Top Party Board Games for Large Groups in 2025

When it comes to hosting a lively party or gathering with a large group of friends, finding the perfect board game can transform the event into a memorable experience. Fortunately, the world of tabletop gaming has plenty of options designed specifically for larger groups, capable of engaging 10 or even more players with ease and fun. Whether you're planning a casual get-together or a festive celebration, these top party board games of 2025 are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. If you're also 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

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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

0See it at Amazon Players: 2-6 Playtime: 30 minutes

Link City offers a unique twist on party games by being fully cooperative. In this game, you and your friends work together to construct the most entertaining town imaginable. Each round, one player acts as the mayor, secretly deciding the placement of three randomly drawn location tiles. The challenge lies in the rest of the group trying to deduce the mayor's choices based on the tiles shown. Points are scored for correct guesses, but the real fun comes from the hilarious and bizarre town layouts you create, like placing an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center. It's a game that encourages laughter and teamwork.

Caution Signs

0See it at Amazon Players: 2-9 Playtime: 45-60 minutes

Ever puzzled over the meaning of strange roadside warning signs? Caution Signs turns that curiosity into a fun game. Players receive cards with quirky combinations of nouns and verbs, like "rolling rabbits" or "pretty crocodiles," and must draw a caution sign depicting this unusual hazard. One player acts as the guesser, trying to decipher the signs drawn by others. The joy of this game lies not only in the creative pairings and drawings but also in the hilarious misinterpretations that often occur.

Ready Set Bet

2See it at Amazon Players: 2-9 Playtime: 45-60 minutes

Ready Set Bet brings the thrill of horse racing to your living room. The game's core mechanic is simple yet engaging: the earlier you place a bet, the higher the potential payout. The race, managed either by a player or an app, unfolds in real-time using dice odds, adding an element of unpredictability. As the race progresses, players can bet on individual horses or color groups, with additional prop and exotic finish bets adding variety. This game is fast-paced and guaranteed to get everyone cheering, shouting, and groaning as they back their chosen horses.

Challengers!

Challengers Card Game

1See it at Amazon Players: 1-8 Playtime: 45 minutes

Challengers! is an innovative card game that won the prestigious 2023 Kennerspiel award. It brings the excitement of auto-battler video games to the table, allowing up to eight players to compete simultaneously. Players build their decks and then engage in head-to-head battles, flipping cards until they defeat their opponent's card. The game is fast, addictive, and strategic, with plenty of room for clever tactics. Yet, it also offers plenty of fun and nonsensical matchups, making it perfect for both competitive and casual players.

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 combines bluffing and memory into a compact yet highly entertaining game. Each player gets a card showing an everyday object, and the start player draws another. All cards are flipped face down, and players must pass them around the table, stating what the card depicts based on memory alone. If someone suspects a bluff, they can challenge it. Three incorrect challenges and you're out. The game is quick, engaging, and often results in hilarious debates, making it a must-have for any party.

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 aren't trivia buffs. Instead of answering questions yourself, you bet on the correct answers given by others. For example, if you're unsure about how many Super Bowl rings Peyton Manning has, you can bet on your football-savvy friend's answer. This accessibility makes it a hit at parties. Available in three versions, the party and family editions offer easier questions and accommodate more players, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.

Codenames

30See it at Amazon Players: 2-8 Playtime: 15 minutes Also at Target

Codenames transforms players into spies, divided into two teams. Each team has a spymaster who must give clues to help their team identify their team's codewords on a 5x5 grid without directly naming them. For instance, if the words are "fence," "tree," and "door," the spymaster might say "wood, three." The game relies heavily on the spymaster's quick thinking and can lead to hilarious miscommunications. With several expansions available, Codenames offers endless replay value. Also, consider trying Codenames: Duet, a favorite for couples.

Time’s Up – Title Recall

Time's Up - Title Recall

8See it at Target Players: 3+ Playtime: 60 minutes

Time's Up combines the excitement of pop culture quizzes with the fun of charades. Players use a pool of 40 cards featuring titles of famous films, TV shows, and songs over three rounds. The first round allows any clue except the title itself, the second round limits clues to one word, and the third round requires non-verbal pantomime. This escalating challenge creates hilarious associations and keeps everyone engaged throughout the game.

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 for a thrilling game of deception and strategy. Each player receives a secret role, and loyal knights must complete five quests while protecting Merlin. The twist? Merlin knows who is loyal but can't reveal it without becoming a target. With various roles and powers, the game creates an atmosphere of escalating paranoia and fun, making it perfect for multiple rounds of intrigue.

Telestrations

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

Telestrations brings the classic game of telephone to life with drawings. Players start with a phrase, draw it, and pass it along for others to guess and draw, leading to hilarious misinterpretations. The game includes options for up to 12 players and an adults-only After Dark version, ensuring endless laughter and creativity at any party.

Dixit Odyssey

7See it at Amazon Players: 3-12 Playtime: 30 minutes

Dixit Odyssey, a winner of the Spiel des Jahres, offers a unique storytelling experience. One player, the storyteller, describes a card from their hand using a word or phrase, and others choose cards from their hands that they think match the description. The goal is to guess the storyteller's card, but if everyone or no one guesses correctly, the storyteller scores no points. The game's beautiful artwork and focus on creativity make it a delightful and engaging party game.

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. Players spin a dial secretly between two extremes, like "straight" and "curvy," and give clues to help their team guess the position. For instance, if the dial is two-thirds toward "straight," a good clue might be "hand-drawn line." With cooperative and competitive modes, Wavelength is a versatile game that sparks lively discussions and fun.

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

13See it at Amazon Players: 4-10 Playtime: 10 minutes Also at Target

One Night Ultimate Werewolf is synonymous with party games for its simplicity, player interaction, and quick playtime. Each player receives a secret role, and the group must identify the werewolves, unless you are one. Special abilities like the seer's peek at roles or the troublemaker's role-switching add layers of intrigue. The game thrives on the chaos of accusations and lively discussions, making it a thrilling addition to any gathering. Various themed versions are available, ensuring endless fun.

Monikers

7See it at Amazon Players: 4-20 Playtime: 60 minutes

Monikers reimagines the classic game of Celebrity with a twist. Players act out characters ranging from Count Chocula to Drunk Jeff Goldblum, with rounds becoming increasingly restrictive. In round one, words and gestures are allowed; in round two, only one word; and in round three, no speaking at all. The repeated use of cards fosters in-jokes and laughter, making Monikers the ultimate party game for big groups.

Decrypto

10See it at Amazon Players: 3-8 Playtime: 15-45 minutes

Decrypto pits two teams against each other in a game of code-breaking. Each round, four words are assigned to numbers, and the team's encryptor must give clues to help their team guess a three-digit code. The "interception" mechanic allows teams to guess their opponents' codes, adding a strategic layer. Decrypto strikes a balance between giving enough clues and not too much, making players feel like real spies.

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

While all party games are board games, not all board games are party games. Party games are designed for larger groups and focus on fun, social interaction, and ease of play. They often involve activities like charades or trivia and are perfect for gatherings. In contrast, traditional board games are typically more structured, strategic, and designed for smaller groups, often two to six players. They can be competitive and require planning and strategy.

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, laminating player aids, and keeping the game box safe. Consider the space you have; some games require a lot of table space, and you'll need room for drinks and snacks. Opt for foods that won't leave residue on your games.

Teaching and coordinating a large group can be tough, so choose simple, intuitive games. Many party games don't have a strict turn structure, making them ideal for lively events. Consider your guests' preferences and comfort levels when selecting games. If the group becomes unmanageable, split into smaller groups or teams. Most importantly, be flexible; if your chosen games aren't a hit, be ready to switch to something else that everyone enjoys.

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