Top Party and Group Board Games of 2025

When it comes to hosting a lively gathering with a large group of friends, the right board game can transform your party into an unforgettable experience. Fortunately, the world of board games and card games has evolved to cater to bigger crowds, offering engaging and fun-filled activities that can accommodate 10 or even more players seamlessly.

If you're planning your next gathering in 2025, consider these top picks for the best party board games that are perfect for large groups. And if you're looking for something 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 work together to create the most eccentric town imaginable. Each round, one player acts as the mayor and secretly decides where three randomly-drawn location tiles should be placed in the city. The mayor reveals the tiles but not their intended locations, challenging the group to guess correctly. Each correct guess earns a point, but the real fun lies in the humorous and bizarre placement combinations you'll come up with, such as 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

If you're amused by the quirky nature of roadside warning signs, Caution Signs is the game for you. Players receive cards with unusual combinations of nouns and verbs, such as "rolling rabbits" or "pretty crocodiles," and a blank sign to sketch a warning against these peculiar hazards. One player doesn't draw but instead guesses the others' creations. The game's charm lies not only in the odd pairings and creative drawings but also in the humorous, often off-the-mark guesses.

Ready Set Bet

Ready Set Bet

2See it at Amazon

Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes

Ready Set Bet offers an exhilarating horse-racing experience where the thrill of betting is front and center. The earlier you place your bet on a horse, the higher the potential payoff. The race can be managed by a player or an app, unfolding in real-time based on dice odds, which adds an element of unpredictability. Players place their betting chips on horses or color groups for various race positions. Alongside core bets, each race includes prop bets and exotic finish bets, ensuring variety. This game is fast-paced, encouraging everyone to stand, shout, and cheer for their chosen horses, all while commiserating with the unlucky ones.

Challengers!

Challengers Card Game

1See it at Amazon

Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes

Challengers! stands out as an innovative party game, earning the prestigious 2023 Kennerspiel award. Inspired by auto-battler video games, it allows up to eight players to compete in a streamlined format. Players purchase cards for their deck, then face off in pairs, flipping cards from their stack and retaining the winner while the loser continues flipping until they can overcome the opposing card. The game is fast, addictive, and surprisingly strategic, with numerous nuances that skilled players can exploit, yet it remains fun and engaging for casual players.

That's Not A Hat

That's Not a Hat

3See it at Amazon

Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes

Combining the thrill of bluffing with a test of memory, That's Not A Hat is a compact yet impactful party game. Players receive a face-up card showing an everyday object, and the start player draws another. All cards are flipped face down, and players pass them around according to arrows on the back, stating what the card represents. Without flipping the cards back, players must rely on memory, and any player can challenge a guess. Three incorrect challenges lead to elimination. The game is quick, engaging, and often hilariously reveals players' recollections and bluffing skills.

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 the perfect trivia game for those who might not be experts in every field. Instead of answering questions directly, players bet on who they think has the correct answer. For instance, if you're unsure about how many Super Bowl rings Peyton Manning has, you can bet on your football-enthusiast friend. This approach makes the game accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The party version accommodates more players and features easier questions, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional trivia games like Trivial Pursuit.

Codenames

Codenames

30See it at Amazon

Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes
Also at Target

Codenames turns players into spies, dividing them into two teams with each team having a "spymaster." The spymaster's challenge is to guide their team to identify codewords on a five-by-five grid using indirect clues. For example, if the words are "fence," "tree," and "door," the spymaster might say "wood, three." The game's success hinges on the spymaster's quick thinking, often leading to amusing debates when clues are misinterpreted. With multiple expansions since its 2015 release, Codenames offers endless replay value. For a romantic twist, consider Codenames: Duet, ideal for couples.

Time’s Up – Title Recall

Time's Up - Title Recall

8See it at Target

Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes

Time's Up adds a creative twist to the classic charades and pop culture quizzes. Players use 40 cards featuring titles of films, TV shows, and songs over three rounds. In the first round, you can say anything except the title; the second round limits you to one word, and the third round is purely pantomime. This escalating challenge creates hilarious associations and wordplay, keeping the game engaging and fun throughout.

The Resistance: Avalon

The Resistance: Avalon

13See it at Amazon

Players: 5 - 10
Playtime: 30 minutes
Also at Target

The Resistance: Avalon transports players to King Arthur's court in a game of bluffing and strategy. Each player has a secret role, and loyal knights must complete five quests while protecting Merlin. Merlin knows who is loyal but revealing this knowledge risks their own safety. Other roles like Percival and Mordred add complexity, fostering an atmosphere of paranoia and intrigue. The game's short duration makes it tempting to play multiple rounds, each time with new roles and heightened tension.

Telestrations

Telestrations

8See it at Amazon

Players: 4 - 8
Playtime: 30 - 60 minutes
Also at Target

Telestrations brings the fun of image-based Chinese whispers to the table. Starting with a phrase, players sketch it, pass it on for the next player to guess and write, and continue until the phrase returns to its originator, often transformed into hilarious nonsense. The game includes ridiculous drawings that delight and amuse. For larger gatherings, a 12-player expansion pack is available, and an adults-only After Dark version adds a daring twist.

Dixit Odyssey

Dixit Odyssey

7See it at Amazon

Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes

Dixit Odyssey, a 2011 expansion of the award-winning Dixit, enhances the original storytelling game. Each round, a player acts as the storyteller, describing a card in their hand with a word or phrase. Other players choose a card from their hand that they think fits the description. The cards are shuffled and revealed, and players attempt to identify the storyteller's card. The challenge is to balance being descriptive enough for some guesses but not too obvious. The game's surreal and beautiful artwork fosters creativity and discussion, making it a joy to play.

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 opinions rather than trivia. Each round features a pair of extremes, like "straight" and "curvy." Players spin a dial in secret to set a point between these limits and then provide a clue to guide their team. For instance, if the dial is two-thirds toward "straight," a good clue might be "hand-drawn line." This subjective challenge sparks lively discussions and is suitable for all ages, offering both cooperative and competitive modes.

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 has become synonymous with party games due to its simplicity, player interaction, and quick playtime. Players receive secret roles at the game's start, with the objective to identify the werewolves, unless you are one. Special abilities like the seer's glimpse at roles or the troublemaker's role-swapping add intrigue. The game thrives on reading friends' behaviors, leading to a chaotic flurry of accusations. Various themed versions, from vampires to aliens, offer diverse experiences, though be warned: friendships may be tested during play.

Monikers

Monikers

7See it at Amazon

Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes

Monikers offers a fresh spin on the classic game of Celebrity, featuring a range of characters from Count Chocula to Drunk Jeff Goldblum. The game progresses through rounds with increasing restrictions: words and gestures in round one, one word in round two, and no speaking in round three. Reusing cards across rounds fosters in-jokes and clever associations. The diverse subject matter, including modern memes and viral videos, ensures endless laughter. As Shut Up and Sit Down aptly put it, "It’s the most you’ll laugh playing a game," making Monikers a must-have for any party.

Decrypto

Decrypto

10See it at Amazon

Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes

In Decrypto, two teams work to decipher a numeric code through clues given by their encryptor. At the start, four words are assigned to numbers one through four, and the encryptor secretly draws a three-digit code. They then provide clues to help their team guess the code in the correct order. Similar to Codenames, the game includes an "interception" mechanic allowing teams to guess their opponents' code, requiring encryptors to balance information given. This clever twist makes Decrypto a thrilling spy-like experience.

What's the Difference Between a Party Game and a Board Game?

Not all board games are party games, and vice versa. Party games often don't require a physical board, using cards or other materials instead. The key distinction lies in player numbers and gameplay style. Board games typically cater to smaller groups (2-6 players) and focus on structured rules and strategic goals. In contrast, party games are designed for larger groups, emphasizing fun, social interaction, and ease of play, making them ideal for gatherings and social events.

Tips for Hosting Party Games

Hosting party games for large groups requires some preparation to 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 need ample table room, especially with drinks and snacks around. Opt for simple, intuitive games that can be quickly taught and are suitable for the group's dynamics. If a game isn't working out, be flexible and switch to another activity. Above all, embrace the spontaneity and fun of the occasion.