People love the game Taboo it for its fast pace and entertaining team play. It’s a famous party game where communication and quick thinking are key. If you’re a fan, you’ll love these 11 games like Taboo too!
The games on this list are all about teamwork and thinking fast, just like Taboo. Perfect for any game night!
1. Codenames
Number of players: 2-8+
Codenames is an absolute blast for those who love a good brain challenge.
In this game, you split into two teams, with each team having a ‘spymaster.’ The spymaster knows the secret identities of 25 agents (represented by words on the board), and their goal is to communicate these identities to their team using one-word clues.
The catch is, they must do this without revealing agents belonging to the opposing team or the deadly assassin. This game is not only about guessing words; it’s about thinking like a spy and decoding the clues under pressure.
It’s perfect for groups that enjoy a bit of mystery and strategy mixed with their wordplay.
2. Pictionary
Number of players: 4+
Pictionary is a game that has stood the test of time, loved by those who enjoy drawing and guessing.
In this game, players try to convey words to their teammates through drawings. The challenge is to draw something that others can recognize without uttering a single word. This can lead to some hilarious moments, especially when the drawings don’t quite resemble what they’re meant to!
Pictionary is a classic quick draw game for groups who like a mix of creativity, quick thinking, and a good laugh.
3. Catch Phrase
Number of players: 4-16
Catch Phrase is a fast-paced and exciting game where players pass around a device that displays a word or phrase.
The objective is to describe the word or phrase to your team without actually saying it. As the timer ticks down, the urgency increases because you don’t want to be the player holding the device when the time ends.
This high-energy word game is perfect for those who thrive under a bit of pressure and enjoy fun group interactions. It’s a blend of quick thinking, good communication, and laugh-out-loud moments, making it an excellent choice for an energetic game night.
4. Charades
Number of players: 4+
Price: free-to-play
Charades is one of those timeless party games that never fail to entertain. Players take turns acting out a word or phrase without speaking, while their teammates try to guess what it is.
It’s a game that can be as fun and creative as the players want it to be. The fun comes from the imaginative and often humorous ways people try to express their word or phrase.
Charades is ideal for any group looking for a game that’s not only fun but also encourages creativity and expression.
5. Midnight Outburst
Number of players: 2+
Midnight Outburst is a word game where you need to think fast and talk faster. Teams are given a category, and they have to shout out as many answers as they can think of that fit that category.
The trick is to match as many of the ten answers on the card as possible.
This game is a blast for those who enjoy the thrill of racing against time and love the excitement of quick, spontaneous thinking. It’s perfect for adding some high-energy enthusiasm to your game night and definitely earns a spot on this list of games like Taboo!
6. Scattergories
Number of players: 2-6
Scattergories is a creative and thought-provoking category party game. This game offers a unique challenge of coming up with words that fit a specific category and start with a certain letter.
Each round, players are given a list of categories and a letter, and they have to quickly think of words that fit both criteria. What makes Scattergories so much fun is that unique answers score points, so players are encouraged to think creatively.
It’s a fantastic game for groups that enjoy wordplay and creative challenges.
7. Guesstures
Number of players: 4+
Guesstures is a game that combines the fun of acting with the thrill of a ticking clock.
Players have only a few seconds to act out a series of words, while their teammates try to guess as many as possible. The faster the word is guessed, the more points you score.
Guesstures is perfect for those who enjoy active, engaging games and love the challenge of thinking (and acting) quickly.
8. Balderdash
Number of players: 2-6
In Balderdash, players come up with definitions for obscure words, aiming to convince others that their definition is the correct one.
The game becomes increasingly entertaining as players reveal their sometimes absurd, sometimes plausible, but always creative definitions.
Balderdash is a great fit for those who enjoy using their imagination and have a talent for persuasive storytelling. It’s filled with surprises, ideal for a group that appreciates clever humor and creative thinking.
9. Heads Up!
Number of players: 2-6
Heads Up! is a lively and engaging game where players guess the word on a card that’s placed on their forehead.
The game spans various categories, adding a fun and diverse element to each round.
Heads Up! is perfect for groups that enjoy games that are fast-paced and interactive. It’s a game that always ends up being full of laughter and excitement, especially when the clues lead to funny misunderstandings.
10. Dixit
Number of players: 3-8
Dixit is a beautifully imaginative storytelling game where players use illustrated cards to tell a story or give a clue about one of their cards. In that way, it’s definitely one of the most unique activities on this list of games like Taboo
It’s a game that encourages creativity and abstract thinking, as each player interprets the illustrations in their own unique way.
Dixit is perfect for groups that enjoy a more relaxed, thoughtful style of gameplay, offering an experience that is both dreamy and engaging.
11. Telestrations
Number of players: 2-8
Telestrations is a fun and unique drawing game that adds a twist to the classic game of Telephone.
Players draw a word and then pass their drawing to the next player, who must guess what it is and then draw their interpretation.
This cycle continues until the original word has often morphed into something hilariously unrecognizable.
Telestrations is an excellent choice for groups that love a combination of drawing, guessing, and laughing at the unexpected outcomes.
Wrap Up
This selection of party games like Taboo offers something for everyone, from word enthusiasts and creative minds to those who love a good laugh and a bit of acting.
Each game is a fantastic alternative to Taboo, bringing its unique blend of teamwork, creativity, and quick thinking to your hangouts.
Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or a competitive game night, these games are sure to provide hours of entertainment and create unforgettable memories with both friends and family.
