The Ten Best Dice Games for Adults

There are loads of classic dice games for adults that can be played with standard 6-sided dice. Some of the most popular classic choices include Bunco, Beetle, Sevens, Poker, Zanzibar, Farkle, and Pig. But if you’re looking for some more specialized dice games for adults, we’ve collected a bunch of fun ones with you in mind. From pirate themes to hotelier life, these dice games will keep you rolling in fun. Whether you’re at a party, enjoying family time, or just casual play, these fun dice games offer a variety of options for everyone.

Types of Dice Games

Dice games can be categorized into several types, each offering a unique blend of fun and challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer, there’s a dice game for everyone.

• Classic Dice Games: These are the timeless games that have been enjoyed for generations. Think of games like Craps, where players bet on the outcome of the roll of two dice, or Liar’s Dice, a game of strategy and bluffing. Another classic is Shut the Box, a game of skill and luck where players aim to eliminate numbers on a board by rolling dice.

• Simple and Easy Dice Games: Perfect for beginners, these games are easy to learn and quick to play. Farkle is a great example, where players roll six dice to score points. Pig is another simple game where players roll a single die to accumulate points, but risk losing them all if they roll a one. Sevens is a game of luck and strategy, where players try to avoid rolling the number 7.

• Party and Social Dice Games: These games are ideal for gatherings with friends and family. Bunco is a team-based game where players score points by rolling dice. Ship, Captain, and Crew is a game of chance and strategy, where players try to score points by rolling dice in a specific sequence. Dice Golf is a fun game where players roll dice to simulate a round of golf.

• Strategy Dice Games: For those who enjoy a challenge, strategy dice games require tactical thinking and planning. Dice Chess combines the classic game of chess with the randomness of dice rolls. Katego is another strategic game where players use dice to capture their opponent’s pieces.

• Luck-Based Dice Games: These games rely heavily on chance, making them exciting and unpredictable. Can’t Stop is a fast-paced dice game where players push their luck to score points. Perudo, also known as Liar’s Dice, is a game of bluffing and chance where players try to outbid each other based on the roll of the dice.

Classic Dice Games

Classic dice games have stood the test of time, offering endless entertainment for players of all ages. Here are a few timeless favorites:

• Craps: This popular casino game is played with two dice, where players bet on the outcome of the roll. The game is fast-paced and exciting, with various betting options that keep players on their toes. Whether you’re a high roller or a casual player, Craps offers a thrilling experience.

• Liar’s Dice: A game of strategy and bluffing, Liar’s Dice involves players rolling their dice in secret and then making bids on the total number of dice showing a certain face. Players can challenge each other’s bids, leading to tense and exciting moments. It’s a game where reading your opponents is just as important as the roll of the dice.

• Shut the Box: This game of skill and luck involves rolling dice to eliminate numbers on a board. Players take turns rolling two dice and then “shutting” the numbers that add up to the total rolled. The goal is to shut all the numbers, but if you can’t match the roll, your turn ends. It’s a simple yet addictive game that’s perfect for all ages.

Simple and Easy Dice Games

If you’re new to dice games or looking for something quick and easy to play, these games are perfect for you:

• Farkle: This game of chance and strategy involves rolling six dice to score points. Players take turns rolling the dice and can choose to keep certain dice to build their score or risk rolling again to score more points. The first player to reach a predetermined score wins. It’s a fun and easy game that can be played with any number of players.

• Pig: In this simple game, players take turns rolling a single die to accumulate points. The catch is that if you roll a one, you lose all your points for that turn. Players must decide whether to keep rolling and risk losing their points or hold and keep their score. It’s a quick and easy game that’s perfect for family game night.

• Sevens: This game of luck and strategy involves rolling two dice and trying to avoid rolling the number 7. Players take turns rolling the dice and must decide whether to keep rolling or pass to the next player. If you roll a 7, you lose all your points for that turn. It’s a simple yet challenging game that’s great for beginners.

The Ten Most Fun Dice Games for Adults

Roll Player

Age: 10+ Players: 1-4 Time: 60-90 minutes

The heroic turns come rolling in with Roll Player the dice game of heroes. Compete against one another to create the perfect champion, equipping and “teaching” each through your dice rolls. Roll for race, skills, allegiance, equipment, and traits each turn, until you have the greatest fantasy adventurer ever known to humankind. Be sure to throw those dice for weapons, armor, and skills for the journey.

At the start of each game, each player is given a randomized backstory, class, and occupation card to form the foundation of their characters. These cards give you your mission: The end-of-game goals for your character so you know how to prepare for the adventure ahead. Then, you roll six dice and put them in your player mat to develop stats for your character (yes, like tabletop role-playing games [RPGs]). Then, as each round passes, two phases emerge: drafting dice and purchasing cards. You’ll take actions and prepare your hero as each phase of every turn continues until ultimately each player rolls their dice, fills up their mats, and their heroes can be compared for the most points scored and the declared winner. And bonus, if you play Tabletop RPGs, you’ve got a backlog of characters to take to game nights.

Dice Miner

Age: 10+ (Community 8+) Players: 1-4 Time: 20-30 minutes

Beneath the mighty mountains, Dwarves once dwelled, happily reveling in their mining – then, they defeated the Dragons and moved to the surface where they built huge, glorious cities and thrived above ground with famous breweries producing the finest of beers. But, the Dragons have returned and it’s time for the Dwarves to return to their ancient ways…

With this Lord of the Rings-eque vibe for Dice Miner, it’s no wonder fantasy fans love this dice game for adults. Others will love it, too, even if they’re not super into dragons and dwarves. In the three rounds of the game, the custom dice roll onto the mountain set where Dwarf warriors draft them for their hoards and tally scores. Players push their luck with each roll, aiming for their coveted numbers, and seeking to build the greatest hoard while risking losses if the dice roll low to achieve the highest score.

The game comes with 60 custom dice, a three-dimensional punchboard mountain, six hero meeples, a scoring pad, and a dice bag. Dice rolls score differently throughout, with tunnels to clear and build, treasure to hoard, tools, magic, and hazards to make the way. Plus, of course, beer symbols for special picks on placements for the round.

Space Base

Age: 14+ (Community 10+) Players: 2-5 Time: 60 minutes

Take on the roles of Commodores in small fleets of ships in Space Base, wherein you must safely navigate, via the help of your dice rolls. The ships start out docked at the space station, and players must deploy, commission, and command these ships as cargo vessels, mining ships, and carriers. Each ship serves its purpose in helping you establish new colonies and gain glory – and the coveted promotion to Admiral.

The quick-to-learn rules for Space Base make it an excellent dice game for adults that kids can enjoy, as well, if you decide to expand your game night to include the kiddos as young as 14 (community says 10). The game takes about an hour, so it’s more than just a filler game, but not a monstrous commitment, either. The strategic engine builder uses individual player boards and tableaus (ship cards) to buy and add to your board. Collect ships and earn rewards, roll the dice each round, and see who wins by earning more than 40 victory points first, as the highest score wins.

Bang! The Dice Game

Age: 8+ Players: 3-8 Time: 15 minutes

Based on the original card game by the nearly same name, Bang! The Dice Game brings you back to the core of the original while making it into a fun role-playing game using dice. Each player gains a role card at the top of the game, transforming players into the sheriff, the deputies, the renegades, or the outlaws. Your mission as you play? The sheriff and deputies must kill the outlaws; outlaws must kill the sheriff; the renegades just want to make it out of the game alive.

This ridiculously fun Old West-themed game gives players “special powers” based on their character cards, which allows them to use their dice throws to attempt to take out their opposition, heal life points for themselves or others, increase their shooting range, or place someone in the range of others who can take them out. Players can also roll the remaining dice to try and improve their actions, adding an element of risk and strategy. The social deduction game vibes a little along the original Mafia or Ultimate Werewolf games, but with dice in control. It is an elimination game, but the games go fast, so no one’s left “out” for long.

Dungeons, Dice & Danger

Age: 12+ (Community 10+) Players: 1-4 Time: 45-60 minutes

In Dungeons, Dice & Danger, you’ve got 4 levels of dungeons to explore through your dice-rolling gameplay. Within the walls of that dark dungeon, you could come across Annoyed Animals, Clumsy Cultists, and many sorts of monsters. As you journey along, you seek treasure – and glory – as the hero of your own legend.

Collectively decide which of four maps you’ll use at the top of the game, based on the difficulty desired. Then, players take turns, rolling five dice to align and pair dice, scratching off the marks on their Adventure sheets. Score gems toward end-game points, take damage if you can’t match pairs, or even die in the dungeons if you wind up “too” wounded in gameplay. If players fail to achieve the necessary rolls, they receive zero points, emphasizing the importance of strategy. Whoever ultimately has the most points at the end – after all the monsters are defeated – wins the game.

The game is perfect for solo play or groups of up to four, meaning it’s one of the best dice games for adults, and for couples, singles, or families looking for some adventurous dice-rolling fun. The game is suitable for beginners to experienced players, with diverse gameplay every time you pull it out. Dungeons, Dice & Danger comes with 200 Adventure sheets, 5 dice, 4 pencils, and rules in five different languages for your diverse gaming group (English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish).

Escape: The Curse of the Temple

Age: 8+ Players: 1-5 Time: 10 minutes

A cooperative escape game, Escape: The Curse of the Temple gives off the vibes of Indiana Jones meets an escape room – but without the hassle of snake pits and actually going anywhere. Players must work together to escape the cursed temple before it collapses – or everyone loses.

The game starts out with a row of three tiles, each showing a combo of symbols in the corners, and all players start out in the center tile, or “safe” room of the temple. Everyone has five dice, each with 5 symbols on them: a cursed mask, a red torch, a blue key, a golden mask, or a green adventurer (appears 2x each die). These symbols propel players along in real-time adventuring, with players rolling dice and taking actions simultaneously instead of taking turns. Each player must roll the correct symbols to enter rooms, reveal tiles, or other actions, including discovering magic gems.

A soundtrack for the game helps to reinforce the real-time action of the game, with a countdown starting at certain points. Players must be back in the safe room by the time that countdown runs out or they lose one of their dice. Finally, once the exit tile from the temple is revealed, players must keep rolling until they are able to escape, roll dice again to try to claim as many magic gems as possible, and then, finally escape.

Roll for the Galaxy

Age: 13+ (Community 10+) Players: 2-5 Time: 45 minutes

Grab one to four other players, and Roll for the Galaxy. Take that journey through space and time for the colonization race of the universe – or at least your pocket of it. The dice you roll in this wildly fun dice game for adults represent the populace of your empire. Roll the dice and follow the lead of your people in settling new worlds, inventing new tech, and sending off goods to where they’re most needed.

The unique game of Roll for the Galaxy is ultimately a worker management game but with dice and space combined for a unique exploration of your imagination as you play. The game comes with over 100 multicolored, attractive, small dice and square tiles representing new planets and developments across space. Plus, each player gets a dice cup from the game, energizing the game with a little extra “noise” for the win.

Every round, players roll behind provided screens and match five actions to their dice to lock in for the turn. Players then reveal the dice and only the actions locked in collectively can be acted upon. This unique game mechanism makes for simultaneous play and speedier outcomes and extra layers of chance. One of the best strategies mentioned by reviewers is noting that you should pay attention to how others lock in to predict their actions in future rounds. The game also winds up feeling pseudo-cooperative, but there is an ultimate winner: whoever builds the most prosperous empire wins.

Liar’s Dice (Bluff, Perudo, or Dudo)

Age: 8+ Players: 2-6 Time: 15-30 minutes

Liar’s Dice, also known as Bluff, Dudo, or Perudo, is a fantastically fun classic dice game for adults, for 2 to 6 players. The game usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and involves each player rolling their five dice each in their dice cups (provided), hidden away from the other players.

In this game of chance, you’ve got to engage with your bluffing skills. As the game goes along, players roll their hidden dice and proclaim successively higher results of the dice remaining in play. You can call out “Ten sixes remain” but someone else can contest your count – and when they do, the dice are revealed. If you’ve been bluffing, you either win or lose dice, depending on how correct your bid is.

Overall, it’s an easy, quick game to play for a fun filler, a quick intro, or even an icebreaker for your game night. Ones are wild, bets must increase each round, and you can bet anything you want, even if you don’t have those dice. And ultimately, whoever has dice in the end wins.

Dice Throne

Age: 8+ Players: 2-6 Time: 20-40 minutes

With numerous iterations, expansions, and variations, Dice Throne is one of the absolute best dice games for adults. You can delve into your fandoms like Marvel or play themed versions such as Santa Versus Krampus or just about anything else out there. The intriguing game combines unique dice, tactical card play, distinctive abilities, and exciting characters for the ultimate play in power-driven dice games.

The fast-paced game works for 1 to 1, 2 to 2, 3 to 3, 2 to 2 to 2, or a free-for-all gameplay for 2 to 6 players in combat. Select your favorite heroes among the characters and roll those dice to attack, activate unique abilities, and accumulate points throughout the game. Gain upgrades, apply status effects, and manipulate your dice (or your teammate’s or enemy’s) to win the game.

Grand Austria Hotel

Age: 12+ Players: 2-4 Time: 60-120 minutes

Looking for an incredibly re-playable dice game for adults? Check out Grand Austria Hotel. Set in the Viennese modern age among gloriously indulgent cafes, politicians, artists, tourists, and others are in need of a grand hotel room – and you, as the hotelier, get to provide them with this need. Run your little cafe wisely to increase your abilities and open your grand hotel by hiring staff, fulfilling the whims of your guests, and, ultimately, gaining the favor of the Austrian Emperor.

One player starts the game by rolling the dice and sorting them into actions on corresponding spaces. As turns roll along, players choose which action to take, remove the one die they acted on, and carry out any further actions. Actions may include serving drinks or meals, preparing the rooms, hiring staff, and others in preparation for the hotel’s needs. But you’ve got to choose those actions wisely to attract the right guests to your hotel, or you’ll wind up with the riff-raff and never catch the attention of the Emperor. 116 cards provide you with nearly unending gameplay opportunities in this competitive, fast-paced game of chance.

Party and Social Dice Games

For a fun and interactive experience, try these party and social dice games:

• Bunco: This team-based game is perfect for large groups. Players take turns rolling three dice to score points, with the goal of reaching a predetermined score. The game is played in rounds, with players switching partners after each round. It’s a fast-paced and social game that’s perfect for parties.

• Ship, Captain, and Crew: In this game of chance and strategy, players roll five dice to try to score points. The goal is to roll a 6 (ship), a 5 (captain), and a 4 (crew) in that order, and then use the remaining two dice to score points. Players take turns rolling the dice and can choose to keep certain dice or roll again. It’s a fun and challenging game that’s perfect for social gatherings.

• Dice Golf: This game of skill and luck simulates a round of golf using dice. Players take turns rolling dice to score points, with the goal of completing the course in the fewest rolls possible. The game can be played with any number of players and is perfect for a casual and fun game night.

Also Read: The 8 Best Party Games for Unforgettable Nights

Getting Started with Dice Games

Getting started with dice games is easy and fun. Here are some tips to help you get rolling:

• Choose a game: Select a game that suits your interests and skill level. Whether you prefer classic games, easy dice games, or strategy games, there’s something for everyone.

• Gather equipment: Make sure you have the necessary equipment, such as dice, a score sheet, and a board game if required. Some games may also require additional items like dice cups or special dice.

• Learn the rules: Read the rules and instructions carefully before starting to play. Many dice games have simple rules that are easy to learn, but it’s important to understand the gameplay to fully enjoy the experience.

• Practice: Practice makes perfect, so start playing and have fun! The more you play, the better you’ll get at understanding the strategies and nuances of each game.

With these tips, you’ll be ready to dive into the exciting world of dice games and enjoy hours of fun with friends and family.

Conclusion

Game night has arrived and you and yours are ready for some dice game action. That’s where these 10 best dice games for adults shine – with dice rolling fun for all, whether you’re craving space adventures, Indian Jones nods, or fantasy action play in just about any setting. Collect an assortment for a full night, with short games like Dice Miner, Bang! The Dice Game, Escape: The Curse of the Temple, or Liar’s Dice, or longer gameplay from Grand Austria Hotel, Dice Throne, Roll for the Galaxy, Dungeons Dice & Danger, Space Base, or Roll Player.

Dice Games FAQ