Home > News > Top Party and Group Board Games of 2025

Top Party and Group Board Games of 2025

Author：Kristen Update：May 13,2025

When it comes to entertaining larger groups at a party or gathering, you don't have to settle for games that only cater to smaller groups. The board game and card game industry has evolved to include numerous titles that scale beautifully to accommodate 10 or even more players, ensuring everyone gets in on the fun. If you're planning your next big event in 2025, consider these top picks for party board games that promise laughter, engagement, and memorable moments for all involved. For family-friendly options, be sure to check out our 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

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

Link City is a unique cooperative game that brings players together to create the most whimsical town imaginable. One player takes the role of mayor each turn, secretly deciding where to place three randomly-drawn location tiles. The fun comes from the group's attempts to guess the mayor's choices, earning points for correct guesses. But the real joy lies in the absurd and hilarious town layouts that emerge, like an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center.

Caution Signs

0See it at Amazon Players: 3-9 Playtime: 45-60 minutes

Ever puzzled over the quirky symbols on roadside warning signs? Caution Signs turns that into a game where players draw their own signs based on unusual combinations of nouns and verbs. One player acts as the guesser, trying to decipher the others' creations. The game thrives on the humor of the bizarre pairings and the inevitable misinterpretations.

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, with a twist on betting that keeps everyone engaged. Players place bets on horses in real-time, with earlier bets paying out more if successful. The game includes a variety of prop and exotic bets, making each race unpredictable and thrilling. It's simple, fast-paced, and sure to get everyone cheering and groaning as the horses cross the finish line.

Challengers!

Challengers Card Game

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

Challengers! is an innovative card game that won the 2023 Kennerspiel award for its fresh take on party gaming. Inspired by auto-battler video games, it allows up to eight players to compete in a streamlined format. Players build decks, face off in pairs, and keep the winning cards, making for a fast, addictive, and strategic experience with plenty of room for silly 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 in a compact yet engaging package. Players pass cards around the table, claiming they represent certain objects, but must rely on memory alone as the cards remain face-down. The game's mix of recollection and psychological guessing makes for hilarious and tense moments, perfect for quick rounds of fun.

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 trivia game for those who aren't trivia buffs. Instead of answering questions directly, players bet on the accuracy of their friends' answers. This makes the game accessible and fun, with different versions catering to various group sizes and difficulty levels. Say goodbye to Trivial Pursuit and hello to Wits and Wagers.

Codenames

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

In Codenames, players split into teams and take on the role of spymasters, guiding their teammates to identify codewords on a grid. Spymasters give cryptic clues to help their team, leading to strategic thinking and humorous miscommunications. With several expansions available, Codenames offers endless replayability. 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 combines pop culture quizzes with charades, making for a dynamic and hilarious party game. Players give clues about famous titles over three rounds, with increasing restrictions on how clues can be given. This leads to creative and funny associations, making it a standout choice for any gathering.

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 must uncover the traitors among them. With secret roles and special abilities, the game creates an atmosphere of paranoia and excitement. It's quick to play and highly replayable, making it a favorite for large groups.

Telestrations

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

Telestrations is a drawing and guessing game reminiscent of Chinese whispers. Players sketch and pass phrases, leading to hilarious misinterpretations and creative drawings. With options for larger groups and adult-themed versions, Telestrations guarantees laughter and entertainment.

Dixit Odyssey

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

Dixit Odyssey builds on the original Dixit's storytelling concept, which won the Spiel des Jahres in 2010. Players use cards with surreal artwork to tell stories, with the storyteller aiming to balance clarity and ambiguity. It's a creative and engaging game that brings out the storyteller in everyone.

Wavelength

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

Wavelength introduces a new twist on guessing games by focusing on opinions rather than trivia. Players give clues about where a dial lands between two extremes, sparking lively discussions and debates. With both cooperative and competitive modes, Wavelength is versatile and engaging for any group.

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

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

One Night Ultimate Werewolf is synonymous with party games for its simplicity, interaction, and quick playtime. Players must identify werewolves among them, using their secret roles and abilities to uncover the truth. It's chaotic, fun, and can test friendships in the best way possible.

Monikers

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

Monikers is a fresh take on the classic game of Celebrity, with players acting out a wide range of characters. As rounds progress, the clues become more restrictive, leading to clever in-jokes and memorable moments. It's the ultimate party game, guaranteed to elicit laughter and engagement.

Decrypto

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

Decrypto challenges teams to decipher numeric codes based on clues given by an encryptor. With an interception mechanic, players must balance giving enough information without revealing too much to the opposing team. It's a strategic and immersive game that makes players feel like real spies.

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

Not all board games are party games, and vice versa. Board games often cater to smaller groups, with structured rules and goals, focusing on strategy or luck. Party games, on the other hand, are designed for larger groups, emphasizing easy-to-learn rules, quick play, and social interaction. They thrive on activities like charades, trivia, and drawing, fostering laughter and engagement.

Tips for Hosting Party Games

Hosting party games for a big group requires some preparation to ensure everyone has a good time. Protect your games from wear and tear by sleeving cards, laminating player aids, and using generic pieces. Consider the space you have, as some games need a lot of table room, and think about snacks that won't interfere with gameplay. Choose simple, intuitive games that can be taught quickly, and be flexible if your guests prefer other activities. Most importantly, go with the flow and focus on having fun.

If you love board games and saving money, here are the best board game deals.