Top Party and Group Board Games of 2025

Home News Top Party and Group Board Games of 2025

When it comes to hosting a lively gathering with a larger crowd, finding the right board game can transform a simple get-together into a memorable event. Fortunately, the board game industry has not left larger groups behind, offering a variety of engaging and scalable games that can accommodate 10 or even more players, ensuring everyone gets in on the fun.

If you're planning your next party or gathering in 2025, consider these top picks for the best board games suitable for large groups. For those looking for games suitable for all ages, you might also want to explore 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 collaborate to create the most entertaining town imaginable. Each turn, a player becomes the mayor, secretly deciding the placement of three randomly drawn location tiles. They then reveal the tiles to the group, who must guess their intended positions. Points are awarded for correct guesses, but the real fun lies in the laughter and creativity sparked by the absurd combinations, like placing 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

Inspired by the quirky nature of roadside warning signs, Caution Signs challenges players to draw caution signs based on unusual combinations of nouns and verbs. One player guesses the intended signs, leading to hilarious misinterpretations and creative drawings. It's a game that celebrates the absurd and the artistic, perfect for sparking laughter at any gathering.

Ready Set Bet

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

This horse-racing game thrives on the thrill of betting. The earlier you bet on a horse, the higher the payout if it wins. Races unfold in real-time, driven by dice odds, with players placing bets on individual horses or color groups. The game's excitement is amplified by prop bets and exotic finish bets, ensuring dynamic and engaging play. It's simple, fast-paced, and guaranteed to get everyone cheering and groaning together.

Challengers!

Challengers! Card Game

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

Challengers! is a novel party game that brings the auto-battler video game experience to the table. Players build their decks and compete in pairs, flipping cards to determine winners and losers. The game's mechanics allow for quick, strategic play regardless of the number of participants. It's both addictive and strategic, with plenty of room for fun and unexpected matchups.

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 quick and entertaining game. Players pass cards showing everyday objects, relying on memory to name them correctly. If a player suspects a bluff, they can challenge the guesser, adding a layer of excitement and tension. It's a compact game that packs a punch of fun and strategy.

Wits and Wagers

Wits & Wagers Party

23See it at Amazon
Players: 3-7 (standard), 4-18 (party), 3-10 (family)
Playtime: 25 minutes

Wits and Wagers is perfect for trivia lovers who aren't trivia experts. Instead of answering questions yourself, you bet on who got the right answer. This approach makes the game accessible and fun for everyone, regardless of their knowledge base. With different versions catering to various group sizes and difficulty levels, it's a versatile choice for any party.

Codenames

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

In Codenames, players split into teams, with each team having a spymaster who gives clues to identify their team's codewords on a grid. The game relies on quick thinking and clever clue-giving, leading to humorous and competitive gameplay. With numerous expansions, Codenames offers endless replay value, and the Duet version is 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 combines pop culture quizzes with charades, using cards with famous titles. Over three rounds, players give clues, moving from full sentences to one word, and finally to pantomime. This progression leads to hilarious associations and keeps the game engaging and entertaining throughout.

The Resistance: Avalon

13See it at Amazon
Players: 5 - 10
Playtime: 30 minutes

Set in King Arthur's court, The Resistance: Avalon is a bluffing game where players assume secret roles and must complete quests while identifying traitors. The game's dynamic roles and mechanics create an atmosphere of escalating paranoia and intrigue, making it a thrilling experience for larger groups.

Telestrations

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

Telestrations is a fun twist on the classic game of telephone, using drawings to pass messages. Players sketch and guess phrases, leading to amusing misinterpretations and creative drawings. With expansions for up to 12 players and an adults-only version, it's perfect for lively gatherings.

Dixit Odyssey

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

Dixit Odyssey expands on the storytelling concept of the original Dixit game. Players take turns as storytellers, describing a card from their hand, while others choose cards that fit the description. The game's balance of vagueness and clarity, combined with stunning artwork, makes it a creative and engaging choice for any party.

Wavelength

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

Wavelength introduces a fresh take on guessing games by focusing on opinions rather than trivia. Players give clues to guide their team to a point on a spectrum between two extremes, sparking lively discussions and laughter. Its versatility and engaging nature make it a great choice for parties of all sizes.

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

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

One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a quick and chaotic game where players assume secret roles and must identify the werewolves among them. With various roles and abilities, the game encourages lively interaction and strategic play. It's perfect for those looking for a fast-paced, engaging party game that can test friendships in the best way.

Monikers

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

Monikers is a hilarious take on the classic game of Celebrity, where players act out a variety of characters across multiple rounds with increasing restrictions. From full descriptions to one-word clues and silent acting, the game creates in-jokes and laughter, making it the ultimate party game for large groups.

Decrypto

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

In Decrypto, teams compete to crack numeric codes based on clues given by their encryptor. The game's "interception" mechanic adds a strategic layer, challenging players to balance clarity and secrecy. It's a thrilling game that makes players feel like real spies, perfect for a fun and engaging party.

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

While all party games can be considered board games, not all board games are suited for parties. Board games typically cater to smaller groups, focusing on structured rules and strategic gameplay. Party games, on the other hand, are designed for larger groups, prioritizing fun, social interaction, and ease of play. They often involve activities like charades, trivia, or drawing challenges that encourage laughter and engagement among players.

Tips for Hosting Party Games

Hosting party games with a large group can be challenging, but with some preparation, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Protect your games from wear and tear by using card sleeves and laminated player aids. Consider the space you have and accommodate everyone comfortably around the play area, keeping in mind that snacks and drinks will also need space.

Choose simple, intuitive games that can be taught quickly to large groups. Be mindful of your guests' preferences and the level of complexity they can handle. If the group becomes too large to manage, consider splitting into smaller teams. Most importantly, be flexible and ready to switch games if the chosen ones aren't a hit with your guests.

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