When it comes to hosting a party or gathering with a large group of friends, finding the right board game can be a challenge. Many of the best board games are designed for smaller groups, but fear not! There are plenty of fantastic tabletop experiences that scale up to accommodate 10 or more players, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.
If you're on the hunt for the perfect game to break out at your next gathering, look no further. Here's a curated list of the best party board games for 2025, perfect for large groups. And if you're looking for something suitable for 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
Players: 2-6
Playtime: 30 minutes
Link City is a unique, fully cooperative party game where players work together to build the most bizarre town imaginable. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor and secretly decides where three randomly-drawn location tiles should go. The mayor then shows the tiles to the group without revealing their chosen placement, challenging everyone to guess correctly. While points are earned for correct guesses, the real joy comes from 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: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Caution Signs is perfect for those who enjoy the quirky side of roadside warning signs. Players receive cards with unusual combinations of nouns and verbs, such as "rolling rabbits" or "pretty crocodiles," and must draw a caution sign to represent these hazards. One player guesses the signs without drawing, leading to amusing and often wildly incorrect guesses that add to the fun.
Ready Set Bet
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Ready Set Bet is a thrilling horse-racing game where the earlier you bet on a horse, the higher the potential payout. The race can be managed by a player or an app, with dice determining the outcomes. Players place bets on individual horses or color groups, and each race includes various prop and exotic finish bets to keep things exciting. It's a fast-paced game that gets everyone cheering and groaning as the horses cross the finish line.
Challengers!
Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes
Challengers! is an innovative card game that brings the auto-battler genre to the tabletop. Players buy cards for their deck, then pair off to battle, flipping cards until one emerges victorious. The game is fast, addictive, and surprisingly strategic, offering plenty of fun matchups and tactical depth. It won the 2023 Kennerspiel award for its unique and engaging gameplay.
That's Not A Hat
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
That's Not A Hat combines bluffing and memory into a quick and hilarious game. Each player gets a face-up card showing an everyday object, and the start player draws a second card. All cards are flipped face down, and players must pass them around the table while stating what they think the card is. If someone suspects a lie, they can call it out, leading to a fun mix of recollection and psychological guessing. Three strikes and you're out, making for a fast-paced and engaging experience.
Wits and Wagers
Players: 3-7 (standard), 4-18 (party), 3-10 (family)
Playtime: 25 minutes
Wits and Wagers is a trivia game that's perfect for those who aren't trivia buffs. Instead of answering questions yourself, you bet on which of your friends has the correct answer. This makes it accessible to everyone, as you don't need to be an expert in every topic. The party version accommodates more players and features easier questions, making it a great choice for larger gatherings.
Codenames
Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
In Codenames, players are split into two teams, each with a spymaster who gives clues to help their team guess the correct codewords. The game features a grid of 25 words, and the spymaster must guide their team to the right words without using them directly. It's a game of quick thinking and clever clues, with expansions available to add variety and replayability. There's also a couples version, Codenames: Duet, for a more intimate experience.
Time's Up – Title Recall
Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes
Time's Up combines elements of pop culture quizzes and charades. Players use 40 cards with titles of famous films, TV shows, and songs over three rounds. In the first round, you can say anything except the title. The second round limits clues to one word, and the third round is a non-verbal pantomime. The escalating restrictions lead to hilarious associations and make for a fun, engaging game that's all about trivia and wordplay.
The Resistance: Avalon
Players: 5-10
Playtime: 30 minutes
The Resistance: Avalon is a bluffing game set in King Arthur's court. Players receive secret roles and must complete quests while keeping Merlin alive. Merlin knows who is loyal, but revealing this information risks their own safety. With various roles and powers, the game creates a tense atmosphere of paranoia and intrigue, making it a thrilling choice for larger groups.
Telestrations
Players: 4-8
Playtime: 30-60 minutes
Telestrations is a fun twist on the classic game of telephone, using drawings and guesses. Players start with a phrase, sketch it, and pass it on for others to guess and draw, leading to hilarious misinterpretations. There's a 12-player expansion for bigger groups and an adults-only After Dark version for more daring fun.
Dixit Odyssey
Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes
Dixit Odyssey is a storytelling game where one player acts as the storyteller, describing a card in their hand. Other players choose cards from their own hands that they think fit the description, and everyone tries to guess the storyteller's card. The game's surreal artwork and reliance on creativity make it a joy to play and discuss, encouraging everyone to tap into their storytelling skills.
Wavelength
Players: 2-12
Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Wavelength introduces a new twist to guessing games by focusing on opinions rather than trivia. Players spin a dial between two extremes and give clues to guide their team to the correct point on the spectrum. With cooperative and competitive modes, it's a versatile game that sparks lively discussions and is suitable for all ages.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
Players: 4-10
Playtime: 10 minutes
One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a quick and chaotic game where players must identify the werewolves among them. Each player has a secret role with special abilities, leading to a flurry of accusations and lively conversation. With various themed versions available, it's a great choice for parties, though be warned—it can test friendships!
Monikers
Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes
Monikers is a modern take on the classic game of Celebrity, where players act out a variety of characters. The game progresses through rounds with increasing limitations on clues, leading to clever in-jokes and lots of laughter. With references to celebrities, memes, and viral videos, it's the ultimate party game that promises endless fun.
Decrypto
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes
In Decrypto, teams work to decipher a numeric code based on clues given by an encryptor. The game features a clever "interception" mechanic that adds a layer of strategy, as teams can attempt to guess their opponents' code. It's a thrilling game that makes players feel like spies, balancing the need to give clear clues without revealing too much.
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 fun, social interaction, and quick play. They often involve activities like charades, trivia, or drawing, and are perfect for gatherings. Board games, on the other hand, are typically more structured and strategic, designed for smaller groups and often involving a game board, specific rules, and a defined goal.
Tips for Hosting Party Games
Hosting party games with a large group can be challenging, 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 and choose games that fit well on your table, keeping in mind any food and drinks that might take up space. Opt for simple, intuitive games that are easy to teach and play, and be prepared to split into groups or teams if needed. Most importantly, be flexible and go with the flow—let your guests guide the fun.
