40+ Engaging Party Games For Adults

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When we think of party games for adults, the first ones that pop into our minds are ‘Pin the Tail’ and ‘Truth or Dare.’ These games are fun and interesting, but you can find crazier games that will amp up the fun quotient at your party.

You don’t need to invest a lot of time, energy, and money in planning and organizing these games. And yes, you can plan drinking games at the party, provided that everyone is within limits. So, read this post as we suggest some interesting and wacky party games that will leave you in splits and make everyone look forward to your parties.

40+ Crazy Party Games For Adults

Whether you are hosting an online party or an offline one, these party games will add fun, laughter, and excitement to your gathering.

Funny Party Games For Adults

1. Musical chairs

Musical chairs is a timeless classic that not only gets everyone moving but also ignites their competitive spirit and elicits laughter as players scramble for seats.

You will need:

• Chairs
• A speaker

How to play:

• Place the chairs in a circle facing outwards. The number of chairs must be one less than the number of players present.
• When the music starts, the players should keep moving around the chairs and sit on them the moment the music stops.
• The player who remains standing is out of the game.
• Remove one chair and resume the game.
• For a twist, the players can take a drink before commencing the next round.

2. Pick up the tune

This is a fun-filled game wherein you guess the song by listening to its tune. The game is perfect for adults of all ages.

You will need:

• A music playlist
• A list of every song’s name and its singer.

How to play:

• Divide people into two groups.
• Start the tune of the first song from the playlist.
• Each team will try to shout out the singer’s name and the song.
• The first team to guess the most number of songs and artists correctly gains a point.

3. Lemon and spoon

It is the classic game you played at school but this one comes with a twist. See who has the best coordination after a couple of drinks.

You will need:

• Lemons
• Spoons

How to play:

• Each player has to stand at the start line with a lemon in a spoon held in their mouth.
• They have to walk towards the finish line.
• If they drop the lemon, they have to take a drink and start over again.

4. Sporcle

Sporcle is a fun game where participants should list things or items that belong to a chosen category until no options are left.

You will need:

• Lists of objects that belong to a particular category.
• Objective lists that allow people to think of several items.

How to play

• All participants must stand in a queue.
• One person will inform everyone about the chosen category.
• The first player will start naming something of that category. They have a time limit of five to ten seconds.
• They are out of the game if they cannot think of something within this time.
• Continue the game until one player remains. The person who mentions the most items is the winner.

5. Cornhole

If you are throwing a summer party, cornhole is the game for you. A little investment in this game can keep you occupied for a long time.

You will need:

• Cornhole boards – 2
• Cornhole bags – 4 for each team

How to play:

• Place the boards on the ground.
• Divide the players into two teams.
• Stand some distance away from the boards and start throwing the bags on the board in turns.
• Count the number of bags that landed correctly. The team with the maximum correct landings wins.

6. Celebrity charades

It is a funnier version of the regular charades game and is best played with celebrity-crazy friends.

You will need:

• Slips of paper
• A bowl

How to play:

• Write the name of different celebrities (or the party guests) on the slips of paper, fold them, and drop them in the bowl.
• Divide the players into two teams.
• The players from each team take turns to pick a paper slip, read the name on it, and enact it to the other team members.
• The team with the maximum right guesses wins.

7. Spoons card game

This is a fun and fast-paced game that every adult is bound to enjoy. Try it out if you are having a big party.

You will need

• A deck of cards with no joker
• Spoons (one less than the total players)

How to play

• The dealer takes off a card from the deck.
• They remove one card from their hand and pass it to the player on their left. It should be face down.
• Every player takes a card from the one who is on their right. They can keep the card or pass it.
• A new round begins when the last player places their discarded card.
• The dealer picks a new card, and if the draw cards run out, they will reshuffle the pile and continue.
• When a player collects four cards of the same rank (four of a kind), they quickly grab a spoon from the center of the table.
• All other players must react quickly and attempt to grab a spoon as well.
• The player who cannot take a spoon in time receives a letter from the word ‘SPOON.’
• The player who accumulates the most letters from the word ‘SPOON’ is out.
• The game continues until only one player is declared the winner.

8. Sticker stalker game

It’s a nice, casual game for adults demanding speed and agility. You can play this game with any number of players.

You will need:

• Sticker sheets of different colors and designs

How to play

• Hand a fixed number of stickers to every player.
• Each player must secretly stick their stickers onto other guests without being noticed.
• If a player gets caught in the act by the guest they are trying to stick a sticker on, that guest could remove the sticker and return it to the player.
• The winner is the first player who sticks all their stickers on others.

Indoor Party Games For Adults

9. Post-it note

You have used Post-it notes to make lists, but have you used them in games? This indoor game for adults is similar to 20 questions and is much more fun.

You will need:

• Sticky notes
• A pen

How to play:

• Decide a category and write a word corresponding to that category on a sticky note.
• Stick it on the forehead of a player without showing what is written on it to them first.
• The player asks the other players yes or no questions to guess the correct word.

10. Dictionary

It is a simple yet amusing game. Not only will it entertain you, but you will also enhance your vocabulary.

You will need

• A dictionary
• Slips of paper
• A bunch of friends

How to play

• One person will have a dictionary. They will open any page and announce a word they are unfamiliar with.
• If none in the group knows its meaning, you can proceed to the next step.
• Every person will write the word and its possible meaning or definition on a slip.
• Everyone should turn their slips (with definitions) towards the first person who announced the word.
• Everyone except the announcer will get a single guess as to which meaning they think is correct.
• After all meanings are disclosed, the announcer will reveal the correct definition.
• The person whose definition is correct or closest to the correct one will get a point.

11. The storyteller

This is an exciting game that allows everyone to showcase their creative side. It can be played with any number of people, making it a versatile and enjoyable activity for any gathering.

You will need

• Just your creative side

How to play

• A person will commence telling a story.
• The next person continues the story by adding a new twist to it.
• You may choose categories, like horror, comedy, or any other genre.
• The one who gives the most intriguing or thrilling plot to a story may be declared a winner.

12. How do you doo

This is a fun game if your family and friends love music. Get going for a fun musical time at your party.

You will need:

• A list of songs

How to play:

• Divide the players into two teams.
• Sing songs using only the word “doo.”
• The team that gets the maximum correct guesses wins.

13. Movie drinking game

You may alter this fun game for any show or movie. It needs no prep beforehand. Enjoy it with your fellow guests and have a great time, sharing anecdotes and laughter over film references.

You will need

• A list of rules for whatever show you are currently watching
• A glass of drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)

How to play

• Write down a set of rules about the current show you are watching.
• Take a drink every time something related to the rules happens. For example, If you are seeing a horror flick, like ‘Scream,’ and a person references another horror movie or the phone rings with a loud sound, you and all the others will take a drink.

14. Movie ID

This game is best for hardcore movie buffs. You can even imitate your favorite movie stars if you can.

You will need:

• A speaker
• Audio clips from movies

How to play:

• Play music or dialogue clips from movies.
• The players have to guess the movie name from the clip.

15. Who’s most likely to

This is an amusing game where you put questions for your players to answer. The answers are always insightful and entertaining.

You will need

• A list of creative questions

How to play

• Ask questions like ‘Who’s most likely to dress up like a penguin in the party?’ Another example is ‘Who’s most likely to take up the phone call in the middle of the night?’
• You will soon notice some of the most interesting answers.
• Use this game as an icebreaker if you think many people in the group are unfamiliar with one another.

16. Simon says

Though this game is typically played with children, adults can have loads of fun too. Imagine someone giving you basic commands and you following them.

You will need:

• Players

How to play:

• Say, ‘Simon says…’ and tell the players to do something.
• If a player does not follow the instructions, they have to take a drink.

Did you know?

Simon Says is played in many parts of the world and is known by different names. The Arikaans version of the game is called “Kolonel Bevel” (Colonel commands) and the French version is “Jacques a dit” (Jack said).

17. Pin the tail

It’s a classic party game and a fun one indeed. You only require a picture of any animal with a tail (typically a donkey or a unicorn).

You will need

• A picture of an animal like a donkey
• A paper ‘tail’ with a push pin poked through it

How to play

• Blindfold every player.
• Hand over the paper tail with a pin to each player.
• Now, each player has to take turns to pin the tail at the correct spot on the animal.
• The one who pins the tail closest to its tail is considered a winner.

House Party Games For Adults

18. Watch your mouth

If you have watched ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ or Tiktok videos, you will know what this is. Tone it down to regular words when you are with the family.

You will need:

• Cheek retractors

How to play:

• Wear a cheek retractor and say some Not safe for work (NSFW) words.
• The other players have to guess what you are saying.

19. Balloon burst

This is an indoor party game that has a massive appeal among adults. It instantly makes the whole environment lively and joyous.

You will need

• Four balloons for each pair of groups
• A timer

How to play

• Pair up people as couples.
• Provide four balloons to each pair.
• The pair needs to blow the balloons, tie the ends securely, and burst them by hugging each other.
• No one can use their hands to pop the balloons.
• Set a timer for one minute for this activity.
• The pair that bursts all the balloons first wins the game.

20. Prosecco Pong

This is just like beer pong but classier. This is one of the games that is apt for your bachelorette party.

You will need:

• Plastic cups
• Ping Pong balls
• A table

How to play:

• Pour the wine into plastic cups and place them on one end of a table.
• The players have to stand at the other end of the table and toss a ping pong ball into the cups.
• If the ball lands in a cup, they have to drink it.

21. Thumper

This is another funny party game wherein you’ll get to see the different motions of players. The game continues indefinitely. Try it out and have a great time.

You will need

• Players willing to perform hand/leg movements

How to play

• Arrange all players in a circle, either sitting or standing.
• Each player selects a hand or leg movement.
• Move around the circle, allowing each player to demonstrate their chosen movement. All players should remember these movements for later.
• Start the game by having everyone clap or stomp a rhythm together.
• Randomly select one person to begin by performing their chosen movement.
• The next person must replicate the first person’s movement and then add their movement.
• Continue this pattern, with each player repeating all previous movements in order.
• If a player makes a mistake and fails to perform the correct sequence of movements, they are eliminated.

22. Twenty questions

This is another all-time classic at parties. Can you guess the word in just twenty questions?

You will need:

• A list of categories

How to play:

• Select a category.
• Each player has to think of a word from that category.
• The other players have to ask 20 yes or no questions to guess what the word is.

 Caution

Don’t include sensitive, racist, or obscene words in this game to ensure none of the players/guests feels uncomfortable.

23. Bingo

This is one of the fantastic and fun party games for adults. Bingo is a great game for any type of gathering, including wedding parties.

You will need:

• Cardstock printed with different characteristics of your friends or relatives.

How to play:

• Call out the names of your relatives or friends.
• The players should write the name you announce under the characteristic that matches them the most.
• The player who gets the most entries is the winner. There are different winners for corners, full house, across, etc.

24. Wiki top list trivia

It is a perfect game to beat boredom while you are with your friends. It can be a part of any gathering with your close and not-so-close friends.

You will need

• Access to Wikipedia

How to play

• Choose any list on Wikipedia, such as countries by population.
• You can decide on a number of things. For example, it can be a list of the top ten countries by population.
• Every person will get two guesses.
• They will get one point for finding what is number one on the list and two points for number two.
• The person who guesses the correct rankings first scores the highest points.

25. I’m hosting a party

This game is a brain teaser. It will provide entertainment and stimulate you mentally, making it a delightful and engaging activity.

You will need

• A secret rule

How to play

• Announce that you are hosting a party and that only those who make the correct contribution will be invited.
• Have a secret rule. For example, people must bring something that starts with the first letter of their name.
• Do not reveal this secret rule.
• Go to every player and let them guess what they should be bringing.
• Respond to their suggestion: ‘Yes, you’re invited,’ or ‘No, you can’t bring that.’
• Keep the rule less complicated, and provide some clues for the guests to guess.
• Continue the game until at least one person finds out the secret rule.

Online Party Games For Adults

26. Story starters

This game is similar to the telephone game you played at school. Make hilarious stories at your party.

You will need:

• Players

How to play:

• Sit in a circle. The first player starts a story by saying the beginning line.
• The next player adds to it and so on until the story becomes hilarious.
• All the players can have a drink after each round.

27. Pictionary

This is a great game for school kids and adults alike, making it perfect for a large gathering.

You will need

• An online app to play the game with your friends.
• A Pictionary word generator app if the game feels difficult.

How to play

• One player draws out cards.
• The other players guess the artist and the words they are drawing.
• The first person to reach the end after guessing correctly wins the game.

28. Drop a hint

This is a team game that involves wordplay. If you and your friends know each other inside and out, play this game.

You will need:

• Slips of paper
• Timer

How to play:

• Write different words or phrases on the slips of paper.
• Divide the players into two teams.
• A player from each team has to pick a slip, read the word/phrase written on it, and drop one-word hints that will help the team’s other players guess the word within a minute.

29. Escape room

This is one of the trending games you can play both online and offline. You can use Do it yourself (DIY) ideas to create one too.

You will need:

• Good internet connection

How to play:

• Select an escape room from the variety of options available online.
• Join your friends to solve puzzles and riddles.

30. Virtual talent show

This game will give you a memorable experience, as it will take you back to your elementary school days. However, being a virtual activity, it won’t give you a stage fright.

You will need

• Access to a video conferencing platforms like Google meet
• A group of friends
• A stable internet connection

How to play

• Choose a date and time for the virtual talent show on your preferred platform.
• On the scheduled day, participants can dress however they like to showcase their skills.
• You can be a singer, a dancer, a woodworker, or a doctor; the stage is all yours.
• After the show concludes, you may have a poll and select the winner.

31. Great minds think alike

This is a game you can play with friends for some laughs. See whose thought process matches with yours.

You will need:

• A list of questions
• A set of answers

How to play:

• Announce each question to your guests.
• Each player has to choose the answer they think the majority of the players will choose.
• If more people get the same answer, the players get more points.

32. UNO

UNO is a fun card game that people of all ages enjoy. Today, you can play it online as well.

You will need

• A set of UNO cards

How to play

• Each one gets a deal of seven cards.
• The objective is to match a card from your hand with the one on the draw pile.
• The player who successfully gets rid of all their seven cards first is declared the winner.
• The game proceeds until a person earns a set(say 500)

33. Monopoly

Monopoly is an ageless game for adults. It is a fascinating game which can be played both online and offline. It tests your economic and financial skills in a competitive and fun manner.

You will need

• The online Monopoly board game or access to its app.

How to play

• In this game, different properties are available with unique features for purchase.
• You may own property sets and develop them by building houses and hotels.
• The aim is to make other people bankrupt.
• The last player who survives bankruptcy is the winner.
• In the online version, you may also earn coins as rewards for winning.

Best Party Games For Adults

34. Tug of war

Tug of war is another popular family game you can play for some laughs. It is not only a physical game but also a game of wits.

You will need:

• Rope
• Flags

How to play:

• Divide the players into two teams.
• Each team holds either end of the rope.
• Fix the flag midway.
• Each team has to pull the rope in opposite directions so that the midpoint of the rope crosses the flag.

35. Bocce

Bocce is a fun game that brings you outdoors. The game does not need a lot of space. You can play it even in a small backyard.

You will need

• Bocce balls set
• Eight players (divided into two teams)

How to play

• Each team should choose a color and a pattern.
• Select a foul line the players must not cross while throwing their bocce ball.
• The first player from one team will toss a pallino, a target ball that comes with a bocce ball set.
• That player will then start the game by tossing the bocce ball and trying to get close to the pallino.
• The next player will try to move their ball closer to the pallino than the first.
• Continue playing this way until all the bocce balls have been thrown or until a set number of points is reached.
• The team that completes the set number of rounds, or to attain maximum points first, is declared the winner.

36. Badminton

If you want some physical activity at your party, this is the game you should go for. With a little setup, you can have hours of fun with your friends.

You will need:

• Badminton set
• Net

How to play:

• Tie the net between two trees or lampposts.
• Two players stand on opposite sides and hit the shuttlecock with the racquets over the net.

Quick tip

You may play badminton in teams as well. Announce exciting prizes to the winner or winning team to induce competitive spirit in the players.

37. Ring toss

Another fun outdoor game which can be enjoyed with friends and family. The game requires minimal preparation; you only need a little outdoor space and a ring toss set.

You will need

• A ring toss set. You may make your own set by keeping a couple of bottles on a board.
• Some rings

How to play

• Divide people into teams.
• One player from the first team will toss a ring and attempt to get it into the neck of the bottle.
• If a player successfully lands a ring on a bottle’s neck, their team earns a point.
• The team with the most points is declared the winner.

38. Things

This is a card game that can be super fun with friends and relatives alike. Though it is a card game, it is unlike any card game you have ever played.

You will need:

• Topic cards
• Slips of paper and pens
• Bowl

How to play:

• Make a list of topics and get them printed on cardstock. For example, you can add topics such as ‘Things that are blue’, or ‘Things that were used in the 90s’.
• Read out each topic and let the players write whatever they think on the slips of paper and drop them in the bowl.
• All the players then pick up each slip and try to guess who wrote which item.

39. Mail call

It is a more amusing version of the Musical Chairs game. You can play it indoors or outdoors with any number of people.

You will need

• Chairs
• A list of entertaining questions

How to play

• Set up the chairs one less than the total number of players.
• A person will stand at the circle’s center and say, ‘Mail call for anyone wearing red.’
• All those wearing red will swap their chairs with those wearing the same color.
• The player in the center can choose to say anything as a mail call for other players.
• No one can sit back on their chairs or the ones beside them.
• The player in the middle should grab a chair before anyone else can.
• The person standing without a chair should give the next mail call.

40. A hilarious pose-off

This is an amusing game wherein players take turns posing for a photo on a phone. It is a light-hearted and entertaining game where everyone will enjoy seeing each other’s funny pictures at the end of the game.

You will need

• A camera phone

How to play

• Set the phone to self-timer mode for a fixed time.
• Use the regular mode (not the selfie mode), and pass the phone.
• Every player will hold the phone for five seconds and pose for the camera.
• After taking the photo, pass the phone to keep the game moving.
• Make funny faces or use different expressions while posing.
• After the timer goes off, you can all look at the funny photos taken during the game and share hearty laughter.

41. Five-second rule

This is a fun game that requires some quick thinking. If you pride yourself for thinking on your feet, this game is good for you.

You will need:

• List of topics
• Timer

How to play:

• Readout a topic and start the timer.
• Each player gets five seconds to name the corresponding things. For example, if your topic is ‘Three fruits starting with A’, the players have to do it in five seconds.

42. Line ‘em up

This can be the ideal game if you are a group of ten adults. Get ready for a fun-filled evening and brighten up any event with this game.

You will need

• Papers
• Markers/pens

How to play

• Divide all the players into two lines or teams.
• The last person in both lines will receive a short word or a picture to write or draw on their paper.
• The purpose is to use the back of the person in front of them as their ‘table.’ In this way, the person facing their back will guess what has been drawn by feeling hand motions.
• This person will then write on the ‘back’ of the other in front of them. The process continues down the line.
• The team with the illustration or word closest to the original will be declared the winner.

Infographic: Things To Remember While Planning Party Games

You can turn a dull day into a fun and exciting one with simple party games. However, planning party games can be quite a task. Check out this infographic to learn about the dos and don’ts while planning party games for adults.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Let’s have some fun! Check out this video for easy and fun party games that kids and adults can enjoy together. Get ready to laugh and have a great time!

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