When it comes to hosting a lively gathering, finding the right board game that can entertain a larger crowd can be a challenge. Fortunately, the world of tabletop gaming is rich with options designed specifically for parties and large groups. These games are crafted to scale up effortlessly, ensuring that everyone can join in on the fun and create memorable moments together.
If you're planning your next event and want to ensure it's a hit, consider these top party board games for 2025. Whether you're looking for something quick and lighthearted or a game that can keep everyone engaged for hours, there's something for every type of gathering. And if you're looking for games suitable for all ages, 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
Players: 2-6
Playtime: 30 minutes
Link City is a unique cooperative party game where players work together to build the wackiest town imaginable. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor and decides where three randomly-drawn location tiles should be placed. The challenge for the group is to guess the mayor's choices without knowing the exact locations, earning points for correct guesses. The game's true joy 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
Players: 3-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Inspired by the quirky world of roadside warning signs, Caution Signs challenges players to create their own cautionary signs based on bizarre combinations of nouns and verbs. One player guesses while others draw their interpretations of scenarios like rolling rabbits or pretty crocodiles. The game thrives on the humor of the odd pairings and the amusing guesses that often miss the mark.
Ready Set Bet
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Ready Set Bet brings the excitement of horse racing to the tabletop. Players place bets on horses, with earlier bets offering higher rewards. The race unfolds in real-time, driven by dice odds and either a game-master or an app. Beyond core bets, players can engage with various prop and exotic finish bets, ensuring dynamic gameplay. The game's simplicity and fast pace make it a thrilling experience, filled with cheers and groans as horses cross the finish line.
Challengers!
Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes
Challengers! is an innovative party game that brings the concept of auto-battler video games to the table. Players build and battle with card decks, facing off in pairs and flipping cards to determine winners. The game's strategic depth and fast-paced action make it engaging, while its whimsical matchups ensure plenty of laughs. Its unique gameplay earned it the prestigious 2023 Kennerspiel award.
That's Not a Hat
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
That's Not a Hat combines bluffing and memory into a compact yet entertaining game. Players pass cards face down, describing them as they go, but must rely on memory to keep track of what's been said. If someone suspects a bluff, they can challenge the player, who risks being eliminated after three incorrect challenges. The game's blend of recollection and psychological tactics makes it both challenging and hilarious.
Wits and Wagers
Players: 3-7 (standard), 4-18 (party), 3-10 (family)
Playtime: 25 minutes
Wits and Wagers is the perfect trivia game for those who aren't trivia buffs. Instead of answering questions yourself, you bet on others' answers. This approach makes the game accessible and fun, as you can rely on the knowledge of your friends. The party version accommodates more players and offers easier questions, making it a great choice for larger gatherings.
Codenames
Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
In Codenames, players split into teams, with one player on each team acting as a "spymaster." The spymaster gives coded clues to help their team identify the correct codewords from a grid. The challenge lies in crafting clues that are both helpful and ambiguous, leading to lively discussions and humorous misinterpretations. With several expansions available, Codenames offers endless replay value.
Time's Up – Title Recall
Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes
Time's Up – Title Recall blends pop culture trivia with charades, challenging players to guess titles of movies, TV shows, and songs. Over three rounds, clues become increasingly restricted, from full sentences to one word, and finally to non-verbal gestures. The game's escalating difficulty leads to hilarious associations and keeps everyone engaged and entertained.
The Resistance: Avalon
Players: 5-10
Playtime: 30 minutes
Set in King Arthur's court, The Resistance: Avalon is a thrilling bluffing game where players must uncover and thwart rogue agents. With secret roles and special powers, players work to complete quests while protecting Merlin. The game's atmosphere of paranoia and strategic deception makes it a compelling choice for parties, with each round leaving players eager for more.
Telestrations
Players: 4-8
Playtime: 30-60 minutes
Telestrations is a fun twist on the classic game of telephone, but with drawings. 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 results. For larger groups, an expansion pack is available, and an adults-only version adds an extra layer of fun.
Dixit Odyssey
Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes
Dixit Odyssey, an expansion of the award-winning Dixit, invites players to tell stories through surreal artwork. One player acts as the storyteller, describing a card from their hand, while others choose cards they think fit the description. The game's balance between vagueness and clarity makes it a creative and engaging experience, encouraging everyone to tap into their storytelling skills.
Wavelength
Players: 2-12
Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Wavelength introduces a fresh take on guessing games by focusing on players' opinions rather than facts. Teams give clues based on a secret dial position between two extremes, like "straight" and "curvy." The game's subjective nature sparks lively discussions and makes it suitable for a wide range of ages and tastes.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
Players: 4-10
Playtime: 10 minutes
One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a fast-paced game of deception and deduction. Players receive secret roles and must figure out who the werewolves are, or hide their identity if they're a werewolf themselves. With various roles and abilities, the game encourages lively interaction and can lead to intense debates. Different versions offer themes like vampires or aliens, adding variety to the experience.
Monikers
Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes
Monikers is a hilarious take on charades, where players act out characters ranging from celebrities to viral memes. Each round becomes more challenging, limiting players to fewer clues. The game's repeated use of cards creates in-jokes and shared memories among players, making it a standout choice for parties.
Decrypto
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes
In Decrypto, teams compete to crack numeric codes based on clues given by an encryptor. The game's "interception" mechanic adds a layer of strategy, as teams can attempt to guess their opponents' codes. This balance between giving clear clues and maintaining secrecy makes Decrypto a thrilling and engaging experience.
What's the Difference Between a Party Game and a Board Game?
While all party games can be board games, not all board games are designed for parties. Board games typically cater to smaller groups, often 2-6 players, and focus on strategy or luck. They have defined rules and specific goals, like reaching the end of a board or accumulating points.
Party games, on the other hand, are designed for larger groups and emphasize fun and social interaction. They are usually quick to learn and play, often involving activities like charades, trivia, or drawing. The focus is on entertainment and laughter rather than deep strategy or competition.
Tips for Hosting Party Games
Hosting party games with a large group requires some preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. To protect your games from wear and tear, consider sleeving cards, laminating player aids, and keeping the game box out of reach. Embrace any damage as a badge of honor, adding to the game's unique story.
Consider the space available for play, as some games require a lot of table space. Also, choose snacks that won't interfere with gameplay, avoiding those with flavor dust or oily coatings.
Select games that are easy to teach and play, especially for large groups. Opt for games without strict turn structures, which are ideal for more lively gatherings. Be mindful of your guests' preferences and comfort levels with different game styles. If the group becomes unmanageable, consider splitting into smaller groups or teams. Above all, be flexible and ready to adapt to what your guests enjoy most.
