When it comes to hosting a lively gathering with a large group of friends, finding the perfect board game can be a game-changer. Fortunately, the board game industry has stepped up, offering a variety of engaging options that can accommodate groups of 10 or more players. These games are designed to be fun, interactive, and easy to learn, ensuring everyone at your party can join in on the action.
If you're on the hunt for the ideal game to liven up your next event, here are some of the top party board games for 2025. And if you're looking for something suitable for all ages, be sure 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
Players: 2-6
Playtime: 30 minutes
Link City is a unique fully cooperative party game where players collaborate to build a quirky town. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor, secretly deciding the placement of three location tiles. The rest of the group must then guess where these tiles should go, earning points for correct guesses. The real joy comes from 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
Caution Signs turns the quirky world of roadside warning signs into a game. Players draw cards with odd combinations of nouns and verbs, then create caution signs for these unusual scenarios. One player acts as the guesser, adding to the fun with their attempts to decipher the often wildly off-the-mark signs drawn by others.
Ready Set Bet
Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
This dynamic horse-racing game is all about timing your bets for maximum payoff. With real-time races driven by dice odds, players can bet on individual horses or color groups, making it a fast-paced and thrilling experience. The game also includes prop bets and exotic finish bets, keeping things fresh and exciting, with everyone cheering and groaning as the race unfolds.
Challengers!
Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes
Challengers! is an innovative card game that brings the excitement of auto-battler video games to the table. Players build and battle with their decks, facing off in pairs to determine who keeps the winning cards. It's fast, addictive, and strategic, with plenty of room for fun and unexpected matchups.
That's Not A Hat
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
Combining bluffing and memory, That's Not A Hat is a quick and engaging game. Players pass cards with everyday objects, relying on memory to recall what they are. If someone suspects a lie, they can call it out, making for a thrilling mix of recollection and strategy that's sure to keep everyone entertained.
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 who you think has the right answer. This makes it accessible and fun for everyone, regardless of their trivia knowledge. The party version accommodates more players, making it perfect for larger gatherings.
Codenames
Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
In Codenames, players are split into teams with one spymaster per team. The spymaster gives cryptic clues to guide their team to the correct codewords on a grid. It's a game of quick thinking and clever communication, with expansions available to keep the experience fresh and exciting.
Time’s Up – Title Recall
Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes
Time's Up combines pop culture trivia with charades, using a set of cards with famous titles. The game progresses through three rounds, each with stricter clue-giving rules, leading to hilarious and creative associations. It's a fun blend of trivia and wordplay that keeps the party lively.
The Resistance: Avalon
Players: 5-10
Playtime: 30 minutes
The Resistance: Avalon is a thrilling bluffing game set in King Arthur's court. Players have secret roles, with loyal knights trying to complete quests while keeping Merlin alive. The game is filled with suspense and paranoia, making it a perfect choice for groups who enjoy strategic deception.
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. Players draw, guess, and pass cards, leading to amusing misinterpretations. An expansion pack and an adults-only version are available for even more fun.
Dixit Odyssey
Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes
Dixit Odyssey is a storytelling game where one player acts as the storyteller, describing a card from their hand. Other players choose cards that match the description, and everyone tries to guess the storyteller's card. The game's beautiful artwork and creative gameplay make it a favorite for all ages.
Wavelength
Players: 2-12
Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Wavelength is a unique guessing game that focuses on opinions rather than trivia. Players give clues to guide their team to a point on a spectrum between two extremes. It's a fun and engaging way to spark conversation and laughter at any party.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
Players: 4-10
Playtime: 10 minutes
One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a quick and chaotic game where players must identify the werewolves among them. With secret roles and special abilities, it's a game of bluffing and deduction that's perfect for lively groups. Different versions are available to suit various themes.
Monikers
Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes
Monikers is a hilarious take on charades, where players act out a variety of characters and objects. The game progresses through rounds with increasingly restrictive clue-giving rules, leading to clever in-jokes and lots of laughter. It's a must-have for any party.
Decrypto
Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes
In Decrypto, teams work to crack a numeric code using clues from their encryptor. The game's interception mechanic adds a layer of strategy, as players must balance giving enough information to their team without revealing too much to the opponents. It's a fun and engaging game that feels like real spy work.
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 with a defined set of rules. 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, making them perfect for lively gatherings.
Tips for Hosting Party Games
Hosting party games can be challenging with large groups, 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 some games require a lot of table space, and think about the types of snacks that won't interfere with gameplay.
Choose simple, intuitive games that can be taught quickly, and be prepared to adapt if the group struggles with the rules or if the game isn't a hit. Splitting into smaller groups or teams can help manage larger gatherings, and remember to go with the flow and focus on what your guests enjoy.