When planning a gathering with a larger group of fun-loving friends, finding the perfect board game can be a challenge. Fortunately, game designers have crafted numerous engaging options that scale up beautifully for parties, accommodating 10 or even more players. These games are designed to foster laughter, interaction, and a memorable experience for everyone involved.
If you're looking for the ideal board game to liven up your next party, here are the top picks for party and large group games in 2025. For those seeking family-friendly options, 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 cooperative party game where players work together to build the most eccentric town imaginable. Each turn, one player takes on the role of mayor and secretly decides where to place three randomly-drawn location tiles. The rest of the group then tries to guess the mayor's choices, earning points for correct guesses. The real fun lies in the absurd and humorous combinations that emerge, like placing an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center.
Caution Signs
Players: 2-9 | Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Inspired by the quirky world of roadside warning signs, Caution Signs challenges players to draw caution signs for unusual combinations of nouns and verbs, such as rolling rabbits or pretty crocodiles. One player guesses the others' signs, leading to hilarious misinterpretations and creative drawings that keep everyone entertained.
Ready Set Bet
Players: 2-9 | Playtime: 45-60 minutes
This horse-racing game thrives on the excitement of real-time betting. Players place bets on horses based on dice odds, with the potential for high rewards if their chosen horse wins. The game includes prop bets and exotic finish bets for added variety, ensuring a lively and interactive experience as everyone cheers on their picks.
Challengers!
Players: 1-8 | Playtime: 45 minutes
Challengers! brings the thrill of an auto-battler video game to the tabletop. Players build and battle decks in pairs, flipping cards to determine the winner. The game's fast pace and strategic depth, combined with its ability to accommodate up to eight players, make it a standout choice for parties.
That's Not A Hat
Players: 3-8 | Playtime: 15 minutes
Combining bluffing and memory, That's Not A Hat has players passing cards with everyday objects and guessing their contents based on memory. The game's quick rounds and the challenge of catching liars create a fun and engaging atmosphere that's perfect for parties.
Wits and Wagers
Players: 3-7 (standard), 4-18 (party), 3-10 (family) | Playtime: 25 minutes
Ideal for those who enjoy trivia but aren't experts, Wits and Wagers lets players bet on the most accurate answer provided by others. This approach makes it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, with different versions catering to various group sizes and question difficulties.
Codenames
Players: 2-8 | Playtime: 15 minutes
In this spy-themed game, teams compete to identify their codewords based on clues given by their spymaster. The challenge and creativity required to give effective clues without directly naming the words lead to lively discussions and amusing missteps, enhancing the party atmosphere.
Time's Up – Title Recall
Players: 3+ | Playtime: 60 minutes
This game combines pop culture trivia with charades across three rounds, each with increasing restrictions on clue-giving. From speaking freely to using one word, and finally to non-verbal cues, the escalating challenge leads to hilarious moments and memorable associations.
The Resistance: Avalon
Players: 5-10 | Playtime: 30 minutes
Set in King Arthur's court, this bluffing game challenges players to complete quests while uncovering hidden traitors. With roles like Merlin and Mordred adding strategic depth, the game fosters an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue that's perfect for a party setting.
Telestrations
Players: 4-8 | Playtime: 30-60 minutes
A twist on the classic game of telephone, Telestrations involves drawing and guessing phrases passed around the table. The resulting chain of misinterpretations and humorous drawings guarantees laughter and engagement among players.
Dixit Odyssey
Players: 3-12 | Playtime: 30 minutes
In Dixit Odyssey, the storyteller describes a card using a word or phrase, and other players choose cards from their hands that match the description. The game's surreal artwork and emphasis on creativity make it a delightful choice for sparking imagination and conversation at a party.
Wavelength
Players: 2-12 | Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Wavelength challenges players to give clues about a point on a spectrum between two extremes, such as "straight" and "curvy." The game's subjective nature fosters engaging discussions and makes it a versatile choice for different group sizes and ages.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
Players: 4-10 | Playtime: 10 minutes
In this fast-paced game, players take on secret roles and must identify the werewolves among them. With abilities like seer and troublemaker adding complexity, the game's quick rounds and lively accusations make it a thrilling party experience.
Monikers
Players: 4-20 | Playtime: 60 minutes
A modern take on charades, Monikers involves acting out a wide range of characters and objects across three rounds with increasing restrictions. The game's humorous subjects and the ability to create in-jokes with repeated cards make it a standout choice for large groups.
Decrypto
Players: 3-8 | Playtime: 15-45 minutes
In Decrypto, teams decipher numeric codes based on clues given by their encryptor. The game's interception mechanic adds a layer of strategy and excitement, making players feel like real spies and adding to the party's fun and engagement.
What's the Difference Between a Party Game and a Board Game?
While all party games can be considered board games, not all board games are suited for parties. Board games typically cater to smaller groups and involve strategic play or luck-based mechanics. Party games, on the other hand, are designed for larger groups and focus on fun, social interaction, and ease of play. They often include activities like charades, trivia, or drawing challenges that encourage laughter and engagement.
Tips for Hosting Party Games
Hosting party games 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 for play and accommodate for drinks and snacks. Choose simple, intuitive games that can be taught quickly and are suitable for your guests' preferences. Be flexible and ready to switch games if needed, focusing on the fun and interaction of the group.