When you're hosting a party or gathering with a large group of fun-loving friends, finding the right board game can elevate the fun to new heights. Fortunately, game designers have crafted a variety of engaging tabletop experiences that can accommodate 10 or more players, ensuring everyone gets to join in the fun.
If you're planning your next gathering and looking for the perfect game to entertain a crowd, here are some of the best party board games for 2025. For games that appeal to all ages, be sure to check out our list of the best family board games as well.
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
See it at Amazon
Players: 2-6
Playtime: 30 minutes
Link City is a rare fully cooperative party game where you and your friends collaborate to build the most eccentric town imaginable. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor and secretly decides where three randomly-drawn location tiles should be placed. The mayor reveals the tiles but not their intended spots, leaving it to the group to guess correctly. Each correct placement earns a point, but the real joy comes from the laughter induced by bizarre combinations like an alien abduction site nestled between a cattle ranch and a daycare center.
Caution Signs
Caution Signs
See it at Amazon
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
If you've ever been puzzled by obscure roadside warning signs, Caution Signs is your game. Players receive cards with unlikely combinations of nouns and verbs, like "rolling rabbits" or "pretty crocodiles," and must draw a caution sign to depict this hazard. One player, the guesser, doesn't draw and tries to identify the others' creations. The fun lies in the quirky pairings, the hastily scribbled signs, and the often hilarious incorrect guesses.
Ready Set Bet
Ready Set Bet
See it at Amazon
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
This horse-racing game thrives on the thrill of betting. The earlier you place your bet, the higher the payout if your horse wins. The race, managed by either a player or an app, unfolds in real-time based on dice odds. Players must quickly decide where to place their betting chips on horses or color groups, with various race positions to choose from. Beyond core bets, each race includes prop bets and exotic finish bets, ensuring a dynamic experience. The game's simplicity and speed guarantee an energetic atmosphere filled with shouts, cheers, and the occasional groan.
Challengers!
Challengers! Card Game
See it at Amazon
Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes
Winner of the 2023 Kennerspiel award, Challengers! brings the excitement of an auto-battler video game to the tabletop. Players build their decks, then pair off to battle by flipping cards, with the winner keeping the card and the loser continuing until they can defeat it. This innovative game is fast, addictive, and strategic, yet filled with amusing matchups perfect for a relaxed yet competitive party atmosphere.
That's Not A Hat
That's Not a Hat
See it at Amazon
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
Combining bluffing and memory, That's Not A Hat offers a quick and engaging party experience. Each player starts with a face-up card showing an everyday object. The starting player draws another card, and all cards are flipped face-down with directional arrows indicating how they should be passed. Players must remember and state what their card is without looking, relying on memory. If someone suspects a lie, they can call it out, and three strikes lead to elimination. This game blends recollection and psychological guessing into a fun, fast-paced package.
Wits and Wagers
Wits & Wagers Party
See it at Amazon
Players: 3-7 (standard), 4-18 (party), 3-10 (family)
Playtime: 25 minutes
Also at Target
Perfect for trivia lovers who aren't trivia experts, Wits and Wagers lets you bet on others' answers to questions. If you're unsure about a topic, like how many Super Bowl rings Peyton Manning has, you can bet on your football-savvy friend's answer. With different versions catering to varying group sizes and difficulty levels, this game makes trivia accessible and enjoyable for everyone, leaving traditional games like Trivial Pursuit in the dust.
Codenames
Codenames
See it at Amazon
Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
Also at Target
In this spy-themed game, players split into teams, each with a spymaster who must guide their team to guess the right codewords on a 5x5 grid without directly saying them. Clever clues like "wood, three" for words like "fence," "tree," and "door" are key. The game's reliance on quick thinking and the potential for hilarious misunderstandings make it a party favorite. With numerous expansions, Codenames offers endless replay value. Note that Codenames: Duet is perfect for couples.
Time’s Up – Title Recall
Time's Up - Title Recall
See it at Target
Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes
Time's Up combines pop culture quizzes with charades, using a pool of 40 cards featuring famous titles. Over three rounds, players give clues, starting with anything except the title, then one word, and finally pantomime. This escalating challenge creates hilarious associations and keeps the game lively and engaging throughout.
The Resistance: Avalon
The Resistance: Avalon
See it at Amazon
Players: 5-10
Playtime: 30 minutes
Also at Target
A spin-off of The Resistance, Avalon transports players to King Arthur's court. Each player receives a secret role, and loyal knights must complete quests while protecting Merlin, who knows the identities but risks revealing themselves. With roles like Percival and Mordred, the game fosters escalating paranoia, making each round a thrilling experience that players eagerly repeat.
Telestrations
Telestrations
See it at Amazon
Players: 4-8
Playtime: 30-60 minutes
Also at Target
Telestrations turns the classic game of telephone into a drawing challenge. Players start with a phrase, sketch it, and pass it along for others to guess and draw, resulting in hilariously distorted outcomes. With expansions for up to 12 players and an adults-only After Dark version, Telestrations ensures endless laughter and fun.
Dixit Odyssey
Dixit Odyssey
See it at Amazon
Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes
Dixit Odyssey, a winner of the Spiel des Jahres, expands on the original's storytelling concept. The storyteller describes a card with a word or phrase, and players choose cards from their hand that they think fit the description. The challenge is to balance clarity and vagueness to earn points. The game's surreal artwork and creative prompts make it a captivating and discussion-worthy experience.
Wavelength
Wavelength
See it at Amazon
Players: 2-12
Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Also at Target
Wavelength introduces a fresh 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 point. This subjective challenge sparks lively conversations and fits well in both cooperative and competitive settings.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
See it at Amazon
Players: 4-10
Playtime: 10 minutes
Also at Target
The One Night franchise is synonymous with party games due to its simplicity and engaging interaction. Players receive secret roles and must identify werewolves, unless they are werewolves themselves. Special abilities like the seer's insight or the troublemaker's role-switching add layers of strategy and chaos, making each game a lively, accusatory affair. With various themes available, One Night Ultimate Werewolf guarantees a thrilling experience, though be warned: it may test friendships!
Monikers
Monikers
See it at Amazon
Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes
Monikers reinvents the classic game of Celebrity with a modern twist, featuring characters like Count Chocula and viral memes. Rounds progress with increasing limitations, from full sentences to one word, and finally, no words at all. The repetition of cards fosters in-jokes and hilarity, making Monikers the ultimate party game for laughter and entertainment.
Decrypto
Decrypto
See it at Amazon
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes
In Decrypto, teams decipher numeric codes based on clues from their encryptor. Words are assigned to numbers, and the encryptor must guide their team to guess the code correctly. The game's "interception" mechanic adds tension, as teams can guess their opponents' codes, making it a delicate balance of giving enough information without revealing too much. Decrypto captures the thrill of espionage in a fun, strategic party game.
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 lack a traditional board, using cards or other materials. The key difference is player count: board games typically cater to 2-6 players and focus on strategy and rules, while party games are designed for larger groups, emphasizing fun, quick play, and social interaction. Party games often involve activities like charades or trivia, fostering laughter and engagement.
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 or using laminated copies of player aids. Consider the space you have; some games require a lot of table space, which can be further occupied by drinks and snacks. Choose simple, intuitive games that can be taught quickly, and be prepared for the dynamics of a large group. If the chosen games aren't hitting the mark, be flexible and go with the flow, focusing on what your guests enjoy.
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