Top Party and Group Board Games of 2025 News - Latest Updates and Information

When it comes to hosting a party or gathering with a larger group of friends, finding the right board game can be a game-changer. Fortunately, the world of tabletop gaming has plenty of options designed to entertain and engage bigger crowds. These games are perfect for scaling up to accommodate 10 or more players, ensuring everyone can join in the fun at your next event.

If you're planning a gathering in 2025 and are on the hunt for the best board games for parties and large groups, look no further. Below, you'll find a curated list of top picks that promise to keep the laughter and excitement going. For family-friendly options, don't forget to check out 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

Players: 2-6
Playtime: 30 minutes

Link City is a unique cooperative game where players work together to build a quirky town. Each turn, one player acts as the mayor and secretly decides where to place three randomly-drawn location tiles. The challenge is for the rest of the group to guess the mayor's choices based on the tiles shown. Points are earned for correct guesses, but the real joy comes from the hilarious and unexpected town layouts that emerge, like placing an alien abduction site next to a cattle ranch and a daycare center.

Caution Signs

Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes

Ever puzzled over the strange symbols on roadside signs? Caution Signs turns that 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 bizarre hazards. One player guesses the others' creations, leading to amusing misinterpretations and laughter-filled moments.

Ready Set Bet

Players: 2-9
Playtime: 45-60 minutes

This thrilling horse-racing game encourages players to bet on horses based on dice odds. The earlier you place your bet, the higher the potential payout. With a game-master or app facilitating the race, players can bet on individual horses or color groups, making for a lively and interactive experience. The inclusion of prop and exotic finish bets adds variety, ensuring everyone is on their feet, cheering and groaning as the race unfolds.

Challengers!

Challengers! Card Game

Players: 1-8
Playtime: 45 minutes

Winner of the 2023 Kennerspiel award, Challengers! brings the excitement of an auto-battler video game to the table. Players build decks and compete in pairs, flipping cards to battle it out. The game's fast-paced nature and strategic depth make it a hit, with plenty of room for both competitive play and casual fun.

That's Not A Hat

That's Not a Hat

Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15 minutes

Combining bluffing and memory, That's Not A Hat challenges players to remember and describe everyday objects shown on cards. As cards are passed around the table, players must state what they think the card shows, relying on memory rather than sight. Incorrect guesses lead to strikes, and the game's quick rounds and humorous missteps make it a party favorite.

Wits and Wagers

Wits & Wagers Party

Players: 3-7 (standard), 4-18 (party), 3-10 (family)
Playtime: 25 minutes

Wits and Wagers is a trivia game with a twist: instead of answering questions yourself, you bet on other players' answers. This makes it accessible and fun for everyone, regardless of their knowledge level. With different versions tailored for varying group sizes and difficulty levels, it's a versatile choice for any party.

Codenames

Players: 2-8
Playtime: 15 minutes

In this spy-themed game, teams compete to uncover codewords based on clues given by their spymasters. The game's clever wordplay and strategic guessing lead to lively discussions and laughter. With multiple expansions available, Codenames offers endless replay value. Don't miss out on Codenames: Duet, perfect for couples.

Time's Up – Title Recall

Time's Up - Title Recall

Players: 3+
Playtime: 60 minutes

Time's Up combines pop culture trivia with charades across three rounds, each with increasing difficulty. Players start by giving any clues except the title, then move to one-word clues, and finally to non-verbal pantomimes. The escalating challenge leads to hilarious moments and creative associations, making it a must-have for any party.

The Resistance: Avalon

Players: 5-10
Playtime: 30 minutes

Set in King Arthur's court, this bluffing game challenges players to complete quests while uncovering secret roles. Loyal knights must protect Merlin while rooting out traitors. The game's tension and strategic depth make it a thrilling experience, perfect for a group looking for an engaging challenge.

Telestrations

Players: 4-8
Playtime: 30-60 minutes

This game turns the classic "telephone" game into a drawing challenge. Players sketch and guess phrases, passing their creations around the table until they come full circle. The resulting misinterpretations and humorous drawings are sure to entertain. For larger groups, consider the 12-player expansion or the adults-only After Dark version.

Dixit Odyssey

Players: 3-12
Playtime: 30 minutes

Dixit Odyssey builds on the storytelling magic of the original Dixit, which won the Spiel des Jahres in 2010. In each round, one player acts as the storyteller, describing a card from their hand. Other players select cards that match the description, leading to a guessing game that rewards creativity and balance. The game's beautiful artwork and engaging play make it a standout choice.

Wavelength

Players: 2-12
Playtime: 30-45 minutes

Wavelength introduces a fresh take on guessing games by focusing on opinions rather than facts. Players spin a dial to a point between two extremes and give clues to guide their team. The subjective nature of the game sparks lively discussions and makes it a great fit for diverse groups.

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

Players: 4-10
Playtime: 10 minutes

This quick and chaotic game has players trying to identify werewolves among them. With secret roles and special abilities, the game encourages lively interaction and bluffing. Its short playtime and multiple variations, including vampires and aliens, make it a versatile choice for any party.

Monikers

Players: 4-20
Playtime: 60 minutes

Monikers reinvents the classic game of Celebrity with a humorous twist. Players act out a variety of characters across three rounds, each with more restrictive rules. The game's subject matter, including memes and viral videos, ensures endless laughter and in-jokes among players.

Decrypto

Players: 3-8
Playtime: 15-45 minutes

In Decrypto, teams compete to decipher numeric codes based on clues given by their encryptors. The game's "interception" mechanic adds a strategic layer, as players must balance giving enough information without revealing too much. It's a thrilling experience 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 typically cater to smaller groups and focus on strategy or luck, often involving a game board and specific goals. Party games, on the other hand, are designed for larger groups, emphasizing fun, interaction, and ease of play. They often involve activities like charades or trivia, making them ideal for social gatherings.

Tips for Hosting Party Games

Hosting party games with a large group requires some preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Consider protecting your games from wear and tear by sleeving cards or laminating player aids. Think about the space you have available, as many games require a lot of table space, and consider the types of snacks that won't interfere with gameplay.

When teaching games to a large group, choose simple, intuitive titles and be prepared for the need to manage the flow of play. If a game isn't working out, be flexible and switch to something else that your guests enjoy. Above all, the goal is to create a fun and engaging atmosphere for everyone involved.

If you're passionate about board games and looking to save some money, check out our list of the best board game deals.