While it is better to enjoy some activities alone, some games are better to play with random people. But what makes it even more fun is an experience you can share with your friends.
In this article, we are planning to review these types of games. We will cover many of them, including party ones, card and board ones, and video games while providing some examples.
Understanding Different Types of Games
There are many games that you can enjoyably play while spending time with your friends. They vary in types and styles, but the diversity will likely satisfy the needs of even the most demanding group.
Party Games
Real-life and physical games are usually the first and obvious choice for games you can play with friends. They usually do not require anything and can be played with words and hand gestures. Some online tools can help but are not required.
Video Games
Video games have been a common element of parties for decades now. And in 2025, it is a normal part of everyday life for many people, not only for dedicated gamers. There are plenty of options that one can play during a party with their friends.
As expected, most offer a cooperative gameplay capability or a way to arrange a team. Some of them are online games that you can play over a network. Some of the most obvious choices would be competitive shooters, as well as some team games such as Among Us or Fortnite.
Board Games
Board games are fun and do not require an Internet connection, personal computers, or gaming consoles. However, you would need to buy a game to play it. This usually includes a board and additional things, which can be cards, dice, figurines, or something else entirely. The rules can also be a bit convoluted, especially for strategies.
Card Games
And, of course, card games come as a popular choice for parties. Similarly to board ones, they do not require any Internet connection or modern equipment. The only thing that is needed is a deck of cards. For some, it would be a standard 52-card deck, while others require unique ones.
Outdoor Entertainment
If a party takes place in an open area and the participants are physically active, some outdoor games can be a great choice for entertainment purposes. They usually require minimal equipment, if any, and can be fun. Some of the most notable options are Capture the Flag, Spikeball, and Kickball.
Bingo
Bingo is a great choice for many reasons. It is very versatile, so you can play it with small and large groups, customize its style, play with variable rules, and you only need minimal equipment. Some variations of bingo are available on online platforms such as this website.
Best Party Games
Below is a list of simple and engaging party games you can play with groups of different sizes. These do not involve complicated rules or require a lot of additional equipment.
- Charades. They are fun and easy to understand, yet they have a lot of depth and versatility and are suitable for small and large groups. The rules are incredibly simple: a person has to act out a phrase without using the words, while the others have to guess it.
- Codenames. This one is also simple yet engaging: a team has to guess words using various hints. Simple rules and engaging gameplay for small or large groups.
- Jackbox. These are digital party entertainment that anyone can join via smartphone. They are designed for such events and are quite simple in their nature.
Best Video Games to Play With Friends
Now, it is time to list the best video games you can play at parties. We will list several subtypes and genres and include some notable examples. The options will vary significantly in nature, including both two-player and multiplayer ones.
- Co-op adventure. You can play those with your friends online or on a local network. The number of players per game can vary significantly. For example, It Takes Two involves two players, as you can guess from its name. Minecraft allows co-op of up to four participants, and so does Overcooked.
- Competitive options. Play against each other or as a team. The games that come in this style are mainly shooters. Some of the best-known examples include Call of Duty, Rocket League, and Apex Legends. These are among the best PC games to play with friends.
- Online Multiplayer. This covers the options that allow you to play together online as a rather big team. The subgenres may differ, with some games being more action-like, such as Fortnite, and others being completely different (Among Us).
Best Board Games for Friend Groups
Board games also come in different shapes and designs. There are so many of them that you will likely easily find something that will suit the needs of your group of friends. Many of them support different numbers of players, ranging from those that involve two participants to the games that feature a big number of players. Below, we will list some popular types.
- Strategies. These usually pit you against your friends and involve complex rules. But the experience is very satisfying once you know how it works. Examples include games such as Catan, Risk, and Pandemic.
- Fast-Paced. These will not test your patience but will rely on quick decision-making capabilities. Examples: Sushi Go!, Dobble, and Exploding Kittens.
- Mystery and Role-Playing. Solve a mystery or assume the role of a character. These will require a lot of critical thinking, but the experience is usually worth it. Examples: Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate, Secret Hitler, and Werewolf.
Best Card Games for Friends
And, of course, our article would be incomplete without including card games. Those are engaging and fun and get very engaging. We will divide them into two groups:
- Classic Card Options. You can play these with standard 52-card games. All of them are old, and you are likely at least a bit familiar with each. Examples include blackjack, poker, and spades.
- Modern Card Options. These offer a fresher take on the world of card games. The downside is that they usually require buying separate dedicated decks, but those are affordable. Examples: Uno, Phase 10, and What Do You Meme?
Tips for Choosing
Now that we have covered some of the best games that you can play with your group of friends, it is time to consider the tips for choosing the most suitable one.
Group Size
Some games are ideal for two players, but if you are in a larger group, you can always take turns. However, multiplayer options are generally more enjoyable in those situations. While single-player games are available, they are not the typical choice for parties; that said, nothing stops people from watching and enjoying the experience together.
Player Preferences
If you want to arrange an activity for your upcoming party, then finding the best entertainment will mostly depend on the preferences, tastes, and expectations of the participants. We recommend surveying for their opinions and finding out what everyone will enjoy. Also, it is always possible to play several ones.
Location and Setup
It is also important to understand the constraints of a chosen place. Having a good Internet connection, the number of people visiting the event, and the size of the available area can all affect the types of games your party will feature.
Conclusion
There are many games to play with your friends and knowing which would be the best for your party goes a great way. Overall, the selection is quite big, so you should mainly rely on your tastes and preferences. Some are better for big parties, and others are not. In some cases, it is better to have some additional equipment, while other ones, such as charades, can be played without anything or just by visiting the Internet for assistance.
