The Best Tabletop Games for Large Groups

5 June 2025

Are you planning a game night with a big crowd? A regular deck of cards or a two-player board game won't cut it when you've got ten or more people ready to play! Tabletop games for large groups come to the rescue and bring everyone together with laughter, friendly competition, and lasting memories. Whether it’s friends, family, or coworkers, these games are perfect for keeping the room alive and buzzing.

In this article, we’ll dive into some of the best tabletop games that work like a charm for large groups. From party games filled with hilarity to strategic battles that test your wits, there’s something here for everyone. So, grab some snacks, gather the crew, and let’s jump right into it!

Why Large-Group Tabletop Games Are Awesome

Let’s face it—when you’ve got a lot of people, things can get chaotic. Not everyone wants to sit quietly and watch Netflix, and splitting into small groups for different activities can feel like a buzzkill. This is where large-group games shine.

They break the ice, boost engagement, and make sure nobody feels left out. Plus, these types of games are usually designed to accommodate different personalities, so the shy folks and the life-of-the-party types can all enjoy themselves.

And let’s not forget—they’re downright fun! There’s nothing quite like the camaraderie (or playful rivalry) that comes with teaming up or competing against your favorite people around the same table.

What Makes a Tabletop Game Perfect for Large Groups?

Here’s the deal: not every game works for a crowd. The best tabletop games for large groups check a few boxes:

- Large Player Count: Obvious, right? Games that can handle 6, 8, or even 20 players have a big advantage here.
- Simple Rules: If you spend 30 minutes explaining the game, you’ll lose half the group’s attention. Easy-to-learn rules are crucial.
- Quick Turns: Nobody likes waiting forever for their turn, so games that keep everyone involved are winners.
- Interactive Gameplay: The more interaction, the more laughs, debates, and memorable moments.

With that in mind, let’s get into the list!

The Best Tabletop Games for Large Groups

1. Codenames

- Players: 4-12+
- Time: 15-30 minutes

Codenames is an absolute gem when it comes to group games. It pits two teams against each other as they try to locate their secret agents based on word clues provided by their spymasters.

Here’s why it rocks: it’s easy to learn, highly interactive, and endlessly replayable. Plus, the teamwork element makes it perfect for big groups. Whether you’re trying to think like the spymaster or cracking inside jokes with friends, this game keeps the mood fun and light.

2. Werewolf (or Mafia)

- Players: 7-20+
- Time: 30-60 minutes

If you’ve got a big crowd, Werewolf is hard to beat. It’s a classic social deduction game where players secretly take on roles like villagers, werewolves, and more, trying to figure out who’s on their side while voting players out.

The best part? It’s all about psychological gameplay. Do you trust your best friend’s innocent face? Should you vote off the overly quiet person? The drama, bluffing, and accusations will have everyone on the edge of their seat.

3. Telestrations: The Party Pack

- Players: 4-12
- Time: 30 minutes

Ever played Pictionary with a hilarious twist? That’s essentially what Telestrations is. Each player sketches a word, passes it to the next person to guess, and the cycle continues until chaos ensues.

What makes this game shine is its sheer unpredictability. You’ll start with a word like “space rocket” and end with “giant banana wearing sunglasses.” The laughter is non-stop, and it’s great for breaking the ice with newer groups.

4. Wits & Wagers

- Players: 3-20+
- Time: 25 minutes

Trivia meets gambling in Wits & Wagers. This is perfect for groups because even if you’re not a trivia buff, you can still win by betting on the most likely answer.

Each round, players come up with answers to trivia questions (don’t worry—they’re random enough that nobody’s expected to know them), and then everyone bets on what they think is correct. It’s quick, easy, and super social—ideal for competitive crowds.

5. One Night Ultimate Werewolf

- Players: 3-10
- Time: 10 minutes per round

Werewolf too long for you? Try One Night Ultimate Werewolf, a fast-paced version where the entire game happens within a single round.

This game is all about bluffing, guessing, and calling people out. The quick gameplay ensures that everyone’s attention stays locked in, and the roles (like Troublemaker or Seer) keep things interesting. Perfect for groups that love deduction games but don’t want to commit to a lengthy session.

6. Secret Hitler

- Players: 5-10
- Time: 45 minutes

No, it’s not as dark as it sounds—Secret Hitler is a clever political deduction game where players secretly pretend to be liberals or fascists, with one player taking on the role of Hitler.

The game is all about deception, alliances, and trying to figure out who’s lying. It’s like a cross between Werewolf and a political thriller, making it amazing for groups that love some drama and intrigue.

7. Decrypto

- Players: 3-8
- Time: 30-45 minutes

Decrypto is a word game where teams compete to decode each other’s messages without letting the other team figure them out. It involves some strategy, lots of interaction, and plenty of “aha!” moments.

It’s a great alternative to Codenames if you’re looking for something a bit more challenging but still super fun.

8. The Resistance: Avalon

- Players: 5-10
- Time: 30 minutes

Like a good dose of betrayal? In The Resistance: Avalon, players are knights of King Arthur’s court, secretly working for good or evil. The goal is to complete missions while figuring out who the traitors are.

This game thrives on social deduction, alliances, and clever bluffing. If your group enjoys lying to each other (all in good fun, of course), this one’s a crowd-pleaser.

9. Just One

- Players: 3-7
- Time: 20 minutes

Just One is a cooperative word game that’s incredibly simple yet highly addictive. One player has to guess a mystery word while the rest of the group writes single-word clues.

The catch? If multiple players write the same clue, they get erased! This game is fantastic for sparking creativity and laughter, and it’s especially great for groups with mixed ages.

10. Catch Phrase

- Players: 4-15+
- Time: 10 minutes per round

Looking for something high-energy? Catch Phrase is a fast-paced word-guessing game where teams race against the clock. One player gives clues, and the others guess as quickly as possible.

The timer adds a layer of excitement, and the simplicity makes it easy for anyone to join in. Plus, you can pass the device around, making it super interactive.

Tips for Hosting a Successful Tabletop Game Night

- Know Your Crowd: Pick games that match your group’s vibe—casual for laid-back groups, more intense for competitive ones.
- Have Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone fueled and happy!
- Break Into Teams: Games that divide a large group into smaller teams often work better to keep everyone engaged.
- Rotate Games: If you’ve got time, try playing a few different games to cater to different preferences.

Final Thoughts

Large-group tabletop games have a magical way of bringing people together. Whether you’re looking for something lighthearted or a game filled with intrigue and strategy, the options above cater to all kinds of players. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the company of the people you’re with.

So, the next time you find yourself hosting a big crew, ditch the awkward small talk and pull out one of these epic games. Trust me, you won’t regret it!