When it comes to entertaining a large group of fun-loving friends at a party or gathering, you don't have to settle for less. The world of board games and card games is brimming with options that cater to bigger crowds, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun. Whether you're looking for games that can handle 10 or more players, you're in luck. Here's a curated list of the best party board games for 2025 that are perfect for your next event. For a broader selection suitable for all ages, don't forget to check out our list of the best family board games.
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 unique fully cooperative party game where you and your friends collaborate to create the most absurd town imaginable. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor and secretly decides where three randomly-drawn location tiles should be placed in the city. The mayor then reveals the tiles to the group, but keeps their desired placement a mystery. The rest of the players must guess correctly to earn points, but the real joy is in the laughter sparked by the bizarre configurations, like an alien abduction site nestled between a cattle ranch and a daycare center.
Caution Signs
Caution Signs
0See it at Amazon
Players: 3-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Ever puzzled by the cryptic symbols on roadside warning signs? Caution Signs turns this curiosity into a game where players draw cards with quirky combinations of nouns and verbs, such as "rolling rabbits" or "pretty crocodiles," and sketch a caution sign on a blank card to represent the hazard. One player acts as the guesser, adding to the fun with their attempts to decipher the often wildly off-the-mark interpretations.
Ready Set Bet
Ready Set Bet
2See it at Amazon
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Ready Set Bet brings the excitement of horse racing to your party. The game hinges on the thrill of betting: the earlier you bet on a horse, the higher the payoff if it wins. Facilitated by either a game-master or an app, the race unfolds in real-time with dice determining the odds. Players can bet on individual horses or color groups, with prop bets and exotic finish bets adding variety. It's fast-paced, engaging, and sure to get everyone cheering and groaning as the race concludes.
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 for its unique auto-battler mechanics. Players build decks and engage in head-to-head battles by flipping cards, keeping the winner and discarding the loser until they build up enough strength to defeat the opponent's card. It's fast, strategic, and filled with entertaining matchups, perfect for a lively gathering.
That’s Not A Hat
That's Not a Hat
3See it at Amazon
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
That's Not A Hat blends bluffing and memory into a compact, engaging game. Players receive face-up cards with everyday objects, and the start player draws another card. All cards are flipped face down, and players must pass them around, stating what they think the card is based on memory alone. If someone suspects deceit, they can challenge the claim, making for a thrilling mix of recollection and psychology.
Wits and Wagers
Wits & Wagers Party
23See it at Amazon
Players: 3-7 (standard), 4-18 (party), 3-10 (family)
Playtime: 25 minutes
Also at Target
Wits and Wagers is a trivia game with a twist: you bet on others' answers instead of your own. It's perfect for those who enjoy trivia but aren't experts. With versions tailored for different group sizes and difficulty levels, it's a versatile choice that's more accessible than traditional trivia games like Trivial Pursuit.
Codenames
Codenames
30See it at Amazon
Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
Also at Target
In Codenames, teams led by "spymasters" try to identify codewords from a grid based on cryptic clues. The spymaster must think quickly and creatively to guide their team without directly naming the words. With expansions and variations, Codenames offers endless replayability and is perfect for large groups.
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 quizzes with charades, using 40 cards with titles of famous films, TV shows, and songs. Over three rounds, clues evolve from full sentences to single words to non-verbal pantomimes, creating hilarious associations and a fun, engaging experience.
The Resistance: Avalon
The Resistance: Avalon
13See it at Amazon
Players: 5-10
Playtime: 30 minutes
Also at Target
Set in King Arthur's court, The Resistance: Avalon is a bluffing game where players must complete quests while identifying and thwarting traitors. With roles like Merlin, who knows the loyalties but must remain hidden, the game creates an atmosphere of suspense and strategic intrigue.
Telestrations
Telestrations
8See it at Amazon
Players: 4-8
Playtime: 30-60 minutes
Also at Target
Telestrations is a drawing-based game similar to Chinese whispers, where players sketch and guess phrases, leading to hilarious misinterpretations. With expansion packs for larger groups and an adults-only version, it's a versatile choice for any party.
Dixit Odyssey
Dixit Odyssey
7See it at Amazon
Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes
Dixit Odyssey, an expansion of the acclaimed original Dixit, is renowned for its storytelling approach. Players use cards with surreal artwork to give clues, trying to guide others to guess their card without being too obvious or too vague. It's a creative and visually stunning game that encourages discussion and imagination.
Wavelength
Wavelength
11See it at Amazon
Players: 2-12
Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Also at Target
Wavelength introduces a fresh take on guessing games by focusing on players' opinions rather than trivia. Teams give clues to guide a dial between two extremes, sparking engaging conversations and making it a great pick for diverse groups.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
13See it at Amazon
Players: 4-10
Playtime: 10 minutes
Also at Target
One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a fast-paced party game where players must identify werewolves among them. With various roles and abilities, it's a game of deception and deduction that can lead to lively discussions and uproarious accusations.
Monikers
Monikers
7See it at Amazon
Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes
Monikers is a modern twist on Celebrity, where players act out a range of characters from Count Chocula to viral memes. With rounds becoming increasingly restrictive, it's a game that fosters in-jokes and endless laughter, making it a must-have for any party.
Decrypto
Decrypto
10See it at Amazon
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes
Decrypto pits two teams against each other in a battle of wits, where they must decipher numeric codes based on clues given by their encryptor. With an interception mechanic, it adds a layer of strategy and suspense, 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. While board games often cater to smaller groups and focus on strategy or luck, party games are designed for larger groups and emphasize fun and social interaction. Party games are typically easy to learn and quick to play, perfect for gatherings, and often involve activities like charades or drawing challenges.
Tips for Hosting Party Games
Hosting party games can be challenging with a large group, 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 the type of food you'll serve to avoid messy spills. Choose simple, intuitive games that can be taught quickly, and be ready to adapt if the group's energy shifts. Above all, go with the flow and prioritize the fun and interaction of your guests.