Throwing a party with a mix of friends, family, and maybe a few people you don’t know too well? The last thing you want is awkward silence or a game that makes half the group feel left out. You need something fun, easy to jump into, and flexible enough for different personalities. Some people love thinking games, others just want to relax and laugh, and a few might be more competitive.
These party games are perfect for a variety of moods and play styles. Whether you want a game that keeps everyone engaged or something light for casual play, this list has you covered. Get ready to break the ice, start some hilarious conversations, and make sure everyone—yes, even your friend who “doesn’t do games”—has a great time.
Codenames
A great game for people who love wordplay and deduction, Codenames splits players into two teams and challenges them to give clever one-word clues to connect secret words on the board. It’s engaging without being too intense, and even those who aren’t playing in the current round will want to help strategize.
Telestrations
If you’ve ever played the telephone game but wished you could draw, this one’s for you. Each player starts with a word or phrase, draws it, then passes their drawing to the next person, who guesses what it is and writes it down. By the end, the original phrase has usually turned into something ridiculous. Perfect for casual fun, even if you can’t draw to save your life.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
Fast, chaotic, and full of bluffing, this game turns everyone into either a villager or a sneaky werewolf. Each round lasts just a few minutes, and no one gets eliminated, so there’s no waiting around. It’s great for big groups and keeps everyone paying attention.
Jackbox Party Pack
This is a collection of digital party games that anyone can play using their phone. From trivia to drawing competitions to hilarious fill-in-the-blank challenges, Jackbox games are easy to learn and perfect for mixed groups. Just pick a game, get a room code, and let the chaos unfold.
Wavelength
A game of mind-reading and debate, Wavelength asks one player to place a dial along a hidden scale based on a clue given by their teammate. The rest of the group discusses where they think the dial should be. It’s part deduction, part lively discussion, and always entertaining.
Werewords
Imagine Werewolf mixed with a word-guessing game. The mayor knows the secret word, and the werewolves do too—but they want to mislead the rest of the group. Players ask yes-or-no questions to figure it out before time runs out. Quick, interactive, and perfect for both casual and engaged players.
Salem 1692
If you love a bit of strategy and bluffing but don’t want something too complicated, Salem 1692 is a great choice. It’s a hidden role game where some players are secretly witches, and everyone else is trying to find them before it’s too late. Expect accusations, alliances, and plenty of second-guessing.
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Just One
A cooperative word-guessing game where players try to help one person guess a word by giving one-word clues. The catch? If two people write the same clue, it gets erased! It’s lighthearted, quick, and great for any group size.
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Mario Kart or Smash Bros. (Casual Mode)
If you have a game console handy, a lighthearted multiplayer game like Mario Kart or Smash Bros. is great for casual play. It gives people something fun to do while others chat and mingle, and you don’t have to be a gamer to enjoy it.
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Fishbowl (a.k.a. Salad Bowl)
A mix of Charades, Password, and Taboo, Fishbowl is easy to set up and a blast to play. Everyone writes down a few words, then players take turns describing them, acting them out, and finally using just one word to get their team to guess. It’s high-energy, super flexible, and always leads to big laughs.
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