When it comes to entertaining larger groups at parties or gatherings, traditional board games designed for smaller groups might not suffice. Fortunately, the world of tabletop gaming offers a variety of engaging options that can accommodate 10 or even more players, ensuring everyone can join in the fun. Whether you're hosting a lively party or a family get-together, these top party board games for 2025 are perfect for your next event. For family-friendly options, don't miss 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 stands out as a fully cooperative party game where players collaborate to build the most outrageous town imaginable. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor and secretly decides where three randomly-drawn location tiles should be placed. The challenge for the rest of the group is to guess the correct placement, earning points for each correct guess. The real joy, however, lies in the laughter and creativity that comes from the bizarre town layouts you'll create, like placing an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center.
Caution Signs
Caution Signs
0See it at Amazon
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Ever been puzzled by the odd symbols on roadside warning signs? Caution Signs turns this curiosity into a hilarious game. Players are dealt cards with quirky combinations of nouns and verbs, like "rolling rabbits" or "pretty crocodiles," and must draw a caution sign to represent these unusual hazards. One player acts as the guesser, trying to decipher the scribbled signs, which often leads to amusingly incorrect guesses and plenty of laughter.
Ready Set Bet
Ready Set Bet
2See it at Amazon
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Ready Set Bet offers a thrilling horse-racing experience where the earlier you place your bets, the bigger the payoff if your horse wins. The race unfolds in real-time, driven by dice odds, and can be managed by a game-master or an app. Players place betting chips on individual horses or color groups, making strategic choices as the race progresses. With a mix of core bets and random prop bets, the game keeps everyone engaged and cheering, making it a lively addition to any party.
Challengers!
Challengers Card Game
1See it at Amazon
Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes
Challengers! brings the excitement of an auto-battler video game to the tabletop, winning the prestigious 2023 Kennerspiel award. Players build decks and face off in pairs, flipping cards to battle, with the winner keeping the card. The game is fast-paced, addictive, and surprisingly strategic, with plenty of tactical nuances to explore. Whether you're a competitive player or just looking to enjoy some fun matchups, Challengers! offers something for everyone.
That’s Not A Hat
That's Not a Hat
3See it at Amazon
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
Bluffing and memory collide in the compact yet captivating That’s Not A Hat. Players receive a face-up card with an everyday object, and the starting player draws another card. All cards are then flipped face-down, and players must pass their card around, stating what it is based on memory. If someone suspects a bluff, they can call it out, and three incorrect guesses mean you're out. This mix of recollection and psychological guessing makes for a quick and entertaining 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
If trivia games are your jam but you're not a walking encyclopedia, Wits and Wagers is your perfect match. Instead of answering questions yourself, you bet on the answers provided by others. For instance, if a question about Super Bowl rings stumps you, bet on your football-savvy friend. The game's accessibility and various editions, including a party version for larger groups, make it a standout choice over traditional trivia games like Trivial Pursuit.
Codenames
Codenames
30See it at Amazon
Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
Also at Target
In this spy-themed game, teams are led by spymasters who guide their teammates to identify codewords on a grid using clever clues. The spymaster can't directly name the words but must hint at connections, like saying "wood, three" for "fence," "tree," and "door." Codenames is all about quick thinking and can lead to hilarious misinterpretations. With numerous expansions and versions, including Codenames: Duet for couples, the game offers endless replayability.
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 trivia with the fun of charades. Using 40 cards with titles of movies, TV shows, and songs, players give clues over three rounds. Start with any clue except the title, then move to one-word hints, and finally, non-verbal pantomime. The escalating challenge leads to creative and funny associations, making it a lively and engaging party game.
The Resistance: Avalon
The Resistance: Avalon
13See it at Amazon
Players: 5 - 10
Playtime: 30 minutes
Also at Target
Set in King Arthur's court, The Resistance: Avalon challenges players to complete quests while identifying and thwarting rogue agents. Each player has a secret role, with loyal knights trying to keep Merlin alive. The Merlin player knows the loyalties but must keep this secret to avoid becoming a target. With additional roles like Percival and Mordred, the game creates a tense atmosphere of suspicion and intrigue, perfect for a thrilling party experience.
Telestrations
Telestrations
8See it at Amazon
Players: 4 - 8
Playtime: 30 - 60 minutes
Also at Target
Telestrations is a commercial take on the classic game of telephone with drawings. Players start with a phrase, sketch it, and pass it on for others to guess and draw in turn. The result is a hilarious chain of misinterpretations and amusing artwork. For larger groups, a 12-player expansion is available, and there's an adults-only After Dark version for more daring fun.
Dixit Odyssey
Dixit Odyssey
7See it at Amazon
Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes
Dixit Odyssey, an expansion of the award-winning Dixit, brings storytelling to the forefront of gaming. Each round, a storyteller describes a card from their hand, and other players choose cards they think fit the description. The goal is to guess the storyteller's card without making it too obvious or too obscure. With its beautiful, surreal artwork, Dixit Odyssey encourages creativity and discussion, making it a delightful choice for any gathering.
Wavelength
Wavelength
11See it at Amazon
Players: 2 - 12
Playtime: 30 - 45 minutes
Also at Target
Wavelength introduces a unique twist to guessing games by focusing on opinions rather than trivia. Players spin a dial between two extremes, like "straight" and "curvy," and give clues to guide their team to the correct position. Clues like "hand-drawn line" for a two-thirds "straight" position challenge players to think creatively. With both cooperative and competitive modes, Wavelength is versatile and engaging for all ages.
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 quick and chaotic party game where players must identify werewolves among them. Each player receives a secret role with special abilities, such as the seer who can peek at roles or the troublemaker who can swap roles. The game thrives on reading friends' tells and navigating the lively accusations that ensue. Available in various themes, from vampires to aliens, this game promises fun and laughter, though it might test friendships in the process.
Monikers
Monikers
7See it at Amazon
Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes
Monikers reimagines the classic game of Celebrity with a twist. Players act out characters ranging from Count Chocula to Drunk Jeff Goldblum, with rounds becoming progressively more challenging. Starting with words and gestures, players move to one-word clues and finally, non-verbal acting. The repeated use of cards builds in-jokes and hilarity, making Monikers a standout party game that promises endless laughter.
Decrypto
Decrypto
10See it at Amazon
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes
Decrypto pits two teams against each other in a battle of wits, as they attempt to decipher numeric codes through clues given by their encryptor. Each round, four words are assigned to numbers, and the encryptor must guide their team to guess the correct three-digit code. A clever "interception" mechanic adds tension, requiring encryptors to balance clarity with secrecy. Decrypto offers a thrilling, spy-like experience that's perfect for parties.
What's the Difference Between a Party Game and a Board Game?
Not all board games are party games, and vice versa. Party games are designed for larger groups and focus on social interaction and entertainment, often using cards or other materials rather than a traditional board. They are easy to learn and quick to play, encouraging laughter and engagement. In contrast, board games typically cater to smaller groups, involve more structured rules, and can be strategic or luck-based. The key difference lies in the focus on fun and inclusivity versus strategy and competition.
Tips for Hosting Party Games
Hosting party games can be challenging with large groups, but with some preparation, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Protect your games from wear and tear by sleeving cards and laminating player aids. Consider the space you have, as some games require a lot of table space, and be mindful of food choices to avoid messy spills. Choose simple, intuitive games that are easy to teach and play, and be ready to adapt if your guests aren't enjoying the chosen games. Above all, go with the flow and prioritize the enjoyment of your guests.
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