Top Board Games by Player Count for Every Group Size

Need the perfect board game for your game group or family? Check out the list below for quick picks based on group size, ranging from solo play to large groups and everything in between. Plus, we offer some tips for helping large groups run smoothly. Playing a few games back to back can enhance the overall gaming experience by allowing players to explore different strategies and game mechanics.

Introduction to Board Games

Board games have been a staple of entertainment for centuries, providing a fun and engaging way to spend time with friends and family. With the rise of modern board games, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of tabletop gaming. From cooperative games to competitive games, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the world of board games, including the different types of games, how to choose the right game for your group, and some amazing game night ideas to get you started.

Board Games by Player Count

• Solo Board Games

• Board Games for 2 Players

• Board Games for Couples

• Board games for 3 Players

• Board Games for 4 Players

• Board Games for 5 Players

• Board Games for 6 Players

• Board Games for 7 Players

• Board Games for 8 Players

• Board Games for 9 Players

• Board Games for 10 Players

• Board Games for Large Groups

Key Takeaways

• Solo or one-player board games give you the opportunity to challenge yourself, relax, and have fun all on your own. Some of the top picks for solo board games include Friday, Mage Knight, and Scythe.

• For groups of varying sizes (from 2 to 100!), you’ll find numerous fun options designed specifically for your player count. You can also check our lists for specific player counts to find other games tested by the community and deemed ideal for that 7-player (or 5-player) crowd. Some top picks include 7 Wonders Duel for 2 players, The Settlers of Catan for 4, Wits & Wagers for 7 players, or Mysterium for large groups. Some games, like Mysterium and Atlantis Rising, are designed for up to seven players, fostering teamwork and excitement.

• The best way to choose games for your gatherings is to consider both the game length and number of players, combined with the gaming experience and the personalities of players. Aim for the game with the highest energy for large groups and use methods like simultaneous turns to help keep the game length reasonable and fun the whole night.

Solo Games

Grab some solo board games to keep on hand for relaxation, keeping your mind sharp, and enjoying a quiet evening alone. Some of the top solo board games include:

• Friday: An easy-to-learn, quick-playing game that offers you a good challenge, Friday offers loads of fun during a quick solo gaming session.

• Mage Knight: For something a little deeper, go with Mage Knight for complex strategies and an immersive experience.

• Spirit Island: Themed on ancient spirits protecting their island from invaders, Spirit Island offers fun puzzling challenges with easy adaptability to your desired difficulty each time you play solo.

• Scythe: Known for rich thematic elements and intricate gameplay, this uber-fun game will keep you playing happily on your own for hours.

Two-Player Games

Whether you’re a pair of friends or a romantically involved couple, two-player games are great for bonding experiences. And the right two-player games will add incredible fun to your date night or small gathering, so load up on these beauties.

• The Castles of Burgundy: Fun times lie ahead in this Medieval board game known for its medium weight and strategic depth.

• 7 Wonders Duel: If two players want engaging strategy fun on their game night, 7 Wonders Duel is your top pick. See who can claim the wonder first!

• Jaipur: Another dueling game, Jaipur pits two players against each other as ancient traders seeking their fortune and fun.

• Targi: A worker-placement duel game, Targi uses its desert trading theme to challenge two players with intermediate gaming experience action.

Three-Player Games

For small groups of 3 players grab a handful of games that encourage cooperative play, competition, and education (yes, even for the grown-ups) to keep on hand for the ultimate gaming session. You’ll find some amazing games ranging from wine-themed play to trains and conservation to space exploration.

• Viticulture: Viticulture is an outstanding game for 3 players that takes you through the ins and outs of wine production. The worker placement game plays through the seasons for production and encourages folks to learn more about their love of wine while engaging in competitive fun.

• Wingspan: For competition with a conservation twist, pull out your copy of Wingspan, a competitive game that sees who can research, watch, collect, and care for birds while exploring wildlife preserves and a plethora of species.

• Ticket to Ride: A simple, quick-to-learn game with complexity worthy of adults and kiddos alike, Ticket to Ride is a great game among board gamers for the fun competition and thoughtful action play. The balance of mechanics and player interaction makes it a memorable experience. The colorful cards and train miniatures enhance play with vibrant colors and fun for everyone ages 8 and up.

• Gloomhaven: Dive into the dark fantasy world of Gloomhaven for a beautiful strategy game experience for 3 players. The miniatures, creative storytelling, and unique gameplay make this dark thriller an engaging challenge for your crew of 3.

Four-Player Games

Focus on quality interaction and strategy for your best four-player games. These qualities help keep gameplay at this level balanced and sure, with fun ahead for all players. Some top picks for your 4-player game night include some of the most beloved classics and hottest new picks:

• Babylonia: Broker peace in the strategy-intensive game of Babylonia. For 60+ minutes, you’ll explore how the “new” innovation of irrigation can help save a civilization and keep players in competitive throes throughout.

• Modern Art: For a change of pace, grab a copy of Modern Art, a strategy bidding game centered on making your fortune with fine art from the masters…or, well, the unknown masters of modern art.

• Love Letter: A quick game of strategy, bluffing, and romance galore, Love Letter makes for a great ice-breaker, kid-pleaser, or quick succession game for a rotating game night.

• The Quacks of Quedlinburg: Travel back in time to the Medieval world of Quedlinburg where you and your fellow players become snake oil salespersons with an undying thirst for fortune. The amazingly fun, witty game is perfect for players 10 and up.

Five-Player Games

Odd-numbered groups can be tricky to find the right games for, but, thankfully, several game board companies have realized this and created some pretty stellar options. Community-based ratings peg these games as the best for five:

• Sentinels of the Multiverse: A popular selection among gamers, Sentinels of the Multiverse is an excellent game that gives your crew of 5 the chance to work as a team while playing comic book heroes who must save the universe. Each player gains distinctive abilities and all must work together for this uber-fun game with epic outcomes, providing enjoyable mechanics and memorable experiences.

• Turncoats: Take on the part of either Aspirants or Interlopers and bluff your way through the game of Turncoats to see where your loyalties ultimately lie. Wheedle and backstab your way through the game, ideal for 5 players, and see which faction wins in the end.

• Unicorn Fever: Get your giddy up for the super silly, utterly delightful Unicorn Fever. During the fast-paced game, players bet, cheat, and laugh their way through a series of unicorn races as they work with the fae folk and see who will come out with the most gold at the end.

• Pandemic: The Cure: A quick, 30-minute game for players 8 and up, Pandemic: The Cure uses dice to figure out how to beat four potential pathogens threatening to take over the world. Roll your way to the cure and save the world before the clock runs out.

Six-Player Games

For six-player games, you’ll find a huge assortment of mechanics and themes bound to suit your game-playing group of friends and family. Some of the top picks include:

• Keyflower: For fun at the auction block, try Keyflower, a unique game that blends worker placement with bidding and hexagon placements. Strategy and fun make the game irresistible for groups of 6.

• Tiny Towns: Play your way to the ultimate Tiny Town using 4×4 grids in construction. You’ll achieve the cutest little town ever while engaging with careful strategy and placement to earn the title of Master Builder.

• One Night Ultimate Werewolf: For a fast-paced, no-moderator-needed thriller, grab a copy of One Night Ultimate Werewolf. Discover who’s really the werewolf through bluffing, strategic play, and loads of hilarious fun.

• King of Tokyo: Combine giant robots, mutant monsters, and wild outer space aliens to get the ultimate fun for 6 players. King of Tokyo pits these unusual characters against each other in battle royale. Who will win the title and take home the crown?

Seven-Player Games

Gather your seven players together for some amazingly delightful board gaming time with stategym competition, and cooperative play. You’ll find the top games for this odd number are some of the most incredibly fun options on the market today.

• 7 Wonders: For a fun, strategic game night, embark on your journey to the 7 Wonders with players simultaneously choosing their actions to create and build the most magnificent wonders of the world through military prowess, a rich treasury, and incredible architecture.

• Wits & Wagers: For a quick-paced, witty game, steer your crew towards Wits and Wagers, a guessing game for bluffers, trivia nuts, and goofballs. The game plays out in about 25 minutes and takes only 2 minutes to learn.

• Zoo Vadis: When the animals take charge of the local zoo, you know you’re in for a wild ride of board gaming fun. In Zoo Vadis, that’s exactly what happens – and you and your fellow players need to use your wits and best schemes to maneuver your way to the top.

• Between Two Castles of King Ludwig: A collaborative competition, Between Two Castles of King Ludwig puts players to the test. Playing simultaneously on two game boards, you’ve got to build your castles wisely while drafting new tiles and cards each round.

Eight-Player Games

Grab your copies of these fabulously fun board games for eight players for a wild night. Be sure to bring on the game night snacks, too, for the ultimate fun and community play. You’ll find top picks among real-world players include

• Incan Gold: Fast-paced and silly, Incan Gold makes for a fabulously fun night with friends and family alike. Your goal? Grab the most gems and artifacts while you explore an ancient temple full of wonder.

• Hail Hydra: Whether you’re a Marvel fan or not, Hail Hydra offers some of the best gameplay for 8 players around. Take on superhero roles to defeat evil in this collaborative game, and save the world in just 45 minutes of strategic fun.

• Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza: For a super easy for kids and grown-ups to learn in fast fashion and quick play that’s ridiculously fun, try Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. You’ll adore the nonsense while keeping yourselves entertained, interacting, and active.

• Challengers!: If you’re up for engaging with deck management skills and quick-paced strategy, grab a copy of Challengers! First, build your deck, then match your play, and see who will win in the tournament game full of crazy characters.

Nine-Player Games

Nine-player games can be one of the trickiest numbers to come by – but we’ve got you covered with our top ten list. While most games cater to smaller player counts, there are specific titles that excel in larger gatherings. A few highlights of the hilarious fun include:

• Cards Against Humanity: A fun and simple party game that promises laughter and entertainment for groups of nine (teens and grown-ups only!) – that’s Cards Against Humanity. Each player starts with 10 white cards, and one player acts as the Card Czar each round, choosing the funniest or most outrageous answer to a question. Let’s see who wins!

• Saboteur: Find your motivation for devious action in Saboteur, the silly game populated with dwarves who want nothing more than to mine for treasure. Craft your deck-building skills along with your bluffing and plotting.

• Sounds Fishy: Fast-paced and silly, Sounds Fishy makes for the perfect game for 9 players. Players have to use their wits to bluff their way through this trivia game, making up the most convincing answers possible along the way.

• What Do You Meme?: Compete against others to create the most ridiculously internet-worthy memes in What Do You Meme?, a game for all ages. Combine captions with images and find out who’s got the most internet mojo for the win.

Ten-Player Games

Need games for that perfect ten? From racing games to silly competitions, you’ve got loads of fun coming your way with these board games for all ages.

• Formula D: A thrilling racing game, Formula D will take players from the ho-hum of life to the wild world of Formula 1 racing, complete with a racetrack game board, dice, and player cars. 

• Zombie Dice: A quick, fun, action-packed game for 10 players calls for dice and zombies! Seek out the tastiest brains with quick dice rolls – and try to avoid shotgun blasts or you’ll no longer be the undead and become the really dead.

• Exploding Kittens (Party Pack): An easy-to-learn, fast-paced game full of nonsense, Exploding Kittens is sure to delight your crowd of 10 players. The raucous fun busts out when you play a sort of Russian Roulette, but with kittens who might explode any second. (Don’t worry. No real kittens were harmed during the making of this game.)

• Wavelength: Looking for some super social fun? Check out Wavelength, a silly teamwork guessing game for 2 teams of 5. Try to see who can read each other’s minds and hit the target most frequently to win.

Cooperative Games for Large Groups

Whether your crowd calls for cooperative games or high competition, the best of the best board games for large groups will combine some elements of both for an amazing game night. Some of those top choices include:

• Rumplestiltskin!: Running anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, Rumplestiltskin! gives a twist on the old fairy tale while encouraging collaborative competition among the crowds. Figure out together who the mischievous Rumplestiltskin is, who the shapeshifters are, and which delightful fairy tale characters will save the day.

• Mysterium: For our collaborative bunch, grab a copy of Mysterium and work together to solve the murder mystery. One player – the silent victim – must convey clues to the rest of the players, while everyone else tries to figure out the other stand-out: the murderer.

• Deception: Murder in Hong Kong: Another murder mystery for your crowd is found in Deception: Murder in Hong Kong. This equally collaborative game leads players through suspense and intrigue while fostering team spirit.

• Hive Mind: If you’ve got young kids at your large group gathering, Hive Mind is a great choice. The collaborative game encourages players to get to know each other by thinking through answers they think others will give to win points. In fact, the trivia game helps you care less about getting the answer right and more about considering your fellow players and how they’d respond.

Competitive Games for High Player Counts

For that large group that wants more competition than cooperation, there are plenty of options, too! You’ll find various game mechanics, playing times, and themes among the top picks below.

• Brain Fart: The perfect party game or family game night challenge, Brain Fart combines dice rolling, competition, guessing skills, randomization, and quick thinking for some of the most fun you’ll ever have in one game.

• 30 Seconds: Roll the dice, draw a card, and start your lightning-quick descriptions of whatever’s on your card. You’ve got 30 seconds to get your team to guess the words!

• Two Rooms and a Boom: When the rules encourage lying and your teams get separated by room, you know you’re in for a fabulously fun competitive time. Your goal in Two Rooms and a Boom is to prevent (or cause!) the “bomb” from going off before the other team stages the win.

• Poetry for Neanderthals: Using one-syllable words only, you and your teammates have to communicate the phrases to guess before the clock runs out. Score points, throw projectiles, and see who’s got the best Poetry for Neanderthals in this ridiculously fun, competitive game for large groups.

Balancing Game Length and Player Count

One of the keys to choosing the right game for your group is balancing game length (time played) with the number of players. This is particularly true with large groups because, well, if you choose too long a running game, it will take forever to get through, and your players will lose interest and want to quit the game before its completion.

So, as you plan your game night, consider attention span (particularly for kids) and how long each game takes to play. If you’ve got a group of 7 or 8 players or more, aim for shorter run times, generally with a maximum of 30 minutes total for the average group. The exceptions to this rule will be for large groups of games running simultaneously or for groups that have loads of gameplay experience and prefer strategy games. In these cases, you can go a little longer but never cross that 1- to 1.5-hour mark.

For less experienced groups, try running simultaneous turns, creating teams, and splitting your game night group into smaller groups, or taking equal (timed) turns each. You’ll also want to pick games with high-energy play.

Amazing Game Night Ideas

Game nights are a great way to bring people together and create lasting memories. Here are some amazing game night ideas to get you started:

• Host a themed game night: Decorate and dress up according to a specific theme, whether it’s a medieval feast, a sci-fi adventure, or a classic board game night.

• Game night potluck: Invite friends over and have everyone bring a dish to share. Enjoy delicious food while playing your favorite games.

• Tournament-style game night: Set up a series of games where players compete against each other. Keep track of scores and crown a champion at the end of the night.

• Cooperative game night: Choose games where players work together to achieve a common goal. This fosters teamwork and camaraderie, making for a memorable evening.

• Solo game night: Challenge yourself with a series of solo games. Try to beat your high scores and enjoy some quiet, reflective gaming time.

Choosing the Right Game

Choosing the right game for your group can be overwhelming, especially with so many great games out there. Here are some tips to help you choose the right game:

• Consider the player count: Make sure the game is designed for the number of players in your group. Some games are perfect for two, while others shine with larger groups.

• Think about the game length: Choose a game that fits within your time frame. Whether you have 30 minutes or a few hours, there’s a game that will suit your schedule.

• Look for cooperative games: Cooperative games are a great way to bring people together and create a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. They’re perfect for groups that enjoy working towards a common goal.

• Check the complexity level: Choose a game that’s challenging but not overwhelming for your group. Consider the gaming experience and preferences of your players.

• Read reviews and watch gameplay videos: Get a sense of what the game is like and whether it’s a good fit for your group. Reviews and videos can provide valuable insights into the gameplay experience.

By following these tips, you can choose a game that’s perfect for your group and create an amazing game night experience.

Summary

Finding the perfect board game for your group size isn’t that hard (especially with the help of a list like this one!). So grab some of these titles for your next game night, planning on the personalities of your players as you contemplate game length, theme, strategy levels, and competition versus cooperative skills required.

Frequently Asked Questions