So you’re hosting a party? It used to be just enough to throw on some music and have some alcohol. But now that we have a real job, pay bills, and call to make our own doctor’s appointments, it might be time to break out some party games for adults.
Okay maybe we lied about that whole doctor’s appointment. But that’s not the point of this!
Gone are the days of Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Beer Pong. Combine the two, though, and you might be onto something. Just don’t let the donkey know your plans.
From card games to drinking games to games that require a level of maturity – we didn’t say how much – these activities are perfect for breaking the ice. Hope you can swim. The donkey does not moonlight as a raft.
The Best Party Games For Adults
1. Cards Against Humanity
It’s the card game that has paved the way for endless new card games. Cards Against Humanity is “A party game for horrible people.” How well they know your friend group is chilling.
This is essentially a dirtier, funnier, and weirder version of Mad Libs. And part of the fun is picking the best “fill in the blank” based on the dealer’s humor and not necessarily your own. We knew we’d finally use that psychology degree.
2. Heads Up
Using the Heads Up app, one person picks a category and puts the phone to their head. The phone displays words in that category, and players on that person’s team have to give clues to what it is without actually saying the word.
Once the person guesses correctly, they nod the phone forward, and it moves on to the next word. The winning team is the one that guesses the most words in the time limit.
Very similar to Guesstures except this one you can theoretically play anywhere. Turns out our dentist hates this game.
3. Press Conference
One player holds a “press conference” and answers questions from other players. The catch is that the person holding the conference has no idea who they’re supposed to be and has to guess based on the questions asked of them.
No equipment needed, but no one will say no to a podium and a mic!
4. The Hygge Conversation Game
If you’re hosting a group of people who appreciate a more insightful conversation over wine rather than a round of beer pong, this may be a good option.
It’s meant to bring you closer to one another, including over 300 thought-provoking questions like “Describe a time when you did something truly kind for another person.” Which isn’t really a question so we’re sending this back. Anyway, BYOB (bring your own blanket) for ultimate coziness.
5. The Blockbuster Game
This game really has nothing to do with Blockbuster except for the “box” aesthetic. But if you like movies even a little bit, this can be a lot of fun.
Go head-to-head by acting, quoting, naming, and describing your favorite films. Honestly, that’s just a regular Saturday night for us. Except for when our head really hurts for some reason. Couldn’t be the post-Friday vodka shots. It just couldn’t.
6. Puff Puff Pass
Hosting a party full of stoners? Puff Puff Pass is a card game with conversation starters, “would you rather” questions, fun trivia, and more.
This game was created by stoners, for stoners, after interviewing stoners. And to make it even better it’s printed on THICC recycled joint papers.
This will be interesting, but we can’t promise your pantry won’t be raided.
7. Two Truths And A Lie
Got some friends with some deep, dark secrets? This is the perfect way to stir the pot, sit back, and watch it fully erupt.
In this game, everyone takes a turn telling two truths and one lie about themselves. All other players have to guess which one is false. And yes, Susan, we all know you studied abroad in London, so don’t even bother with that.
8. Spoons
All you need for this game is a deck of cards and one less spoon than the number of players. Next, the spoons are placed in the center of the table. The first person to get four of a kind takes a spoon from the center. But as soon as someone takes a spoon, anyone can.
The person left without a spoon, gains a letter. Once you get enough letters to spell – you guessed it, “spoon” – you’re eliminated.
Things get so crazy you could cut the tension with a spoon. Orange you glad we won’t be saying spoon anymore?
9. Movie Drinking Games
This simple game can be altered for any movie or show. Make up a list of rules related to whatever you’re watching, and then take a drink every time it happens.
For example, anytime someone references another horror movie or the phone rings in Scream, everyone takes a drink. You’re not really playing against anyone except your morning self. And let’s be real, she’s never winning anything, anyway.
10. Battleshots
This is just a grown-up version of the childhood favorite Battleship. Instead of getting a “hit” in the form of a red peg, you take a shot.
If you can physically make it through the game before your ships sink, you win. And hopefully the prize is some pizza. Bragging rights just don’t soak up the booze like a good slice or two.
11. Telestrations After Dark
Telestrations After Dark is an adults-only version of the popular game. Bad drawing skills are not only allowed, but encouraged.
Turns out being in the dark leads to a lot of miscommunication. Like, “I thought you were going to set the alarm for the morning!”
12. Titanic
Here’s another creative drinking game, because no, you’re not too old for them! They just need to start before 7pm and be based on a traumatic historical moment.
For this one, grab a beer glass and fill it halfway with beer. Grab an empty shot glass and place it in the beer so it floats.
Each player must then take turns pouring as much or as little liquor into the shot glass. The person whose pour sinks the “Titanic” must drink the entire glass. Good luck forming your argument about whether or not Jack could have fit on the floating door after that.
13. Nertz
Is Solitaire too boring for you? Try Nertz! This one is very fast-paced and high stress for some (hi, fellow anxious players!). But it’s often described as a competitive form of Solitaire.
You can buy it, but honestly you can also play it with cards you already have. Just make sure you have a different-looking deck of cards for each player, and read the rules online. Or have someone else read them to you while you don’t pay attention.
14. Unstable Unicorns
Who needs friends when you can have unicorns? Okay, you need some friends in order to play this game about destruction. But magical creatures are way cooler than your weird neighbor.
The goal of this game is to collect unicorns while also hindering other players. Nothing destroys a good friendship like a well-placed unicorn horn. Take that however literally you would like.
15. Wavelength
Wavelength is “a party game in your pocket. Hot or cold. Soft or hard. Wizard or…not a wizard? Work together to decide where your clue falls on the spectrum – and win by reading your friends’ minds.”
Honestly we’re going to need a lot more clues to even know what that consists of. Luckily we do read minds. And everyone is always asking for more snacks. On second thought…maybe that’s just us.
16. Villainous
Always felt like you related more to the villains than the heroes and princesses? Welcome to real life! They’re totally misunderstood, anyway.
Also, welcome to this Disney board game where you take on the role of a villain, discover your abilities, and achieve your own devious objective.
17. Settlers of Catan
An oldie but a goodie, Settlers of Catan allows you to play settlers seeking to make a home out of the remote isle of Catan.
So if you ever need a break from trying to survive your everyday life, playing a game doing the same should be super relaxing.
Ashley is a Nashville unicorn (born, raised, and based), queer, vegan, and dedicated to leaving a positive impact through her life, work, and her website, Wild Hearted.
When she's not writing, she's traveling, reading a book, trying not to kill her houseplants, worshiping her dog, or having an existential crisis. Follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter, and LinkedIn
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