Top Party and Group Board Games of 2025

When it comes to entertaining a large group of fun-loving friends at a party or gathering, the challenge is finding the right board game that can accommodate everyone. Fortunately, the world of tabletop gaming has not overlooked these larger groups, with plenty of options designed to scale up to 10 or even more players, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun.

For your next gathering in 2025, consider these top picks for the best party board games that are perfect for large groups. If you're looking for something suitable for all ages, you might also want 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

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 build the most bizarre town imaginable. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor and secretly decides where three randomly-drawn location tiles should be placed. They reveal the tiles to the group, but not their chosen spots, challenging the rest of the players to guess the correct locations. Earning points is fun, but the real joy comes from the laughter sparked by the outlandish placement combinations, like an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center.

Caution Signs

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

Ever been puzzled by the odd icons on roadside warning signs? Caution Signs turns this into a game where players draw caution signs for quirky combinations of nouns and verbs, such as rolling rabbits or pretty crocodiles. One player guesses while the rest draw, leading to hilarious misinterpretations and a lot of laughs as players try to decipher each other's artwork.

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 party with a simple yet engaging premise: the earlier you bet on a horse, the bigger the payoff if it wins. The race unfolds in real-time, managed by an app or a games-master, with dice determining the odds. Players place bets on individual horses or color groups, adding excitement and urgency as everyone cheers their chosen horse to the finish line, amidst groans and cheers.

Challengers!

Challengers! Card Game

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

Challengers! is a unique and innovative party game that won the 2023 Kennerspiel award. It's an auto-battler in a box, where players build decks and compete in pairs, flipping cards to determine winners. Fast-paced and addictive, it offers strategic depth alongside the fun of unpredictable matchups, making it perfect for a lively game night.

That's Not A Hat

That's Not a Hat

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

Combining bluffing and memory, That's Not A Hat is a compact yet thrilling party game. Players pass cards showing everyday objects, describing them without looking, relying on memory. If someone suspects a lie, they can challenge the describer, adding a layer of tension and humor to the game. It's quick, engaging, and sure to leave players wanting more.

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

If you love trivia but aren't a walking encyclopedia, Wits and Wagers is your game. Instead of answering questions yourself, you bet on who you think has the right answer. It's accessible and fun, with different versions for varying group sizes and difficulty levels. Say goodbye to Trivial Pursuit and hello to a more inclusive trivia experience.

Codenames

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

Codenames transforms your party into a spy thriller, with teams led by spymasters who give cryptic clues to help their team identify codewords on a grid. Quick thinking and clever clues are key, and the game's expansions offer endless replayability. For couples, Codenames: Duet is a fantastic alternative.

Time's Up – Title Recall

Time's Up - Title Recall

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

Time's Up blends pop culture quizzes with charades across three rounds, each with increasing restrictions on clues. From full sentences to one word, and finally to pantomime, the game fosters hilarious associations and keeps everyone engaged throughout its duration.

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 assume secret roles as loyal knights or traitors. The goal is to complete quests while keeping Merlin alive, with various roles adding layers of intrigue and suspicion. It's a quick, intense experience that begs for repeated plays.

Telestrations

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

Telestrations is a delightful take on the classic game of telephone, where players draw and guess phrases in a cycle, often resulting in hilariously distorted outcomes. With options for expansion and an adults-only version, it's perfect for larger groups seeking a good laugh.

Dixit Odyssey

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

Dixit Odyssey builds on the storytelling success of the original Dixit game. As the storyteller, you describe a card with a word or phrase, and others choose cards from their hand to match. The game rewards creativity and balance, with beautiful, surreal artwork sparking discussions and laughter among players.

Wavelength

11See it at Amazon
**Players**: 2-12
**Playtime**: 30-45 minutes
Also at Target

Wavelength introduces a fresh twist to guessing games by focusing on opinions rather than trivia. Players spin a dial to a point between two extremes and give clues to guide their team. It's engaging, subjective, and perfect for sparking conversation at any party.

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 assume secret roles and try to identify the werewolves among them. With special abilities and a quick playtime, it's perfect for chaotic, lively gatherings. Be warned, though, friendships might be tested in this thrilling game.

Monikers

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

Monikers reinvents the classic game of Celebrity with a twist. Players act out characters ranging from Count Chocula to viral internet memes, with rounds getting progressively more challenging. It's a laugh-filled experience that creates in-jokes and memorable moments among players.

Decrypto

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

In Decrypto, teams work to decipher numeric codes through clues given by their encryptor. The game's interception mechanic adds a strategic layer, making players feel like real spies. It's a clever, engaging game that balances information sharing with secrecy.

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

Not all board games are party games, and vice versa. Board games often cater to smaller groups, typically two to six players, with structured rules and strategic goals. Party games, on the other hand, are designed for larger groups and focus on fun, lighthearted activities like charades or trivia, encouraging social interaction over deep strategy.

Tips for Hosting Party Games

Hosting party games with a big group can be challenging, 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 using generic pieces. Consider the space and seating arrangements, and choose snacks that won't interfere with gameplay. Opt for simple, intuitive games that can be taught quickly and are suitable for your guests' preferences. Be flexible and ready to adapt if the chosen games aren't a hit with your crowd.