What’s a host to do when it’s only 10 pm and everyone at the party is already bored? Grab some games of course. Back in the day that meant running to the closet and dusting off the same games everyone had played time and time again. Nowadays you can still do that, or you can really liven up the party with some video games. A good party game will need to be accessible to a wide range of people, so it needs to cater to gamers and non-gamers alike. It also needs to draw a crowd, so something flashy and fast-paced is always nice. It doesn’t have to be the newest game on the block though, so there’s no need to shy away from an older title with good gameplay. Some of these games can even be had for less than $10, leaving that much more money for beer and snacks. So pop the top off your favorite beverage and let’s dig into our Top 10 Party Games.
10 – Worms WMD
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Max Players: 6
It’s high time for Team17 to come out with a new Worms game, but until that happens Worms W.M.D. will continue to find its way onto this list. In the franchises typical hilarious fashion, you must use your squad of worms to eliminate your opponents scattered across the fully destructible map. With unique and unpredictable weapons such as flying sheep, farting grannies, and a holy hand grenade, there is nowhere to hide. Always be sure to check the wind (or don’t, it’s more fun that way) and never stand too close to the edge unless you want a baseball bat to the head.
9 – Duck game
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Max Players: 4
A platformer where all the characters are ducks? That sounds a little strange, but then you realize it was developed by Adult Swim, and you’re like, oh yeah, that makes sense. Similar to Worms in its weird array of weapons, Duck Game is a platformer deathmatch on meth. Matches can be over in seconds, but you’ll always come back for more. It doesn’t matter that Duck Game is one of the oldest games on this list, retro style platformers never go out of style.
8 – Towerfall Ascension
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Max Players: 4 (6 on Switch)
Towerfall Ascension is yet another 2D deathmatch game, but it still deserves a place upon this list. Instead of filling its levels with an untold number of weapons, Towerfall differentiates itself by offering players just one weapon – the simple bow and arrow. With limited ammo and game-changing powerups luring players in, strategy and a well-timed shot are often all that stands between victory and defeat.
7 – Nidhogg 2
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Players: 2
What is Nidhogg 2? Well, take tug of war, remove the rope, and replace it with swords. And daggers. And bows and arrows. Killing your foe will give you a few seconds of unobstructed advancement, but they will quickly respawn with revenge on their mind. The best defense is always a good offense in Nidhogg, seeing as whoever has the latest kill controls which way the screen scrolls. Best of all, your reward for making it to the finish line is being eaten by a big worm.
6 – Super Mario Party
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
- Max Players: 4
Super Mario Party is an iconic party game. It’s also the closest thing to a traditional board game you’ll find on this list. The latest in the long-running franchise, Super Mario Party is also packed full of mini-games to test your skills against your friends. Unlike several of the other games listed here, a single game can take an hour or more, making SMP more suited to a small group of friends.
5 – Overcooked 2
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Max Players: 4
If you have too many friends and need to whittle that number down, invite a group over to play some Overcooked 2. Just make sure no one is packing a gun. The concept here is very simple: Up to 4 players run around a kitchen preparing simple meals. Doing so requires cooperation, communication, and a post-game visit to your therapist. The first couple of levels will give you a false sense of hope before the chaos begins. If this is what running a real restaurant is like a 15% tip just isn’t enough.
4 – Ultimate Chicken horse
- Platform(s): Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Max Players: 4
Ultimate Chicken Horse looks like a typical puzzle platformer where you and three of your “friends” race across the level to be the first to the finish line. But there’s a twist – each turn the players add more traps and hazards to the level. You must find that sweet spot where the level is too hard for your friends but easy enough you can still make it to the finish. The only problem is they are trying to do the same to you!
3 – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
- Max Players: 4 (8 if everyone has their own Switch)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe may be two years old, but it is still the best kart racing game around. All of the tracks and characters from the Wii U version are back, along with a few new ones as well. Novice drivers can put on their training wheels by using the new Smart Steering feature, while veterans will have more strategic options with the ability to carry two items at the same time.
2 – Jackbox Party Pack 5 – PC
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Max Players: 8
Known for their easy to play party games, jackbox games is back with their fifth installment of the Jackbox Party Pack. Once the host starts the game, each player then uses their smartphone or tablet to join into the lobby. Once everyone is ready, the host picks which game to play and the fun begins. If you happen to be a streamer the 8 players can be joined by anyone else in the room, and even friends who weren’t able to make it, with room for up to 10,000 people join in and watch the fun.
1 – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
- Max Players: 8
Button mashing newbs stand a chance against long-time players in the fast-paced, unbelievably chaotic 8 player battles of Super Smash Bros. This equalizer is one of the main reasons SSB earns the top spot on our list. That and the fact that even the biggest game hater will find something to like with over 70 characters and 108 stages to choose from. The quick matches are also perfect for large groups to set up impromptu tournaments, allowing everyone at the party to get in on the action.
