As devoted fans of adult party games, we understand the importance of finding the perfect game to make your evening memorable. There many different party games out there, but many of those are meant for kids. This made us wonder: what makes a good adult party game?
In this post, we will discuss 10 party game characteristics that in our opinion make a good adult party game. That doesn’t mean that a single game should have all characteristics. It’s rather a pattern that we see, where several of these characteristics combined usually make a party game enjoyable.
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What Makes a Good Party Game?
#1 Replayability
One of the most important aspects is a game’s replayability. A good game should be enjoyable and engaging even after multiple playthroughs. In other words, the game should have enough variety and randomness to keep players entertained and coming back for more.
For example, games that lead to hilarious and unique scenario’s because of the many different possible outcomes, such as games like Cards Against Humanity, are perfect as party games.
Games with diverse outcomes, unpredictable twists, and multiple strategies keep players engaged, ensuring that every gathering feels fresh and exciting.
Alternatively, it could be an active team-based game like Beer Dice, where you battle against each other by throwing dice in each other’s cups. Games like this stimulate working on your strategies and skills in your quest of beating others.
Whether it’s a card game, board game, or a verbal game, the mechanics and gameplay should be designed in such a way that each playthrough feels fresh and exciting.
#2 Encouraging Conversation
A great adult party game should also encourage conversation among the players. It should create opportunities for laughter, banter, and friendly competition. Whether through clever prompts or interactive challenges, games that require players to interact and communicate with each other make for a more enjoyable experience.
It can be as simple as ‘Would You Rather?’ where you choose between two difficult scenarios. Although it’s not intended to start longs conversations, this Game often leads to interesting discussions on the craziest topics.
Alternatively, you have games like Debatable that have one purpose only: starting conversation and discussion.
The ultimate objective of a game doesn’t matter; if it encourages adult conversation, it’s a good candidate for social gatherings.
#3 Sharing Knowledge
Another important characteristic of a good adult party game is the opportunity for players to share their knowledge or expertise.
Think of games like Trivia, or the Categories Game. With games like these, you’re stimulated to use your general knowledge and thinking. This is a good characteristic for adult party games because who doesn’t like a challenge?
On top of that, it adds an educational element to your evening. Never stop learning because life never stops teaching, right?
Another good example of party games that stimulate sharing knowledge is a game like Murder Mysterty, where you collectively use your skills to solve puzzles or riddles. This is another perfect game that provides a platform for players to showcase their skills and knowledge. This not only adds an educational element to the game but also makes it more engaging and intellectually stimulating.
#4 NSFW
For some adults, a good party game is one that pushes the boundaries and allows for a bit of risqué fun.
NSFW (Not Safe For Work) games often feature prompts, challenges, or questions that touch on more mature or intimate topics. This can add an extra level of excitement and entertainment to any adult party.
From your twenties and onwards, your experience in NSFW topics usually increases, which opens up for a whole new level of conversation. Especially at parties where drinks are involved, these kind of games work like a charm. After a few drinks, the informal conversations about work and family disappear, making room for NSFW topics.
However, it’s important to ensure that all players are comfortable with the content and that it is appropriate for the occasion.
Take, for example, the game Taboo, where you must describe synonyms for intimate subjects, such as ‘peach’. Each word comes with a few very straight-forward words that you’re not allowed to use, such as ‘fruit’. This stimulates players to describe the target words in a NSFW manner.
Alternatively, there are games like “Cards Against Humanity”, well-known for their unabashedly irreverent and NSFW content. In this game, players complete sentences or phrases with hilariously inappropriate combinations: good times guaranteed.
#5 Getting to Know Each Other
A good adult party game should also provide an opportunity for players to get to know each other better. Whether it’s through icebreaker questions, personal anecdotes, or sharing embarrassing stories, games that focus on getting to know each other on a deeper level create an atmosphere of friendship and unity.
This is especially important for parties where guests may not know each other well, as it helps in breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere. However, even when you already know most of the players in a game like this, you’ll always get to know each other even better!
Games like “Two Truths and a Lie” or “Would You Rather?” are excellent examples. These games encourage players to share personal thoughts and opinions, allowing them to reveal things of themselves that may not come up in casual conversations.
Moreover, games that involve storytelling or role-playing can offer a unique window into each player’s imagination and creativity. Think of games like ‘Finish the sentence’, where players take turns in adding new input to a collectively created story.
Additionally, games that prompt discussions on thought-provoking or introspective topics can lead to meaningful conversations. This might include questions about life goals, personal values, or even fears.
#6 Minimal Setup
Lastly, a good adult party game should have minimal setup requirements, because party games are often played spontaneously. Therefore, it’s important that a good adult party game is easy to learn and quick to set up. This allows for more time to be spent on actually playing the game.
Games that require complicated setup or extensive rule explanations can be a buzzkill and may discourage players from participating. Choose a game that is simple and straightforward, so that everyone can jump right into the fun without any hassle.
A card-based game like Ride the Bus is a good examples of games that require minimal equipment, as it only requires a deck of playing cards.
Additionally, games that involve improvisation or imagination often require little to no setup. In Charades, for example, players take turns acting out words or phrases. This only requires willing participants and a sense of creativity.
Furthermore, digital or app-based party games have gained popularity for their convenience and ease of setup. With just a smartphone or tablet, you can have access to many different entertaining games that require no physical components at all.
#7 Competitiveness
A healthy dose of competitiveness can bring excitement to any adult party game. It taps into our natural desire to excel by adding the element of winning to a party.
Games with a point-based system or leaderboards, for instance, create a clear sense of progression and motivate players to give their all. What’s better than triumphing over beating others? Whether you’re playing individually or as a team, winning is always satisfying.
Moreover, games that involve elimination rounds or head-to-head matchups can stimulate your competitive spirit. Advancing to the next round or winning a game creates a palpable sense of tension and exhilaration.
For example, in the Werewolf game, players take on the roles of villagers trying to identify and eliminate the werewolves among them. The dynamic of suspicion, negotiation, and deduction creates an atmosphere charged with intrigue and excitement.
#8 Breaking the Ice
Some parties are full of people that don’t really know each other. It could be that it’s a collection of different people with one single acquaintance, like with some bachelor parties. At first, this can be quite awkward. Party games can create a comfortable and inclusive environment, especially for guests who may not know each other well.
For example, Icebreaker Bingo stimulates players to interact with others in order to complete their bingo cards. This facilitates introductions and sparks conversations based on shared interests or experiences.
Additionally, team-based games like Charades require players to work together and communicate, which stimulates a sense of unity and the breaking down of initial barriers.
By including the “Breaking the Ice” factor in adult party games, you create an environment where guests feel welcomed and relaxed, which makes it easier to connect with others.
#9 Drinking Games
Adding drinking elements to adult party games can add an extra layer of enjoyment. It stimulates players to let loose which increases the social interactions between players that usually don’t talk that much.
A game like Kings Cup is a classic example of a fun drinking game. This card-based game involves assigning specific actions or rules to different cards, with some resulting in players taking sips of their drinks. It’s unpredictability and stimulation of social interaction leads to hilarious moments and a cozy, lively atmosphere.
By incorporating drinking elements into adult party games, you stimulate carefree environment where everyone’s just having fun.
Another great example that creates a fun, cozy setting is Drunk Jenga. This game is played as normal Jenga, but each block comes with a challenge or task. Great for fun evenings full of laughter!
However, it’s important that you do drink responsibly. All players should feel comfortable with the drinking intensity and no-one should be pushed into drinking if they don’t feel like it. If someone wants to join in with a non-alcoholic beverage, let them do so.
Remember, the key is to strike a balance where everyone has a fun and enjoyable experience.
Wrapping Up
As we have shown here, there are many different elements that can make a good party game for adults. It’s not that every single party game should contain these 9 best elements. Most importantly, these elements have one thing in common: they create a cozy atmosphere full of unexpected social interactions.
Whether you’re playing with your closest friends and family, or with complete strangers, party games are always a fun activity.
Our goal is to provide you with the best adult party games out there. In this way, you’ll only have to pick one and start playing!
