30 Best Party Games for Large Groups: Ultimate Adult Entertainment Guide
When hosting a gathering with many guests, having the right party games can transform an ordinary get-together into an unforgettable event. Whether you're planning a holiday celebration, birthday party, or casual weekend hangout, these games are designed to engage everyone, break the ice, and create lasting memories.
Quick Navigation
- No-Prep Games (Just People)
- Card Games for Parties
- Drinking Games for Adults
- Video Game Party Options
- Team-Building Games
- Party Games at Home
Use our Party Game Selector Tool to find the perfect games based on your group size, available supplies, and preferred activity level!
No-Prep Games (Just People)
These games require nothing but the people at your party, making them perfect for spontaneous entertainment or when you want to avoid extensive setup.
1. Two Truths and a Lie: Extended Edition
Players: 8-30+ Time: 15-30 minutes
How to Play: Each person shares three statements about themselves—two true and one false. After everyone guesses which statement is the lie, the person reveals the truth and shares a brief story about one of the true statements. This extended version creates deeper connections in large groups.
Large Group Tip: For very large groups, split into circles of 8-10 people, then have each circle send their "champion liar" to a final round.
2. The Human Bingo Challenge
Players: 15-50+ Time: 20-30 minutes
How to Play: Create bingo cards with interesting characteristics or experiences in each square ("Has visited more than 5 countries," "Can speak multiple languages," "Has met a celebrity"). Guests mingle and find people who match each square, collecting signatures. First to complete a row or the entire card wins.
Why It Works: Forces mingling across the entire group rather than staying in comfortable cliques.
3. Wavelength
Players: 10-30+ (in teams) Time: 30-45 minutes
How to Play: Divide into teams. One team member sees a spectrum card with two extremes (like "Hot-Cold" or "Ethical-Unethical") and a target position on that spectrum. They give a clue to help teammates guess where the target falls. Points awarded based on how close the guess is.
No Supplies Version: Create your own spectrums and use hand positions to indicate guesses.
4. Paranoia
Players: 10-30+ Time: 20-40 minutes
How to Play: Players sit in a circle. One person whispers a question to the person on their left, who must answer out loud with someone's name in the room. Only the question-asker and answerer know the question. The named person can choose to know the question by flipping a coin—heads they find out, tails they remain paranoid.
Party Tip: Keep questions light and fun rather than potentially hurtful.
5. The Resistance/Avalon
Players: 5-10 per game (can run multiple games for larger groups) Time: 30 minutes
How to Play: A social deduction game where some players are secretly saboteurs trying to undermine the group's missions. Through discussion, voting, and careful observation, players try to identify who's who.
DIY Version: Use playing cards to assign roles if you don't have the official game.
Card Games for Parties
Card games offer structured fun with minimal setup—perfect for large groups that want engaging entertainment without elaborate preparations.
6. Cards Against Humanity (or Apples to Apples)
Players: 4-20+ (can split into multiple games) Time: 30-60 minutes
How to Play: Each round, one player reads a question or fill-in-the-blank statement. Other players submit answer cards they think the reader will find funniest or most appropriate. The reader chooses their favorite response.
Large Group Hack: For very large groups, play in teams of two, with partners collaborating on which cards to play.
7. Blank Slate
Players: 3-8 per game (run multiple games for larger groups) Time: 20-30 minutes
How to Play: Players write a word that pairs with a prompt word (like "BIRTHDAY ____"). Points are awarded for matching answers with exactly one other player—encouraging thinking alike, but not too alike.
DIY Version: Use index cards and create your own prompt words.
8. Codenames
Players: 4-16+ (in two teams) Time: 15-30 minutes
How to Play: Two teams compete to identify their agents from a grid of word cards using one-word clues. Each team has a spymaster who knows which words belong to their team and gives clues to help teammates find them while avoiding the assassin card.
XXL Version: For groups of 20+, use two sets combined and have multiple guessers on each team.
9. Anomia
Players: 3-8 per game (run multiple games) Time: 20-30 minutes
How to Play: Players flip cards showing symbols and categories. When two players' symbols match, they race to name something from each other's categories. Fast thinking and quick reactions make this hilarious.
Tournament Style: For large groups, run multiple games and have the winners compete in a championship round.
10. The Mind
Players: 2-4 per game (multiple games for larger groups) Time: 15 minutes
How to Play: A cooperative game where players must play numbered cards in ascending order without communicating. The challenge? Developing a group "mind" to sense when it's your turn to play.
Large Group Adaptation: Create a tournament bracket or play in teams with each team trying to achieve the highest level.
Drinking Games for Adults
For adult gatherings where alcohol is being served, these games add structure and fun to the drinking experience. Always encourage responsible consumption and provide non-alcoholic options.
11. Never Have I Ever: Deluxe Edition
Players: 10-30+ Time: 20-40 minutes
How to Play: Players hold up five fingers. Going around the circle, each person states something they've never done. Anyone who has done it puts a finger down and takes a sip. First to put all fingers down "wins."
Deluxe Rules: Use category cards to keep the game fresh and prevent it from getting too personal too quickly.
12. Flip Cup Tournament
Players: 8-40+ (in teams) Time: 30-45 minutes
How to Play: Two teams line up on opposite sides of a table. Players take turns drinking from their cup, then placing it on the edge of the table and flipping it upside down with a finger flick. Once successful, the next teammate goes. First team to finish wins.
Large Group Format: Create a tournament bracket with multiple teams competing for the championship.
13. Kings Cup
Players: 4-20 Time: 30-60 minutes
How to Play: Arrange cards in a circle around an empty cup. Players take turns drawing cards, with each card corresponding to a rule (e.g., 7 = Heaven, everyone points up, last person drinks). Kings mean pouring some drink into the center cup, and the person who draws the fourth King drinks it.
Large Group Adaptation: For very large groups, play at multiple tables with the winners advancing to a "champions table."
14. Beer Pong Tournament
Players: 4-40+ (in teams of 2) Time: 1-2 hours
How to Play: Teams take turns throwing ping pong balls into the opposing team's cups. When a ball lands in a cup, that cup is removed and its contents consumed. First team to eliminate all opposing cups wins.
Tournament Structure: For large parties, create a proper tournament bracket and award a small prize to the winning team.
15. Ride the Bus
Players: 5-15 per game (multiple games for larger groups) Time: 30-45 minutes
How to Play: A multi-stage card game where players must guess card characteristics (color, higher/lower, inside/outside, suit). Wrong guesses result in drinking. The final stage—"riding the bus"—involves a pyramid of cards with increasingly severe drinking penalties.
Party Tip: Use a whiteboard to track the "bus riders" across multiple games for added entertainment.
Video Game Party Options
Digital games can entertain large groups with minimal setup and maximum engagement, even for non-gamers.
16. Jackbox Party Packs
Players: 3-8 players per game, unlimited audience members Time: 15-30 minutes per game
How to Play: These digital party games run on one device connected to a TV, with players using their smartphones as controllers. Games include drawing challenges, word games, and trivia competitions.
Best for Large Groups: Quiplash, Drawful, and Trivia Murder Party allow audience participation, making them perfect for parties.
17. Just Dance
Players: 1-6 active dancers, unlimited spectators Time: As long as you want
How to Play: Players mimic on-screen dancers to popular songs, with motion controls scoring their accuracy. Create dance-offs or tournaments for large groups.
Party Format: Create a tournament bracket or themed dance-offs (decades, genres, etc.) to keep everyone engaged.
18. Mario Kart Tournament
Players: 4 active players, unlimited spectators in rotation Time: 1-2 hours
How to Play: Run a proper tournament with brackets, allowing players to rotate in. Even non-gamers can quickly grasp the basics, making it accessible for all.
Viewing Setup: For large groups, connect to the largest TV available and arrange seating in a semicircle for optimal viewing.
19. Among Us (Local Network)
Players: 4-15 per game Time: 20-30 minutes per round
How to Play: Players work as crewmates completing tasks on a spaceship, but some are impostors trying to eliminate everyone. Through discussion and voting, the group tries to identify the impostors.
IRL Enhancement: Play in the same room for added tension as you try to read each other's real-life reactions.
20. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Players: 2-6 active players, rotating teams Time: 5-10 minutes per bomb
How to Play: One player sees a virtual bomb on screen, while others have the defusal manual. Through careful communication, the team must describe the bomb and follow the manual to disarm it before time runs out.
Tournament Style: Create teams and track which team can defuse the most bombs or handle the highest difficulty level.
Team-Building Games
These games divide large groups into teams, creating friendly competition and encouraging cooperation.
21. Pictionary Relay
Players: 10-40+ (in teams) Time: 30-45 minutes
How to Play: Teams line up single file. The first person sees a word, then draws it for the second person only. The second person then draws what they think it is for the third person, and so on. The last person guesses what the original word was.
Scoring: Award points based on how close the final guess is to the original word.
22. Minute to Win It Olympics
Players: 10-50+ (in teams) Time: 1-2 hours
How to Play: Set up 5-10 stations with quick challenges (stack cups, transfer M&Ms with a straw, etc.). Teams rotate through stations, earning points for each challenge completed within one minute.
Large Party Tip: Designate a "referee" for each station to keep things moving smoothly.
23. Escape Room in a Box
Players: 6-30+ (in teams) Time: 45-60 minutes
How to Play: Purchase (or create) escape room kits with puzzles and challenges. Divide into teams of 4-6 people, give each team identical materials, and see which team can "escape" first.
DIY Version: Create your own puzzles using household items, riddles, and locks with clues hidden around your home.
24. Trivia Tournament
Players: 10-50+ (in teams) Time: 45-90 minutes
How to Play: Prepare questions across various categories. Teams write down answers for each round, then swap papers for scoring. Mix in some physical challenges between rounds to keep energy high.
Engagement Tip: Include some questions specific to your friend group or workplace for personalized fun.
25. Silent Disco Freeze Dance
Players: 15-100+ Time: 20-30 minutes
How to Play: Everyone wears headphones tuned to the same channel (or simply plays music loud enough for all to hear). When the music stops, everyone freezes. Last to freeze each round is eliminated until one winner remains.
No Headphones Version: Use a regular speaker system with someone controlling the music.
Party Games at Home for Adults
These games are specifically designed for home settings, using common household items or minimal supplies.
26. Apartment/House Olympics
Players: 8-20+ Time: 1-2 hours
How to Play: Create silly competitions using your living space: sock sliding distance contest, chopstick relay, pillow balancing obstacle course, etc. Award medals or small prizes to winners.
Planning Tip: Design challenges that work with your specific home layout and furniture.
27. DIY Escape Room
Players: 6-12 per room (can create multiple rooms) Time: 1 hour
How to Play: Transform different areas of your home into puzzle zones with clues leading from one to the next. Teams race to solve all puzzles and "escape" first.
Theme Ideas: Murder mystery, time travel, bank heist, zombie apocalypse.
28. Salad Bowl / Celebrity
Players: 8-30+ (in teams) Time: 45-60 minutes
How to Play: Everyone writes several famous names on slips of paper. In round one, give clues without saying the name. In round two, use only one word. In round three, use only gestures. Teams try to guess as many names as possible in each round.
Large Group Adaptation: For very large groups, play in multiple smaller circles simultaneously.
29. Powerpoint Party
Players: 8-20+ Time: Depends on number of presenters (5 minutes per person)
How to Play: Each guest creates a 3-5 minute presentation on any ridiculous topic of their choice. Topics might include "Ranking Breakfast Cereals by Emotional Intelligence" or "Evidence My Neighbor Is a Werewolf."
Planning Note: Send presentation topics in advance so guests can prepare.
30. Murder Mystery Dinner
Players: 8-20 Time: 2-3 hours
How to Play: Purchase a kit or create your own murder mystery scenario. Assign character roles to guests in advance, including backstories and secrets. Throughout the evening, reveal clues until everyone tries to solve the murder.
DIY Version: Create simple character cards with relationships and motives, then randomly assign one person as the murderer.
Tips for Successful Large Group Games
Managing Large Numbers
- Split and Rotate: For very large gatherings (30+), consider running multiple games simultaneously and rotating people between stations.
- Tournament Structure: Create brackets for competitive games to keep everyone engaged even when not actively playing.
- Visual Aids: Use whiteboards or digital displays to track scores and tournament progress.
Keeping Everyone Engaged
- Inclusive Options: Have non-drinking alternatives for drinking games and seated options for physical games.
- Time Limits: Keep individual game rounds short to prevent anyone from waiting too long.
- Mixed Intensity: Balance high-energy games with more relaxed options to prevent exhaustion.
Preparation Checklist
- [ ] Test games before the party to ensure you understand the rules
- [ ] Prepare any necessary materials in advance
- [ ] Create clear, simple instruction cards for each game station
- [ ] Have prizes ready for winners (optional but adds excitement)
- [ ] Plan your game sequence to build energy, then wind down
Conclusion
The best party games for large groups strike a balance between structure and spontaneity, competition and cooperation. By mixing different types of games—from active to cerebral, digital to analog—you'll create an event that appeals to every personality type and energy level.
Remember that the ultimate goal is connection and fun. The most successful party games create shared experiences and stories that your guests will reminisce about long after the event ends. Don't be afraid to adapt rules to fit your specific group, and always prioritize inclusion and enjoyment over strict competition.
With this comprehensive collection of games, you're now equipped to entertain any size group in any setting. Your reputation as the ultimate party host is secured!
Interactive Party Planning Tools
Make your game planning easier with our suite of free interactive tools:
- Party Game Selector - Find the perfect games based on your group size and preferences
- Drinking Game Calculator - Plan responsible amounts of beverages based on guest count and duration
- Party Supply Checklist - Ensure you have everything needed for your games and activities
No sign-up required! Simply visit our Tools Page to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right games for my specific group?
Consider your guests' personalities, physical abilities, and comfort with different types of interaction. For groups that don't know each other well, start with icebreaker-style games before moving to more complex or personal options. For close friends, you can begin with more competitive or revealing games.
What if some guests don't want to participate in certain games?
Always make participation optional and have alternative activities available. Create a comfortable "spectator" area where non-participants can watch and potentially join later. Never pressure anyone into drinking games or activities that make them uncomfortable.
How many games should I plan for a 3-4 hour party?
Prepare 4-6 different games, but be flexible with timing. Some games might be hits that guests want to play multiple rounds of, while others might not resonate with your particular group. Having a variety allows you to read the room and adjust accordingly.
What's the best way to explain game rules to a large group?
For complex games, consider creating simple one-page instruction sheets or sending rules in advance. For in-the-moment explanations, demonstrate a quick practice round rather than explaining every detail. Most importantly, assure everyone that they'll pick it up as they go—perfection isn't required for fun!
Ready to transform your next gathering with these engaging party games? Explore more entertainment ideas and planning tips on Party.net!
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