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The Best Board Games for Parties and Large Groups in 2025

By OliviaApr 09,2025

When it comes to entertaining a larger group at a party or gathering, finding the right board game can turn a good time into an unforgettable one. Fortunately, the world of tabletop gaming has evolved to cater to larger crowds, offering engaging and enjoyable experiences for groups of 10 or more. Whether you're hosting a lively party or a casual get-together, these top board games for 2025 are perfect for creating memorable moments with friends and family.

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

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

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

Link City is a unique, fully cooperative party game where players collaborate to build the most eccentric town imaginable. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor and secretly decides where to place three randomly-drawn location tiles. The challenge for the rest of the group is to guess the mayor's choices based on the tiles shown. Points are scored for correct guesses, but the real fun lies in the hilarious and bizarre town layouts that emerge, like an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center.

Caution Signs

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Caution Signs

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

Ever puzzled over the strange symbols on roadside warning signs? Caution Signs turns this curiosity into a game. Players draw cards with quirky combinations of nouns and verbs, like "rolling rabbits" or "pretty crocodiles," and create caution signs for these unusual hazards. One player guesses the signs without drawing, leading to amusing and often wildly incorrect guesses that add to the fun.

Ready Set Bet

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Ready Set Bet

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

Ready Set Bet brings the excitement of horse racing to your party. The game's core mechanic is simple yet thrilling: the earlier you bet on a horse, the higher the potential payout. Races are conducted in real-time, either by a game-master or an app, with outcomes determined by dice rolls. Players place bets on individual horses or color groups, and each race includes prop and exotic finish bets for added variety. This game is sure to get everyone cheering and groaning as they watch their chosen horses race to the finish line.

Challengers!

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Challengers Card Game

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

Challengers! is an innovative party game that won the 2023 Kennerspiel award for its unique approach. It's essentially an auto-battler video game in a box, allowing up to eight players to compete in a fast-paced, strategic battle. Players build their decks and face off in pairs, flipping cards to determine winners and losers. The game is quick, addictive, and full of strategic depth, yet it also offers plenty of lighthearted, nonsensical matchups for casual play.

That's Not A Hat

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That's Not a Hat

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

That's Not A Hat combines bluffing and memory into a compact, engaging game. Players receive face-up cards showing everyday objects, then flip them down and pass them around the table, stating what the card is supposed to be. The twist is that you can't flip the cards back up, so you must rely on memory. If someone suspects you're lying, they can challenge you. Three incorrect challenges and you're out, making for a fun mix of recollection and psychological guessing.

Wits and Wagers

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Wits & Wagers Party

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

Wits and Wagers is the perfect trivia game for those who aren't trivia buffs. Instead of answering questions yourself, you bet on the answers given by others. For example, if you don't know how many Super Bowl rings Peyton Manning has, you can bet on your football-savvy friend's answer. This accessibility makes Wits and Wagers a hit at parties, with different versions catering to various group sizes and difficulty levels.

Codenames

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Codenames

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

In Codenames, players split into teams, each with a "spymaster" who gives clues to help their team identify codewords on a grid. The spymaster must be clever and quick, as poorly chosen clues can lead to hilarious misunderstandings. With numerous expansions and variations, Codenames offers endless replay value. For couples, Codenames: Duet is a fantastic option.

Time's Up – Title Recall

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Time's Up - Title Recall

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

Time's Up combines pop culture trivia with charades in a fun, escalating challenge. Players use 40 cards with titles of famous films, TV shows, and songs over three rounds. In the first round, you can say anything except the title; in the second, you're limited to one word; and in the third, you must pantomime. This structure leads to hilarious associations and keeps the game engaging from start to finish.

The Resistance: Avalon

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The Resistance: Avalon

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

The Resistance: Avalon is a thrilling bluffing game set in King Arthur's court. Players receive secret roles and must complete quests while protecting Merlin. The game's mechanics create a tense atmosphere of paranoia and strategy, making it a compelling choice for larger groups. Its replayability is high, as players can quickly dive into another round with new roles.

Telestrations

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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, but with drawings. Players start with a phrase, draw it, and pass it on for others to guess and redraw. The result is a hilarious chain of misinterpretations and amusing artwork. For larger groups, a 12-player expansion is available, and an adults-only version adds a daring twist.

Dixit Odyssey

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Dixit Odyssey

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

Dixit Odyssey, an expansion of the award-winning Dixit, offers a captivating storytelling experience. One player, the storyteller, describes a card from their hand, and others choose cards that match the description. The goal is to guess the storyteller's card without making it too obvious or too obscure. The game's beautiful artwork and creative gameplay make it a favorite for sparking imagination and conversation.

Wavelength

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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 to guess the correct position. This subjective approach sparks lively discussions and is perfect for both cooperative and competitive play, making it a versatile choice for any party.

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

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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, interactive game where players must identify werewolves among them. Each player has a secret role with special abilities, leading to a chaotic flurry of accusations and discussions. The game's quick rounds and high replayability make it a staple at parties, with various themed versions available to suit different tastes.

Monikers

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Monikers

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

Monikers is a modern twist on the classic game of Celebrity, where players act out a variety of characters, from Count Chocula to viral memes. The game progresses through rounds with increasing restrictions on communication, leading to clever in-jokes and uproarious laughter. It's a must-have for any party, promising endless fun and memorable moments.

Decrypto

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Decrypto

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

Decrypto challenges teams to crack numeric codes based on clues given by an encryptor. The game's clever "interception" mechanic adds a layer of strategy, as teams can attempt to guess their opponents' codes. This balance of giving enough information without revealing too much makes Decrypto a thrilling and engaging party game.

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

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Not all board games are party games, and vice versa. Party games are designed for larger groups and focus on social interaction and entertainment, often involving activities like charades or trivia. They are easy to learn and quick to play, perfect for gatherings. Board games, on the other hand, typically cater to smaller groups and emphasize strategy and competition, with structured rules and specific goals.

Tips for Hosting Party Games

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Hosting party games can be challenging with large groups, 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, as some games require a lot of table space, and think about snacks that won't interfere with gameplay.

Choose simple, intuitive games that can be taught quickly, and be prepared to adapt if the group struggles with the rules or if the game isn't a hit. Splitting into smaller groups or teams can help manage larger crowds, and the most important tip is to go with the flow and focus on what your guests enjoy.

If you love board games and saving money, check out the best board game deals.

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