Top Party Board Games for 2025: Ideal for Large Groups

When it comes to hosting a lively gathering with a large group of friends, the right board game can transform the event into an unforgettable experience. Fortunately, the world of tabletop gaming offers a plethora of options designed to engage and entertain larger groups. Whether you're planning a party or a casual get-together, these top-rated board games for 2025 are perfect for groups of 10 or more, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.

If you're looking for something suitable for all ages, be sure to explore our curated list of the best family board games as well.

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

Link City

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

Link City is a unique, fully cooperative party game where players collaborate to construct the most amusing town imaginable. Each turn, one player assumes the role of mayor and secretly decides where three randomly-drawn location tiles will be placed in the city. They reveal the tiles to the group, who must then deduce the mayor's intended placements. Correct guesses earn points, but the real joy comes from the hilarious and absurd combinations that emerge, like an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center.

Caution Signs

Caution Signs

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

Ever puzzled over the odd symbols on roadside warning signs? Caution Signs lets players channel that bewilderment into fun. Participants receive cards with quirky combinations of nouns and verbs, such as "rolling rabbits" or "pretty crocodiles," and must draw a caution sign to depict these scenarios. One player acts as the guesser, adding to the hilarity when their guesses miss the mark entirely.

Ready Set Bet

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 place your bet, the higher the potential payout. The race unfolds in real-time, driven by dice odds, with players placing bets on individual horses or color groups. Prop bets and exotic finish bets add variety, ensuring an exciting, energetic experience where everyone cheers for their chosen horses to cross the finish line first.

Challengers!

Challengers! Card Game

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

A recipient of the 2023 Kennerspiel award, Challengers! brings the excitement of auto-battler video games to the table. Players build their decks and compete in pairs, flipping cards to battle it out. The game's strategic depth and fast-paced action make it a compelling choice for parties, offering both competitive play and lighthearted fun.

That’s Not A Hat

That's Not a Hat

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

This compact yet engaging game blends bluffing and memory. Players receive face-up cards displaying everyday objects, then flip them over and pass them around the table, stating what they think the object is. Relying on memory and the ability to call out bluffers, That’s Not A Hat delivers quick, entertaining rounds that keep everyone on their toes.

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 revolutionizes trivia games by allowing players to bet on the correct answers rather than providing them themselves. This approach makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of their knowledge base. The party version accommodates larger groups, ensuring everyone can join in the fun without the pressure of knowing every answer.

Codenames

Codenames

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

In this spy-themed game, teams work with their spymasters to uncover codewords on a grid. The spymaster's clues must be clever and indirect, leading to lively debates and laughter when clues go awry. With multiple expansions, Codenames offers endless replayability, and its couples' version, Codenames: Duet, is perfect for date nights.

Time’s Up – Title Recall

Time's Up - Title Recall

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

Time's Up combines the best elements of pop culture quizzes and charades. Players must describe famous titles using progressively more restrictive clues across three rounds, from full sentences to one word, and finally to pantomime. This escalation leads to hilarious moments and clever connections, making it a hit at any gathering.

The Resistance: Avalon

The Resistance: Avalon

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

Set in King Arthur's court, this bluffing game challenges players to uncover the traitors among them while completing quests. With secret roles and special abilities, The Resistance: Avalon creates a tense, engaging atmosphere that encourages players to play multiple rounds, each more thrilling than the last.

Telestrations

Telestrations

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

This game turns the classic telephone game into a hilarious drawing challenge. Players sketch and guess phrases, passing them around until the original message becomes delightfully distorted. With expansions for larger groups and an adults-only version, Telestrations guarantees laughter and surprises at every turn.

Dixit Odyssey

Dixit Odyssey

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

Building on the success of the original Dixit, Odyssey enhances the storytelling experience with beautiful artwork and creative gameplay. The storyteller describes a card from their hand, and players choose cards that match the description. The game's balance of vagueness and clarity ensures everyone can participate and enjoy the creative process.

Wavelength

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 facts. Players give clues to guide their team to a point on a dial between two extremes, sparking lively discussions and laughter. Its versatility across cooperative and competitive modes makes it a great choice for any party.

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

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

This quick and engaging game pits players against each other to identify werewolves in their midst. With secret roles and special abilities, each round is a whirlwind of accusations and strategy. Its short playtime and various themes, from vampires to aliens, make it a staple for any party.

Monikers

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 using progressively more restrictive clues, leading to in-jokes and laughter as the game progresses. Its broad range of subjects, from celebrities to viral memes, ensures endless entertainment for groups of all sizes.

Decrypto

Decrypto

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

In Decrypto, teams compete to crack a numeric code using clues from their encryptor. The game's unique "interception" mechanic adds a layer of strategy, as players must balance giving enough information to their team without revealing too much to opponents. It's a thrilling experience that feels like real espionage.

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 two to six players, with structured rules and specific objectives. They can be strategic or luck-based, focusing on achieving goals like reaching the end of a board or scoring the most points.

Party games, on the other hand, are designed for larger groups and emphasize fun, social interaction, and ease of play. They often involve activities like charades, trivia, or drawing, encouraging laughter and engagement rather than deep strategy or competition. While board games are more structured, party games prioritize entertainment and group dynamics.

Tips for Hosting Party Games

Hosting party games with a large group requires some preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. To protect your games from wear and tear, consider sleeving cards, laminating player aids, and using generic pieces. Embrace any damage as a reminder of the fun you had.

Consider the space you have; many games need ample table space, which might also be occupied by drinks and snacks. Opt for snacks without flavor dust or oily coatings to keep the gaming area clean.

Teaching and coordinating large groups can be challenging, so select simple, intuitive games that can be quickly explained. Be mindful of your guests' preferences and comfort levels with different game types. If the group becomes unmanageable, consider splitting into smaller teams or switching games. Above all, remain flexible and go with the flow of the party, prioritizing the enjoyment of your guests.

For those who enjoy board games and want to save money, check out the best board game deals available.