When you're hosting a lively party or gathering with a large group of friends, finding the right board game can make all the difference. Fortunately, there are numerous board and card games designed to scale up seamlessly for groups of 10 or more, ensuring everyone gets in on the fun. If you're looking for the perfect game to liven up your next gathering in 2025, here are some of the best party board games that cater to larger groups and are sure to bring joy and laughter to all participants. For family-friendly options, be sure 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 team up to construct the most outlandish town imaginable. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor and secretly decides where to place three randomly-drawn location tiles. The rest of the group then tries to guess the mayor's placements, earning points for correct guesses. The real fun, however, lies in the hilarious and bizarre town layouts that emerge, like an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center. It's a game that celebrates creativity and laughter over strict competition.
Caution Signs
Caution Signs
0See it at Amazon Players: 2-9 Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Ever puzzled over the strange symbols on roadside warning signs? Caution Signs lets you channel that curiosity into a fun game. Players draw cards with unusual noun-verb combinations, like "rolling rabbits" or "pretty crocodiles," and then sketch a warning sign to depict this quirky scenario. One player acts as the guesser, trying to decipher the drawn signs. The game thrives on the humor found in the weird pairings and the often wildly inaccurate guesses, making it a delightful choice for larger groups.
Ready Set Bet
Ready Set Bet
2See it at Amazon Players: 2-9 Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Ready Set Bet transforms the excitement of horse racing into a thrilling party game. Players bet on horses, with early bets yielding higher payouts. The race unfolds in real-time, managed either by a game-master or an app, and is influenced by dice rolls. As the race progresses, players can bet on individual horses or color groups for various positions. The game also includes prop bets and exotic finish bets, adding layers of excitement and unpredictability. It's a simple yet engaging game that gets everyone cheering and commiserating together.
Challengers!
Challengers Card Game
1See it at Amazon Players: 1-8 Playtime: 45 minutes
Challengers! brings the thrill of an auto-battler video game to the tabletop, winning the 2023 Kennerspiel award for its innovative design. Players build and battle with their card decks, facing off in pairs. The game's mechanics ensure quick rounds and strategic depth, with plenty of room for both serious play and lighthearted fun. The unique match-ups and fast-paced action make it a standout choice for parties.
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 into a compact, engaging party game. Players receive a face-up card showing an everyday object, then a second card is drawn and all cards are flipped down. As cards are passed around, players must correctly identify them based on memory alone. Incorrect guesses or successful challenges add to the fun and tension. This quick and hilarious game is perfect for large groups looking for a challenge.
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 a trivia game with a twist: instead of answering questions yourself, you bet on the answers given by others. This makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of their trivia knowledge. With different versions catering to various group sizes and difficulty levels, it's an excellent choice for parties of all sizes. Say goodbye to traditional trivia games and hello to Wits and Wagers.
Codenames
Codenames
30See it at Amazon Players: 2-8 Playtime: 15 minutes Also at Target
In Codenames, players split into teams, each with a spymaster who provides clues to identify their team's codewords on a grid. The challenge lies in the spymaster's ability to give concise, creative clues without directly mentioning the words. The game's replay value is enhanced by numerous expansions, ensuring fresh experiences every time. For couples, Codenames: Duet offers a cooperative twist.
Time's Up – Title Recall
Time's Up - Title Recall
8See it at Target Players: 3+ Playtime: 60 minutes
Time's Up blends pop culture trivia with charades across three rounds. Players start with verbal clues, then move to single-word hints, and finally to non-verbal pantomime. This progression creates hilarious associations and keeps the game lively and engaging. It's a fantastic option for parties, combining trivia and wordplay in a fun, dynamic way.
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 game of bluffing and deduction set in King Arthur's court. Players assume secret roles, with loyal knights working to complete quests while protecting Merlin. Special roles like Percival and Mordred add layers of strategy and suspicion. The game's quick playtime and high replayability make it a staple for party gatherings.
Telestrations
Telestrations
8See it at Amazon Players: 4 - 8 Playtime: 30 - 60 minutes Also at Target
Telestrations is a delightful take on the classic game of telephone, using drawings and guesses. Players start with a phrase, sketch it, and pass it along for others to guess and draw. The resulting chain of interpretations often leads to hilarious outcomes. For larger groups, a 12-player expansion is available, and an adults-only version adds a daring twist.
Dixit Odyssey
Dixit Odyssey
7See it at Amazon Players: 3-12 Playtime: 30 minutes
Dixit Odyssey, an expansion of the acclaimed original Dixit, invites players to engage in creative storytelling. One player, the storyteller, describes a card in their hand, while others choose cards that fit the description. The goal is to guess the storyteller's card without making it too easy or too hard. The game's stunning artwork and focus on creativity make it a favorite for all ages.
Wavelength
Wavelength
11See it at Amazon Players: 2 - 12 Playtime: 30 - 45 minutes Also at Target
Wavelength introduces a novel guessing game where players guide their team to a point on a spectrum between two extremes. Clues are given based on a secretly set dial position, sparking lively discussions and guesses. The game's versatility, with both cooperative and competitive modes, makes it a great fit for any party.
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 must identify werewolves among them. With secret roles and special abilities, the game thrives on deception and deduction. Its quick rounds and high engagement make it a thrilling choice for any gathering. Be warned, though—it can test the strength of friendships!
Monikers
Monikers
7See it at Amazon Players: 4-20 Playtime: 60 minutes
Monikers reinvents the classic game of Celebrity with a modern twist. Players act out a variety of characters across rounds that become increasingly restrictive. The game's humorous subject matter and the development of in-jokes over rounds make it a laugh-filled experience. It's the ultimate party game for groups of all sizes.
Decrypto
Decrypto
10See it at Amazon Players: 3-8 Playtime: 15-45 minutes
Decrypto challenges teams to decipher numeric codes based on clues from their encryptor. The game's clever interception mechanic adds a layer of strategy, as players must balance giving enough information to their team without revealing too much to opponents. It's a thrilling blend of teamwork and espionage, perfect for party enthusiasts.
What's the Difference Between a Party Game and a Board Game?
Not all board games are party games, and vice versa. While board games typically cater to smaller groups and focus on strategy or luck, party games are designed for larger groups and prioritize fun, social interaction, and ease of play. Party games often involve activities like charades, trivia, or drawing, making them ideal for lively gatherings.
Tips for Hosting Party Games
Hosting party games for a large group requires some preparation. Protect your games from wear and tear by sleeving cards or using laminated copies of player aids. Consider the space you have, ensuring enough room for everyone and accommodating snacks and drinks. Choose simple, intuitive games that can be taught quickly, and be ready to adapt if the group's dynamics change. Most importantly, be flexible and focus on having a good time, even if the games don't go as planned.
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