If you're someone who loves to entertain guests often, you might want to mix things up from the usual dinner-and-drinks. While game nights are fun, they often require a relatively smaller group and for people to focus on the rules and mechanics. However, with tabletop party games, you can enjoy the thrills of a board or card game with more people; and you won't have to think too hard either.
Depending on the crowd, there are a variety of tabletop games you can bring out for your party - from those that might help break the ice between your guests, to those that will make them turn on each other. We've got a list of the best tabletop party games for every type of occasion.
Updated on 29 July, 2023 by Vaspaan Dastoor: We've added some more party games to the list to ensure that the party never stops. The latest additions will make you question your closest friends, and also test your general knowledge. Of course, you can include your own rules to ensure everyone gets and stays drunk.
There's Been A Murder
Everyone can be Sherlock.
There's Been a Murder is a whodunit murder mystery which tasks all the players to work together to find the killer. Be warned though, if the Murderer and Witness escape, you will lose the game.
- A rare cooperative whodunit.
- Number of cards can be adjusted for difficulty.
- Can be adapted to the number of players.
- There's a chance everyone can lose the game.
- Smaller games are sometimes too short.
- Making sure players don't discuss their cards is difficult.
Everyone loves a murder mystery, and There's Been a Murder is a card game tailored for parties. The game can be adjusted depending on the number of players, and for once, everyone must work together to find the Murderer. It's a great way to get guests to mingle with one another, if everyone's not familiar with each other. And, the fact that the killer can escape also raises the stakes.
Funemployed
Interview for your dream job
Funemployed is a card game where players need to interview for a job based on the cue cards they're given. The best or funniest candidate according to the judge wins the round and gets the job.
- Cue cards make for hilarious interview moments.
- Great way to get guests to bond.
- Acts as a gateway for funny work stories.
- Could get repetitive after a few games.
- Not ideal for people who don't like speaking in public.
- Requires the right kind of group.
Asking people at parties about their jobs is boring; why not make them interview for one instead? Only this time, they'll only be hired if their interview makes the room laugh. Funemployed makes players interview for fake jobs, but they must speak about what's given to them in the cue cards. It makes for ridiculously funny moments when the right cards happen to pair up.
Drunk Stoned or Stupid: A Party Game
You don't have to be drunk, stoned, or stupid to play
Drunk Stoned or Stupid is a great game for a meetup between close friends. Players must vote on which of them each card describes best. The unfortunate part is that you find out what your friends really think of you.
- Great among close friends.
- Very simple ruleset.
- Perfect for large groups.
- Doesn't work if your guests aren't familiar with each other.
- Some cards could be offensive to some people.
- Can't be played with the same group more than once.
While the name suggests it, you don't have to be either of the three to play Drunk Stoned or Stupid. But it's a great way to find out what your friends, or complete strangers, really think of you. The rules are pretty simple too, so if you are drunk, stoned, or stupid, you'll still be able to follow along without any problems at all.
Hail Hydra
One for the Avengers fans
Hail Hydra is a social deduction game where players take on the role of Shield agents trying to save New York. However, their efforts are constantly sabotaged by Hydra spies, who they must weed out. You eventually get a chance to take on various Marvel villains, including the final boss, Red Skull.
- A fun twist on social deduction.
- Includes popular Marvel heroes and villains.
- Great way to introduce kids to social deduction games.
- Some features of the game are confusing.
- Is fun mostly only in larger groups.
- Not for those who are sick of superheroes.
You can't go wrong with an Avengers themed game, especially if you get the chance of playing a Shield or Hydra agent. The Marvel elements of this social deduction game is perfect for those who are fans of the MCU, which is, admittedly, a lot of people. If Among Us was your jam, this is a good way to play it in person. Just don't try and go for Red Skull if you're playing for the first time.
Sushi Go Party!
Great for sushi night
Sushi Go Party! is a great introduction to card drafting games. The added bonus is that the simple rules and the cute art also makes it suitable for children. The aim of the game is to have the best menu based on the points of each card.
- Adorable and tasty art.
- Perfect for a sushi party.
- Great introduction to card drafting.
- Requires a bit of math.
- Slightly complex rules.
If you're planning to have a sushi party, Sushi Party Go! is the best way to stay on theme. As an added bonus, the cute art also makes it perfect for if the kids want to play as well. Not only will the card drafting feature get your guests to start chatting, but the artwork will act as a great appetizer for when you bring out the tempura rolls.
Monikers
If you aren't much of a talker.
Monikers is a game modelled on charades; only, it has three rounds of increasing difficulty to ensure a lot of participation from the members of each team. The multiple rounds also add an element of strategy, in terms of picking which player goes when.
- Great for group participation.
- Gets intense if played head-to-head.
- Players can play to their streangths.
- Puts people on the spot.
- Could get a bit loud.
Monikers is a great twist to the classic Charades format. Instead of merely acting out the famous person, there are three rounds with an increasing level of difficulty. Not only does this increase participation, but it also gives players a chance to leverage what they're good at. Add to that the comeback element, if both teams are playing side by side, and your party could go wild with this one.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
Werewolves know how to party
One Night Ultimate Werewolf builds on the classic hidden role formula, by introducing certain abilities that some players can use. The overall goal is the same - to find the traitor - but this one adds a few more roles, and works better with more people around.
- Wide player count.
- Builds on a classic formula that most people know.
- Highly replayable.
Hidden role games are great for sit-down parties. And, if you don't know everyone at the party too well, it makes the game all the more challenging. The beauty of this game is that it can be adapted to the bumber of players. If you have too many, you can add another werewolf to the mix.
Trivial Pursuit
Several heads are better than one
Trivia games can be played on almost any occasion, and very few do it as well as Trivial Pursuit. If you have too many people at the party, you can always form teams. Putting heads together, especially for trivia, is always a great idea.
- Can be played with teams or individually.
- Has several versions for popular IPs.
- Extremely easy to play.
A game of Trivial Pursuit can be played in almost any situation. What's more? The game has so many versions, that there's bound to be one that suits your friend group. It's also pretty easy to play, with the hardest part being the actual trivia. Make it more fun by having shots every time someone gets an answer wrong.
FAQ
Are tabletop games still popular?
The board game industry is more popular than it has ever been, with an estimated increase of $50 million in revenue from last year.
What are party board games?
Party board games, or tabletop games, are those which encourage players to interact with each other, especially in a social setting. They're usually great at breaking the ice at social gatherings.
Are board games good for your brain?
Depending on the game, they help to relax and unwind, or even stimulate mental health.