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Key takeaways
- Choose by group size: board and card games for 2 to 4, Switch and deduction games for 5 to 10, icebreakers and teams for 10 or more.
- If people do not know each other, start with a one-minute-rules icebreaker and save deduction games for later.
- Pick two or three hosts in advance to explain rules, keep time and keep score.
- None of these games need drinking or gambling, and anyone who would rather not play can watch or keep score.
The most practical way to choose party games is by group size. Two to four people suit board and card games; five to ten suit Switch party games and deduction games; ten or more need icebreakers and team contests. The simpler the rules and the more people who can join in, the better the atmosphere. Every game here works without drinking or gambling, and the worst forfeit is a short performance.
What should 2 to 4 people play?
Small groups suit games that take some thought and can be played slowly.
Two- and four-player board games
Co-operative and competitive board games both work well in a small group. Check the player count on the box; some games are designed specifically for two.
Card games
One deck of cards covers a lot: Big Two, sevens, snap. Play for points, not money, and it is all about speed and luck.
Console games for two
A party room with a Nintendo Switch or a room with a PS5 lets two people play co-op or head-to-head. For a date, see the party room for two guide.
What should 5 to 10 people play?
This is the sweet spot, where everyone can play together.
Switch party games
Racing games, party minigame collections, co-op cooking games and dance games are all popular, and they are fun to watch as well as play. Some venues list their games in the amenity details, so check before booking.
UNO and other quick card games
Games like UNO and 6 nimmt!, with rules you can explain in a minute, suit a group where not everyone plays board games.
Deduction games
Werewolf and The Resistance: Avalon involve talking, guessing and bluffing, and test how well people read each other. Have someone who knows the game act as host, and start with a simple version.
What should 10 to 20 people play?
With bigger groups, choose games with simple rules that work in teams.
Charades
Split into two teams. One person acts, the rest guess. Use a phone timer, one minute per turn. No props, and everyone knows how to play.
Draw and guess
In a room with a projector, draw on a tablet and put it on the big screen so the whole room can guess.
Name that tune
In a room with karaoke, play the first few seconds of a song and let teams race to name it.
What about 20 or more?
With a very large group it is hard for everyone to play one game. Try:
- Team contests: split into teams that rotate through different games, then total the scores
- Scavenger hunt: hide a few small objects around the room and set a time limit
- Quiz: a host prepares questions, for example about the birthday person or the company, and teams race to answer
Which icebreakers work when people do not know each other?
| Game | How it works | Group size |
|---|---|---|
| Two Truths and a Lie | Each person says three things about themselves, one false; others guess which | 5 or more |
| Who Am I | A name is stuck on your forehead; ask yes-or-no questions to work it out | 4 or more |
| Common ground | Teams find three things all members have in common | 8 or more |
| Story chain | Each person adds one sentence to a shared story | 4 or more |
How do I host games without the party going flat?
- 1
Open with an icebreaker
Pick something with one-minute rules, such as Two Truths and a Lie, so late arrivals can join in.
- 2
Keep each explanation under two minutes
Play a demo round and explain as you go, rather than reading out every rule first.
- 3
Balance the teams
Mix people who know the game with people who do not, and friends with strangers.
- 4
Switch when energy drops
When people start looking at their phones, move on. Have one or two back-up games ready.
- 5
Finish with scores and small prizes
The prize can be choosing the next song or the supper order. It costs nothing and still feels like winning.
What forfeits work without drinking?
No alcohol, no money. Options:
- Perform a short party trick or sing a line of a song
- Share a harmless fun fact about yourself
- Pour the next round of soft drinks
- Or skip forfeits and just keep score
Party rooms with games consoles
Tips for game planning
- List the board games and props to bring in the party checklist
- Ask the host whether there are board games, which console games are available and how many controllers there are
- Choose two or three people to explain rules and keep score
- Bring paper and pens, a phone for timing, and a tablet for draw and guess
- For a big group, agree a date with the group date poll and split the room with the cost splitter
For venues for different occasions, see the birthday party room guide, the team building venue guide or party rooms for gatherings.
Frequently asked questions
How do I pick games that keep a party going?
Match the game to the group size and how well people know each other. Start strangers on a simple icebreaker, then move to deduction games that need discussion once people relax. The simpler the rules, the more people join in.
Are there party games that need no equipment?
Yes. Who Am I, Two Truths and a Lie, charades and story chains need nothing but a phone for a timer.
Can a party be fun without drinking games?
Absolutely. None of the games here involve drinking or gambling. The loser can do a harmless forfeit, such as a short performance or sharing a fun fact, or you can skip forfeits entirely.
Where can I find a party room with a games console?
On Gatherland you can filter for party rooms with a Nintendo Switch or PS5. Some hosts list the available games in the amenity details.
Do venues lend board games?
It varies. Some provide board games and cards, others expect you to bring your own. Message the host from the venue page to ask what games there are and how many controllers.
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