Games haven’t been around for just decades, and centuries, they’ve been around for millenniums. Found in Egyptian Predynastic and First Dynasty burials, the first board game, Senet, originated back in 3500 BC and 3100 BC.
Senet is a little different than the games we have today, but we’re sure it was just as fun when game night rolled around.
In this article, we’re diving into our favorite game night games that will have your guests rolling on the floor laughing. Create a memorable game night your friends and family will talk about for months.
Whether you’re looking for something family appropriate or perfect for an all-adults night in, you’ll be sure to find the perfect game on this list.
Get in touch with your competitive side, we’re getting started.
Epic Game Night Games Your Guests Will Love
Hosting a family game night or a work party? We’ve got some great games for you to try. Some of these games you might not have heard of but, trust us, once you play a round of two, they’ll be unforgettable.
Buffalo: The Name Dropping Game
Bringing together new friends? Relaxing between dinner and dessert? Either way, pull out the game Buffalo and watch everyone’s expressions light up.
Test your knowledge of movies, tv, and real-life with this name dropping game. There are two decks, one with a demographic “British, American” and the second with a description “wizard, sweet”. The first person to guess wins based on group consensus.
Exploding Kittens
This game actually raised $8.7 million on kickstarter…meaning a lot of people wanted to see this strategy game to come to life. The point of the game is to deflect exploding kittens and stay in the game as long as possible. The cards are full of fun things like Taco Cats, goats, and the occasional magical enchilada.
It can be a little confusing to understand at first but it’ll all make sense once you play. Trust us, it can be very addicting!
Say Anything
This is perhaps the best “get to know you” game out there and its perfect for playing in dorm rooms, as icebreakers, and, of course, game night.
One person picks a card and reads a question, for example, “If I could have a BIG anything, what would it be?”.
The other players write their answer and place it face up: “bank account, lips, a slice of cake”.
You secretly choose your favorite response but don’t tell anyone! Your friends have to guess which one you picked!
Banned Words
This game is great for rowdy team members bursting with the competition. The game is similar to the classic game, Taboo but instead of the game providing the banned words, the other team does.
This makes guessing the clue phrase a lot harder and more strategic especially if you know your opponents. It’s also a great choice if you have a large group of people who want to play. The more the merrier!
The Voting Game
This hysterical game’s tagline is “know who your friends are” and it says it all. Sensitive players, need not play!
One player draws a card. Here are some examples:
Who would have the hardest time talking their way out of an insane asylum?
Who would lose a political election because of something they did in their youth?
Who here has the weirdest Google search history?
The other players then anonymously vote on which player fits the answer. If you’re chosen, you then have to guess who voted for you. You’re guaranteed to laugh with this one.
Deck Around
This game is great if you like fast-paced games with little downtime. Each round, every single person gets to participate and apply their knowledge of slang words or their skill of bullsh*tting.
One player draws a card revealing a slang word (“soil sample” or “Boston blowfish”) is then read aloud to the group. They, however, do not read the real definition below it.
The other players must write down a convincing for the word. The card drawer reads all the definitions aloud along with the real one mixed in.
You must guess which one is accurate. If you fell for someone’s fake answer, they get a point.
What’s Yours Like?
The game, “What’s Yours Like?” is always a winner at game night. Take turns being in the hot seat. Your friends will draw a card with a thing, for example, ‘bathing suit’.
They’ll take turns giving you clues about what their’s is like: “Mine is tight. Mine is wet. Mine is see through.” Try to guess with a few clues as possible!
Fair warning: depending on your audience, this can get very silly or very risque very fast but regardless, it’s a ton of fun for everyone of all ages.
Telestrations After Dark
If you love Telestrations, you’ll love Telestrations After Dark, a game made for adults. This version is so entertaining and will keep you laughing for hours.
Simply draw what you see and what your guests guess hysterical answers. Don’t worry; even the worst drawers will love this game.
Bingo
We’re sure you’ve heard and even played this game before but have you played with these variations? You can even turn it into a drinking game if you’re throwing that kind of party, but please remember to drink responsibly.
Can’t wait until game night rolls around? Play bingo online and get your fix!
The Game of Things
If you love laughing and being utterly shocked by your party guests then you’ll want to get your hands on “The game of Things”. It’s basically humor in a box.
To play, you just have to pick a car and read it aloud, for example, “What shouldn’t you do naked?”. Your guests will write down their answers (yoga, jumping jacks, tie their shoes) and you’ll have to guess who wrote what!
Stay Updated
Now that you know all the best game night games, you can provide for an epic evening with your friends and family.
Need some good topics for conversation? Keep reading our blog for great articles on everything from happiness to finances. See you there!