When it comes to hosting a lively gathering, finding the perfect board game for larger groups can truly elevate the fun. Fortunately, game designers have crafted an array of engaging tabletop experiences that can accommodate 10 or more players, ensuring everyone gets a chance to join in the excitement.
If you're planning your next party or gathering, consider these top board games for large groups in 2025. For those looking for options suitable for all ages, you might also want to check out our list of the best family board games.
Link City is a rare, fully cooperative party game that brings players together to build the most entertaining town imaginable. Each turn, one player becomes the mayor, secretly deciding where to place three randomly-drawn location tiles. The fun lies in the group's attempt to guess the mayor's placements, earning points for correct guesses. The game encourages laughter and creativity, with amusing combinations like an alien abduction site nestled between a cattle ranch and a daycare center.
Inspired by the quirky iconography of roadside warning signs, Caution Signs challenges players to draw caution signs for unusual combinations of nouns and verbs. One player acts as the guesser, adding an extra layer of amusement as they try to decipher the often humorous and wildly inaccurate guesses that result from the creative drawings.
Ready Set Bet brings the thrill of horse racing to your party. Players place bets on horses based on dice odds, with earlier bets yielding higher rewards. The game can be facilitated by a player or an app, ensuring fast-paced action and plenty of shouting and cheering as players back their chosen horses. Prop bets and exotic finish bets add variety and excitement to each race.
Challengers! offers a unique party game experience reminiscent of auto-battler video games. Players build decks and engage in card battles, with the game scaling smoothly from one to eight players. It's fast, addictive, and strategic, with plenty of room for hilarious matchups that keep the atmosphere light and enjoyable.
That's Not A Hat combines bluffing and memory into a compact yet thrilling package. Players pass cards with everyday objects around the table, relying on memory to call out the correct item. It's a delightful mix of recollection and psychology that's sure to keep everyone engaged and laughing.
Wits and Wagers is a trivia game where you bet on other players' answers rather than your own. This makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of their knowledge base. With different versions tailored for parties and families, it's an engaging choice for groups of varying sizes and interests.
Codenames splits players into teams, with each team's spymaster providing clues to guess the correct codewords. The game's reliance on quick thinking and creative clue-giving leads to fun and sometimes hilarious arguments. Multiple expansions ensure high replay value.
Time's Up combines pop culture quizzes with charades, progressing through three rounds where clues become increasingly restrictive. From full sentences to single words and finally pantomime, the game fosters hilarious associations and keeps everyone entertained throughout.
Set in King Arthur's court, The Resistance: Avalon is a thrilling bluffing game where players must complete quests while uncovering the identities of loyal knights and traitors. The game's escalating tension and paranoia make it a compelling choice for larger groups.
Telestrations is a drawing-based game where players illustrate phrases and pass them along, leading to hilariously garbled results. With options for larger groups and an adults-only version, it's perfect for a fun-filled party.
Dixit Odyssey encourages creativity and storytelling as players describe cards to their teammates. The game's beautiful artwork and the challenge of giving clues that are neither too vague nor too obvious make it a delightful experience for all ages.
Wavelength introduces a fresh twist on guessing games by focusing on players' opinions. Teams give clues to guide their teammates to a point on a spectrum, sparking engaging discussions and laughter. It's versatile, with options for both cooperative and competitive play.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a quick and chaotic game where players must identify the werewolves among them. With secret roles and special abilities, it's a thrilling experience that fosters lively interaction and can test friendships in the best way possible.
Monikers reimagines the classic game of Celebrity with rounds that become increasingly challenging. From using words and gestures to just one word and finally no words at all, the game creates in-jokes and ensures endless laughter among players.
Decrypto challenges teams to decipher numeric codes based on clues given by their encryptor. The game's interception mechanic adds a layer of strategy, making players feel like true spies as they balance giving enough information without revealing too much.
Not all board games are party games, and vice versa. Board games are typically designed for smaller groups, often involving strategy or luck, with a defined set of rules and goals. Party games, on the other hand, are tailored for larger groups and focus on fun, social interaction, and quick, easy-to-learn gameplay. They often involve activities like charades, trivia, or drawing challenges that encourage laughter and engagement.
Hosting party games with a large group requires some preparation to ensure a smooth experience. Protect your games from wear and tear by sleeving cards and laminating player aids. Consider the space you have, as some games require ample table space. Choose snacks that won't leave residue on your game pieces, and select games that are simple to teach and play. Be prepared to adapt to your guests' preferences, and don't hesitate to split into smaller groups if needed. Most importantly, go with the flow and prioritize fun over strict adherence to game rules.