You’ve spent hours cleaning the apartment, curating the perfect playlist, and stocking the fridge with drinks. Your friends are arriving, the energy is good, but then… it happens. The first lull in the conversation. The small talk about work. The collective unconscious reaches for phones. That’s when it’s time to introduce an adult game night to keep the fun going.
We’ve all been there. You want your gathering to be memorable, a night of genuine connection and belly-aching laughter, not just another forgettable hangout. You know a great party game could be the solution, but the options are overwhelming. Which game won’t fall flat? Which one is actually fun and not just a box of cringe? Which game works for your unique group of friends?
Fear not, fellow host. I’ve been in your shoes more times than I can count, and I’ve made it my mission to find the games that truly deliver. This isn’t just a list; it’s your curated guide to transforming any gathering from “meh” to magnificent. Let’s break down the best party games for adults (17+) by answering the questions you’re actually asking.
What Makes a Great Adult Party Game Anyway?
Before we dive into the specific games, let’s talk about the magic formula. A stellar party game for grown-ups needs to check a few key boxes:
- Icebreaker, Not Ice-Maker: It should tear down walls, not build them. The best games make people feel instantly comfortable and included, even if they’re meeting for the first time.
- Conversation Catalyst: It should generate stories, inside jokes, and revelations, not just points on a scoreboard. You’re there to connect with people, not just to win.
- Low Barrier to Entry: Complicated rules are a party killer. The best games can be explained in 60 seconds flat.
- Adaptable Energy: It should work whether your group is sipping wine and having deep chats or doing shots and ready for chaos.
- Replayability: A one-trick pony isn’t worth the shelf space. The best games feel fresh every time you play.
Now, let’s meet your new secret weapons for hosting success.
Matching the Game to Your Group’s Dynamic
The key to a legendary game night isn’t just the game—it’s the fit. Here’s how to choose based on who’s coming over.
1. For the Hilarious & Sneaky Conversationalists: “Slip It In“
The Vibe: Witty, subtle, and brilliantly integrated into your existing party.
Best for: Groups that love wordplay and the thrill of a clever deception. Also perfect for larger groups, as it has no player limit and weaves seamlessly into mingling.
Imagine this: you’re in the middle of a conversation about your favorite vacation, and you casually drop, “Yeah, the beach was beautiful, but the sand was so slippery when wet.” If you can deliver it with a straight face, you score a point.
“Slip It In” is less of a structured game and more of a social experiment. Everyone draws a card with a random phrase (“deep-fried Twinkie,” “my cousin Vinny,” “alien abduction”) and their goal is to naturally weave it into conversation without anyone noticing. The genius is that it plays in the background of your entire party, creating a layer of constant, low-stakes hilarity. It’s the ultimate icebreaker because it forces everyone to actually listen to each other, waiting for that glorious moment someone gets busted or gets away with a truly absurd insertion.
Adapting for Diversity: This game is fantastic for diverse groups because it doesn’t rely on shared pop culture knowledge or a specific sense of humor. The challenge is universal, and the phrases are random enough that everyone starts on a level playing field.
2. For the Unapologetically Raunchy & Bold Crowd: “Fork Milk Kidnap“
The Vibe: Unhinged, shameless, and utterly hilarious. Definitely NSFW.
Best for: Close friends with a dark, absurdist sense of humor and zero filters.
If your group’s humor leans toward the taboo and the ridiculous, look no further. “Fork Milk Kidnap” is a masterpiece of poor life choices. Here’s how it works: three Action cards (like “Fork,” “Milk,” “Kidnap”) and three Object cards (like “Abe Lincoln,” “The Player to Your Left,” “A Kinky Mime”) are flipped over. Each player secretly pairs one Action with one Object to create three horrifyingly funny scenarios.
The twist? There’s no judge. The goal is to think like the majority. If most of the group also decided to “Milk Abraham Lincoln,” everyone who chose that scores a point. The real fun is in the reveal, where you have to justify why on earth you would “Start a cult with a kinky mime.” It’s fast, it’s filthy, and it will have you crying with laughter.
3. For the Pop-Culture Savvy & “The Office” Fans: “That’s What She Said“
The Vibe: Raucous, cheeky, and packed with double entendres.
Best for: Groups that live for quotable moments and innuendo.
This game takes the classic Michael Scott punchline and turns it into a brilliantly simple card game. Players use a hand of “Setup” cards (phrases like “It’s so big!” or “I can’t get it in”) to complete a “Response” card read by the current judge (phrases like “That’s what she said!” or “Said the actress to the bishop”). The judge picks the funniest combo, and that player wins the round.
It’s a fantastic, no-fuss game that gets everyone shouting and laughing immediately. The humor is suggestive but rarely explicit, making it a great stepping stone into more adult-themed games. It’s the perfect choice for a group that already communicates in memes and quotes.
4. For the Creative & Artistic Types: “Charty Party“
The Vibe: Clever, witty, and surprisingly intellectual without being pretentious.
Best for: Nerds, data lovers, engineers, writers, and anyone who appreciates clever humor.
Tired of games that rely purely on shock value? “Charty Party” is your answer. One player acts as the judge and reveals a card with a bizarre chart on the X-axis (like “Time Spent Thinking About Owls” or “Viability as a Supervillain”). The other players choose from their hand of Y-axis cards (like “My Self-Esteem” or “The Police Presence”) to create the funniest possible graph.
The winner is whoever makes the judge laugh the hardest with their clever pairing. It’s been called the more innovative alternative to Cards Against Humanity, and for good reason. It rewards creative, outside-the-box thinking and leads to hilarious, insightful conversations. It’s a game that makes you feel smarter for having played it.
Adapting for Larger Groups: This game scales beautifully. Split into teams! Have the team huddle to decide on their best Y-axis card submission. This ensures everyone is involved in the creative process and prevents anyone from feeling left out.
5. For the Astrology-Obsessed (and Their Skeptical Friends): “Sun Moon Rising“
The Vibe: Intimate, conversational, and deeply personal.
Best for: Smaller groups (3-6 players), girls’ nights, and anyone looking to have a genuine “get to know you better” experience.
This game is less about winning and more about connecting. The deck is personalized to all 12 zodiac signs. A player reads a statement for their sign, like “I have cried during a commercial” or “I have pretended to know a stranger.” Everyone else votes on whether they think it’s True or False for that person.
The magic happens in the discussion that follows. It’s a beautiful excuse to share stories, secrets, and perspectives you might never have otherwise. Even if you don’t believe in astrology, the statements are so well-crafted that they act as fantastic conversation starters. It’s warm, funny, and perfect for deepening friendships.
6. For the Competitive Truthers: “Bet On Your Friends“
The Vibe: High-energy, competitive, and revealing.
Best for: Friends who think they know everything about each other (and love to be proven wrong).
This game is all about putting your money where your mouth is (with fake $100 million, thankfully). One player is the “Target,” and the “Dealer” reads a prompt about them, e.g., “How many times has [Target] been dumped?” The Dealer sets a line (e.g., “Over/Under 3 times?”), All other players then bet on whether the honest answer is over or under that line.
The tension and excitement are palpable as the Target reveals the truth. You’ll discover shocking secrets and hilarious truths about your friends, all under the guise of friendly competition. It’s an incredible engine for storytelling and laughter.
Alternative for Diverse Groups: If your group includes newer friends or acquaintances, a game like Sorry What or You SAY I Guess is a fantastic equalizer. These lip-reading games are hilarious because everyone is equally bad at it under pressure, and the chaos of shouting out wrong answers is a universal bonding experience. They require no personal revelation, making them a safer bet for a mixed crowd.
7. For the Unforgettable Bachelorette Party: “The Ultimate Bachelorette Party Game“
The Vibe: celebratory, adventurous, and tailor-made for a bride-to-be.
Best for: Bachelorette parties, hens’ nights, and any celebration centered around one special person.
This isn’t just a card game; it’s an activity kit designed to create core memories. It includes three rounds of play: challenges (“Who Can Do It”), a comedy round (“Make the Bride Laugh”), and a photo-based “Scavenger Hunt.” It provides structure and guaranteed fun for the entire event, ensuring the bride feels celebrated and everyone is engaged. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a legendary night.
8. For the Storytellers & Roast Masters: “Drunk Stoned or Stupid“
The Vibe: A hilarious, story-fueled roast of your friends’ best (and worst) moments.
Best for: Close-knit groups of friends who have a shared history and aren’t afraid to lovingly mock each other.
If your friend group’s get-together always devolves into “Remember that one time when…?” then this is the game engineered for you. “Drunk Stoned or Stupid” is less about winning and more about reveling in the absurd, cringe-worthy, and glorious moments of your collective pasts.
Here’s how it works: A card is drawn with a trait like “Most likely to cry at a commercial” or “Most likely to get lost on the way to the bathroom.” Everyone then argues over which friend most embodies that trait, sharing hilarious stories as evidence. A judge (who rotates each round) makes the final call, and that “lucky” person gets the card. The first person to collect 7 cards loses—but honestly, collecting cards is a badge of honor.
The Master Edition is the ultimate package, bundling the base game with expansions and punishment cards that add a delightful layer of dares and consequences. It’s the perfect catalyst for those “I can’t believe you just said that” moments and the kind of laughter that strengthens friendships.
9 & 10. For Unfiltered, Chaotic Fun: The Lip-Reading Showdown (“Sorry What” vs. “You SAY I GUESS“)
The Vibe: High-energy, ridiculous, and side-splittingly chaotic. Definitely NSFW.
Best for: Larger groups, mixed company where everyone can be silly, and parties that need an instant jolt of energy.
I’m grouping these two together (“Sorry What” and “You SAY I GUESS”) because they operate on the same brilliantly hilarious and straightforward premise. If you’ve ever played the game where you shout what you think someone is saying over loud music, this is that concept perfected and packaged.
The setup is always a riot: Two teams face off. One player on a team puts on special noise-blocking headphones that blast music at 116dB (so they can’t hear a thing). Their teammate then draws a card with a risqué phrase like “Touchy Subject” or “I’m a Hot Mess” and has to mouth it dramatically. The headphone-wearing player has to shout out what they think their partner is saying.
The results are never, ever what’s on the card. You’ll get guesses like “Turtle Sediment” or “I’m a Hot Dog,” and the room will erupt in laughter. The built-in timer keeps the pressure on, and the sheer number of card combinations means the game never gets old.
Which one to choose? The gameplay is virtually identical. The difference often comes down to branding and slight variations in the card phrases. You honestly can’t go wrong with either for a night of pure, unadulterated fun that requires zero setup and has everyone crying with laughter within minutes.
Beyond the Box: Pro-Tips for a Flawless Game Night
Choosing the right game is 80% of the battle, but the final 20% is all about execution. Here’s how to ensure your party is a smash hit:
- Set the Tone Early: When you invite people, mention it’s a game night! This manages expectations and gets people in the right headspace. A simple “Can’t wait to see you Saturday! We’ll have drinks, snacks, and I’m breaking out a hilarious new game” works perfectly.
- Curate a Playlist: Background music is essential. Create a few playlists—upbeat for when energy is high, and more low-key for when games require thought or conversation. Music fills natural pauses and keeps the Vibe alive.
- Food & Drink Matters: Opt for easy, grab-and-go snacks that won’t grease up your expensive game cards. Think pretzels, popcorn, veggie sticks, and sliders. A signature cocktail or a well-stocked cooler of beer and seltzer never hurts.
- Read the Room: You are the conductor. Is the first game a roaring success? Great, move on to the next one. Is it falling flat? Don’t be afraid to cut your losses and suggest a switch. Have a few options on hand. The goal is fun, not finishing a game.
- Embrace Team Play: For larger groups (8+), almost any game can be adapted into a team format. This prevents downtime, keeps everyone engaged, and often makes the game even funnier as teammates strategize.
- No Pressure, No Problem: Always make it clear that participation is optional. Some guests might prefer to watch, chat, and enjoy the atmosphere for a round. Forcing someone to play is a surefire way to kill their mood and potentially the game’s momentum.
Your Game Night, Perfected
The perfect party game is the one that fits your people. Consider your guest list:
- Big, loud mixed group? Try Slip It In or That’s What She Said.
- Close, no-filter friends? Fork Milk Kidnap or Drunk Stoned or Stupid will not disappoint.
- Looking for clever, not crude? Charty Party is your champion.
- Want a meaningful connection? Sun Moon Rising or Bet On Your Friends will deliver.
- Planning a bachelorette? The Ultimate Bachelorette Party Game is a must.
- Need an easy icebreaker for a diverse crowd? Sorry, What or You SAY I Guess are perfect choices.
The goal isn’t just to play a game; it’s to unlock the kind of laughter that makes your sides hurt, the type of conversations that deepen friendships, and the kind of nights that you’ll talk about for years to come. So pick a game that speaks to you, gather your favorite people, and get ready to banish awkward silence for good.
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