Category games are always a great addition to hangouts with friends or family. They encourage everyone to come up with unique answers, making them excellent conversation starters. If you ever find yourself in need of inspiration, our list of categories for games can point you in the right direction.
These category game examples are perfect for the Wavelength-inspired game Guess the Rate. In this game, players guess a secret rating by assigning personalized categories to other players. It’s designed to be a lighthearted and enjoyable conversation starter, emphasizing the fun of the interaction rather than a competitive element. It sounds like a great way to spark interesting discussions and share unique perspectives.
If you’re looking for a more competitive category game, you should try the Categories Game with Letters. In this game, players compete against each other to write down five different words from five distinct categories, and all these words must start with the same letter. The challenge of doing this within a one-minute time frame adds an exciting element of speed and creativity.
List of Categories for Games
Food Categories
- Breakfast Foods
- Types of Cuisine
- Italian Dishes
- Asian Cuisine
- Seafood
- Desserts
- Snack Foods
- Soups
- Sauces
- Types of Cheese
- Types of Pizza
- Ice Cream Flavors
- Fried Snacks
- Hot Beverages
- Cold Beverages
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Potato Dishes
- Candy
- Late Night Snacks
- Alcoholic Beverages
General Interest and Activity Categories
- Outdoor Sports
- Board Games
- Team Sports
- Card Games
- Water Activities
- Arts and Crafts
- Fitness Classes
- Movie Genres
- Gardening Tasks
- Music Genres
- Yoga Poses
- Travel Destinations
- Book Genres
- DIY Projects
- Educational Subjects
- Language Learning
- Historical Periods
- Video Game Genres
- Film Genres
- Literary Genres
- Painting Styles
- Types of Musical Instruments
- Winter Sports
- Volunteer Activities
- Musical Genres
- Pets
- Animals
- News Sources
Personal Categories
These categories are especially useful for Guess the Rate, where you strategically hand out categories based on how well you know someone.
- Favorite Hobbies
- Most Loved Books
- Best movie from a series (i.e. Harry Potter movie)
- Memorable Vacations
- Bucket List Activities
- Admired Historical Figures
- Favorite Actors/Actresses
- Best Childhood Games
- Most Inspiring Quotes
- Must-Watch TV Shows
- Most Cherished Family Traditions
- Special Achievements
- Most Relaxing Ways to Spend a Weekend
- Adored Pets
- Family Recipes
- Best Study or Work Spaces
- Weekend Morning Rituals
- YouTube Channels
- Influential People in Your Life
- Childhood Memories
- Top Ways to De-Stress
- Favorite Tech Gadgets
- Home Decor Pieces
- Unforgettable Concerts or Live Performances
- Most Admired Philosophers or Thinkers
- Favorite Hangout Spots
- Favorite Podcasts
- Favorite Family Members
- Self-Care Practices
- Types of Tea or Coffee
- Hobbies You Want to Learn
- Special Talents or Skills
- Favorite Fictional Characters
- Must-Have Smartphone Apps
- Best Vacation Souvenirs
- Top Life Goals
- Types of Pets You’ve Owned
- Pet Names
- Child Names
- Dog Breeds
- Places to Take Your Pet
- Friends’ Nicknames
- Inside Jokes
- Hangout Spots
- Friend’s Signature Dish
- Moments Together
- Ideal Group Vacation Destinations
- Gifts from Friends
- Group Activities
- Friend Traditions
- Shared Music Playlists
Wrap Up
Category games are always a blast! They stimulate creative thinking and spark good conversation. Whether you’re at your standard hangout place or at a bar, the minimal requirement of equipment allows you to play these games anywhere, anytime!
