When it comes to hosting a lively gathering with a larger crowd, finding the right board game can turn an ordinary party into an unforgettable event. Fortunately, the world of tabletop gaming has plenty of options designed to entertain groups of 10 or more players, ensuring everyone gets in on the fun.
If you're on the hunt for the perfect game for your next gathering, here's a curated list of the best party board games for 2025. For those 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 stands out as a fully cooperative party game where players work together to build the most eccentric town imaginable. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor, deciding secretly where three location tiles should be placed. The rest of the group then guesses these placements, earning points for correct guesses. The game's charm lies not just in the strategy but in the hilarious and bizarre city layouts 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
Ever puzzled over obscure roadside warning signs? Caution Signs turns that curiosity into a game. Players draw cards with unusual noun and verb combinations, such as "rolling rabbits" or "pretty crocodiles," and sketch a caution sign to match. One player guesses the others' signs, leading to amusing and often wildly incorrect guesses.
Ready Set Bet
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
This horse-racing game thrives on the excitement of betting. The earlier you place a bet, the higher the potential payout. The race, managed either by a player or an app, uses dice to determine outcomes, making each race unpredictable. Players can bet on individual horses or color groups, with additional prop and exotic finish bets adding variety. The game is fast-paced, encouraging everyone to get involved with cheers and groans as the race unfolds.
Challengers!
Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes
Challengers! brings the thrill of auto-battler video games to the table. Players build decks and compete in pairs, flipping cards to determine winners and losers, with the losers needing to strengthen their decks to win. This game, which won the 2023 Kennerspiel award, offers fast, strategic gameplay with plenty of unexpected matchups.
That's Not A Hat
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
Combining bluffing and memory, That's Not A Hat challenges players to remember and describe everyday objects without looking at them. As cards are passed around the table, players must correctly identify them, with three incorrect guesses leading to elimination. The game is quick, fun, and perfect for sparking laughter and friendly competition.
Wits and Wagers
Players: 3-7 (standard), 4-18 (party), 3-10 (family)
Playtime: 25 minutes
Wits and Wagers redefines trivia games by allowing players to bet on others' answers rather than their own. It's perfect for those who enjoy trivia but aren't experts, making it highly accessible. With different versions available, including a party version that accommodates more players, it's a versatile choice for any gathering.
Codenames
Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
In Codenames, players divide into teams with one "spymaster" per team, who gives clues to help their team guess the right codewords. The game's unique challenge lies in the spymaster's ability to give clever hints without revealing too much, leading to engaging and often humorous discussions. Expansions add variety, ensuring repeated play remains fresh.
Time's Up – Title Recall
Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes
Time's Up combines elements of pop culture quizzes and charades. Players guess titles of movies, TV shows, and songs through three rounds with increasingly restrictive clues—from full sentences to one word, and finally, non-verbal pantomime. This escalating challenge creates memorable moments and hilarious associations.
The Resistance: Avalon
Players: 5-10
Playtime: 30 minutes
Set in King Arthur's court, The Resistance: Avalon is a bluffing game where players must complete quests while identifying and rooting out traitors. With secret roles and special powers, the game creates a tense atmosphere of suspicion and strategy, encouraging players to play again and again.
Telestrations
Players: 4-8
Playtime: 30-60 minutes
Telestrations is a fun twist on the classic game of telephone, but with drawings. Players sketch, guess, and pass cards, leading to hilarious misinterpretations by the end of the round. With options for larger groups and an adults-only version, it's a staple for any party.
Dixit Odyssey
Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes
Dixit Odyssey expands on the original Dixit's storytelling concept. Each round, a storyteller describes a card from their hand, and others choose a card they think matches the description. The game's surreal artwork and emphasis on creativity make it a delightful experience that encourages discussion and imagination.
Wavelength
Players: 2-12
Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Wavelength introduces a fresh twist to guessing games by focusing on players' opinions rather than trivia. Players give clues to guide their team to a point on a spectrum between two extremes, sparking engaging conversations and laughter. Its versatility makes it suitable for various group sizes and preferences.
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. With various roles and abilities, the game is a chaotic flurry of accusations and lively discussions, perfect for a quick and engaging party activity.
Monikers
Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes
Monikers transforms the classic game of Celebrity into a riotous party game. Players act out characters ranging from celebrities to memes, with each round becoming progressively more challenging. The game's clever in-jokes and humorous scenarios ensure endless laughter and fun.
Decrypto
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes
In Decrypto, teams compete to crack numeric codes based on word clues given by their encryptor. The game's "interception" mechanic adds a layer of strategy, requiring careful clue-giving to avoid revealing too much to the opposing team. It's a thrilling blend of teamwork and espionage.
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, often two to six players, with structured rules and goals. They can be strategic or luck-based. Party games, on the other hand, are designed for larger groups and focus on social interaction and fun. They are usually easy to learn and quick to play, often involving activities like charades or trivia, making them ideal for gatherings.
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, laminating player aids, and keeping the game box safe. Consider the space you have, as some games require a lot of table space, and think about snacks that won't interfere with gameplay.
Choose simple, intuitive games that can be taught quickly, and be flexible with your plans. If a game isn't working out, switch to something else that your guests enjoy. Remember, the goal is to have fun and enjoy each other's company.
