When it comes to hosting a lively party or gathering with a large group of friends, finding the right board game can transform the event into a memorable occasion. Fortunately, game designers have crafted numerous tabletop experiences that scale up beautifully, accommodating up to 10 or even more players. These games are designed to be inclusive and entertaining, ensuring everyone at your next gathering has a fantastic time.
If you're on the hunt for the perfect game for your next party, here's a curated list of the best board games for large groups and parties in 2025. For those looking for 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
Link City
0See it at Amazon
Players: 2-6
Playtime: 30 minutes
Link City is a rare fully cooperative party game that invites players to collaborate on building the most bizarre town imaginable. Each turn, one player takes on the role of mayor, secretly deciding where three randomly-drawn location tiles should be placed. The mayor then reveals the tiles to the group, who must guess their intended locations. Correct guesses earn points, but the real joy comes from the hilarious and unexpected combinations, like an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center.
Caution Signs
Caution Signs
0See it at Amazon
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
For those fascinated by the quirky world of roadside warning signs, Caution Signs is a delightful choice. Players draw cards featuring unusual combinations of nouns and verbs, like rolling rabbits or pretty crocodiles, and must create a caution sign to warn against these peculiar hazards. One player acts as the guesser, adding to the fun with inevitable wild guesses that miss the mark entirely.
Ready Set Bet
Ready Set Bet
2See it at Amazon
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Ready Set Bet is a thrilling horse-racing game that thrives on the excitement of betting. Players can place bets early for bigger payouts, with races facilitated by a game-master or an app. The real-time action, driven by dice odds, keeps everyone engaged and shouting, cheering for their chosen horses to cross the finish line first.
Challengers!
Challengers Card Game
1See it at Amazon
Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes
Challengers! is an innovative party game that won the 2023 Kennerspiel award. It's an auto-battler in a box, allowing up to eight players to compete in a similar timeframe regardless of the number of players. Players buy new cards for their deck, then face off in pairs, flipping cards to determine winners and losers. It's fast-paced, addictive, and strategically rich, with plenty of fun and unexpected matchups.
That’s Not A Hat
That's Not a Hat
3See it at Amazon
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
Blending bluffing and memory, That’s Not A Hat is a compact yet triumphant party game. Players receive face-up cards with everyday objects, then flip them down and pass them around, stating what the object is based on memory. If someone suspects a lie, they can call it out, leading to a mix of recollection and psychological guessing that's both fascinating and hilarious.
Wits and Wagers
Wits & Wagers Party
23See it at Amazon
Players: 3-7 (standard), 4-18 (party), 3-10 (family)
Playtime: 25 minutes
Wits and Wagers offers a unique twist on trivia games, where players bet on others' answers rather than their own. This approach makes it accessible for everyone, regardless of their trivia knowledge. The party version accommodates more players and features easier questions, making it a go-to choice for larger gatherings.
Codenames
Codenames
30See it at Amazon
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 identify the correct codewords on a grid. Quick thinking and clever clues are crucial, and the game's numerous expansions ensure high replay value.
Time’s Up – Title Recall
Time's Up - Title Recall
8See it at Target
Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes
Time's Up combines pop culture trivia with charades, using a pool of 40 cards with titles of famous films, TV shows, and songs. Clues escalate from verbal descriptions to one-word hints, and finally to pantomime, creating hilarious associations and a fun blend of trivia and wordplay.
The Resistance: Avalon
The Resistance: Avalon
13See it at Amazon
Players: 5-10
Playtime: 30 minutes
Set in King Arthur's court, The Resistance: Avalon is a thrilling bluffing game where players must complete quests while uncovering secret roles. The game's escalating tension and strategic depth make it a favorite for those who enjoy social deduction games.
Telestrations
Telestrations
8See it at Amazon
Players: 4-8
Playtime: 30-60 minutes
Telestrations is a playful take on the classic game of telephone, but with drawings. Players sketch and guess phrases, leading to amusing misinterpretations and laughter. An expansion pack extends the fun to 12 players, while an adults-only version adds a daring twist.
Dixit Odyssey
Dixit Odyssey
7See it at Amazon
Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes
Dixit Odyssey builds on the storytelling magic of the original Dixit game. Players use surreal and beautiful artwork to describe cards, balancing between vague and descriptive to earn points. It's a creative and engaging experience that brings out the storyteller in everyone.
Wavelength
Wavelength
11See it at Amazon
Players: 2-12
Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Wavelength introduces a fresh take on guessing games, focusing on opinions rather than trivia. Players give clues to guide their team to a point on a dial between two extremes, sparking lively discussions and laughter. With cooperative and competitive modes, it's versatile and enjoyable for all ages.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
13See it at Amazon
Players: 4-10
Playtime: 10 minutes
One Night Ultimate Werewolf is synonymous with party games for its simplicity and high player interaction. In this quick 10-minute game, players must identify werewolves among them, using special abilities and keen observation. It's a chaotic and engaging experience that can test friendships in the best way.
Monikers
Monikers
7See it at Amazon
Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes
Monikers reinvents the charades-like game Celebrity with a modern twist, featuring characters like Count Chocula and viral memes. Rounds become progressively more challenging, leading to in-jokes and laughter as players act out the same cards. It's a game that guarantees fun and memorable moments.
Decrypto
Decrypto
10See it at Amazon
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes
In Decrypto, teams compete to decipher numeric codes using word clues given by an encryptor. The game's interception mechanic adds a thrilling layer of strategy, making players feel like real spies. It's a clever and engaging game that balances competition and teamwork.
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 party games. Party games are designed for larger groups, typically easy to learn, and focus on social interaction and entertainment. They often involve activities like charades or trivia, and don't always require a physical board. In contrast, board games are usually more structured, strategic, and designed for smaller groups, often with a specific goal like reaching the end of a board or accumulating points.
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, as many games require ample table room, and choose snacks that won't interfere with gameplay. Select games that are simple and quick to teach, and be ready to adapt if the group's energy shifts. Most importantly, go with the flow and focus on having fun with your guests.
