Top Party and Group Board Games of 2025

When planning a lively gathering with friends, you might wonder how to keep everyone engaged with a fun activity. Thankfully, the world of board games and card games has plenty of options designed specifically for larger groups, perfect for parties and social gatherings. These games are crafted to entertain and involve up to 10 or even more players, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun.

For your next party, consider these top board games tailored for large groups in 2025. Whether you're looking for something competitive or cooperative, there's a game to suit every crowd. For family-friendly options, 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

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Link City

Players: 2-6
Playtime: 30 minutes

Link City is a unique, fully cooperative game where you and your friends collaborate to create the wackiest town imaginable. Each round, one player acts as mayor, secretly deciding the placement of three randomly drawn location tiles. The fun lies in guessing where the mayor wants to place them, earning points for correct guesses. The real joy, though, comes from the ridiculous town layouts you end up with, like an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center.

Caution Signs

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Caution Signs

Players: 3-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes

If you've ever been amused by the odd symbols on roadside signs, Caution Signs is your game. Players draw cards with quirky combinations of nouns and verbs, like "rolling rabbits" or "pretty crocodiles," and must sketch a caution sign to warn against these bizarre hazards. One player guesses the signs, leading to hilarious misinterpretations and laughter.

Ready Set Bet

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Ready Set Bet

Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes

This horse-racing game thrives on the excitement of betting. The earlier you place a bet, the higher the potential reward. The race unfolds in real-time, driven by dice odds, and players must quickly decide where to place their chips. With a mix of core and prop bets, Ready Set Bet is fast-paced and sure to get everyone cheering for their chosen horses.

Challengers!

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Challengers! Card Game

Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes

Challengers! is an innovative party game that feels like a tabletop version of an auto-battler video game. Players build decks and battle in pairs, flipping cards to determine winners. It's fast, strategic, and full of surprises, making it a standout choice for any gathering.

That’s Not A Hat

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That's Not a Hat

Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes

Blending memory and bluffing, That's Not A Hat is a quick and entertaining game. Players must remember and correctly identify objects passed around the table, with the risk of being called out if they're wrong. It's a delightful mix of strategy and humor, perfect for a lively party.

Wits and Wagers

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Wits & Wagers Party

Players: 3-7 (standard), 4-18 (party), 3-10 (family)
Playtime: 25 minutes

Wits and Wagers is the ultimate trivia game for those who aren't trivia buffs. Instead of answering questions, players bet on others' answers. It's accessible and fun, with different versions catering to various group sizes and difficulty levels.

Codenames

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Codenames

Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes

In Codenames, players are divided into teams, each with a spymaster who gives coded clues to guide their team to the right words. It's a test of quick thinking and clever communication, with expansions available to keep the game fresh and exciting.

Time’s Up – Title Recall

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Time's Up - Title Recall

Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes

Time's Up combines pop culture trivia with charades, escalating the challenge over three rounds. From verbal clues to one-word hints, and finally to pantomime, the game keeps everyone engaged and laughing throughout.

The Resistance: Avalon

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The Resistance: Avalon

Players: 5-10
Playtime: 30 minutes

Set in King Arthur's court, The Resistance: Avalon is a thrilling game of bluffing and deduction. Players must complete quests while identifying the traitors among them, leading to intense rounds of suspicion and strategy.

Telestrations

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Telestrations

Players: 4-8
Playtime: 30-60 minutes

Telestrations is a hilarious twist on the telephone game, where players draw and guess phrases, passing them around the table. The results are often wildly off-target, leading to laughter and fun for everyone involved.

Dixit Odyssey

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Dixit Odyssey

Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes

Dixit Odyssey is a storytelling game where players describe their cards with a word or phrase, and others choose cards that match the description. The game's beautiful artwork and creative challenge make it a hit at any party.

Wavelength

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Wavelength

Players: 2-12
Playtime: 30-45 minutes

Wavelength introduces a fresh take on guessing games, focusing on opinions rather than facts. Players give clues to guide their team to a point on a spectrum, sparking lively discussions and making it a great choice for any gathering.

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

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One Night Ultimate Werewolf

Players: 4-10
Playtime: 10 minutes

This fast-paced game of deception and deduction involves players secretly taking on roles and trying to identify the werewolves among them. With various roles and special abilities, each game is a chaotic and engaging experience.

Monikers

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Monikers

Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes

Monikers is a modern take on charades, featuring a wide range of characters from pop culture and internet memes. As rounds progress, clues become more restrictive, leading to creative and hilarious moments that will have everyone laughing.

Decrypto

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Decrypto

Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes

In Decrypto, teams compete to crack a numeric code based on clues from their encryptor. The game's interception mechanic adds a layer of strategy, making it feel like a real spy mission and a thrilling challenge for any party.

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

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While both board games and party games can be incredibly fun, they serve different purposes. Board games are typically designed for smaller groups, with structured rules and a focus on strategy or luck. Party games, on the other hand, are meant for larger gatherings, emphasizing social interaction and quick, easy-to-learn gameplay. They often involve activities like charades, trivia, or drawing, making them perfect for lively events.

Tips for Hosting Party Games

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To ensure your party games go smoothly, consider these tips:

• Protect Your Games: Use card sleeves and laminate player aids to prevent wear and tear. Embrace any damage as a fun memory of your gathering.
• Space Planning: Ensure you have enough table space for the game and any refreshments. Choose snacks that won't interfere with gameplay.
• Game Selection: Opt for simple, intuitive games that are easy to teach and play. Consider your guests' preferences and the level of engagement they enjoy.
• Flexibility: Be ready to adapt. If a game isn't working, switch to another or let the group decide what they want to do next.

By following these tips, you'll create a fun and memorable gaming experience for your party guests.