When you're hosting a party or gathering with a larger group of friends, finding the right board game that can accommodate everyone can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are numerous board and card games designed specifically for larger groups, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun. Whether you're planning a lively gathering or a casual get-together, these are the best board games for parties and large groups in 2025. For family-friendly options, you can also 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

Players: 2-6
Playtime: 30 minutes

Link City is a unique cooperative party game where you and your friends work together to build a quirky town. Each turn, one player acts as the mayor, secretly deciding where to place three randomly drawn location tiles. The rest of the group must then guess the mayor's choices based on the tiles shown. Scoring points is fun, but the real joy comes from the hilarious and unexpected city layouts that emerge, like an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center.

Caution Signs

Players: 3-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes

If you've ever been amused by strange roadside warning signs, Caution Signs is the game for you. Players draw cards with odd combinations of nouns and verbs, such as "rolling rabbits" or "pretty crocodiles," and create caution signs to depict these hazards. One player guesses the signs drawn by others, leading to hilarious misinterpretations and laughter.

Ready Set Bet

Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes

Ready Set Bet is a thrilling horse-racing game where the earlier you bet, the higher the potential payout. The race can be managed by a player or an app, with outcomes determined by dice rolls. Players place bets on individual horses or color groups, with various race positions and prop bets adding excitement. It's a fast-paced, engaging game that gets everyone cheering and groaning as the race unfolds.

Challengers!

Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes

Challengers! is an innovative card game that won the 2023 Kennerspiel award for its unique auto-battler mechanics. Players build decks and compete in pairs, flipping cards to determine winners and losers. It's fast, addictive, and strategic, with plenty of fun matchups to enjoy, making it perfect for a lively party.

That's Not A Hat

Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes

That's Not A Hat combines bluffing and memory into a compact, entertaining package. Players receive cards with everyday objects, and one player draws a second card. All cards are flipped face down, and players pass them around, claiming to know what they are. If someone suspects a bluff, they can challenge it, leading to a mix of memory and psychological fun.

Wits and Wagers

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

Wits and Wagers is a trivia game where you bet on other players' answers rather than your own. This makes it accessible and fun, as you don't need to be an expert on every topic. The party version accommodates more players and features easier questions, making it perfect for a diverse group.

Codenames

Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes

In Codenames, teams compete to identify codewords based on clues given by their spymasters. The spymasters use one-word hints to guide their teams to the right words on a grid, leading to strategic thinking and humorous misunderstandings. With various expansions available, Codenames offers endless replay value.

Time's Up – Title Recall

Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes

Time's Up – Title Recall blends pop culture quizzes with charades. Players give clues about famous titles across three rounds, starting with open clues and progressing to one-word hints and pantomimes. This escalating challenge leads to hilarious associations and is perfect for a fun-filled party.

The Resistance: Avalon

Players: 5-10
Playtime: 30 minutes

The Resistance: Avalon is a thrilling bluffing game set in King Arthur's court. Players assume secret roles, with loyal knights trying to complete quests while identifying and thwarting traitors. The game creates an atmosphere of paranoia and excitement, making it a great choice for a suspenseful party game.

Telestrations

Players: 4-8
Playtime: 30-60 minutes

Telestrations is a drawing game inspired by the classic telephone game. Players draw and guess phrases, passing their sketches around the table. The resulting chain of interpretations often leads to hilarious outcomes, making it a favorite for all ages at a party.

Dixit Odyssey

Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes

Dixit Odyssey expands on the beloved storytelling game Dixit. Players take turns as the storyteller, describing a card from their hand, while others choose cards that they think match the description. The game's surreal artwork and creative challenges make it a delightful experience for any party.

Wavelength

Players: 2-12
Playtime: 30-45 minutes

Wavelength is a unique guessing game that focuses on opinions rather than trivia. Players spin a dial to a point between two extremes and give clues to guide their team to the correct spot. It's a fun, engaging game that sparks conversation and laughter among players.

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

Players: 4-10
Playtime: 10 minutes

One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a fast-paced party game where players take on secret roles and must identify the werewolves among them. With various roles and abilities, the game encourages lively interaction and can lead to intense discussions and accusations, making it a thrilling addition to any party.

Monikers

Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes

Monikers is a hilarious take on the classic game of Celebrity. Players act out quirky characters using progressively more restrictive clues, leading to in-jokes and laughter. With a wide range of subjects from celebrities to viral memes, Monikers is a must-have for any party.

Decrypto

Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes

Decrypto challenges teams to decipher numeric codes based on clues given by their encryptors. The game's interception mechanic adds a thrilling layer of strategy, as players must balance giving enough information to their team without revealing too much to their opponents. It's a clever and engaging game that feels like a real spy mission.

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

Not all board games are party games, and vice versa. Board games typically cater to smaller groups, often with structured rules and goals, and can be strategic or luck-based. Party games, on the other hand, focus on larger groups and prioritize fun, interaction, and laughter over deep strategy. They are easy to learn and play, perfect for social gatherings.

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 sleeving cards and laminating player aids. Consider the space you have for the game and accommodate for snacks and drinks. Choose simple, intuitive games that are easy to teach, and be flexible if your guests prefer other activities. Most importantly, go with the flow and enjoy the time with your friends.