Party games work best when they are easy to explain and keep everyone talking. This collection covers word games, drawing games, card games, social deduction, trivia and drinking games.
Use the sections below to pick a game by style, or scan the table to jump to the right guide.
Word and Drawing Games
Word games need little setup and suit mixed groups. Start with Codenames, Taboo, Apples to Apples, Scattergories and Bananagrams. Balderdash rewards creative bluffing, Just One is cooperative, and Word on the Street, Word Charades and Word Search Competition add variety. Drawing games turn mistakes into laughs. Try Pictionary, Telestrations, Drawful, Scribblish, A Fake Artist Goes to New York, Pictureka, Articulate, Say Anything, Masterpiece and Picture Charades.
Classic and Card Party Games
These games need very little equipment. Charades and Uno work almost anywhere. We also have second looks at Pictionary rules, Taboo rules, Codenames clues, Apples to Apples rules, Telestrations play, Scattergories play, Bananagrams rules and Codenames Pictures. Card based party games start with Card Party Games, then add Crazy Eights, Go Fish, Spit, Skip-Bo, Phase 10, Wizard, Uno Dare, Exploding Kittens and Cards Against Humanity, which is for adult groups.
Social Deduction and Board Party Games
Hidden role games work best with a larger group. Read Mafia, Werewolf, Murder Mystery Party and Wink Murder for games that need nothing but players. Two Truths and a Lie and The Chameleon are lighter. Board based versions include The Resistance, Avalon, Spyfall and Secret Hitler, and we cover each again in Resistance plotting, Avalon quests, Spyfall spies and Secret Hitler accusations. For other table games, see Board Party Games, Dixit, Codenames Pictures, Codenames XXL and Wits and Wagers.
Trivia and Quiz Games
Trivia gives a night a clear structure. Trivia Party Games and Trivia Night Tips cover the basics. Pick from Trivial Pursuit, Jeopardy, Smart Ass, Brainiac and Beat the Parents, or use an app such as Trivia Crack or QuizUp. Quiz Bowl looks at a more competitive format. Planning a baby shower? Baby Shower Games has ideas that work for mixed ages.
Drinking Games
These games are for adults only. Read Drinking Game Safety before you start, and always let guests set their own pace. Popular choices include Beer Pong, Flip Cup, Kings, Ring of Fire, Quarters, Power Hour, Shot Glass Roulette and Drunk Jenga. Drinking Card Games collects games that need only a deck of cards.
Pick a Party Game
Match your group to a type of game.
| Your group | Start here |
|---|---|
| Mixed ages and quick setup | Charades or Uno |
| Clever players who like words | Codenames |
| People who like to draw badly | Pictionary |
| A bigger group with hidden roles | Mafia or Werewolf |
| A night built around questions | Trivia Night Tips |
| Adults only | Drinking Game Safety |
Running a Party Game Night
These steps keep the night moving:
- Choose a game that fits the size of your group
- Explain the rules in under two minutes and play a practice round
- Keep teams balanced so nobody feels left out
- Switch games before the energy drops
- End on a favorite so people leave happy
Types of Party Games Covered
- Word and drawing games
- Card party games
- Social deduction games
- Trivia and quiz games
- Adult drinking games
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best party games for a big group?
Social deduction and team word games scale well. See Mafia and Codenames XXL.
What party games need no equipment?
Charades, Two Truths and a Lie and Wink Murder need nothing but people.
How do I run a trivia night?
Set teams, pick categories and keep score clearly. Trivia Night Tips walks through the basics.
How do we play drinking games safely?
Keep it optional, let people set their own pace and have water and rides available. Drinking Game Safety has more.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter