Is there anything more enjoyable than a good old adult party? With great company, delightful food, some foot-tapping music, and of course, fun party games, there's no better recipe for a night to remember — but which games are best?
In this article, we'll unveil the top 10 party games for adults in 2023, guaranteed to keep the laughter flowing and the good times rolling. So if you’re ready to be crowned the party host of the year, keep reading.
1. Card Games
Imagine this — the room's buzzing with chatter, a card is drawn, and then...silence. A moment later, an eruption of laughter fills the air. That's the power of a great card game at a party!
Cards Against Humanity, in particular, has been a massive hit among adults. Its hilarious, sometimes awkward situations, coupled with the unpredictability of your friends' sense of humor, make it one of the best party games around. But wait, there's more — here are a few additional card games that are sure to take your party to the next level:
Exploding Kittens
This game combines strategy, luck, and a dash of absurdity. Navigate through a deck of cards, avoiding the explosive kittens while using various tactics to thwart your opponents. With unexpected twists and turns, this game is the purr-fect choice for a memorable night.
Uno
Unleash a wild card of fun with the beloved game of Uno. Gather your pals, shuffle the deck, and embark on an epic journey of colorful cards and strategic moves.
From reverses to skips and wild cards to draw fours, Uno guarantees laughter, friendly competition, and unpredictable twists at every turn. It's a timeless classic that never fails to bring joy and excitement to any party.
Poker
No party card game list would be complete without the iconic game of Poker. Gather around the table, put on your best poker face, and test your skills in this strategic and thrilling game of wits and luck.
Whether you're playing Texas Hold'em, Omaha, or any other variation, Poker brings an air of sophistication and excitement to any adult gathering.
Place your bets, bluff your way to victory, and let the intense moments and big wins create an unforgettable atmosphere at your party. Are you ready to go all in?
2. Board Games
Who said board games were only for kids? In 2023, we've got a plethora of board games that are just as engaging for adults. They're interactive, perfect for a large group, and can keep your party guests hooked for hours.
Codenames
Consider a game like Codenames, where two teams compete to see who can make contact with all of their agents first, guided by their team's spymaster who can only give one-word clues.
Catan
Maybe you'd prefer something like Catan, a classic in the world of board games. Here, players collect resources and use them to build roads, settlements, and cities on their way to victory.
Ticket to Ride
Another crowd favorite? Ticket to Ride! This cross-country train adventure involves players collecting cards of various types of train cars and using them to claim railway routes across the map.
3. Charades and Pictionary: Classic Party Games With a Twist
Charades and Pictionary have long been beloved party games, and they've aged like fine wine. These timeless classics keep getting better. But what if we told you there was a way to take these games up a notch?
Reverse Charades
For Charades, try Reverse Charades. Instead of one person acting out, the whole team performs while one person guesses.
It's a riot watching a group of adults trying to collectively act out “Beyonce at a concert” or “dogs playing poker.”
Telestrations
Pictionary gets an upgrade with Telestrations. Think of it as a combination of Pictionary and the classic game of Telephone.
Each player gets a word, draws it, then passes it on for the next person to guess. The sketchpad gets passed around until it reaches the original player, often with hilarious and unexpected results.
A fun twist to a classic party game that is sure to be a lot of fun at your next party.
4. Word Games
Word games like Taboo and Scattergories are perfect for adding a dose of intellectual fun to your gathering. These games can challenge your friends' vocabulary while bringing out the competitive spirit.
Taboo
In Taboo, the goal is to make your team guess the word on your card without using any of the 'taboo' words listed. It's a challenge of quick thinking that can lead to some hilarious moments.
Scattergories
Scattergories, on the other hand, is all about thinking creatively under pressure. A letter is chosen, and teams must come up with words starting with that letter for various categories. The catch? No duplicate answers!
5. DIY Party Games
If you're up for some crafty fun, DIY party games can bring a whole new dimension of entertainment to your party. The best part? They're usually super budget-friendly!
Game Show
Ever tried a homemade game show? All you need is a good host, some great game ideas, and maybe a DIY buzzer for each team. You could play something like Family Feud or Jeopardy and keep score on a chalkboard.
Treasure Hunt
Another option is the treasure hunt (aka scavenger hunt). You can create clever clues that lead to different parts of your house or even throughout the neighborhood.
Split your guests into teams, give them the first clue, and let the race begin! It's not just a game but an experience that your party guests are guaranteed to remember.
Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Let's not forget Pin the Tail on the Donkey. An old-time favorite, this classic party game is still a hit at adult parties.
Blindfolded participants take turns trying to pin the tail as close as possible to the correct spot on a poster of a donkey — but who said it has to be a donkey?
Get creative! It could be anything from pinning the beard on Santa for a Christmas party to pinning the crown on the Queen for a British-themed party.
6. Trivia Games
Trivia games are an excellent choice for a fun and engaging party. There's nothing like a good trivia game to get those competitive juices flowing and test your guests' knowledge on a wide range of topics.
Trivia Pursuit
Trivial Pursuit has been a go-to choice for trivia enthusiasts. With questions covering geography, entertainment, history, arts & literature, science & nature, and sports & leisure, it's a game that has something for everyone.
What Do You Meme
On the other hand, What Do You Meme? is a game for the Instagram generation. Players compete to pair caption cards with the photo card in play to create the funniest meme. With numerous expansion packs available, this game is always fresh and relevant.
Whether you're hosting a birthday party, a dinner party, or just a fun game night, trivia games are a great game idea to keep your guests entertained and engaged.
7. Drinking Games
What's a party without a little bit of a buzz, right? Drinking games have been the life of adult parties since, well, forever. For a riotous night full of laughter and a bit of mischief, we've got some classic drinking games you'll absolutely love.
Kings
For starters, you can't go wrong with the old faithful Kings. This card game involves drawing cards, and each card dictates a rule which must be followed. From waterfall to question master, each card is a new adventure (and a new drink)!
Beer Pong
Next up is Beer Pong, an all-time favorite party game. With just a table, some cups, ping-pong balls, and of course, beer, you're all set for a showdown. Just make sure you've got your aiming skills honed.
Musical Beers
On the lookout for something a bit more interactive? How about Musical Beers? Same rules as musical chairs but with a tray of beer. When the music stops, the last person to grab a beer is out.
8. Digital Party Games
In the digital age, party games have found a new playground. With online platforms, your game night can be as diverse and dynamic as ever. These digital party games often require just a smartphone and an adventurous spirit.
Jackbox Games
Firstly, you can't talk about digital party games without mentioning Jackbox Games. They have a fantastic selection of mini-games that are hilarious, quirky, and perfect for parties. From drawing absurd pictures to coming up with the wittiest answers, there's something for everyone in their party packs.
Heads Up
Or, for a game that's sure to have everyone laughing, try Heads Up! It's like charades but with a digital twist. You hold your phone on your forehead, and it displays a word. Everyone else gives you clues about the word, and you have to guess what it is before time runs out.
Among Us
And for those who love a bit of suspense, we recommend Among Us. This online multiplayer game involves teamwork and deception as you work together to fix your spaceship while trying to find out who among you is the impostor. It's a game of trust, deceit, and a whole lot of fun.
Icebreakers for New Friends
Starting a party can sometimes feel a bit awkward, especially when your guests don't know each other well. That's where icebreaker games come in. They are perfect for loosening up the crowd and getting the conversation flowing.
Two Truths and a Lie
One classic icebreaker is Two Truths and a Lie. Each person says three things about themselves, two of which are true and one that's a lie. The rest of the group has to guess which one is the lie. It's a great way to learn something new about each other and start some fun conversations.
Frizbowl
For a more active game, introduce Frizbowl — a one-of-a-kind party game that uses a unique flying disc designed to catch on your head. Players form two teams, each taking turns to throw the Frizbowl and aim to land it on an opposing team member's head.
It's a fun and hilarious way to break the ice, encourage teamwork, and get everyone laughing right from the start.
10. Games for Big Gatherings
Having a lot of guests doesn't mean you can't have a game night. In fact, some games are even more fun with a big group.
Minute To Win It
Minute To Win It is perfect for large groups. Players compete in a series of 60-second challenges using common household items. It's fast-paced, competitive, and lots of fun.
Karaoke
And let's not forget the beloved karaoke — It's a fantastic game for large groups, as anyone can participate. From singing solos to performing duets and group numbers, karaoke is a surefire way to have a night filled with laughter, cheer, and some unforgettable performances.
Ready. Set. Play.
Throwing a fantastic party is all about creating a fun and engaging environment — and what better way to do that than with some of the best party games for adults?
From classic board and card games to hilarious games like Frizbowl, there are plenty of options to choose from. Just pick your favorites, invite your friends over, and get ready for a night full of laughter, fun, and unforgettable memories.
Happy partying!
Sources:
The history of card games | European Review | Cambridge Core
Uno history - Who invented Uno and when? | Uno Rules
Poker is a game of skill but don’t forget the gamble | Poker
Growing up in a digital world: benefits and risks | UNICEF Global Development Commons