When it comes to entertaining a large group at a party or gathering, finding the right board game can transform the event into a memorable, laughter-filled experience. Thankfully, game designers have crafted a variety of engaging tabletop games that scale up beautifully for groups of 10 or more, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.
If you're planning your next gathering, consider these top picks for the best party board games of 2025. For family-friendly options, don't forget 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 rare fully cooperative party game where you and your friends collaborate to create the most bizarre town imaginable. Each turn, one player acts as the mayor, secretly deciding where to place three randomly-drawn location tiles. The challenge? The rest of the group must guess the correct placements based on the mayor's hints. Points are awarded for correct guesses, but the real fun comes from the hilarious and unexpected city layouts, like an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center.
Caution Signs
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
If you've ever been puzzled by the odd symbols on roadside signs, Caution Signs is the game for you. Players receive cards with quirky combinations of nouns and verbs, such as "rolling rabbits" or "pretty crocodiles," and must draw a caution sign to depict these bizarre scenarios. One player acts as the guesser, leading to amusing misinterpretations and creative drawings that keep everyone entertained.
Ready Set Bet
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Ready Set Bet is a thrilling horse-racing game where the earlier you bet, the bigger the payoff. The race can be managed by a game-master or an app, unfolding in real-time based on dice odds. Players bet on individual horses or color groups, with each race featuring a mix of prop bets and exotic finish bets. This game is fast-paced and sure to get everyone cheering and groaning as they back their horses to the finish line.
Challengers!
Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes
Challengers! is an innovative party game that brings the excitement of an auto-battler video game to the tabletop. Up to eight players can compete, with each round involving deck-building and card battles. The game's unique mechanics allow for quick and strategic play, making it both addictive and enjoyable, whether you're playing to win or just for fun.
That's Not A Hat
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
Combining bluffing and memory, That's Not A Hat challenges players to remember everyday objects shown on cards. As cards are passed around the table, players must correctly identify them without peeking, leading to a mix of recollection and psychological guessing. It's a quick, engaging game that's sure to have everyone laughing and eager for another round.
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 the answers given by others. This accessible format makes it fun for everyone, with the party version accommodating larger groups and featuring easier questions.
Codenames
Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
In Codenames, teams compete in a spy-themed word association game. One player on each team acts as the spymaster, giving clues to help their team guess the correct codewords. The game relies on quick thinking and clever clues, with expansions available to keep the game fresh and exciting.
Time's Up – Title Recall
Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes
Time's Up combines elements of pop culture quizzes and charades, using famous titles over three rounds of clues and guesses. The rules become progressively more challenging, from saying anything but the title, to one-word clues, to non-verbal pantomime. This game is a hilarious test of memory and creativity.
The Resistance: Avalon
Players: 5-10
Playtime: 30 minutes
Set in King Arthur's court, The Resistance: Avalon is a thrilling game of bluffing and deduction. Players are assigned secret roles and must complete quests while uncovering the identities of the traitors among them. The game's dynamic roles and escalating tension make it a favorite for large groups.
Telestrations
Players: 4-8
Playtime: 30-60 minutes
Telestrations is a fun twist on the classic game of telephone, but with drawings. Players sketch and guess phrases, passing their work around the table. The resulting mix-ups and amusing drawings create a lively atmosphere, with options for larger groups or more adult themes.
Dixit Odyssey
Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes
Dixit Odyssey builds on the storytelling magic of the original Dixit game. Players describe their cards with a word or phrase, and others choose cards that fit the description. The game's beautiful artwork and creative challenges make it a delightful experience for all ages.
Wavelength
Players: 2-12
Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Wavelength adds a fresh twist to guessing games by focusing on opinions rather than trivia. Players give clues to guide their team to a point on a spectrum, leading to engaging discussions and fun challenges. The game's versatility suits both cooperative and competitive play.
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 identify the werewolves among them, or protect their own identities. Its quick rounds and high interaction make it a lively choice for any party.
Monikers
Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes
Monikers reinvents the classic game of Celebrity with a humorous twist. Players act out a variety of characters, from celebrities to viral memes, with rounds becoming increasingly restrictive. The game's in-jokes and laughter make it a standout choice for any gathering.
Decrypto
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes
Decrypto challenges teams to crack numeric codes based on word clues. The game's "interception" mechanic adds a thrilling layer of strategy, making players feel like real spies as they balance giving enough information to help their team without revealing too much to the opponents.
What's the Difference Between a Party Game and a Board Game?
Not all board games are party games, and vice versa. Board games typically cater to smaller groups and focus on strategy or luck, often with a clear goal like reaching the end of a board or scoring points. Party games, on the other hand, are designed for larger groups and prioritize fun, social interaction, and ease of play. They often involve activities like charades or trivia, encouraging 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. Consider protecting your games from wear and tear by sleeving cards or using laminated player aids. Think about the space you have and how to accommodate everyone comfortably, and choose snacks that won't interfere with gameplay. Select simple, intuitive games that are easy to teach, and be flexible if your guests prefer different activities. The key is to go with the flow and focus on having a great time together.
