play. Players receive secret roles and must identify werewolves among them. Roles like the seer and troublemaker add clues and chaos. With various themes available, from vampires to aliens, this game promises lively discussions and potential friendship-testing moments.
Monikers
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Monikers
7See it at Amazon
Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes
Monikers reinvents the classic game of Celebrity with a humorous twist. Players act out characters like Count Chocula or Drunk Jeff Goldblum, with rounds becoming progressively more restrictive. As cards are reused, in-jokes form, adding to the fun. With nods to modern memes and viral videos, Monikers is hailed as the ultimate party game.
Decrypto
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Decrypto
10See it at Amazon
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes
In Decrypto, teams decipher numeric codes using clues from an encryptor. Four words are assigned to numbers one through four, and the encryptor gives clues for a three-digit code. The game's interception mechanic adds a strategic layer, requiring careful clue-giving to avoid revealing too much to opponents. Decrypto offers a spy-like experience that's both fun and challenging.
What's the Difference Between a Party Game and a Board Game?
------------------------------------------------------------Board games typically cater to smaller groups, often 2-6 players, and focus on structured gameplay with specific rules and goals. They can be strategic or luck-based. Party games, on the other hand, are designed for larger groups and emphasize fun, social interaction. They are easy to learn, quick to play, and often involve activities like charades or drawing challenges, prioritizing entertainment over competition.
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 or using laminated player aids. Consider the space needed for play and accommodate for snacks and drinks. Choose simple, intuitive games that can be taught quickly, and be flexible if your guests prefer other activities. Splitting into smaller groups or teams can also help manage larger gatherings effectively.
