When planning a lively gathering with a large group of friends, finding the right board game can elevate the fun to new heights. Fortunately, the world of board games offers a variety of options that are perfect for larger crowds, ensuring everyone can participate in the fun. These games are designed to accommodate groups of 10 or more players, making them ideal for parties and other social events.
If you're looking for the perfect game to bring to your next gathering, here are some of the best party board games to consider for 2025. For family-friendly options, you can also explore 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
Link City
Players: 2-6
Playtime: 30 minutes
Link City is a rare, fully cooperative party game that invites you and your friends to collaborate in building a quirky town. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor and secretly decides where to place three randomly-drawn location tiles. The challenge is for the group to guess the mayor's choices based on the tiles shown. Points are awarded for correct guesses, but the real fun lies in the hilarious and unexpected town layouts that emerge, like an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center.
Caution Signs
Caution Signs
Players: 3-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Ideal for those amused by the oddities of roadside warning signs, Caution Signs challenges players to create humorous caution signs from cards depicting bizarre combinations of nouns and verbs. One player acts as the guesser, trying to decipher the others' creations. The game's charm lies in the creative drawings and the often hilarious misinterpretations that ensue.
Ready Set Bet
Ready Set Bet
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
This dynamic horse-racing game encourages players to bet on horses at various stages of the race, with earlier bets yielding higher payouts. The race unfolds in real-time, facilitated by an app or a game master, creating an exciting and interactive experience. Players can also engage in prop and exotic finish bets, ensuring a lively and engaging atmosphere as everyone cheers for their chosen horses.
Challengers!
Challengers! Card Game
Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes
Challengers! is an innovative party game that brings the auto-battler concept to the table. Players build their decks and engage in quick, strategic battles by flipping cards and keeping the winners. The game's unique mechanics and fast-paced nature make it both addictive and entertaining, suitable for a wide range of player counts.
That's Not A Hat
That's Not a Hat
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
Combining bluffing and memory, That's Not A Hat offers a quick and engaging experience. Players pass cards around the table, claiming what they believe the card depicts based on memory alone. The game's simplicity and the potential for hilarious accusations make it a favorite at any gathering.
Wits and Wagers
Wits & Wagers Party
Players: 4-18
Playtime: 25 minutes
Wits and Wagers is a trivia game with a twist: instead of answering questions, players bet on the accuracy of others' answers. This approach makes it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their trivia knowledge. The party version accommodates larger groups and offers a refreshing alternative to traditional trivia games.
Codenames
Codenames
Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
In Codenames, players are divided into teams, with each team's spymaster giving clues to help their teammates identify codewords on a grid. The game's clever mechanics and the need for quick thinking make it both challenging and fun. For couples, consider the engaging Codenames: Duet variant.
Time's Up – Title Recall
Time's Up - Title Recall
Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes
Time's Up combines elements of pop culture quizzes and charades across three rounds with increasingly restrictive clue-giving rules. Starting with verbal clues and progressing to one-word hints and finally pantomime, the game sparks laughter and creativity as players try to guess famous titles.
The Resistance: Avalon
The Resistance: Avalon
Players: 5-10
Playtime: 30 minutes
This social deduction game set in King Arthur's court challenges players to complete quests while identifying and thwarting traitors. With secret roles and special abilities, The Resistance: Avalon creates an atmosphere of intrigue and excitement, perfect for larger groups.
Telestrations
Telestrations
Players: 4-8
Playtime: 30-60 minutes
Telestrations is a fun twist on the classic game of telephone, where players draw and guess phrases, leading to hilarious miscommunications. With options for larger groups through expansion packs and an adults-only version, it's a versatile choice for any party.
Dixit Odyssey
Dixit Odyssey
Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes
Dixit Odyssey expands on the original Dixit's storytelling concept, allowing players to describe cards and have others guess which card matches the description. The game's beautiful artwork and creative challenges make it a delightful experience for groups of all sizes.
Wavelength
Wavelength
Players: 2-12
Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Wavelength introduces a unique guessing game where players give clues to guide their team to a point on a spectrum between two extremes. This game sparks lively discussions and is suitable for both cooperative and competitive play, making it a versatile choice for any gathering.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
Players: 4-10
Playtime: 10 minutes
This fast-paced social deduction game has players trying to identify werewolves among them in just one night. With various roles and abilities, the game encourages lively interaction and can be enjoyed in different thematic variants, making it a staple for party gatherings.
Monikers
Monikers
Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes
Monikers offers a fresh take on charades, with players acting out a wide range of characters across multiple rounds with increasingly restrictive rules. The game's humor and in-jokes that develop over time make it a standout choice for large, fun-loving groups.
Decrypto
Decrypto
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes
In Decrypto, teams compete to crack a numeric code based on clues given by their encryptor. The game's strategic depth and the tension created by the interception mechanic make it an engaging choice for party games that require a bit of spy-like cunning.
What's the Difference Between a Party Game and a Board Game?
While all party games are board games, not all board games are suited for parties. Board games typically cater to smaller groups, often 2-6 players, and focus on strategy, rules, and achieving specific goals. Party games, on the other hand, are designed for larger groups and prioritize social interaction, laughter, and ease of play. They often involve activities like charades, trivia, or drawing challenges that encourage group participation and fun.
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 laminating player aids. Consider the space available for play and the nature of snacks to avoid messes. Choose simple, intuitive games that can be taught quickly, and be flexible if the group's mood shifts. Splitting into smaller groups or teams can help manage larger gatherings, and remember to go with the flow to ensure everyone has a great time.
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