Top Party Board Games for Large Groups in 2025

When you're hosting a lively party or a gathering with a large group of friends, finding the right board game can elevate the fun to new heights. Fortunately, the world of tabletop gaming has plenty of options designed specifically for larger crowds, ensuring everyone can join in the fun. From cooperative city-building to hilarious guessing games, there's something for every kind of party. If you're looking for the perfect game to bring out at your next event, here are the best party board games for 2025. For family-friendly options, don't miss 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

Link City

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

Link City is a rare fully cooperative party game where you and your friends work together to build the craziest town imaginable. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor and secretly decides where to place three randomly-drawn location tiles. The rest of the group must then guess the placements, earning points for correct guesses. The real joy comes from the hilarious and bizarre combinations you create, like placing an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center. It's all about laughter and creativity.

Caution Signs

Caution Signs

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

Ever puzzled over strange roadside warning signs? Caution Signs turns this into a fun game where players draw signs for odd combinations of nouns and verbs, like rolling rabbits or pretty crocodiles. One player guesses while the rest draw, leading to amusing and often wildly incorrect guesses. It's a perfect blend of creativity and humor.

Ready Set Bet

Ready Set Bet

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

Ready Set Bet is a thrilling horse-racing game where the earlier you bet, the higher the payout. The race, facilitated by a game-master or an app, unfolds in real-time based on dice odds. Players place bets on individual horses or color groups, and each race includes varied prop and exotic finish bets. It's simple, fast, and sure to get everyone cheering and groaning as they back their horses to the finish line.

Challengers!

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. It's an auto-battler in a box, allowing up to eight players to compete in a similar timeframe regardless of player count. Players buy cards for their deck and engage in quick, strategic battles, flipping cards until they win. It's fast, addictive, and full of strategic depth, yet also offers plenty of fun and unpredictable matchups.

That's Not A Hat

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, fun package. Players start with a face-up card showing an everyday object, then flip it down and pass it around, stating what it is without seeing it again. If someone suspects a lie, they can call it out, and three strikes lead to elimination. It's a delightful mix of memory and psychology, perfect for quick and entertaining rounds.

Wits and Wagers

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 who you think got it right. It's accessible and fun, with different versions for various group sizes and difficulty levels. Say goodbye to Trivial Pursuit and hello to a more inclusive trivia experience.

Codenames

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 identify codewords on a grid. The spymaster must be clever and quick, as poorly chosen clues can lead to hilarious confusion. With multiple expansions, Codenames offers endless replay value. For couples, try Codenames: Duet.

Time's Up – Title Recall

Time's Up - Title Recall

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

Time's Up blends pop culture quizzes with charades across three rounds. Start by giving any clue except the title, move to one-word clues, and finish with non-verbal pantomime. The escalating restrictions lead to hilarious associations, making it a fun mix of trivia and wordplay.

The Resistance: Avalon

The Resistance: Avalon

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

Set in King Arthur's court, The Resistance: Avalon is a bluffing game where players with secret roles must complete quests while protecting Merlin. With roles like Percival and Mordred, it creates a tense, paranoid atmosphere that's irresistible to replay.

Telestrations

Telestrations

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

Telestrations is a drawing game where players sketch a phrase, pass it on for others to guess, and watch as the message evolves into hilarious nonsense. With a 12-player expansion and an adults-only version, it's perfect for large groups and varied audiences.

Dixit Odyssey

Dixit Odyssey

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

Dixit Odyssey, a winner of the Spiel des Jahres, expands on the storytelling game with beautiful, surreal artwork. The storyteller describes a card, and players choose cards from their hand to match the description. It's a balance of creativity and strategy, encouraging players to share and discuss their interpretations.

Wavelength

Wavelength

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

Wavelength adds a new twist to guessing games by focusing on opinions rather than trivia. Players give clues about a dial's position between two extremes, sparking lively discussions and laughter. With cooperative and competitive modes, it's versatile and engaging for all ages.

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

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

One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a quick, chaotic game where players receive secret roles and must identify the werewolves among them. With special abilities and no definitive way to know who's telling the truth, it's a game of reading your friends' tells. Multiple versions and themes add variety, but be warned: friendships might be tested!

Monikers

Monikers

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

Monikers is a modern take on Celebrity, where players act out characters like Count Chocula or Drunk Jeff Goldblum. Rounds get more challenging, leading to clever in-jokes and laughter. With references to memes and viral videos, it's the ultimate party game that promises endless fun.

Decrypto

Decrypto

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

In Decrypto, teams decipher numeric codes based on clues from their encryptor. With a clever interception mechanic, it's a game of balance and strategy, making players feel like real spies. It's engaging, challenging, and full of suspense.

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

Not all board games are party games, and vice versa. Party games often don't require a board and can involve cards or drawing challenges, focusing on fun and interaction for larger groups. Board games, typically for smaller groups, have structured rules and goals, often involving strategy or luck. Party games prioritize entertainment and social interaction over deep strategy.

Tips for Hosting Party Games

Hosting party games with a large group requires some preparation. Protect your games from wear and tear by sleeving cards or using laminated sheets. Consider the space you have, as some games need a lot of table space. Choose simple, intuitive games that can be taught quickly and suit your guests' preferences. Be flexible and ready to switch games if needed, ensuring everyone has a great time.

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