When it comes to hosting a lively gathering with a large group of friends, finding the perfect board game can be a challenge. Fortunately, the world of tabletop gaming has evolved to cater to bigger crowds, offering a variety of engaging and entertaining options that can accommodate 10 or more players. Whether you're planning a party or a casual get-together, these top board games for 2025 are designed to bring everyone together for a memorable experience.
For those looking for games suitable for all ages, be sure to check out our list of the best family board games. But if you're specifically seeking the best party board games, here's a curated selection to consider:
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 collaborate to build the most eccentric town imaginable. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor and secretly decides where to place three randomly-drawn location tiles. The challenge for the rest of the group is to guess the mayor's choices, earning points for correct guesses. The real fun, however, lies in the hilarious and bizarre combinations 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
Inspired by the quirky world of roadside warning signs, Caution Signs challenges players to create their own caution signs based on unusual combinations of nouns and verbs. One player acts as the guesser, trying to decipher the signs drawn by others. The game's humor comes from the wild pairings and the often hilarious misinterpretations that ensue.
Ready Set Bet
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Ready Set Bet brings the excitement of horse racing to your party. Players place bets on horses based on dice odds, with earlier bets yielding higher rewards. The game can be facilitated by a player or an app, and includes various prop and exotic finish bets to keep things interesting. It's a fast-paced, thrilling experience that gets everyone cheering and groaning as the race unfolds.
Challengers!
Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes
Challengers! is an innovative party game that brings the auto-battler genre to the tabletop. Players build decks and engage in head-to-head battles, with the game's mechanics ensuring quick and engaging play regardless of the number of participants. It's a blend of strategy and fun, with plenty of surprising matchups to enjoy.
That's Not A Hat
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
That's Not A Hat combines bluffing and memory into a compact, engaging game. Players pass cards face down, stating what they represent, but must rely on memory to avoid being called out for lying. It's a quick, fun game that sparks laughter and friendly competition.
Wits and Wagers
Players: 3-7 (standard), 4-18 (party), 3-10 (family)
Playtime: 25 minutes
Wits and Wagers is a trivia game with a twist: instead of answering questions yourself, you bet on the answers given by others. This makes it accessible and fun for everyone, regardless of their knowledge level. The party version accommodates larger groups and features easier questions.
Codenames
Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
In Codenames, teams compete to identify their codewords based on clues given by their spymaster. The game's clever mechanics and reliance on quick thinking make it a hit at parties. For couples, Codenames: Duet offers a cooperative version of the game.
Time's Up – Title Recall
Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes
Time's Up combines pop culture trivia with charades, challenging players to guess titles through progressively restrictive clues. From full sentences to single words and finally to pantomime, the game keeps everyone engaged and laughing throughout.
The Resistance: Avalon
Players: 5-10
Playtime: 30 minutes
Set in King Arthur's court, The Resistance: Avalon is a thrilling game of deception and deduction. Players 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 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 to create hilarious results. The game's expansion pack allows for up to 12 players, while the After Dark version adds an adult twist.
Dixit Odyssey
Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes
Dixit Odyssey builds on the storytelling magic of the original Dixit game. Players use cards with surreal artwork to create and guess descriptions, balancing creativity and clarity to score points. It's a beautiful and engaging game that encourages creativity.
Wavelength
Players: 2-12
Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Wavelength introduces a fresh take on guessing games by focusing on opinions rather than trivia. Players give clues to guide their team to a point on a spectrum, sparking lively discussions and laughter. It's versatile, with both cooperative and competitive modes.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
Players: 4-10
Playtime: 10 minutes
One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a fast-paced game of deception and deduction. Players take on secret roles and must identify the werewolves among them, leading to lively discussions and accusations. The game's quick playtime and various themes make it a party staple.
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 with increasingly restrictive rules. The game's humorous subjects and in-jokes make it a laugh-filled experience that's perfect for large groups.
Decrypto
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes
In Decrypto, teams compete to crack numeric codes based on clues given by their encryptor. The game's clever mechanics and interception feature add a layer of strategy and excitement, making players feel like real spies.
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 2-6 players, and focus on strategy or luck-based gameplay. 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, trivia, or drawing challenges that encourage laughter and engagement.
Tips for Hosting Party Games
Hosting party games with a large group requires some preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. To protect your games from wear and tear, consider sleeving cards, laminating player aids, and using generic pieces. Be mindful of the space you have, as some games require a lot of table space, and consider the types of snacks you serve to avoid messy spills.
When teaching the game, choose simple, intuitive titles that can be explained quickly. Be prepared for the dynamics of a large group and be flexible about splitting into smaller groups or teams if needed. Most importantly, go with the flow and prioritize the enjoyment of your guests over strict adherence to the game plan.
