Ever been stuck at a gathering where everyone’s on their phones? We’ve all been there. Games are the perfect solution for adult groups, they break the ice, create genuine connections, and bring back the fun we sometimes forget as grown-ups.
In this blog, I’ll share nine games that will transform your next get-together from awkward to awesome. These aren’t your typical boring party games, they’re tried and tested favorites that build trust and create memories.
Whether you’re planning a dinner party, team building event, or just hanging out with friends, these games work for any adult group. No special skills needed, just a willingness to laugh and let loose.
Ready to become the host everyone loves? Let’s dive into these nine games that will solve your adult gathering problems for good.
1. Werewolf / Mafia
Players: 7-20 people
Duration: 30-45 minutes
How to Play: I love this game for larger groups! You’ll need cards or paper slips to assign roles. Most players are villagers, but a few are secretly werewolves.
The game alternates between “night” when everyone closes their eyes and werewolves choose a victim. During “day,” everyone discusses who might be a werewolf.
Each day, the group votes to eliminate one suspected werewolf. Special roles like the Doctor can save people, while the Seer can check someone’s identity.
Can the villagers identify all werewolves before they’re outnumbered? The tension builds with every round! This game tests your ability to lie and detect deception.
2. Charades
Players: 4+ people
Duration: 20-30 minutes
How to Play: This classic never gets old! Split into teams of at least two people each. Write down movies, books, or phrases on paper slips.
When it’s your turn, pick a slip and act out the word without speaking. Your team must guess correctly before time runs out.
You can indicate the number of words by holding up fingers. Make a T-shape with your hands for “book title” or tug your ear for “sounds like.”
Want a twist? Try themed rounds like “bad movies” or “90s TV shows.” You can also add handicaps like acting with one arm behind your back.
3. Two Truths and a Lie
Players: 3+ people
Duration: 15-30 minutes
How to Play: Perfect for getting to know each other better! Each person shares three statements about themselves – two true and one false.
The statements can be about past experiences, hidden talents, or embarrassing moments. Everyone else tries to guess which statement is the lie.
After everyone guesses, the person reveals which statement was false. They often share the story behind their true statements.
Make your lie somewhat believable and your truths slightly unusual. I’ve seen this game turn strangers into friends in just one round.
4. Jackbox Party Pack Games
Players: 3-8 people (varies by game)
Duration: 15-45 minutes per game
How to Play: You’ll need one device to run the game and everyone uses their smartphones as controllers. Just go to Jackbox.tv and enter the room code.
Jackbox offers games like Quiplash (create funny answers to prompts) and Drawful (draw ridiculous things). Trivia Murder Party tests your knowledge with deadly consequences.
Each pack contains 4-5 different games, so you can switch based on your group’s mood. The voting system means anyone can win regardless of skill.
No gaming experience needed – just bring your sense of humor! These games are accessible to non-gamers while still entertaining for everyone.
5. Murder Mystery Party
Players: 6-20 people
Duration: 2-3 hours
How to Play: This takes some prep but is worth it! Buy a kit online or create your own mystery scenario with character descriptions.
Each player gets a character with backstory, relationships, and objectives. Someone is the murderer – but they don’t know it until they read their secret instructions!
As you interact throughout the evening, try to solve who the killer is. Some characters might be hiding something completely unrelated to the murder.
Dress up for extra fun! Even simple accessories like hats can help people get into character. Serve themed food and drinks to complete the experience.
6. Pictionary
Players: 4+ people
Duration: 30 minutes
How to Play: Form teams, then take turns having one person draw while their teammates guess. The drawer can’t speak, use letters, or make gestures.
You can buy the official game or make your own word cards. Set a one-minute timer for each round to keep the energy high.
Teams advance on a board or simply keep score of correct guesses. Stick figures are totally acceptable – artistic skill not required!
The biggest laughs often come from terrible drawings that somehow get guessed correctly. The real skill is communicating concepts visually and quickly.
7. The Voting Game
Players: 5-10 people
Duration: 30-45 minutes
How to Play: This reveals what people really think about each other! Read questions like “Who would survive longest in a zombie apocalypse?”
Everyone votes for one player anonymously by writing down a name. Then reveal the votes and laugh at the results together.
Players often explain their choices, which leads to funny stories and good-natured teasing. You’ll learn how others see you in unexpected ways.
This game works best with people who know each other and have a good sense of humor. It creates moments of genuine connection.
8. Human Bingo
Players: 8+ people
Duration: 20-30 minutes
How to Play: Create bingo cards with squares containing facts like “has been to Europe” or “can speak two languages.” Include a mix of common and unusual experiences.
Players mingle, finding people who match each square and asking them to sign that box. Each person can only sign once on someone’s card.
The first to complete a row, column, or the whole card wins a small prize. This gets everyone moving and talking beyond the usual small talk.
I’ve seen this game transform a room of strangers into animated conversation partners in minutes. People discover unexpected things they have in common.
9. Reverse Charades
Players: 6+ people
Duration: 20-30 minutes
How to Play: Flip traditional charades! Instead of one person acting for the team, the whole team acts for one guesser. This creates hilarious coordination challenges.
Imagine your whole team silently acting out “making a sandwich” while you try to guess. One person might be the bread, another the knife.
Teams take turns, and the one with the most correct guesses wins. This removes pressure from any one performer and creates a shared experience.
Even people who hate being in the spotlight enjoy it because they’re part of a group effort. The unplanned physical comedy makes this a guaranteed laugh generator.
Conclusion
Games aren’t just for kids, they’re secret weapons for adult gatherings. They transform awkward silences into genuine laughter and connection.
These nine games offer something for everyone. From the strategic deception of Werewolf to the creative chaos of Reverse Charades, each brings its unique magic to your event.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection but participation.
The best memories come from moments when everyone lets their guard down and embraces a bit of silliness.
So next time you host a dinner party, team event, or family gathering, try one of these games. You might be surprised at how quickly phones disappear and real conversations begin.
The best compliment? When your guests ask, “Can we play just one more round before we go?”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which game is best for people who don’t know each other well?
Human Bingo is perfect for breaking the ice among strangers. It gets everyone moving around the room and discovering interesting facts about each other. Two Truths and a Lie is another great option that quickly reveals surprising things about new acquaintances.
2. What game should I choose if we only have 30 minutes?
Charades, Pictionary, and Two Truths and a Lie are all excellent choices for shorter time frames. They require minimal setup and can be as brief as you need. The Voting Game also works well when you’re short on time.
3. Do I need to buy special equipment for these games?
Most of these games require little to no special equipment. Jackbox Party Pack is the exception, requiring one device to run the game and smartphones for controllers. For others, simple household items like paper, pens, and a timer are usually sufficient.
4. What’s the best game for a competitive group?
Werewolf/Mafia brings out the competitive spirit through strategic deception. Pictionary and Reverse Charades create healthy team competition. For intellectual competition, try Trivia Murder Party in the Jackbox collection.
5. How can I include guests who are shy or reluctant to participate?
Start with low-pressure games like The Voting Game or Human Bingo. For shy people, team-based games reduce individual spotlight. Jackbox games allow anonymous participation, making them comfortable for introverts. Remember to explain rules clearly and demonstrate first rounds to ease anxiety.
